Your Daily Cup of Inspiration!

The Way Up is Down

When I rolled out of bed and let my feet hit the floor on Sunday morning, I immediately noticed how sore they were. After a long, drawn out day of wearing sky high platform stilettos on Saturday, I felt like I might need a gurney to wheel me around on Sunday. The same thing happened to me several months ago when a hectic schedule required me to don the pumps for an extended period. I ended up blogging about my achy feet then too.

I guess it's safe to say that I absolutely detest foot aches.

So, why not just wear flats, you ask? Well, I fall into the "petite" club where I stand at only 5' 1" tall, which is why I break out the pumps to give me that added lift--at least when I dress up. Well, later Saturday night, after I finished up the final event, I pulled my flats out of my oversized hand bag and slipped them on. Oh, they felt like pillows stroking my feet. By then, however, it was too late.

The damage had already been done from standing, stomping, jumping and simply being in those extremely high shoes that I'm convinced are more suitable for a window display than a woman's foot. I paid a painful price to stand taller.

As you well know, I tend to extract lessons from everyday occurrences and this one got me thinking about a spiritual application of a practical principle. Here it goes. When we begin employing methods to lift ourselves up, in order to stand taller, rather than waiting for God to do the exalting, we wind up hurt in the end. We go through unnecessary pain and hardship when we slip our feet into the shoes we want to be in, while leaving God's purpose and plan completely out of the equation.

Sadly, a self-sufficient, materialistic, do-it-yourself mentality has been embraced by many Christian women. I have never in all my days heard so many of God's people talking about how to "cash in" or how to be a "superstar," instead of perpetuating the biblical formula for exaltation, which is this:

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time" (1 Peter 5:6 NIV).

According to the word of God, the way up is down. We have to find ourselves kneeling at the feet of Jesus and entrusting our destiny to Him. After all, only He is the one who is able to order our steps and bring us into our place of purpose.

You know, the other day, a Publisher sent me a book by a well respected African American female author about career strategies to advance women in the workplace, hoping to get the book featured in EEW Magazine. I sat down and began looking over the book and reading chapters. The more I read, the more I realized that there was a key and essential ingredient missing from this author's body of work.

There was nothing in there about praying, seeking God for guidance, waiting on the Lord for revelation, or honoring God with a lifestyle that pleases Him so He can exalt you.

Nope.

There were only man-made strategies like rubbing shoulders with all the right people, working to be better than your competition, and finding as many opportunities as possible to get noticed and shine.

While the career advice in the book would be viewed as solid and practical in the mainstream, I know what the Bible says: "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another" (Psalm 75:6,7 KJV).

If you want to be elevated, the only person you need to draw close to is the Lord. Submit yourself to His will and way. Only He can do the exalting.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs

www.eewmagazine.com

Don't Get Weary Where You Are

A woman named Fatima, (Who granted me permission to share what she told me), emailed me the other day. She's 32 years old and has been in business for two years now, doing freelance writing and some graphic design work on the side also. Fatima let me see some of her writing and design samples and she's excellent at her craft. But still, she can't seem to get steady jobs, or gain a solid foothold in the writing or design industry. 

She said in her typed message to me, "I feel like I'm stuck in a maze, like I'm so small compared to the big time, successful people, who seem to have all the answers." Although Fatima knows God has gifted her, she's not sure that she'll ever figure out how to maximize her God-given potential and really become fruitful.

As you're reading this, you might understand and relate to the internal turmoil Fatima is going through. I certainly can. If we're honest, we've all been there at some point. Someone reading this blog post may even be there right now.  If so, I want to encourage you not to fret and by all means, do not give any credence or validity to those feelings of insignificance or inadequacy. Otherwise, the enemy will use them against you as a means of hindering you from fervently pursuing what God has for you. He'll tell you that you don't have the power to make a difference and that you'll never grow beyond where you are today.

Simply put, the devil is a liar.

He knows that if he can keep you overly concerned and consumed with what the future holds, you won't live in the present. Consequently, you'll miss out on what God is trying to do in you today, in order to prepare and develop you for what's coming tomorrow. Greater things are indeed coming, if you don't get weary where you are. 

You see, the enemy knows that, if he can keep you comparing yourself to others, doubting your ability to fulfill God's call, and questioning whether the effort is even worth it at all, you'll be too distracted, discouraged and depressed to put in the work your purpose requires. 

What the enemy won't tell you is that, you're a world changer. You're an invaluable jewel and asset to the Kingdom of God and because of the power, purpose and favor of God that rests on your life, when you answer His call on your life, nothing is impossible to you. 

Just continue walking along your set path and watch God open doors and make ways for you to do everything He's assigned you to do for His glory.  Again, don't be weary where you are. Every word God has spoken over your life will come  to pass in His perfect time.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs

www.eewmagazine.com

Stay Committed to the Vision

My six year old son, Kedar, is a counting enthusiast. He'll count just about anything. No matter how many or few items are in front of him, his fascination with amounts, facts and figures, periodically takes over and he'll just start counting out of the blue. 

Sometimes, I silently observe his meticulous process, intrigued by how something so simple can be quite that fascinating to him.

Well, the other day, Kedar climbed into my bed, picked up a book I had been reading and started pointing to the individual letters on the front cover. "One, two, three, four, five.." he counted, with such intense focus. But, when his baby brother, Kaleb, saw big brother Kedar huddled over this book, Kaleb decided he wanted a playmate.

"Play cows (cars) with me Kee-dow (Kedar)," Kaleb whined with pleading eyes, while holding two fist-fulls of shiny matchbox cars he got for Christmas. The one thing Kedar loves more than most other things, is playing with cars. Even though he tried hard not to get sidetracked by Kaleb's enticement, sure enough, Kedar eventually lost his focus... and his count.

That made me think about how both children and adults share the same struggle when it comes  to overcoming distractions. It's easier than we care to admit to get off course and lose sight of our goals, especially because the enemy knows precisely what to dangle in front of us to divert our attention away from what God wants us to be focusing on.

He knows what we like.

Chances are, unlike my two sons Kaleb and Kedar, you are in no way intrigued by rolling matchbox cars through a house, while crawling on your hands and knees. However, there is something we each can identify in our own lives, that we have to consciously say no to, in order to say yes to the plan and purpose of God. 

This year, God is requiring that we be accountable for the vision He has implanted in us and it's going to require that we walk away from some things. But, in order to find the strength to turn away, you've got to get in your word, pray, seek God's face and renew your spirit in the presence of the Lord. This is so necessary, because the enemy is seeking opportunities everyday to get you off course.

Today, I'm encouraging you to walk closely with God. Focus on your focus and pay attention to what you're paying attention to. Make sure you're committed to the vision God has given you for 2010 and don't let anything or anyone stop your from pursuing it. As you walk in accordance with His will for your life, distractions are guaranteed to be all around you. There's no escaping that fact.

Still, you don't have to be distracted by distractions when you keep your mind stayed on Jesus and give yourself over to the mission and ministry He's implanted in your spirit. Once again, stay committed to the vision. Say no to any hindrance or stumblingblock that comes to pull you away from the place God has designed for you to walk in.

It's all about being purpose-driven in 2010.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs

www.eewmagazine.com

Motivated by Purpose

About a week ago, a business colleague of mine told me they had something urgent to speak to me about and they thought I'd be very interested in hearing whatever it was. So, a couple days after receiving the message we finally connected and met up. They sat me down to talk about "an exciting business opportunity" better known as, a new way to make money.

I sat there listening intently, although I knew almost immediately that, it wasn't quite my cup of tea. No, it wasn't anything unethical or wrong. It's just that, I'm one of those people who is driven and motivated by purpose, not increased revenue, which is why I pass up lots of "opportunities" that come my way.

Well, after about 20 minutes, when they were finished with their pitch (A very good one by the way), with excited eyes, they asked the "million dollar question"...

"So, tell me, what do you think?"

I had to be honest. I just spit it right out. "While this sounds like a really interesting and lucrative idea," I said, "I don't think it's for me, because I wouldn't feel passionate or purpose-driven doing something like that." They understood and thanked me for my time. We parted ways amicably and I wished them all the best in their endeavors.

I often say, every good idea is not a God idea. There is a fundamental difference between chasing a goal that is divinely inspired, versus one that is peer inspired. While there are a plethora of ways to attain material "success", there are very specific methods God  has ordained for us to use toward the fulfillment of our Kingdom purpose on earth. We have to have our ears tuned into heaven's frequency, however, in order to know what they are.

As I mentioned earlier, the idea was fine, I even considered it to be a good one... for them. As for me, I didn't feel the release to go in that direction.

Has anything been presented to you that seems compelling, but yet, you know it's not what God wants for you? If so, stick with what you know in your spirit. Although we live in a capitalistic society that encourages an opportunistic approach to business and money-making, as believers, we are not driven by the acquisition of things; at least, we shouldn't be. The Word teaches us to first seek after God and His righteousness and everything else will be added. (Matthew 6:33)

Now, this doesn't mean you should be closed to new ideas. Absolutely not. You never know how God will use others to influence your life and potentially help you out along the way. But, here's the caveat. Don't do anything unless you feel the leading of the Lord to take action.

Today, I encourage you to continue to be diligent about staying on the set path God has laid out for you; don't ever allow a convincing idea to persuade you to make a move, if you haven't heard from the Lord about it first. Surely, God may use others as catalysts toward particular beneficial actions in our lives, yet He must always be the ruling authority and always have the last say.

If nothing else, I'm convinced of this one thing: If you and I acknowledge God in all our ways, He'll direct our paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Remember, the most important thing is that we live a life fully submitted and committed to the will of God. I believe, if we do that, our posture of obedience will ensure that everything else works out for our good in the end.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs

www.eewmagazine.com

Don't Burn Out!

I was talking to a discouraged family friend yesterday. She's a very warm, typically joyful woman, who loves God with all her heart and truly strives to live a focused, mission-driven life. Well, when I spoke to her during a routine conversation, she began opening up to me about what had her feeling depressed and down in the dumps lately.

Graciously, she gave me permission to use her dilemma for today's blog post.

Well, for more than two and a half years, this friend has been diligently pouring her heart and soul into a business venture. She's a one-woman-operation, so the onus is on her to make the business grow without any outside help.

It's certainly not easy doing everything alone.

While passionate about what she's called to do, lately, she's been feeling burnt out, particularly because the company's growth has been very slow over these past couple of years. As we talked, she admitted that she believes God chose her to do what she's doing, but the small amount of "fruit" being produced from her labor, is slowly causing her to reconsider.

Have you ever felt like that?

If so, you know what it's like to experience that feeling of "burnout" and discouragement. During times like these, the enemy will come in and rob you of your destiny if you allow him to. He'll convince you that what you're doing is in vain. He'll tell you that you're wasting time and that, all you're pouring into your vision is for nothing.

If you buy into the enemy's lies, you'll burn out... quickly! But, if you remain confident that your unique mission has truly been ordained and inspired by God, you'll keep moving forward.  So, don't burn out, because God cannot prosper what you will not pursue. If you stop, you immediately cut yourself off from the favor and blessings of God reserved for that particular area.

If you believe He's called you to it, then go after with all your heart. Do it, not just to see "results," but as an act of obedience to God's calling on your life.

Today, I admonish you not to allow Satan to steal your zeal, enthusiasm and commitment to your God-ordained purpose. Simply refuse to allow him to talk to your mind and convince you to jump ship before you get to the "other side" of destiny. Resist his lies and disparaging words.

Sure, I know it can be downright tough to persevere when you don't see bountiful fruit, but here's what you have to remember.

No one plants a garden and receives a harvest overnight. You have to water those seeds, nurture them and patiently await the season of growth and finally, reaping.

Listen. No matter what you've been hand-picked by God to carry out on earth, there's no way you'll fulfill your mission without resoluteness and determination. You've got to refuse to give up. Make up in your mind that, whether you're called to reach 1,000,000, 1,000, 100, or just 1 other person in this world, you'll do it gladly as unto the Lord.

In the meantime, keep on believing and trusting God to manifest His favor and supernatural provision. Most importantly, become resolved, at this very moment, to do everything the Lord predestined for you to do before you leave this earth... even if you've got to do it all by yourself!

Be encouraged and know that, as long as you remain submitted to the will of God, you'll see His glory revealed in your life.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs

www.eewmagazine.com

Don't Kill It!

A few days ago, my husband Kenya and I watched a movie together about a young, newly married couple that went on an exciting trip to the Grand Canyon. They had found a highly knowledgeable tour guide who agreed to usher them through the expansive mountainous landscape and show them the most beautiful and exotic locations tucked away inside The Canyon.

Initially, the tour was going perfectly smooth, until, at the urging of their tour guide, the newlyweds  reluctantly went deeper into The Canyon than was advisable. They should have followed their hearts and  journeyed back toward the entrance, because once they crossed the threshold of the "safe zone" their guide was bitten by a poisonous snake and subsequently, died.

Kenya and I sat there riveted while watching the events unfold... stay with me, I'm going somewhere with this. I promise.

Here was this couple, lost in the mountains, with no tour guide, no signal on the cell phone to call for help and no food or water. To top it all off, they weren't even certain about whether the tour guide had, in fact, obtained the necessary permit for them to be inside The Grand Canyon--something that is essential to helping rescuers track tourists should something ever go wrong... and something dig go wrong, horribly wrong. Turns out, the husband severely injured his leg trying to climb up a mountain to see if they could get a cell phone signal at a higher elevation, which is when things really spiraled out of control.

Days went by, with him losing blood, suffering from serious dehydration and dying a slow death. So, one afternoon, when his wife saw that they were surrounded by ravenous wolves, she knew she might be able to escape, but her husband, who was unconscious and completely immobile, would be eaten alive.

She didn't want to see him go through that, so she performed what some call a "mercy killing" and suffocated him, so he wouldn't feel the pain of the wolves' impending attack.

Sadly, after she smothered her husband to death to "protect" him from pain, helicopters came not even a minute later to rescue them both. Had she waited just several seconds longer, she and her husband would have made it out alive. She wept bitterly.

Tragic.

Now, I know it was only a movie depicting real life events, but it surely made me think. How many times do we give into our human nature and panic prematurely?

Consider how we sometimes tend to react when we're lost and facing life's mountains, particularly when we feel as though we'll never come out of the wilderness. Instead of waiting for God to assist us in our time of need, in those seasons when we allow worry, anxiety and fear to rule us,  we begin pulling the plug on things and killing  them prematurely. As I often say, fear is a robber and it uses our own hands to rob us.You and I, if we're not careful, will shut the door on our own blessings, because we're afraid they'll never manifest. When we allow faithlessness to rule, the enemy doesn't even have to steal things from us. We'll snatch those things away from ourselves.

We kill off our visions and dreams. We stop pursuing goals and aspirations. We even declare relationships dead and convince ourselves that our issues are irreconcilable. Consequently, our pervasive thoughts become a reality and our most dominant beliefs turn into self-fulfilling prophecies.

Oh, but it doesn't have to be that way.

God wants us to trust Him, even when our circumstances seem dire and things look grim. He is always with us, fighting for us, protecting us and guiding us through seasons of doubt, despondence, distress and difficulty. If we fail to recognize this, however, we'll take matters into our own hands, potentially destroying the very things God wants to prosper in our lives.

Today, you might be going through a moment of uncertainty in some area. You don't know which way to turn. Perhaps, you're contemplating killing off some things, quitting, throwing your hands up and giving up.

But I believe somebody is reading this post just in the knick of time and it's God's way of telling you, "Wait! Don't give up my child. Help is on the way!" If I had a microphone in my hand and an audience, I'd tell you to tap your neighbor and look them in the eye and tell them, "Neighbor, help is on the way."

But since you probably don't have a "neighbor" right now, I need you to tell yourself, "Don't kill it! Help is on the way..." Keep dreaming those divinely inspired dreams, continue believing in God's promises concerning you and above all, don't forfeit your destiny before you see what God has in store for you on the other side of this mountain!

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs

www.eewmagazine.com

Just Keep On Running

I had a dream over the week-end. In it, there was a woman running a cross country race, but she was new to the sport and just couldn't run as quickly as the other participants in the race. When the gunshot was fired, everyone would take off, but no sooner than the race began, she would be left behind by all the faster, stronger, more experienced athletes. This cycle would continue with each race she ran. Even still, this newcomer in my dream didn't give up.

Then,  during one particular lap in a new race, after about 6 unsuccessful attempts, this determined runner began gaining tremendous speed and momentum. Eventually, she ran so fast that the movement of her legs seemed to be nothing more than a blur and she surpassed every single runner out on that track field.  She literally blew past other powerful runners. "Wow!" I thought to myself, remembering how slow she had been previously. Just through sheer perseverance and refusal to give up, she went from dead last to first. She literally became unbeatable.

Why did she win? Because she kept on running and didn't stop... and we can't stop either.

You see, no one becomes a contender and immediately gets the prize. Life doesn't work that way, but sadly, we often hold a very destructive belief that we will emerge as the fastest, strongest, most powerful and productive individual right away, simply because God's favor is with us.

While God's favor does indeed help us and empower us in ways that exceed our natural capabilities, still, it is a process. The onus is on us to stay in the race, trusting God to give us the favor to finish it. As long as we keep putting one foot in front of the other and refusing to quit,  we'll win.

But again, nothing happens overnight.

Remember, in order to see the fruit of anything manifested, there is a period of sowing in uncertainty. Never, ever forget that. At first, you'll get out there not knowing what the outcome will necessarily be. There's a scripture in Ecclesiastes 11:9 that the Lord led me to read directly after I woke up from my dream. It says, "In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening withhold not your hands, for you know not which shall prosper, whether this or that, or whether both alike will be good." (Amplified Bible)

Now, I want you to notice something very important. The scripture instructs us to take an action, without knowing what will happen as a result of it. You've got to sow your seeds. Invest in your vision. Pursue your dreams. Cast down your net. Run your race. You won't always know what you're going to get, but I can guarantee you that, if you don't do anything at all, there will never be harvest left over for you to reap.

Here's a quote I like to use that helps me. It says:

"If you always worry about the out-come, you'll never come-out."

In other words, you won't come out of your shell and do what you're called to do if you allow fear of the unknown to rob you.

Today, God is urging you and me to get out on that field and run. I know there are some things He's urging me to do, that I don't necessarily know how to pull altogether. I'm sure you can relate to that too, but even if you and I start off slowly... at least we're starting.

I sense that God is telling you as you read this post today, not to be afraid simply because you may not have all the skill, experience, or resources you think you need to chase your destiny.

Action is required.

Granted, you and I may not start out winning, succeeding, prospering or being fruitful, but that's alright. No one can determine how long it will take to reap a harvest. But one thing is sure, you will reap if you don't faint. (Galatians 6:9)

We must keep on running through our own internal opposition, fear, insecurity, worry, and panic. When we continue to push and press on, we develop the discipline and perseverance we need to ultimately win the race that has been set before us.

Just keep on running and watch God give you the strength, favor and power to win your race. With divine guidance, discipline, and determination, you'll accomplish and achieve more than you ever thought possible for God's glory.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs

www.eewmagazine.com

Forget Your Timetable

Timetables are so restrictive, particularly when you put deadlines and ultimatums in place that are  neither divinely inspired nor realistic. When you feel like you've gotta have something right now and won't take "wait" for an answer, you inevitably set yourself up for failure and disappointment.

So, here's the foundational truth I want you to internalize as you read this post: Just because something doesn't happen according to your timetable doesn't mean God's purpose won't be fulfilled in and through you.  The Bible says, "There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand" (Psalm 19:21 NKJV). 

When your original plan falls short of your expectations, that's no cause to be discouraged. It simply means that your plan was different from God's plan and His plan is the one that must prevail.

Quit your worrying. Stop stressing and be still. That's what you have to do  if you truly want to remain in God's will. You have to trade in your plans, your agenda,  your desires, and trust in God's sovereignty.

Of course I know this isn't always easy, particularly when God's timetable so greatly differs from your own and things seem to be running weeks, months or even years behind. But as the old song says, "He may not come when you want Him, but He'll be there right on time. He's an on time God, yes He is!"

Today, I want you to forget your timetable.

That doesn't mean you won't have any recollection of the things you want or a preference for the time frame in which you desire to receive them. Not at all. Forgetting, in this context, simply means letting go of or releasing your plans and accepting God's.

If you'll "remember to forget" your timetable, you'll feel less pressure to have things come to pass right away. As I always tell you, only God your Father knows what's best for you. Rest in Him. Be confident that your future is firmly in His hands.  Remind yourself that, there are many reasons why you've got to wait on the Lord; though the reasons don't manifest right away, one day you'll look retrospectively and understand this season much better.

Perhaps God is trying to protect you from something; maybe He needs to refine your character a bit more. Whatever the case, waiting on God is both necessary and mandatory for fruitfulness and productivity in your life. So don't fight the process. Just surrender to it.

If you do, you'll reap the benefits of waiting... and I'm guessing you already know what the word of God says about waiting in Isaiah 40:31; but just in case it doesn't immediately come to mind, here's a reminder:

"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs
www.eewmagazine.com

Content but Not Complacent

There's a fundamental difference between being content and  being complacent. Contentment is a state of being where you accept the reality of your situation, without complaint or resentment. When you're content you work on the things you can change and accept the things you can't, all while refusing to be disheartened.

You don't let circumstances steal your joy.

When you're complacent, on the other hand, you somehow adopt a "good enough" or "that'll do" mentality. You become satisfied with mediocrity, possessing no real aspirations to do and be more.

Contentment is healthy, but complacency...well, that's dangerous.

We must ask God to help us strike a balance, so we can say like Paul, "For I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who  strengthens me" (Philippians 4:11b-13 ).

That doesn't mean we should lower our expectations and anticipate hardship. No, no, not at all. But it does mean that, we must learn to accept where we are, even if it's in the valley, with full assurance that trouble won't last always.

Again, we have to strike a balance.

We must work toward our goals while not becoming impatient and frustrated with the journey. We have to remain  thankful for where we are today, though we have a deep-seated desire to move beyond where we are today. We must praise God for the territory we currently have covered, while believing and expecting Him to enlarge our territory.

We have to be content during this season, while anticipating an even better season to come. Don't spend all Winter longing for the Spring, or all Spring wishing it were Summer, or all Summer frustrated that it's not Autumn.

No.

Appreciate the season you're in while eagerly anticipating the change of seasons that will inevitably come in time.

Listen, God has so much more for you than what you now see. So don't become complacent with where you are. At the same time, don't lament where you are either. Don't get impatient and restless. Enjoy the journey.

Don't become consumed with temporal things. God will provide for every need. As Paul told Timothy, "Now godliness with  contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we will carry nothing out" (1 Timothy 6:6).

That's why we have to remember to do as Jesus instructed: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew  6:33).

Wake up every morning with a heart full of thanksgiving. Smile and say, "This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24).

And as you rejoice and celebrate your today, you'll wake up to an even brighter tomorrow.

As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna  Hobbs
www.eewmagazine.com

It's About Maturity

There are some things you can only learn in the furnace of affliction. There's no other way. So, even though everything in you might be screaming out in anguish, God allows you to go through it.

Through the pain, He's maturing you so He can take you to the next dimension of breakthrough, blessing and favor in your life.

Is your situation hard to handle in many ways? Do you feel like you can't take it anymore some days? If so, you're simply going through the maturation process. Don't worry. This will only make you better.

Sometimes, we wonder why we have to go through such intense warfare. Why can't it be smoother sailing? Why does the storm have to rage?  Well, those fierce winds and angry seas serve to  strengthen us if we don't give up. When we come out on the other side of trouble, we're more mature, settled and courageous.

You see, in the Kingdom of God, we're constantly going through the process of growth and development. Although you and I might be "grown" according to our chronological age, God is always working to refine, develop and mature us even more. Even though there are certain life lessons we have grasped over the years, there is no substitute for the wisdom of God. As long as we're on this earth, we will never arrive at a place where we no longer need to grow up in Him.

That's what our tests are about. God allows them to come so the areas in us that need more work will be revealed and also, to teach us profound lessons that will carry us along as we confront new challenges in life.

Unfortunately, however, many believers shy away from those necessary growing pains. They don't want to deal with the pain of pruning, molding, and purging.

After all, there's nothing fun about being purified by the refiners' fire. (Malachi 3:2,3) It's good for us and yet it feels AWFUL. But don't run away. Be still and let God do His work. If you do, you'll reap the benefits in the end. You'll live a more abundant, enriched and blessed life.

You see, if we could consistently remind ourselves that we're a work in progress, merely clay, in need of constant molding, we wouldn't get so discouraged while God sculpts us. We would be more malleable in His hands. We wouldn't be so disgruntled while we go through the furnace of affliction. If we remained focused on the benefits of the test, rather than the discomfort of it, we'd more willingly stay on the Potter's wheel (Jeremiah 18) with an attitude of thanksgiving.

Perhaps you've been going through some real hard trials. You might not understand. But hang in there. You're just on the Potter's wheel that's all. He's molding you into something beautiful. He's maturing you, changing your mentality and preparing you for your destiny.

What you're dealing with today is about your maturity.

• It takes maturity to remain steadfast in faith when everything seems to be crumbling around you.

• It takes maturity to praise instead of complain when your world is upside down.

• It takes maturity to forgive even when you want to hold a grudge.

• It takes maturity to remain faithful to God even when you feel forsaken.

• It takes maturity to be disciplined in your study of God's word even though you're busy.

•  It takes maturity to bridle your tongue when you want to say the wrong thing.

• It takes maturity to still honor God in your giving when bills are due and you don't know where the money is coming from.

• It takes maturity to skip the pity party and join the praise party.

As I said earlier, what you're dealing with today is about your maturity.

What area is God working on in you?

Whatever He's doing, don't fret about it. It'll do you good.  "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn your statutes" (Psalm 119:7).

As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs

www.eewmagazine.com