On those nice warm summer days when there’s nothing in particular to do and nowhere you’re obligated to be, isn’t it nice to kick your feet up and just relax? The gentle breeze quietly blows and a feeling of calm overtakes you.
Ah, the lazy days of summer.
When the atmosphere outside is perfect, for many of us, it's easier to settle into a peaceful state of relaxation.
But the weather isn't always just right, nor are the circumstances of life. Seasons change--sometimes for better and at other times, for worse.
That's why we cannot allow what happens on the outside to control what's going on inside of us, which is a valuable lesson I'm carrying with me throughout 2013. I hope you will too.
You have already officially made it through the first week of the New Year and God has great things in store for you, even if what you see sends the opposite message.
Right now, today, make up in your mind that you won't let anyone or anything dampen your excitement, steal your joy, or ruin your expectation—not even the most unpleasant trials of life.
When that unwelcome house guest called trouble makes an unexpected visit, it usually brings along with it a lie that says, “I'm here to stay.” But tough times don’t last, nor are tribulations permanent.
God only allows them as a way of developing character, maturing, strengthening, and preparing you to operate in a new dimension of faith. So, no matter how severe the pain is right now, if you keep traveling along your journey with God, you’ll look back on this one day.
Then you’ll see, what you thought might have killed you, God used that very thing to build you.
Sure, you may have to cry in the midst of it all. That’s alright. You may not understand exactly what God is doing and that’s okay too. Go ahead and shed a tear if you must… as long as you don’t develop a pessimistic outlook. You have to keep believing for better days ahead.
When things get really rough, keep trusting God. Wait on the manifestation of your breakthrough because it's coming, just as sure as you’re reading these words. God has an absolutely wonderful future planned for you.
But again, wait on Him.
Patience and perseverance through hardship make you stronger, tougher, and more determined. The good news is, after the difficult process is over, you will come out of the storm equipped with everything you need to be all God has called you to be.
To help you remember this, I’m stirring James 1:4 NIV into your cup of inspiration today. It says, “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup, you’ll be reminded that what you’re going through is a faith and character-building trial. It will not destroy you.
Even if you have lost things in this season, don't fret.
Sometimes, God will strip away the comfort of people so we can experience the true comfort only the Holy Spirit can bring. He’ll allow us to lose the very provision we think we need to live, just to teach us Deuteronomy 8:3b that says, “Man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.”
So hold on. Remain full of faith. What you’re facing will not break you; it will lead to your breakthrough.
It's coming!
Now let’s pray.
God, when I’m going through hard trials, please remind me of Your promise in Jeremiah 29:11 that says you have plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future. Right now, by faith, I rejoice for my breakthrough! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.