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EPISODE 1: HOW TO LIVE A SUCCESSFUL LIFE THIS YEAR IN GOD’S EYES

We want to live a successful life, but we are facing so many obstacles. Sometimes we have way too many questions and not any answers.

Maybe like me you are feeling a little bit unsettled and confused about what God is up to in your life as you look back at the last year. You might have experienced some hard things, and you have no idea why God allowed such heartbreak to happen. As we look ahead to the year to come, how will can we stop looking back with disappointment and figure out how to walk into this next season with wisdom?

Proverbs 1:3 (NLT) explains that the purpose of God’s book of wisdom is to teach us to live disciplined and successful lives and to help us do what is right, just, and fair. Eugene Peterson’s The Message tells us that these Proverbs were “written down so we will “understand what life means and where it’s going.” Proverbs is “a manual for living…to “teach us the ropes” and give us a “grasp on reality.”

Now I don’t know about you, but I need a reality check. I desperately want God to help recalibrate my unsteady heart and to show me how to walk into this next season with more discernment. What does success look like for you and I from God’s perspective? We need the Lord to teach us how to live. So, let’s look at what Proverbs has to say about just that to learn how to move forward in the right way.  

Join me on today’s podcast. Let’s dig into Proverbs to recalibrate our unsteady hearts and get a little reality check on exactly what success looks like in God’s eyes. 

Tune in to EPisode 1: How to Live a Successful Life this Year in God’s EyesWATCH ON YOUTUBESHOW NOTES:

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When we hold fast to God’s Word for dear life, His Word will never fail us.

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How to Conquer the Christmas Blues When You’re Heartbroken

I had lunch with a friend this week who confessed she was battling the Christmas blues. She was hemming and hawing about putting up her tree, and she hadn’t wrapped one Christmas present. This year has been hard for her family, and she just isn’t feeling very merry and bright. I reached across the table and grabbed her hand and let her know she is not alone.

The fact is this was not the first conversation I had with a friend this December where a woman I love shared she is heartbroken, and it seems hypocritical to pretend otherwise. And, I totally get it. Right now as I type this, I am looking at one of my favorite Christmas decorations:

If you kind of wish like you could take a vacation to the North Pole instead of celebrating Christmas with your crazy relatives who create a whole lot of drama, you are not alone.

Sometimes we lack the energy to be festive, and that does not make you and me a failure. That makes us human.

That’s the whole reason why we need a Savior. We can’t save ourselves from the heartache that sin has created. Only Jesus can rescue us from all the suffering and pain we are experiencing.

Maybe like me you are so tired of waiting for things to change. You’ve prayed. You’ve cried out to God. You’ve lain awake at night wrestling with the chaotic circumstances that keep coming, and you just can’t fix.

Friend, I see you. Jesus sees you. You are not alone in the heartache. Your tears and your desperation and your doubt are all welcome here.

I will confess I am ending this year with more questions than answers, and it’s hard. But over the last few days, I’ve been asking God to help me. I’ve been pouring over the pages of my Bible, and I found a friend whose story is showing me how to start conquering my Christmas blues. How she responded to her season of silently waiting for salvation is teaching me how to wait well.

how to conquer the Christmas bluesFaithfully show up at God’s house

Anna was a widow who had every reason to hide away from the world and lament how much she had lost, but she did not allow her grief to isolate her. She pressed in and persevered in drawing near not only to God, but also to the community of faith. The sanctuary of God is a special place where His Spirit can begin to whisper to our broken hearts and bring healing. (It’s not the same when you “tune in” from home. Trust me, I have hidden away at home, and I know the difference.)

“…She was deeply devoted to the Lord, constantly in the temple.” (Luke 2:37, VOICE)Fervently Fast and pray for a breakthrough

Anna was a woman who didn’t waste her season of waiting. She fought on her knees. Prayer is the main work we do during our barren season of wondering “what God is up to.” God has promised to redeem, and we can call on Him to restore what the enemy has disrupted and destroyed.

“…day and night she worshiped God, fasting and praying.” (Luke 2:37b, GNT)Fully Worship iNSTEAD of Giving way to WorrY

The enemy of our souls cannot paralyze us and keep us captive to fear and anxiety if we determine we will use our mouths to praise the Lord. No matter what you may be going through right now, God is with you. God has saved you from sin and death. In every season, we have a reason to give thanks. We can thank Him for the air that we breathe and that His mercies are new every morning. Praise helps lift us up out of the pit of despair.

“She, too, came up at that very moment and began praising and giving thanks to God…“ (Luke 2:38, AMP) Fearlessly share Who Your only Source of Hope is

You painful season makes you a more real person who lost people are likely to listen to when you share how you are surviving. You may be struggling, but you are still standing. You are being held up by the One who suffered and died for you, and He will never leave you nor forsake you.

All around you, there are broken and confused people who don’t have the hope you have. They don’t know God is a Redeemer who will restore and make things right in the end. They don’t understand that Jesus came to save them from all the heartache. You can share you still believe He is the Prince of Peace and let them know deliverance is possible.

“…she continued spreading the word about Jesus to all those who shared her hope for the rescue of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38b, VOICE)

Need more help to overcome the Christmas blues? To help you get started, I’ve created a one-page printable with Scriptures you can use to remind yourself Your God is bigger than bad days. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and  grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.

Friend, our season of heartache is temporary. Heaven is our destiny, and one day there will be no more tears, no more heartache, and no more despair. One day, His Light will breakthrough and cast away all the darkness once and for all. Instead of combating the blues, we will stand before the throne of the King of Kings and worship with reckless abandon.

Until then, we can wait with a worshipful heart and give our grief to God as an offering. We can choose to trust our redemption will certainly come, and look ahead to our Day of deliverance with hope.

conquer the Christmas blues by remembering Your salvation is secure.

Conquer the Christmas blues by remembering your salvation is secure.

Click To Tweet Let’s Chat: What helps you to overcome the Christmas blues?ARE YOU STUCK IN A SPIRITUAL RUT? I CAN PARTNER WITH YOU TO HELP YOU SPARK A TRANSFORMATION IN YOUR LIFE.CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO DISCOVER STRATEGIES TO REKINDLE YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE.

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The post How to Conquer the Christmas Blues When You’re Heartbroken appeared first on Lyli Dunbar.

When You Need to Trust Your God Is Absolutely Faithful

“Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous…. Listen to my cry for mercy; in Your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.” (Psalm 143:1, NLT & NIV)

I heard from my friend this week. She’d been silent for a few days. I shared some hard things that our family is walking through, and she thought it was so incredibly unfair and wrong that she got a little angry.

“I couldn’t find the words to respond. I even had a hard time praying about it. Why is this happening? I just don’t understand.”

Y’all, I don’t understand either. Sometimes, life just makes no sense. You pray, and things get worse. Lord, have mercy.

I don’t know what you are going through right now, but I am guessing I am not the only one whose upside-down life is hard to process.

Here is what I told my friend. I have struggled with anger. I have cried out all my tears. I have yelled. I have had all the feels. But, at the end of the day, I had to tell myself the truth: I am not God. But, I do know WHO God is. Even though my circumstances are incredibly chaotic right now, I know God is good. I know God is in control. I know God has a purpose for my pain.

So, instead of spending all my time trying to fix what I cannot change, I am choosing to focus my thoughts on how faithful God is. When I start to get worked up with anger and frustration, I stop myself and say, “My all-powerful God is present in this situation and He will provide what I need to get through this.”

Sometimes you just need to tell your brain to stop thinking crazy and preach the truth to yourself. This is how I am surviving the worst thing ever — I am focusing on the unchanging truth that my God remains faithful.

The enemy of your soul wants you to live filled with doubt and fear. He is whispering lies into your ear, and he continually assaults our mind with “what ifs” that will never happen.

The truth is God will provide what you need to make it. He sees you, and He will support you with the encouragement you need. His supply of comfort and strength will never run out. No matter how hard your life gets, God is completely committed to caring for you. Nothing on earth can prevent God from keeping His promise to save you.

Trust Your God is Absolutely faithfulthe God of Hope is Your Help and holds you secure.

Remember you are blessed because He holds you up and will sustain you. You can trust Your God is in control.

“How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, Who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them; Who keeps faith forever.” (Psalm 146:5-6, NASB)His steadfast love is loyal and unwavering.

Focus your thoughts on the Truth of His relentless love. You can rely on Your God to remain with you.

“…for I have always been mindful of Your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on Your faithfulness.” (Psalm 26:3, NIV)His promise holds true forever, and He will never fail you nor forsake you.

Don’t let the enemy of your soul fill you with worry and disillusionment. Use your lips to pray to Your Redeemer, sing His praises, and speak His unchanging Truth over your life. The God of restoration will ultimately triumph in your life.

“I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known Your faithfulness to all generations. For I said, ‘Steadfast love will be built up forever;
    in the heavens You will establish Your faithfulness.’ “ (Psalm 89:1-2, ESV)

I’ve created a one-page printable to help you meditate on the faithfulness of your God and fire up your faith. Grab a copy and spend the next 7 days focusing on how your God is able to help see you through anything. Every morning, you can sit at His feet and strengthen your walk as you remind yourself your unchanging God is in control. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and  grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.

Friend, the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one who wants to destroy all you love.

This week, why don’t you write out this truth found in 2 Thessalonians 3:3 and keep it on your nightstand. Arm yourself with the sword of God’s Spirit, which is His Word.

Your enemy is a defeated foe. You are on Team Jesus, and His faithfulness will not fail you.

Focus on the faithfulness of your unfailing God.

Focus on the faithfulness of your unfailing God.

Click To Tweet Let’s Chat: God is faithful. How will you choose to focus on this truth this week? Are you feeling overwhelmed by your commitments and constantly running on empty? CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO HELP YOU develop a plan to Refuel with rest and soul care.

 

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4 Promises to Help Revive the Weary Woman

I haven’t had any words for a while to share. I had to ask God to help revive me from the dead. My weary heart is just plain tired of all the heavy stuff that never seems to get any better. I fall on my knees and cry out to God with tears running down my face. I wake up every day and tell myself that today could be the day when everything changes.

But then I lay in bed at night rehearsing the same fears. What if it doesn’t ever change? Lord, have mercy.

I want to believe that all my tear-filled prayers are watering the soil of a beautiful harvest that is coming. I just haven’t seen it yet.

But I pray on…..

I pray on because I know God can do anything. As long as there is breath in my lungs, there is hope for a new beginning.

Friend, are you exhausted from fighting a battle that never seems to end? God sees you striving to keep the faith, and He will revive your heart.

While you pray for your loved ones, Jesus is interceding on your behalf.

As you continue to share God’s love in hard spaces, God is smiling down on you. He’s pouring His love into your heart.

When you choose to believe that change is possible even when it seems impossible, the enemy of your soul loses His power to defeat you.

Your heart may be weary, but you belong to God. Your heart is in His hands, and He knows exactly what you need.

The best thing you can do today is to keep opening up your Bible and remind yourself that God heals the brokenhearted.

Hold on to these Promises to help revive your heart, weary warrior: Your heavy burden does strengthen your faith muscles.

Every day as you choose to persevere in trusting God He is empowering you with His supernatural courage. In the end, He will prove faithful to help you overcome whatever is weighing you down and help you walk In victory. Hold on to hope because your spiritual superpowers are growing as you stay steadfast.

“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10, ESV)Your hopeless situation is preparing you for revival.

The God of resurrection has not finished bringing life back to dead spaces. Right now your heart is weary, but God will restore your joy, and His Spirit will renew your passion. Jesus conquered death and hell to save you, and He will continue to restore what the enemy has sought to destroy.

“But I will hope continually and will praise You yet more and more. You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth You will bring me up again.” (Psalm 71:14 & 20, ESV)your hardship will lead to eternal dividends.

When you choose to obey God during the hard times, you walk in victory. Trust that God takes note of your faithfulness, and He has promised to bless those who continue to follow His commands. You may not reap the full dividends on this side of heaven, but remember this world is not your home. The investment you are making right now to do what is right will pay off when you see Jesus face to face.

“A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, And the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him.” (Proverbs 12:14, NASB)Your hard hallelujah today shall surely turn into a victory song tomorrow.

The enemy loses His power over our weary hearts when we choose to worship God. Open your mouth and speak the name of Jesus and proclaim He is good. Take your gaze off of your ever-changing circumstances and celebrate that your God remains constant.

“Be kind to me, God; I’ve been kicked around long enough. Once you’ve pulled me back  from the gates of death, I’ll write the book on Hallelujahs; on the corner of Main and First  I’ll hold a street meeting; I’ll be the song leader; we’ll fill the air with salvation songs.” (Psalm 9:13-14, MSG)

Want more encouragement for your weary heart? I’ve created a one-page printable with 10 Scriptures to help you remember your God is bigger than bad days. Download a copy and read through these sweet promises every morning to help you brave it and get going this week. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and  grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.

Weary warrior, don’t give up the fight. Hold on to God’s promises, and you will persevere. One sweet day soon, God will turn things around, and you will celebrate in sweet victory with unrestrained abandon. Fullness of joy will be yours.

the God who wins every battle will revive your heart and get the glory.

The God who wins every battle will revive your heart and get the glory.

Click To Tweet Let’s Chat: What Scriptural Promises do you claim to help revive your weary heart? ARE YOU STUCK IN A SPIRITUAL RUT? I CAN PARTNER WITH YOU TO HELP YOU SPARK A TRANSFORMATION IN YOUR LIFE.CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO DISCOVER STRATEGIES TO REKINDLE YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE.

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SIGN UP TO GET WEEKLY #FAITHFUEL IN YOUR INBOX.YOU’LL RECEIVE “4 SUREFIRE WAYS TO IGNITE YOUR FAITH” AS MY GIFT TO YOU.YOU’LL ALSO GET ACCESS TO THE PRACTICAL RESOURCES IN OUR PRIVATE FAITH FUEL LIBRARY.

The post 4 Promises to Help Revive the Weary Woman appeared first on Lyli Dunbar.

When You Need to Trust God Will Take Care of Your Tomorrow

Lately I’ve spent a lot of time worrying about my tomorrow. I fear a dark cloud is looming over the horizon of my life, and I have no idea how to make the blue sky appear again.

A kind of cold prickly apprehension has crept into my soul and made me dread turning the calendar page to “what’s next.” I can’t control tomorrow, and I am not sure I can handle it. If only I knew what was coming next, I could prepare for it.

I’ve lost a lot over the last year. I miss what was, and I doubt I have the courage to press on into the shadowy future full of unknowns. More than once over the last month, I’ve prayed, “Lord, this is really hard, and I don’t like it.”

Maybe you can relate? If this past year was heavy on the disappointment and low on the sunshine, perhaps you are struggling to look ahead with anticipation. Instead your anxiety makes you want to reach for the antacid medication.

Rather than trust God with our tomorrow, we can waste a lot of time feeling uneasy about what we think may or may not happen. We spend way too much time imagining the worse case scenario and fear for our family, our health, and our finances. All the while, God is seated on the throne in heaven and has every detail planned out in advance. He sees what we cannot even begin to understand.

Maybe the Lord not letting us know what’s coming next because He knows we just aren’t ready to receive it. Instead of focusing on tomorrow, maybe He just wants us to give Him our all today.

I don’t think God wants us to live consumed by worry when we think about our future. After all, He is Lord over our yesterday, our today, and all our tomorrow. His grace never leaves us.

As we deal with the uncertainty of tomorrow, we can make a brave choice and yield our fears to the Lord and believe He will take care of all that concerns us.

Trust God will take care of Your tomorrow.Remember your future is secure in God’s hands, and you don’t need to feel insecure about the unknown.

You don’t know what’s coming next, but God is very much in control. You have a a Good Father, and He is always acting on your behalf.

Like the Psalmist you can pray in faith: “Lord, you give me stability and prosperity; you make my future secure.” (Psalm 16:5, NET) “Commit your future to the Lord. Trust in him, and He will act on your behalf.” (Psalm 37:5) meditate on what God says is true instead of imagining a worst case scenario is coming.

Most of the terrible things you are worried about will never take place. Don’t let the enemy of your soul paralyze you and fill your mind with untruths. Arm yourself with HIs encouraging Truth.

“You are my hiding place and my shield. I find hope in Your Word.” (Psalm 119:114, NET) ” Distress and hardship confront me. Yet I find delight in your commands.” (Psalm 119:143) Move Forward in Faith and Don’t Give Way to Fear.

God will light the path before you one faith filled step at a time. Keep going, sister! The Lord Himself goes before you and has you covered.

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8, NLT)

Want to face tomorrow without fear? To help you, I’ve created a one-page printable with 10 Power-Packed Promises to plug you into God’s peace. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and  grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.

One day we will look back and realize God gave us exactly what we needed to face each day, and tomorrow is nothing to be feared. Tomorrow we step one day closer to when Jesus returns and will set everything right again. Tomorrow our redemption draws near.

Jesus holds our tomorrow, and each day is full of hope.

Jesus holds our tomorrow, and each day is full of hope.

Click To Tweet Let’s Chat: Is there a Scriptural promise that encourages you to look forward to tomorrow with hope?ARE YOU STUCK IN A SPIRITUAL RUT? I CAN PARTNER WITH YOU TO HELP YOU SPARK A TRANSFORMATION IN YOUR LIFE.CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO DISCOVER STRATEGIES TO REKINDLE YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE.

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SIGN UP TO GET WEEKLY #FAITHFUEL IN YOUR INBOX.YOU’LL RECEIVE “4 SUREFIRE WAYS TO IGNITE YOUR FAITH” AS MY GIFT TO YOU.YOU’LL ALSO GET ACCESS TO THE PRACTICAL RESOURCES IN OUR PRIVATE FAITH FUEL LIBRARY.

The post When You Need to Trust God Will Take Care of Your Tomorrow appeared first on Lyli Dunbar.

5 Things You Need Under the Tree This Christmas

The other day a good friend asked me what I wanted for Christmas this year, and I honestly had no idea.

I love reading, but I have over 50 unread books sitting on my shelf.

I adore cute outfits, but my closet is overstuffed with clothes I haven’t worn in years.

I own six types of colored pens, 5 pairs of sunglasses (which I can never seem to find), and way too many unused kitchen appliances.

In short, I am more than blessed. In fact, I probably need to have a good garage sale and give away a few things.

I don’t need more of anything under my tree.

I lack for nothing, but I still have a desire for more. (Is there a support group for this?)

Yep, I confess I have an eternally long Amazon wish list, and I may have spent $200 at Target in the last month. (All I really needed was printing paper. I have no idea how the other 13 things made it into my basket.)

Yet, in my heart, I know that buying the latest techy gadget to magically turn things on and off in my house will not satisfy my soul.

Peace does not come from products. Peace is a person.

So this year, I’ve decided to re-think what I want under my tree, and I am inviting you to join me.

Are you weary from all the Christmas chaos and wondering how you can re-discover the wonder of worship? Join me this year by gathering the good gifts God so richly provides, instead of grappling for the sloppy leftovers in the clearance aisle at Walmart.

5 Things You Need Under the Tree This ChristmasHope

Ask God to give you His supernatural hope as you wait and pray big with expectation. Unanswered prayers are just miracles in progress.  

“Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!” (Romans 15:13, MSG)

Grace

Rather than gripe about the negative people in your life, request the gift of God’s inexhaustible grace. Purpose to become an ambassador of redemption and carry His kindness to lost souls.  

“So now we come freely and boldly to where love is enthroned, to receive mercy’s kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness.” (Hebrews 4:16, TPT)

Strength

More than anything this year, you need God’s persevering strength. Tap into the Holy Spirit’s power to help you stand strong for Him in the midst of your hard assignments.  

“He gives strength to those who are tired; to the ones who lack power, He gives renewed energy.” (Isaiah 40:29, NET)

Wisdom

When the path before you is dark, you desperately need discernment. Listen for God’s voice in the quiet whispering, “This is the way. Walk in it.” 

“Wisdom is a gift from a generous God, and every word he speaks is full of revelation and becomes a fountain of understanding within you.” (Proverbs 2:6, TPT)

Faith

Ask the Lord to help you wholeheartedly believe He is at work and to worship Him even when circumstances don’t seem to be going your way. Tell him that deep down you know He is in control, and you want to celebrate His goodness and glory.  

“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” (James 1:2-4, MSG)

Here’s the thing: God has already given us each of these gifts. We just need to unwrap them and use them in our daily lives.

What’s on your Christmas list? Spend a few minutes this week praying for Abba Father to fill you up with His most valuable gift.

To help you grab hold of the true meaning of Christmas, I’ve created a gift for you! Download a copy of this sweet one-page printable with 15 Christmas Conversation Starters. Print these out and use them at your Christmas get togethers in December to start making those meaningful connections. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and  grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.

This Christmas, we can stop the shopping frenzy and say goodbye to social media insanity. We can slow down and treasure the true meaning of Christmas. As we upwrap the eternal gifts God has for us, His joy and peace will fill our hearts and spill out to bring His love to our families, our neighbors, and everyone we meet.

He longs to bring you goodness and light this year, friend. Don’t miss out on the most meaningful gift God sacrificially gave for us all.

What you truly need this Christmas is more Christ in you.

What you truly need this Christmas is more Christ in you.

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 If you are visiting from First 5 today, welcome to my little space on the web!Here you will find fuel for a wildfire faith to help youLOVE DEEP: Fervently extend God’s kindness and grace to pesky people.PRAY BIG: Go down fighting on your knees with fire in your bones.HOPE FULL: Stay tethered to a confident anticipation that keeps your heart ablaze.STAND STRONG: Rest courageously on God’s promises with red-hot resolve.⇓SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE WEEKLY FAITH FUEL IN YOUR INBOX.YOU’LL GET A FREE COPY OF “4 SUREFIRE WAYS TO IGNITE YOUR FAITH”and access the practical resources in the Fatih Fuel Library for members. ⇓

I’m sharing a copy of My Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Join the Wildfire Faith Community and  grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to strengthen your step and breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit.  

Are you feeling overwhelmed by your commitments and constantly running on empty? CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO HELP YOU develop a plan to Refuel with rest and soul care.

The post 5 Things You Need Under the Tree This Christmas appeared first on Lyli Dunbar.

When You Say Yes Lord Yet Even While You Wait

This week I’ve begged God to answer a prayer, but I don’t know if it’s ever going to happen. It seems like the harder I pray, the worse my situation gets. I know God is in control in my head, but right now I feel like my world is spinning and will never stop.

I know I need to keep praying… but sometimes I feel like I am a 5-year-old child trying to solve an unsolvable math equation. I must not have the right formula. I see the answer, but nothing adds up right.

Do you ever wonder why God’s timetable doesn’t match yours? You want God to fix your problem like yesterday, but it feels like it’s taking forever. You’ve been praying for your loved one to turn from darkness to light, but their life keeps getting darker. You fervently intercede for someone’s healing, but they end up even more sick. Have you ever wondered if you were prayer handicapped? Obviously God can do anything, so maybe you’re just not asking the right way.

Prayer is such a mystery sometimes. If God knows everything and controls everything, I shouldn’t even have to ask. How does my asking change anything anyway?

These are the crazy thoughts that run in my head in the middle of the night when I am up worrying about what I can’t fix. If you’ve ever been up at 2 AM trying to figure out how to turn off your worry-filled brain, you are not alone.

This week, God spoke straight to my heart and reminded me that sometimes I overthink and make complicated what I must simply accept by faith. I came to see this as I opened up my Bible and read a story of a woman who prayed and refused to give up.

Lessons learned from a woman of great faithContinue to cry out for God’s Mercy

This woman’s lament was not because she herself was in pain, but she was interceding for someone she deeply loved. This mama bear took on herself the pain of her daughter and came to Jesus in tears. We continue to call out to Jesus trusting His compassion is greater than our pain. While you wait, remember He has already gone to the cross on your behalf and covered your sin with His mercy. You can trust that His mercy never fails.

“And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.'” (Matthew 15:22, ESV)Worship before You receive Your Answer

Jesus tested her faith by saying no, but this woman bowed down in worship in response. She acknowledged He was her Savior. Instead of feeling rejected and discouraged, she opened her heart and believed. We can choose to humble ourselves before the Lord and confess He alone is worthy of our hearts. When we lift up the name of Jesus in the midst of our waiting season, fear and discouragement will lose their grip on us. Your faith will grow stronger as you make your view of God greater.

“But she came and knelt before Him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.'” (Matthew 15:25)Surrender to His Will, but acknowledge Your Need

When Jesus did not initially respond to her request, this woman gave up all her rights and trusted His authority. I love how she submitted, but yet continued to intercede. She said, “Yes, Lord…. Yet even….” She trusted God knew what was best, and despite her misery, she knew her God would provide a tiny measure of His mercy to meet her need. In our waiting season, we can submit to His path for us and keep seeking His goodness. With your hands open, you let go of your expectations, but you can stay expectant and trust your God will provide what you need.

“She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” (Matthew 15:27)

Friend, God is rich in mercy toward you and me. (I confess sometimes I struggle to believe this.) Do you need help remembering our God’s mercy never runs out? I’ve created a one-page printable with about God’s promises of unfailing mercy to help encourage my heart, and I’d love to share these 10 powerful Scriptures with you. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and  grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.

When you read this woman’s full story, you may be a little shocked at how Jesus initially responded to her. But let me let you in on a secret: Jesus walked 50 miles to meet that woman that day. This is the only event recorded during his visit to her city. He came for her. He came to meet her need. This is how much our Savior loves us.

Friend, one day, we will see Jesus face to face, and there will be no more pain. He will wipe away our tears forever. And this woman will be sitting at His table, and so will you and I. We may be waiting for crumbs right now, but a feast is coming soon.

This is the only woman in the Bible whom Jesus described as having “great faith,” but you and I can learn from her example and continue her legacy. We can cry out to Jesus with worshipful hearts. Let’s fall at our feet before Jesus and believe He has more for us.

a woman of great faith says “yes lord” while she waits.

A woman of great faith says “Yes, Lord” while she waits.

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When You Need to Remember God Wins Every Battle in the End

Some days I want to surrender because it feels like the enemy is winning. When doubt clouds my view, I remind myself God wins every battle in the end. 

God wins even when I think it’s hopeless. His light can shine even where the darkness has reigned for quite a while.

God wins even when I am too weak to keep trying. No obstacle is too heavy for God to move out of the way.

God wins when everyone else says it’s over. He can make a way where there seems to be no way.

I may not like the place He has positioned me right now, but I can’t experience the victory until I surrender to His Sovereign battle plan and trust He is fully in control.

God does not work on my timetable, but He is always at work. He is fighting for us, and He always triumphs over evil.

Do you feel defeated right now? Don’t let the enemy of your soul drag you into the pit of despair. Your situation is not desperate. You have God’s Angel Army on your side, and you have no reason to fear.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?

Psalm 27:1, NASB

You don’t need to wave the white flag and believe that your situation is unfixable. The strongholds blocking the way before you will eventually fall. God knows exactly what is going on in your life, and He has promised to redeem every heartbreak you’ve experienced. He will fight in the heavenly realm. He will fix what the enemy has disrupted. He never fails to deliver those who delight in Him.

Friend, this isn’t just your battle. It’s God’s battle. Your job is to just stand firm in your faith and believe God will do what you cannot.

How to Position Yourself for Victory during your Battle:Take your eyes off all the upheaval in your life and focus on God’s overcoming power.

 When our eyes are on our problems, we feel like we are drowning. But our God is Lord of the winds and waves. Your God speaks “peace be still” over your life and gives you strength to stay standing even when the storm rages around you. God will give you exactly what you need to persevere, and He will protect you.  

“The Lord sits enthroned over the engulfing waters, the Lord sits enthroned as the eternal king. The Lord gives His people strength; the Lord grants His people security.” (Psalm 29:10-11, NET)Stand your ground in prayer and trust God will hold you up. 

Even though you may feel defeated right now, you cannot give up the fight. You are standing up for all that is right and holy and redemptive in your home and for your community. You may get knocked down temporarily, but with God’s help you can get on your knees and witness the enemy’s strongholds fall down. Pray on, sister! 

“No one can be established through wickedness, but a righteous root cannot be moved.” (Proverbs 12:3, NET)Rest in God’s love and believe He will bring a redemptive outcome.  

You will experience the ultimate victory in the end. The enemy will not prevail because God is in your corner. The Savior who laid down His life to rescue you from the pit of hell will not stop saving you.

“By this I know that you delight in me: my enemy will not shout in triumph over me.” (Psalm 41:11, ESV)

Want to arm yourself with Scriptural encouragement during your battle? I’ve created a one-page printable to help you remember God is always fighting for you. Grab a copy and spend the next 7 days focusing on how your God is your Defender. Every morning, you can sit at His feet and strengthen your walk as you remind yourself your faithful God is a warrior, and your victory is sure. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and  grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. 

Today, we can choose to say no to fear and stand firm on a foundation of faith. We can remember the enemy is a defeated foe and rise up with confidence to claim our victory. Instead of stressing out and crying out to God from a position of defeat, we can thank Him in advance for how we know He is going to win this battle.

When the storm passes through, the wicked are swept away, but the righteous are an everlasting foundation. (Proverbs 10:25, NET)

You are under God’s wing, and His faithfulness will shelter you. You are His, and He always protects His own. One day soon, you will be set free to soar. Until then, you can sing His praises right where you are and make the enemy mad that He messed with you.

Like a bird protecting its young, God will cover you with His feathers, will protect you under His great wings; His faithfulness will form a shield around you, a rock-solid wall to protect you.

Psalm 91:4, VOICE

Trust God will turn things around in His time. It may not be when you want it or look exactly like you expected…. But His plans are more perfect than ours. The victory will be sweeter than you thought. He may be stretching you right now, but that stretch will lead to greater growth, more goodness, and unbelievable glory.

Don’t let a temporary defeat deceive you. God always triumphs and defeats the enemy.

Don’t let a temporary defeat deceive you. God always triumphs and defeats the enemy.

Click To Tweet Let’s Chat: When you feel defeated, how do you remind yourself that God wins every battle in the end?Are you feeling overwhelmed by your commitments and constantly running on empty? CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO HELP YOU develop a plan to Refuel with rest and soul care. ARE YOU READY TO FIRE UP YOUR FAITH? SIGN UP TO GET WEEKLY #FAITHFUEL IN YOUR INBOX.YOU’LL RECEIVE “4 SUREFIRE WAYS TO IGNITE YOUR FAITH” AS MY GIFT TO YOU.YOU’LL ALSO GET ACCESS TO THE PRACTICAL RESOURCES IN OUR PRIVATE FAITH FUEL LIBRARY.

The post When You Need to Remember God Wins Every Battle in the End appeared first on Lyli Dunbar.

When Resurrection Rises Up in You

Some days I feel like I am standing in a turbulent sea of shattered dreams. I forget how to paddle and pray until I reach the safe shore, and I start drowning in doubt and disbelief.

Some days all I see is death. Defeat. Despair. The thick darkness swallows up my confidence and courage.

The enemy wants to wipe me out. But if I stop striving and surrender to my Savior, He reminds me of this truth: I am already a winner. I am a winner because Christ won me back from the wicked one.

I am a winner because Christ won me back from the wicked one.

Click To Tweet …When resurrection rises up in you“Has Beens and Never Weres” turn into trophies of God’s grace.

God’s wonder is at work in your wounded spaces. His glory will transform your brokenness into beauty. 

Listen very carefully, I tell you a mystery–a secret truth decreed by God and previously hidden, but now revealed; we will not all sleep in death, but we will all be completely changed wondrously transformed,  in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the sound of the last trumpet call. For a trumpet will sound, and the dead who believed in Christ will be raised imperishable, and we will be completely changed wondrously transformed. For this perishable part of us must put on the imperishable nature, and this mortal part of us that is capable of dying must put on immortality which is freedom from death. (I Cor. 15:51-53, AMP)

“Dead Ends” lead to Dances of Joy

Death is a vanquished foe. Your Defender breathes life into dead and dark corners. Your victory celebration is certain. 

Then the saying will come true: Death swallowed by triumphant Life! Who got the last word, oh, Death? Oh, Death, who’s afraid of you now? (I Cor. 15:55, MSG)

“Washed Up” is re-purposed as Worthy

Our efforts to serve the Savior are never in vain. God rebuilds the wrecked and appoints the beautifully restored to a ministry of mercy.

With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort. (I Cor. 15:58)

When resurrection rises up in you, God will transform today’s troubles into tomorrow’s triumph.

When resurrection rises up in you, God will transform today’s troubles into tomorrow’s triumph.

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I’m sharing a copy of My Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and  grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to strengthen your step and breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit.  

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Lord, Help Me Claim Your Promises Today

Today, I am delighted to welcome my wise friend, Janine, to encourage us as we pray: Lord, help me claim Your promises today.

When my son started middle school, his happy confident self changed. And I started to fear the worst. When I asked him what was going on, he wouldn’t say much, but he would allude to it being a problem with the other boys. He made reference a few times to language and what they talk about and look at. Fear immediately gripped my heart. My baby was being exposed to things and having to make some difficult decisions that could alter so much of his future. Now I know we’ve taught him the truth of God’s Word, but this mama’s heart was struggling to trust that my 12 year old boy could manage.

As youth leaders at our church, my husband and I have seen too many times kids that know the truth drift down a dangerous path that has huge repercussions. I also know that God redeems. But my mama heart struggled and began to spiral out of control with worry.  I was gripped with fear. My heart began to race and breath quickened, and the thoughts running through my head were spiraling into consuming horrible thoughts.

Have you been there? I know firsthand how easily anxiety can alter our trust in God. We can be strongly anchored in God, but then a worst-case scenario happens, and the rug is pulled out from under us. For some, it’s a horrible medical diagnosis. For others, the death of a loved one. Or maybe it’s the state of our country and world.

Thankfully, as believers in Jesus Christ, we have the Holy Spirit to help us. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us (Romans 8:11, NLT). And when the fears for my children fight for control of my heart and mind, fortunately the Holy Spirit is ready for the battle. He reminds me to claim God’s promises and replace the worst-case scenarios playing in my head with truths from God’s Word.

I begin with truths from Philippians 4:6-7: “Lord, I am scared. The thoughts and fears are taking over and I need Your peace. You say that if I come to You with a grateful heart that Your peace will guard my heart and mind in Jesus and so I’m claiming that right now, Lord. I am claiming Your promise of peace as I come to You with my anxious heart. Replace the thoughts with Your truth Lord.”

And then I think through more promises of God and pray those as well. Here are a few of my go-tos:

God is with me—and my kiddos. 

 So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord Your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you…Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6-8)

God is bigger than anything my mind can come up with. He is the Creator after all.

“O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for You!” (Jeremiah 32:17)

God gives us strength so we can endure.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Tribulation will come, but Jesus already overcame it. 

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

God cares about the sparrows, and He cares about my kiddos. 

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?” (Matthew 6:25-26)

The Holy Spirit is with me—and my son—and He is working.

“Now all glory to God, Who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20)

When my son was going through those hard first months of middle school, my first instinct was to protect him, but remembering these promises reminds me that God is doing something in my son. He’s working in his life just as he is working in mine. I am reminded to trust the Holy Spirit is working and cares about my son.

So I pray through these promises. I claim them. I say “Lord, You promised this, so I’m counting on You to show up. Make yourself evident in our lives.” Sometimes I pray through just one promise, and the anxiety dissipates. Sometimes however, it takes a bit longer. But the peace of God always comes. He has never failed me yet.

And it’s important to pray with thanksgiving as Paul reminds us, so I add: “Lord, I am grateful for my son. I am grateful for the opportunities You have given us. I am grateful even for this hardship because You will grow us both through this. We will know You more intimately because we have gone through this. Thank You for being with us every step of the way.”

I pray this same way when I hit turbulence on the airplane or when a panic attack comes while I’m a passenger in a vehicle. You can pray God’s promises in every situation and peace will come.

What are your fears? What thoughts are spiraling you away from God rather than toward Him? Write them down. Now, what are promises of God that you can claim today? Write those down and pray them back to God. And the peace that passes all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Lord, help us claim Your promises today.

You can pray God’s promises in every situation and peace will come.

Click To Tweet Meet Janine

Janine Lansing is a speaker and author of The Joy Filled Soul. She is passionate about helping women experience Jesus in their everyday as she encourages them to live in the Spirit, linger with Jesus, and love God’s Word. Check out her website for access to free phone lock screens to help you memorize and meditate on God’s Word. For tips to linger with Jesus, including prayer and memorization tips and, follow her on Instagram.

The Pray Big Sisterhood

Every morning, I wake up and lift my heart to God in prayer.

I praise Him for His glory and goodness.

I surrender my agenda and expectations to His greater kingdom purposes.

I yield my desires to do His will.

And, then I ask for Him to move a mountain.

I cry out to Him for that mountain to crumble.

 

I believe that God is bigger than any obstacle or stronghold.

Yet, my mountain remains — immovable and unyielding.

Do you have a mountain?   I bet you do.

 

Like me, you may be discouraged by the darkness that looms large in your view.

You aren’t alone. If we sat down today in my kitchen and shared our stories, I bet we would see similarities.

Together, we would ask God to move two mountains.

With worshipful hearts, let’s keep crying out to the Lord for those mountains to crumble.

Let’s pray big! Y’all his has been the craziest season ever, but I know that God has a bigger purpose than just our merely surviving the chaos. In hopes of redeeming the time in the weeks ahead, I am inviting you to “Pray Big” as we look to the Lord for even greater things to come.

Let’s ask God to help us have an expectant heart that is not overwhelmed by all the negativity in this world. Let’s pray big and believe God is bigger than the obstacles we are facing. Our Mighty God is going to do more than we can ask, think, or imagine as we pray with hope.   To encourage us on this journey, I have invited my wisest and most Spirit-lead friends to share their heart here in this space for a monthly #PrayBig Guest Post Series. We will start next week and cry out to God together..  

I also want to invite you to join a private “Pray Big” Facebook group for sisters to share our stories and surrender them to our mountain-moving God in prayer. Let’s lift up holy hands together and pray big in community.  

To help you get started, I’m sharing a copy of My Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Join the Wildfire Faith Community and  grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to strengthen your step and breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit.  

 If you are visiting from Janine’s today, welcome to my little space on the web!Here you will find fuel for a wildfire faith to help youLOVE DEEP: Fervently extend God’s kindness and grace to pesky people.PRAY BIG: Go down fighting on your knees with fire in your bones.HOPE FULL: Stay tethered to a confident anticipation that keeps your heart ablaze.STAND STRONG: Rest courageously on God’s promises with red-hot resolve.

 

SIGN UP TO GET WEEKLY #FAITHFUEL IN YOUR INBOX.YOU’LL RECEIVE “4 SUREFIRE WAYS TO IGNITE YOUR FAITH” AS MY GIFT TO YOU.YOU’LL ALSO GET ACCESS TO THE PRACTICAL RESOURCES IN OUR PRIVATE FAITH FUEL LIBRARY. Challenge:Every day this week, start your day with this one-sentence prayer: Lord, help me claim your promises today.ARE YOU STUCK IN A SPIRITUAL RUT? I CAN PARTNER WITH YOU TO HELP YOU SPARK A TRANSFORMATION IN YOUR LIFE.CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO DISCOVER STRATEGIES TO REKINDLE YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE.

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