Strength

Life throws us some pretty tough challenges when we are least expecting. Sometimes the problem can be easily fixed, while other times there is nothing we can do but watch what is happening around us. Even though times may get tough, we can be encouraged that with the Lord's strength we will be able to endure hard times. True strength is keeping it together when everyone else expects you to fall apart. True strength is the power of persistence to keep going on when all the odds are against you. Strength doesn't come from what you can do; it comes from overcoming things you once thought you couldn't do. Allow God to become the source of your strength when you cannot pull it together for yourself. Philippians 4:13 says that we can do ALL things through Christ that strengthens us. With Him, no feeling is too hard to overcome and no situation is too hard to endure. Psalm 18:2 says that God our my rock, our fortress, and our shield. You can be confident that with God you do not have to worry. You are always stronger than you think you are - you never know your true strength until you are forced to be strong. Rely on God and you will always have the victory.


"This is my command - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9

Don't Quit

Sometimes it can take a lot of hard work and patience to live a life dedicated to God. There are times when we can get discouraged when we pray but don't see immediate results. There are many reasons why we pray and don't see anything happening right away. Maybe what we asked God for isn't in His will for us (1 John 5:14). Maybe God has something much better in store for us than what we are asking Him for. Maybe God wants to teach us a lesson. Only God knows the  plans He has for our life, and only He knows how things will turn out. God knows what is best and it is our job to trust Him. Do not be discouraged if God doesn't respond to a prayer right away; He hasn't forgotten about you and He will never stop listening to you. In fact, God hears our every prayer, and He listens out for those who are faithful to Him (1 Peter 3:12). Galatians 6:9 says, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." In the end, our reward will come from God. Don't stop doing the right thing! The Lord sees you while you are working hard to help others. God knows when you pray on behalf of someone else. God lets us know that we will receive our reward from Him as long as we do not give up. The key to receiving our rightful reward is patience and obedience; patience to hold on and wait on God, and obedience to His word to do the right thing no matter what is going on around us. Continue to press on to do the right thing even if no one sees you, because it is pleasing in God's sight (1 John 3:22).

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Your mentality and your approach to things can make all the difference in your life. When facing a challenging situation, don't get frustrated or upset, but instead encourage yourself with God's word. Everything may not be going as planned, and things may seem tough, but put your hope in the Lord and He will never let you down. Don’t let the small things get to you. God sees how we react to situations and He knows our feelings. Keep calm, and put your trust in Him. Whatever it is, no matter how big or how small He can fix it! God is bigger than every situation and can handle anything and everything that we need. Don't let fear, doubt, or worry creep into your mind. Instead, don’t sweat the small stuff and keep moving forward with a smile on your face. God has created you to be more than a conqueror and nothing can hold you down when you have the Lord on your side.