Sometimes life is just unfair. People can be selfish, cruel, and hurt us. We go through things no one should have to endure. Yet, others appear to go through life unscathed, as if nothing bad could ever happen to them. It can make us feel frustrated and hopeless.
We’ve all had them, a bad day when nothing seems to go our way.
I remember reading the book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day to my first-grade class. They giggled and rolled on the floor as Alexander struggled through arguments with his siblings, gum in his hair, and a marathon day of difficulties. All the while, Alexander kept proclaiming he was moving to Australia, as if this would solve all his problems.
At the end of the book, Alexander’s mom hugged him and said, “Some days are like that.”
We were never meant to figure things out on our own. Trust me, I’ve tried. I am a classic overthinker. I make informed decisions by weighing the pros and cons and determining the best course of action. Unfortunately, things don’t always work out the way I thought they would. So I end up going to God and pleading for help.
Have you ever walked into a crowded room and wished you could disappear or melt into the background? That’s pretty much how I’ve felt my entire life, because I struggle with small talk and feeling like I’m enough. I have…
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” Hebrews 13:15 (NIV) Do you know what our greatest weapon is? Let me explain. There have been days when…
What exactly does ‘God will never fail’ mean? How do we know?” Because, if I am being honest, sometimes, when life gets tough, it feels like maybe it isn’t true.
Sometimes, we pray and pray and pray some more, but our circumstances don’t change. Sometimes, it feels like we are waiting, oh, so long for a dream to become reality, a prayer to be answered, a friend to be healed, or a loved one to turn and follow Jesus. Sometimes, I wonder if maybe it’s just not part of God’s perfect plan. And then I feel guilty, because I know, my faith is wavering and I am not trusting God. Perhaps you’ve been there, too.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5 (NIV) Why must I reach the end of my rope before I utter…
Did you know God created each of us for a specific purpose? It’s true, God designed us for unique callings in His kingdom plans. But if you are like me, you probably think, “Nope, not me. I am nothing special. I’ve never had formal Biblical training. What if I don’t know what to say?” I am not like the great women of the Bible. I am not like Deborah–called and courageous.”
I do it all the time. Maybe you do, too. I speak negative words about myself. Sometimes, I make a joke: “Oops, I did it again! I am so clumsy!” Sometimes, I grumble in frustration: “I’m so scatterbrained. I must be having a senior moment.” But sometimes, I am just not kind to myself: “I’m so fat, ugly, stupid…”
But, dear one, our words have power.
Has anyone ever told you, “God will never give you more than you can handle?” This phrase is often used to express encouragement during difficulties and to comfort people grieving the loss of a loved one. But if I am…
