SOMEONE NEEDS YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT TODAY..... "But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?"

Life has a way of throwing us a curveball when we least expect it, and in most cases, it comes when we feel our natural strength cannot handle it.

When challenges and adversity show up in our lives, they can feel like punishment, but they might just be a setback on the way to a breakthrough.

They can be seen as an opportunity to tap into our inner strength and abilities, persevere, and build resilience and tenacity, because there is light at the end of the tunnel.

As hard and painful as it might be, know that you are not alone. Scripture says that the Lord is near to those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

The Lord is reaching out a helping hand; we just have to let Him in so He can repair and restore us. He is our ever-present help in times of need.

Be encouraged by 2 Corin 4:18; “Do not look at the troubles we can see now; rather, fix your gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we can see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” 

God has it; He’s got you. Let’s curve the ball and kick it back to the enemy. 

Trust in Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV).

God wants you to trust and rest in Him, for He will make all things beautiful if you do not faint. He is reaching out a helping hand to lighten your load, no matter what you are going through. It is never easy to face life's struggles and carry the burden alone, because it can feel overwhelming.

He wants you to lay your burdens at His feet, surrender them all to Him, and let Him take over your matters and carry them on His shoulders. He wants to give you rest and relief, but you have to let Him in.

His arms are open wide, ready to receive you and give you peace that surpasses all understanding. He is closer to you than you realize. Just call unto Him, and He will answer you.

Scripture says: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28 NIV). 

Who would have thought Peter would be the one to deny Jesus? But when the time came, and the pressure was on, it happened. Peter was so confident in his love for Jesus that he boasted he would rather die than deny Him, yet he denied Him not once but three times.

I believe this teaches the danger of overconfidence in ourselves and others. There is no doubt Peter loved Jesus, but the reality of human weakness under pressure, and how even the most devoted follower can stumble, helps us understand the importance of placing our hearts in Christ's confidence and trust rather than in people, because God will never fail us, but people can.

We must acknowledge the Peters in our lives so we don't become prisoners of ourselves by harboring unforgiveness. Let's not place too much confidence in people or put them in too high esteem, so the impact will be less when they fail or disappoint us, because the hearts of men are revealed under pressure and by hidden selfishness.

We also have to know that, because we are human, wrong perceptions can sometimes cloud judgment.

There is redemption for stumbling because Jesus paid for it on the cross.

Distraction is a tool the enemy uses to intercept God's will and promises for our lives. It can come in many forms and has brought down many mighty men in the Bible. Samson and Delilah, David and Bathsheba are some examples we can learn from, but yours might not be a woman or a man; it might be something else that causes you to stumble or be derailed. 

Our minds can wander when we are to pray, and our mouths water when we are to fast, which ultimately robs us of our fellowship with our Father in Heaven. It can potentially disrupt your destiny or breakthrough.  

We cannot allow distraction to defeat us; we must gain control and conquer it at all costs by staying focused and diligent, because the prize ahead is too great to miss. Distraction is always so enticing, but the end result is never good, so why not avoid it?

" Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne". 

(Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT).

I often wonder about the true meaning of the phrase "to whom much is given, much is required" as it appears in Luke 12:48.

Although the verse emphasizes accountability, suggesting that those blessed with more resources, talents, or knowledge are expected to use them for good, I believe it is closely connected to what Paul said in Galatians 6:17, which refers to the physical and emotional scars, hardships, and persecutions endured in serving Christ.

We all sometimes face the consequences of our mistakes and wrong choices, but His mercies are sufficient to carry us through as Christians. The Bible also says in the book of John that Jesus said we will face tribulations in the world, but we should be courageous because He has overcome. And then there is the suffering that God allows as part of our journey with Him to purify and refine us into the image of Christ. 

Some refining can be intense, to the point that you wonder whether you will make it through, or it can cause you to question the existence of God and why He is delaying in answering your plea. But take heart, and stand in the test of trials, for you will come out as gold because He is closer to you than you can imagine. Just remember that the devil will not harass you as much if your destiny is not that great. The devil attacks according to how much of a threat you are to his evil works. 

I have gone through my share of molding, pressing, and lonely moments when I just wanted the emotional trauma to stop, but it didn't. I look back now and am very thankful to God for taking me through those moments, because although it wasn't pleasant,  it has shaped me into something I never thought was possible. God used those experiences to refine me and teach me to fully trust and depend on Him and His Love. The Bible says that all things work together for good for those who are in Christ. I have gained a true understanding of who Christ is through purification. 

It is easier to let go of your will in these moments so God can step in, because we prolong the process when we hold on to our will, refuse to learn or yield to His will, and fail to adjust. When we don't comprehend, we end up going around the same mountain over and over again.

If Jesus endured all that on the cross for doing nothing wrong, who are we to complain? His grace and mercies are sufficient for us all. Yes, cry, but shake off the dust and continue on. Know that He will never abandon you; your breakthrough is near. Just remember the story of Job from the Bible. 

It is easy to think your story is the worst until you hear someone else's. You have a story to tell, and it is a story that can change and transform someone's life, so hold on to the horns of the altar, for you shall overcome.