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How to Find Hope in the Waiting

This morning I wore a pastel pink dress to brighten up my day and drive away the gloomy fog covering my heart.

I’m currently drowning in a deluge — and I am not just talking about a little rain. Some days, I feel like a permanent monsoon has parked itself over my family.

As I drove to work, I looked up to the heavens and tried to see God’s grace peeking through the storm clouds, but the sky was a thick gray blanket. I felt an irresistible urge to turn the car around, drive back home, and crawl under the covers.

God, where are You? Where is my sunshine?  

I drove on for several miles in the same direction wearing a frowny face and watching the windshield wipers swish back and forth.

But then the turnpike veered to the right, and I was repositioned in a new direction.  All around me a crisp blue sky was inviting me to step into a new day filled with promise.

Just like that.  I kept driving, and sunshine filled my view.

My heart grew warm, and I clearly heard God gently whisper: Just stay on the road, you will turn the corner soon.

Is it storming at your house right now? Perhaps like me  you are tired of the torrent and long for God to transform the atmosphere. Today God reminded me rain is just passing through. We can find hope in the waiting as we worship the Lord of the wind and rain.

We can find hope in the waiting as we worship the Lord of the wind and rain.

Click To Tweet How to Find Hope in the WaitingCry Out for Wisdom

Prayer is a girl’s best friend during dark times. When you are waiting and seeking on your knees, God gives you a fresh perspective on how small you are and how great He is.

“O Lord, help me understand my mortality and the brevity of life! Let me realize how quickly my life will pass! Look, you make my days short-lived,
and my life span is nothing from your perspective. Surely all people, even those who seem secure, are nothing but vapor. Surely people go through life as mere ghosts. Surely they accumulate worthless wealth without knowing who will eventually haul it away.” But now, O Lord, upon what am I relying? You are my only hope! (Psalm 39:4-7, NET)

Feed on God’s Faithfulness

In a season of emptiness, fill yourself up with His fullness. Make your aim to please Him, and He will settle you and strengthen you.

“Trust — lean on, rely on, and be confident — in the Lord and do good; so shall you dwell in the land and feed surely on His faithfulness, and truly you shall be fed. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord — roll and repose each care of your load on Him; trust — lean on, rely on, and be confident — also in Him and He will bring it to pass. And He will make your uprightness and right standing with God go forth as the light, and your justice and right as the shining sun of the noonday. Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him; fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass. (Psalm 37:4-7, AMPC)

Make a Joyful Noise

Your enemy wants you to think you are trapped, but you are a soul set free. Darkness dispels as we sing our Deliverer’s praises. God doesn’t care if you can’t carry a tune — your sacrificial worship is always sweet music to your Savior.

“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.” (Psalm 40:1-3, NLT)

Quiet Your Heart

The world around you may be shaking, but you are standing on His rock solid strength. Set aside a few minutes every day to be still and know that He is still God.

“Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:5-8, NLT)

Hold on to the hope of heaven and the waiting will be a witness to the watching world.

Hold on to the hope of heaven, and the waiting will be a witness to the watching world.

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Lord, Let Your Light Shine Brightly Through Me For All To See

Today, I am delighted to welcome my wise friend, Debbie, to encourage us as we pray: Lord, let Your light shine brightly through me for all to see. 

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine….

Hide it under a bushel? NO! I’m gonna let it shine.

Don’t let Satan [blow] it out! I’m going to let it shine …

 

As a young girl in Sunday school, I loved signing this song with all the hand motions, movements, and shouting. Yes, shouting!  When it came time to sing about hiding it under a bushel, we would all scream NO! 

Have you ever noticed young kids don’t experience fear like teens and adults? They have an ease of sharing their faith. They don’t seem to have fears or thoughts of: “What will they think about me if they find out I go to church? Or I believe in Jesus?”

Have you ever noticed kids are just plain bold in spreading the “Good News?”

As a child, I shared about Jesus with anyone who would listen. I invited my friends to church so they could hear about Him and have fun on Sunday like I was. I was never going to hide my light under a bushel. I was going to shine bright for all to see! I belted out that “NO!” so loud. I was proud of myself and never thought that would change, but it did. 

Have you ever felt so in love with Jesus that you wanted to shout if from the roof tops? Only to later have life and circumstance cause the fire that once burned brightly to dwindle or fade?

I completely understand if you have. I have too.

As I look back on my life, I wish I had kept the same fervor and passion I had as a small child. There are seasons and times in my life that I wish, I could have a redo. Yet at the same time, I understand they are now part of the tapestry of who I am today. However, beloved, there is good news for us all. God isn’t looking for us to be perfect, He knows we have flaws and imperfections. There isn’t a person alive who doesn’t want to change something about their past. However, God is more concerned about our today and tomorrows. He wants to reignite and rekindle the fire within us so His light can shine through us for ALL to see.

And you, beloved, are the light of the world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be hidden. Similarly it would be silly to light a lamp and then hide it under a bowl. When someone lights a lamp, she puts it on a table or a desk or a chair, and the light illumines the entire house. You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it.

Matthew 5:14-16, VOICE

We must come back to our first love, Jesus, and remember His sacrifice on the cross for us changes everything. We don’t need to hide or feel ashamed because of the situations or circumstance of the past, instead we come to Jesus, repent if needed, give and receive forgiveness, and fully embrace who He has created us to be. 

Beloved, Jesus is the light of God within us, we are His light in this world, and we just need to allow Him to shine through our brokenness, our cracks, and our imperfections. Jesus and what He did for us and how He has changed us is not a secret to be kept. 

How? Matthew 5:14 in The Message says:

Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

We need to shout it from the roof tops, or for those more reserved, allow Him to shine through your words and actions as you interact with others. It’s as simple as being loving, kind, generous, and sharing what He has done for you.

God created us for relationship. We are to be lighthouses lighting up the darkness exposing dangers. We are lighthouses pointing the way to safe passage during the storms of life. We are lighthouses on a hill, beacons of light, exuding hope, peace, and the love of Jesus. We are called to love God with everything inside of us and to love our neighbors as ourselves. When we do this – not only does the LOVE of Jesus shine through the darkness for ALL to see, but it touches the lives of others we encounter, and that changes everything.

Lord, let Your light shine brightly through me for all to see.

Jesus is the light of God within us, we are His light in this world, and we just need to allow Him to shine through our brokenness, our cracks, and our imperfections.

Click To Tweet Let’s Chat: What is one way you can shine brightly this week for others around you?Meet Debbie SONY DSC

Debbie Kitterman is a natural born encourager who is on fire for God. She is passionate about equipping individuals, so they can go deeper in the relationship with God, reach their God-potential and claim their Kingdom inheritance. Debbie is a wife, mother, author, pastor, podcaster, speaker and the founder of “Dare 2 Hear,” a ministry training individuals in hearing the voice of God. Her writing and teachings inspire faith and build bridges for people to believe and expect the impossible.    

Debbie is originally from the beautiful Pacific Northwest, but now lives in South Carolina.

Connect with Debbie: Website – Facebook – YouTube – Instagram

Grab a copy of her wonderful books: The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement and The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement Bible Study.

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, breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit, and help you shine brightly. 

 If you are visiting from Debbie’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:BEGIN EACH DAY THIS WEEK BY PRAYING: LORD, let your light shine brightly through me for all to see.ARE YOU STUCK IN A SPIRITUAL RUT? Want to shine brightly for God?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.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR RESOURCES TO FIRE UP YOUR FAITH and help you shine brightly?FRIENDS: AS A SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER, I HAVE A SWEET LIST OF MY FAVORITE RESOURCES TO FUEL A WILDFIRE FAITH IN MY VERY OWN SHOP ON AMAZON.  (NOTE: I WILL GET A LITTLE SOMETHING BACK IF YOU FOLLOW ANY OF THE LINKS IN THIS POST AND BUY ANYTHING ON THIS PAGE. THANKS IN ADVANCE IF YOU DO.).

Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box. As a courtesy, please link back to LyliDunbar.com in your post. Grab and share the #FaithOnFire button to spread the word. Use the hashtag #FaithOnFire to share your post and connect on Twitter. Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up and find #FaithFuel for your soul. Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment. (Note: First time members of the Faith on Fire Link-up Community are agreeing to sign up for my weekly email for writers. You can unsubscribe and continue to link-up if you do not find it helpful and encouraging.)

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How to Stop Drowning in Discouragement and Fighting in Prayer

When I am battling discouragement, I will often open up my Bible and turn to the the book of Psalms. The raw emotions expressed by the writer seem to mirror my own anxiety, and this reminds me I am not alone in the struggle and helps calm me down. I realize that the Psalmist is not just venting his frustrations. He is actually fighting in prayer. I will often borrow the words from the pages of my well-worn, tear-stained Bible to pray for a breakthrough in my own broken family.  

Maybe like me, you feel like you are fighting against a tsunami of discouragement. You pray for peace, and instead the waves keep coming, and things just get worse. Instead of watching God miraculously part the raging sea, you feel like you are going to drown. Friend, sometimes life is hard, but I want you to know that you are never without hope.  

God is stronger than impossible situations that seem to rage out of control.  

Your God sees you, and His steadfast love will not let you go.  

The battle raging within us will calm down as we take our eyes off the storm swirling around us and turn to prayer.  

How to Keep Fighting in Prayer Even When It’s HardRemember even though you are weary, your strong God will give you strength for the battle.  

God’s steadfast love will empower you as you arm yourself with His Word. Focus not on how messy your problems are, but how mighty your God is. You are loved fiercely by a Warrior God who never stops fighting for you. 

“Praise be to the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my Fortress, my Stronghold and my Deliverer, my Shield, in Whom I take refuge, Who subdues peoples under me.” (Psalm 144:1-2, NIV) Recognize that your best response when you are overwhelmed is to pray boldly for God’s intervention. 

In a world full of lies that where the enemy is seeking to drown you in despair, you cannot survive unless you cry out to God for help. The enemy of your soul wants you to think that your situation is hopeless and will never change, but God rules over all. His mighty hand reaches down and rescues. God hears your groans and will keep you stable as the battle rages around you. Ask your Deliverer to shield you and your family from the powers of darkness.

“Reach down Your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me from the mighty waters….” (Psalm 144:7)Resolve to praise the Lord as you wait for His redemption to unfold.  

Wherever you are, you can raise a hallelujah and revive your spirit. Open your mouth to declare God reigns over your concerns, and doubt will lose its grip on your heart. You have a reason to rejoice today because God will triumph over every scheme of the enemy in the end. Be intentional about verbally professing God is great in prayer and in song. Your defiant worship will help you walk in victory and defeat discouragement.

“I will sing a new song to you, my God…” (Psalm 144:9)

Need more help to keep fighting in prayer? To arm you for battle, I’ve created a one-page printable with Scriptures you can use to start praying for your loved ones who need Jesus.  Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and  grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.

When we pray, we need to pray expectantly. Picture how life will look differently once God’s redemption wins the day in the life of your lost loved ones. God has big plans for your family, and you can look forward in faith and imagine what your miracle will look like.  

Deliver us! Then our homes will be happy. Our sons will grow up as strong, sturdy men and our daughters with graceful beauty, royally fashioned as for a palace.
Psalm 144:12, TPT

 

God wants to fill your life with His goodness and grace. He will provide everything you need to win this battle as you persevere in prayer. Where there is emptiness, He will provide a bountiful harvest of His grace. Wherever there is bondage, He will bring freedom to worship Him. Whatever the enemy has broken down and destroyed, your warrior God will rebuild and restore.  

 Never stop fighting in prayer for your family. Trust God will prevail.  

Never stop fighting in prayer for your family. Trust God will prevail.  

Click To Tweet Let’s Chat: How do you stay encouraged as you keep fighting in prayer for your loved ones? An Invitation: 

Are you weary of fighting in prayer alone? I’d love to invite you to join a private “Pray Big” Facebook group for sisters to share our stories and surrender our burdens to our mountain-moving God in prayer. Let’s lift up holy hands together and pray big in community.

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.

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.

Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box. As a courtesy, please link back to LyliDunbar.com in your post. Grab and share the #FaithOnFire button to spread the word. Use the hashtag #FaithOnFire to share your post and connect on Twitter. Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up and find #FaithFuel for your soul. Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment. (Note: First time members of the Faith on Fire Link-up Community are agreeing to sign up for my weekly email for writers. You can unsubscribe and continue to link-up if you do not find it helpful and encouraging.)

Come grab your#FaithFuel at the #FaithOnFire #LinkUp. I’m sharing my burning passion with @LyliDunbar and friends.

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This is What Happens When Your Family is Your Mission Field

Confession: I often don’t walk out the reality of God’s promises and feel like a fraud. God says I am to live on mission because this world is His mission field.

Right before Jesus ascended to heaven, He commissioned His disciples to share the Good News. He promised them that they would receive “power” to witness. Shortly after, the Holy Spirit descended upon them on the Day of Pentecost, and we see the disciples beginning to walk in the truth of this promise.

I read that passage and think, “Wow, look at what God did there in the book of Acts,” and then I close my Bible and doubt that will ever happen in my life.

Sometimes, I am too scared to share Jesus with my loves.

Maybe you are like me. You didn’t grow up in a home where the Bible sat on the coffee table. Maybe when you started walking with Christ the people closest to you didn’t respond with joy, but instead wondered if you had become a bit of a Jesus freak.

The fact is that I am a Jesus freak. Jesus died on the cross for my sins, and because of Him, I have forgiveness and healing and peace. If I am going to be freak about anything, it’s going to be about the Savior who gave it all and then conquered sin and death because He loved me so much.

I also have the power of the resurrected Christ abiding inside me. I don’t need to fear what my family will say if I share the Gospel with them. I need to surrender my weakness to my God and ask Him to help me to speak the Truth in love.

If your family is your mission field like me, I’ve got 4 suggestions on how we can push past scared to share Jesus.

4 Ways to Share on Your Mission FieldLive authentically

Our love for Jesus might be the only Bible they will read. The Holy Spirit will work as you walk out your faith.

“On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.” (Acts 16:13-14, NIV)

Pray fervently

Don’t ever give up interceding for your family. Fight for their salvation on your knees.

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.  And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:2-5, NIV)

Share your story

Ask God for windows of opportunity to share your conversion story with your loved ones. Write out your story in advance (keep it concise!), memorize it, and practice sharing it with someone you trust so that you are ready if /when the opportunity arises.

“Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!” (I Peter 3:13-17, NLT)

Invite them in

Use the gift of hospitality and open up your home to your family. Invite them to your church’s Christmas program. Share resources like books, devotionals, and blog posts with them that point them toward God’s plan of redemption.

“Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches. Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home.” (Romans 16:3-14)

To help get you started, I’ve created a one-page printable with Scriptures you can use to start praying for your loved ones who need Jesus. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.

A while back, I had a sweet older relative who became very ill. Her health had declined slowly over a three year period after a cancer diagnosis. We visited her in the hospital and prayed for her healing. I called her daily and told her we were praying. We purchased her a Bible as a Christmas present. I spoke to her gently about the importance of making her peace with God and asking for forgiveness of sins.

Ten days before she passed away, I had a divine appointment with her in her hospital room. We prayed on our way to the hospital for a chance to speak with her again about where she stood with God, and when we arrived at the hospital, I had a sweet fifteen minute window alone with her before the rest of the family arrived.
My aunt assured me that she was ready to meet the Lord, and that she was praying every day on her own. She seemed incredibly at peace about her destiny, and I believe that right now she is in heaven rejoicing in the presence of her Savior.

Picture yourself walking forward in faith and sharing your story.  Now, imagine your loved one standing at the foot of the cross with arms uplifted in worship. Remember with God nothing is impossible — unless we refuse to believe.

Don’t allow fear to keep you for fulfilling your calling as a witness to your family. Be strong in the power of the Lord and rely on His mighty strength for the work.

Don’t allow fear to keep you for fulfilling your calling as a witness to your family.

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The Power of Trading Spaces instead of Living in Your Own Strength

Trading Spaces is not just a reality show about home design — it’s a Biblical truth that becomes  a reality for every person who yields to Christ. Today, I am delighted to welcome my wise friend, Melissa, to encourage us as we pray: Lord, I want to yield to You today.

When my identical twins were in elementary school, they occasionally tried to trick their teachers by trading spaces. Eventually, either a friend who could discern their different facial features would tell on them or their own sly smiles and giggles would give them away. While most of us don’t have an identical twin to swap identities with at work or school, every Christian has experienced the benefit of Someone taking our place.

Jesus traded spaces with us when He died on the cross to pay the price for our sins. He offered Himself in our place in order to restore our relationship with God. His blood paid the penalty of our sin. While I appreciate Christ’s sacrifice for my eternity, I sometimes forget that His grace enables me in this life as well.

It seems the early believers in the churches spread throughout the region of Galatia had a similar problem. They believed the gospel message was by faith alone, but drifted back to law keeping in their practical day-to-day living. Even the apostle Peter reverted back to rule-following because he feared criticism. (Galatians 2:13)

Christianity began among the Jewish people. When Peter preached at the Pentecost festival in Acts 2, his audience consisted of Israelites who had settled in a variety of nations. For the first decade of Christian ministry, the gospel community was almost entirely Jewish. These believers still practiced their Jewish customs and laws like celebrating holy days and circumcising their boys. When Gentiles began to respond to the message of Christ, it brought a question to the surface:

Did a person have to become a Jew in order to become a Christian?

That question was answered in Acts 15 at what has become known as the Jerusalem council. At one of the first church business meetings, the leadership discussed their policy on circumcision for Gentile believers. They came to the conclusion that salvation came to all through faith so Jewish law was not a requirement for Gentile converts. Peter had been one of the apostles to advocate for these freedoms before the council.

However, when it came down to following rules like Jews not eating with Gentiles, he felt pressured to return to old habits. The apostle Paul rebuked him for starting in grace but reverting back to the law. While we may not struggle with Jewish laws, we understand the concept of starting our walk with Christ in faith, but then reducing our Christian lives to a set of rules.

These were Paul’s words to Peter, “Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.” (Galatians 2:16) He repeated the truth to be clear about faith. Faith in Christ is what makes us right with God.

We know that faith will save us when we die, but can it help us know how to live? Paul tells the Galatian believers that it can. In fact, he says we live an exchanged life. We die to ourselves – our fleshly passions, sinful desire, and earthly pursuits – so that Christ can live in us. Galatians 2:20 says it this way, “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

I don’t know about you, but this verse brings me hope and relief. I don’t have to keep striving, trying, and working to live the Christian life. I can’t do it in my own strength. Only Christ can live the Christian life, and He says He will do it in and through me… and you! So, our focus is not to try harder but to trust the One who loves us.

Like Peter, we may know this truth but struggle to walk in it. Our failures and struggles don’t have to result in shame in our lives. Instead, they can serve as a reminder that we need God. We can’t live the Christian life without Christ. We can confess our tendency toward human effort and remember that our old self was crucified with Christ. He died so that we can live free.

When you find yourself slipping into rule following and human effort, remind yourself that the Christian life isn’t about trying. It’s about trusting. You have the power of the One who loves you and gave His life for you. When you get yourself out of the way and allow Him to lead in your life, you’ll find power in trading spaces!

Prayer: Lord help me to die to myself so that I can live for You today. Thank You for giving up Your life for mine and loving me. I want to trust You more. Show me what it means to stop striving in my own strength and allow Your life to empower me. I want to yield to You today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Christian life isn’t about trying. It’s about trusting.

The Christian life isn’t about trying. It’s about trusting.

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Melissa Spoelstra is a Bible teacher and author who is madly in love with Jesus and passionate about helping others to seek Christ and know Him more intimately. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Bible Theology and is a contributor to Girlfriends in God online devotional as well as Proverbs 31 ministries First Five app. She is the author of seven Bible studies including The Names of God and Jeremiah. You can find her at melissaspoelstra.com and on Facebook.

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 Melissa’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: BEGIN EACH DAY THIS WEEK BY PRAYING “LORD, I want to yield to you 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.

Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box. As a courtesy, please link back to LyliDunbar.com in your post. Grab and share the #FaithOnFire button to spread the word. Use the hashtag #FaithOnFire to share your post and connect on Twitter. Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up and find #FaithFuel for your soul. Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment. (Note: First time members of the Faith on Fire Link-up Community are agreeing to sign up for my weekly email for writers. You can unsubscribe and continue to link-up if you do not find it helpful and encouraging.)

Come grab your#FaithFuel at the #FaithOnFire #LinkUp. I’m sharing my burning passion with @LyliDunbar and friends.

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When You Feel Like You’re Limping into the New Year

Today my friend Ivette showed me a picture of her pretty planner for January. She had written in goals, made concrete plans, and even added colorful stickers. Her January plans are a masterpiece.

She asked me if I’d started planning for the New Year, and I acknowledged having taken a long look at the year ahead with my husband as we sat on either side of the kitchen counter and attempted to figure out when we will make room for the people we love. Even if they don’t show up. We have them on our calendar.

A girl can plan, but she can’t control Providence and corral pesky relatives. It’s not possible. Trust me, I’ve tried and failed miserably.

Just because I write something on my calendar, doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. Maybe that’s why at some point after that hurricane in September, I just stopped writing in my calendar. (Please don’t tell Ivette that I didn’t plan for the last 3 months of this crazy year. Let’s keep that our little secret.)

I’m looking back at my year, and I am wondering where it went. Somewhere between the 4th of July BBQ and Halloween, I lost my precious grip on my life.

So, currently, the laundry from two weeks ago is sitting in my dining room. Last week’s load is still in the dryer. I haven’t paid the bills, and I never did find the Christmas cards.

And on top of that, I didn’t get what I wanted for Christmas. I am not talking about the presents under the tree. I am talking about the people at my table, and the painful empty spot where unmet expectations punctured my heart.

People will disappoint you.

Carefully laid plans are upended, and you have to clean up the messy.

I want to leap into the New Year, but I feel weighed down by the “what ifs” and “should haves.”

I’m limping in the worst way.

Maybe you can relate? I don’t know what you are dragging behind you like a dead limb as we close out this year, but I am guessing I am not the only one with a wobbly walk. If you feel like you can’t take another step without a little assistance, you are not alone.

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon resting — because when you are limping, it’s good to put your feet up and stop trying to drag unbearble weight. I knew I needed renewal. Healing never comes when you insist on running ragged.

As I poured over the pages of a wonderful book, I came across a passage of Scripture that soothed my spirit. I marked it down, and today I spent time sitting with it. For anyone who may be limping along, I wanted to share the therapeutic treatment it outlined.

How to Limp Forward into the New YearBuild Up Your Faith in Community

Jesus walked through life with friends as an example to us. If you are feeling alone, go up to the altar on Sunday and ask for prayer.  Join a small group. Pick up the phone and let someone know you are struggling. Look out for other limpers and link arms to encourage one another. Share Scriptures that lift you up and help you put feet to your faith on hard days. Don’t isolate yourself.  

“But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith…” (Jude 1:20, NLT)

Pray for God’s Spirit to Guide You

When Jesus was preparing to go through His most difficult hour, He took time to quiet his heart before God and cry out from the depths to the One who would sustain Him. Prayer is our offensive weapon when this broken world knocks us down and tries to destroy us. Even if you can’t form the words, you can look up to heaven and groan in despair — the Holy Spirit will know exactly what you need and comfort you. Ask for divine assistance.

“…pray in the power of the Holy Spirit…” (Jude 1:21),

Guard God’s Love in your heart

Remind yourself that Jesus is returning for you — His radiant bride. He loves you sacrificially and is fighting for you every moment of this day. He will restore you fully.  

“Guard and keep yourselves in the love of God; expect and patiently wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah,—which will bring you unto life eternal.” (Jude 1:21, AMPC)

Right now, I am limping. But God has promised to hold me up. He will never let me fall if I cry out to Him. All I need to do is take one tiny step of faith forward into the new year. So I’ve done a few things to get started. I signed up for the women’s Bible study at church, and I am determining to spend more time in my Bible and less time on social media. I’ve also created a Pray Big Calendar for January — just one simple sentence prayer a day offered up to God.

Friend, you don’t have to plan for 365 days right now. You just need to drag yourself one pinky toe forward in God’s direction. He will do the rest.

To help you get started, 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.  

I’m going to start every day in January on my knees using this #PrayBig Calendar.

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As we link arms together, lift our hearts up to God, and look for His mercy, healing will come. Our step will grow stronger, and although we may still limp as we walk through life, we will see God’s hand holding us up and find hope to stay the course.

Let’s Chat: How are you limping toward the new year? What encourages you to keep moving forward? I’d love to pray for you (and know that I am not alone!). Share below or send me an email.

 

⇓
AN INVITATION:
I’m inviting 20 women to join me for Encouragement and Accountability in the new year.  I’ve chosen 10 life-changing books for us to read together. Read all the details and sign up here.

 

⇓

⇓ 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.

Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box. ???? As a courtesy, please link back to LyliDunbar.com in your post. Grab and share the #FaithOnFire button to spread the word. Use the hashtag #FaithOnFire to share your post and connect on Twitter. Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up and find #FaithFuel for your soul. Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment. (Note: First time members of the Faith on Fire Link-up Community are agreeing to sign up for my weekly email for writers. You can unsubscribe and continue to link-up if you do not find it helpful and encouraging.)

Come grab your#FaithFuel at the #FaithOnFire #LinkUp. I’m sharing my burning passion with @LyliDunbar and friends.

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The post When You Feel Like You’re Limping into the New Year appeared first on Lyli Dunbar.

When You End the Year Praying “Empower Me” and Expect a Breakthrough

Today, I am delighted to welcome my wise friend, Kimberly, to encourage us as we pray: Lord, empower me.

I love to check things off my to-do list. Sometimes, I add tasks to my to-do list that I have already done just so I can cross them off and feel accomplished, notable, and worthy.

My need to perform has served me well at work and, in particular social and ministry circles. People would say, “You get so much done.” or “How do you do it all?” It felt good to hear those things. However, I would often get to the end of a day and beat myself up for not getting more done. I would often be cranky and short with the people I love.

When the world shut down in March of 2020, I secretly breathed a sigh of relief. I had a legitimate excuse to do less, binge-watch TV and snuggle nonstop with my kids. But as the restrictions continued, I saw the goals I set for the year slip away, not just professionally but also in my personal and family life.

Unfortunately, as time went on, I watched our church fall apart due to scandal. An investment into my business didn’t pay off, my oldest daughter left for college, and my dad passed away unexpectedly. I could not DO anything to change what was happening around me. I felt crushed.

I became busy filling the void. I continued to check things off my to-do list, but it only gave me a false sense of security. From the outside, I looked productive, but I was having a full-blown identity crisis. I could barely pray.

“Does anything I do matter?”

“Is this work even worth doing?”

“God, do you still love me?”

I have a feeling you have experienced a season like this, too. Maybe yours, like mine, included a valley where loss left you feeling helpless. You’re experiencing loss of a loved one, loss of income, loss of friends that think differently than you, or loss of freedom. Maybe it’s a struggle in your marriage or a personal health crisis. You keep trying to DO more to change course, or at least make the pain go away.

I never truly connected to the book of Psalms until this past year and a half. Not only did I begin to relate to them, but I also embraced them. When I wasn’t able to pray, I was able to read.

Lord God, unlock my heart, unlock my lips, and I will overcome with my joyous praise! For the source of Your pleasure is not in my performance or the sacrifices I might offer to You. The fountain of Your pleasure is found in the sacrifice of my shattered heart before You. You will not despise my tenderness as I bow down humbly at Your feet.

Psalm 51:15-17, TPT  

 

Surrender your anxiety. Be still and realize that I am God. I am God above all the nations, and I am exalted throughout the whole earth.

Psalm 46:10, TPT  

 

Then I will say to my soul, “Don’t be discouraged; don’t be disturbed, for I fully expect my Savior-God to break through for me. Then I’ll have plenty of reasons to praise Him all over again.” Yes, He is my saving grace!

Psalm 43:5, TPT

 

I’ve created a new spiritual discipline for myself. Each morning, I read one Psalm over and over again, 2-3 times. I don’t try to speed through it (so I can check it off my list), but instead I allow myself to sit in grief and ease my way into hope.

My mind began to be transformed. I remembered that my worth and value do not come from what I accomplish or perform. When I can not see God’s hand in my life, I trust that He is there guiding me and even others. I don’t have to strive.

Slowly I have moved from praying “Lord, save me!” to “Lord, empower me!” I’ve begun to pray big and “expect my Savior-God to breakthrough for me.”

We cannot control the season we are in, the loss we experience, or the transitions we inevitably will go through. However, we can choose to anchor our worth, value, and hope in God.

[ctt template="2" link="Bt7ak" via="no" ]We cannot control the season we are in, the loss we experience, or the transitions we inevitably will go through. However, we can choose to anchor our worth, value, and hope in God.

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As I head into the New Year, I will continue to hold my to-do list, goals, and future with an open hand. As I do that, I will keep God and His Word in the mix, reading, meditating, and speaking His truth.

When we do this, the weight of self-sufficiency is removed. We can be kind to ourselves and flow in freedom and love towards others.

Let’s pray with expectation: Lord, empower me. 

Let’s move from praying “Lord, save me!” to “Lord, empower me!” We can begin to pray big and expect our Savior-God to breakthrough for us.

Click To Tweet Meet Kimberly

Kimberly Amici is known for her creativity, strong faith, and commitment to living life with purpose and passion. She is an entrepreneur, designer, and podcast producer. She is the founder of Build Your Best Family which helps people live a life of purpose with the ones they love and become the family they were meant to be through podcasts, courses, and personal coaching. Kimberly writes at www.kimberlyamici.com. She lives with her husband Carl and their three teenagers in the NYC suburbs.

Connect with Kimberly: Instagram – Blog

Check out Build Your Best Family:

Facebook – Instagram – Podcast 

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. We can whisper “Lord, empower me” for this day.

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

Let’s pray big! Lord, empower me.  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 pray, “Lord, empower me” together.  

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 draw encouragement to 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.  

You can pray each day, “Lord empower me” and expect Him to answer. 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 Kimberly’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: BEGIN EACH DAY THIS WEEK BY PRAYING “LORD, Empower Me.” 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.

Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box. As a courtesy, please link back to LyliDunbar.com in your post. Grab and share the #FaithOnFire button to spread the word. Use the hashtag #FaithOnFire to share your post and connect on Twitter. Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up and find #FaithFuel for your soul. Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment. (Note: First time members of the Faith on Fire Link-up Community are agreeing to sign up for my weekly email for writers. You can unsubscribe and continue to link-up if you do not find it helpful and encouraging.)

Come grab your#FaithFuel at the #FaithOnFire #LinkUp. I’m sharing my burning passion with @LyliDunbar and friends.

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You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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The post When You End the Year Praying “Empower Me” and Expect a Breakthrough appeared first on Lyli Dunbar.

How to Rest Like a Merry Gentleman This Christmas

On Friday, I got an unexpected text message that through me into a tailspin. The Christmas music was playing throughout the house.  Ironically, I could hear “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman” in the air as I processed devastating news.  

My Christmas mood immediately disappeared, and the spirit of Scrooge descended like a dark cloud.

I was neither merry nor bright.

I almost let the Grinch steal my Christmas, but thankfully I had 3 praying sisters who reminded me of the Truth.

I must confess I am easily discouraged. My enemy knows this, so he doesn’t have to do much for me to start seeing  only coal in my Christmas stocking.

My accuser wants me to live defeated. He whispers, “Your world is dark, and it’ never going to get any brighter.”

But he is a liar. He is a liar from the pit of hell.

Because Light has come.

I need not dismay. Christ has come to dispel the darkness.

I can rest and be merry in the Light of His love today.

Maybe like me, you’ve had less than a holly jolly December. Perhaps you are hoping Santa will show up to pay that outrageous  bill, or you’ve spent a few sleepless nights wondering if your prodigal will be home for Christmas. It night even be you who is living with a Scrooge without any Christmas spirit.

From the lyrics of a beloved Christmas carol, I discovered 3 reasons we can find peace and strength in the midst of the chaos. I wanted to share them with you this week because I am guessing at least one person reading this needs a Christmas miracle.

How to Rest Like a Merry Gentleman This ChristmasRecall Christ has saved you from Satan’s power when you were gone astray.

You don’t have to fight fear this Christmas because Jesus has already defeated the enemy. Remember you are on the winning team and walk with your head high.

“He has rescued us completely from the tyrannical rule of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom realm of His beloved Son.” (Colossians 1:13, TPT)

Rehearse the tidings of comfort and joy.

God has promised to fully restore and redeem your story. Every broken piece of your life He is going to beautifully repurpose. Very soon, Christ will wipe away every and forever destroy death and darkness.

“The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; He will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing.” (Isaiah 51:3, NIV)

Remember to embrace one another in true love and brotherhood.

God has knit our hearts together as His children, and we need one another’s encouragement to stay standing. When we are going through a difficult season, the enemy tries to discourage us so that we stop stepping toward others for support. Isolation is how he defeats us. Resist the urge to hideout and reach out to your sisters for help.

“We know what true love looks like because of Jesus. He gave His life for us, and He calls us to give our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (I John 3:16, Voice)

To help you dispel the darkness, I’ve created a one-page printable for you 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.

As we tune out the chattter in this chaotic world and listen to Savior , we will gain strength to rise above the crazy. He will give us His comfort and joy to keep us merry even in the midst of the messiest situations. The watching world will see our little lights shining brightly and ask us how we can stay so calm and bright.

Dispel the darkness this December by resting in Christ.

Dispel the darkness this December by resting in Christ.

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 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.

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 How to Rest Like a Merry Gentleman This Christmas appeared first on Lyli Dunbar.

When Your Cry for Help is a Simple but Powerful Prayer

Today, I am delighted to welcome my wise friend, Grace, to encourage us as we pray a simple but powerful prayer: “Lord, I need Your help.”

The storm swept into my life with gale force winds. It began when COVID-19 affected my daughter’s job. The change necessitated het flying to our city one week per month for work. She stayed with us, and I babysat her toddler while juggling writing deadlines and ministry responsibilities.

Two months into this arrangement, my 87-year-old mother was hospitalized. She listed her condo for sale when doctors said she could no longer live independently. The task of purging her belongings fell to me, my brother, and our spouses. Trouble was, her home was 12 hours from mine.

I drove to Mom’s place three times in eight weeks and stayed to lend a hand as long as possible before returning home to host, babysit, and write. The storm climaxed with a week of keeping vigil at Mom’s bedside before she passed away. Then came the funeral and a final dash home to host, babysit, and write.

During this time, I lost count of the number of times I prayed, “Lord, help.” This two-word prayer became my go-to day and night. It was simple, but it proved powerful. God answered by giving me physical strength and inner peace that surpassed anything I’d ever known.

No doubt you’ve experienced storms, too. Perhaps yours, like mine, was a family emergency. Maybe an acute health crisis struck. Perhaps you experienced the fallout of a natural disaster, faced extended unemployment, or struggled through a difficult time in your marriage. Your circumstances consumed your attention, time, and energy. Like me, a two-word prayer was all you could utter.

I used to think long, eloquent, and spiritual-sounding prayers were hands-down the most effective. Then I discovered Psalm 107. One section in particular caught my attention. It describes sailors aboard a vessel being pummeled by hurricane force winds while crossing the sea. It says they saw God’s power in action, meaning they encountered waves that tossed their boat like a bathtub toy.

The passage describes the men’s emotional state: “The sailors cringed in terror. They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits’ end.” It also describes their response: “‘Lord, help!’ they cried in their trouble.” (Psalm 107:26-28, NLT)

The sailors’ two-word prayer was far from eloquent. It was simple, but it proved powerful for God heard and responded.

He saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor!

-Psalm 107:28-30, NLT

Sometimes the only prayer we can muster is a brief cry for help. It may seem insignificant, but it’s effective. Here’s why:

“Lord, help!” admits that we can’t handle the storm in our own strength and wisdom. It acknowledges our dependence on God to see us through. This demonstrates humility as mentioned in 1 Peter 5:6-7: “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.”God honors humility, therefore we can be confident that He will answer our prayers when we admit our need for His help.“Lord, help!” invites God to accomplish the best outcome. Sometimes our prayers sound more like marching orders—“God, I need You to do such-and-such”—but a simple call for aid throws open the door for Him to work according to His will. It’s like saying, “God, I don’t even know what to pray. Do whatever You want in Your way and in Your time to achieve Your purposes.”“Lord, help!” trusts God with our heart’s deepest cries. We might so distraught that we can’t form the words to describe our needs, but He understands. We may be battle-weary but we know we’re safe in His arms, wrapped in His care. He’s got us, and we’re good with that because we know His character and promises are completely trustworthy.

We all face storms sooner or later. Sometimes they sweep in, last much longer than we wish, and leave us at our wits’ end. In the midst of the storm, we hang onto hope knowing God hears our simple but powerful prayers. So, let’s do as the sailors did and cry, “Lord, help!” when…

forgiveness feels impossible.grief washes over us.fear for our loved ones’ well-being grips us.financial uncertainty looms large.our dreams come crashing down.our workload feels far too heavy.

God answered the sailors’ cry, and He will answer ours. He will come, He will save us, and He will still the storm in us. He will.

Hang onto hope and know God hears your simple but powerful prayer. 

Hang onto hope and know God hears your simple but powerful prayer. 

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Grace Fox is a career missionary who lives aboard a sailboat in Vancouver, British Columbia. She’s the author of ten books including the award-winning Finding Hope in Crisis: Devotions for Calm in Chaos. She’s a member of the “First 5” Bible study writing team with Proverbs 31 Ministries, a regular contributor to Guideposts’ annual devotional Mornings With Jesus, and a podcast co-host for “Your Daily Bible Verse.”

Subscribe to Grace’s weekly devotional blog for more encouragement.  

Connect with Grace:

Blog – Podcast – Facebook – Instagram – Pinterest

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 Grace’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:Begin each day this week by praying “Lord, I need Your help.” 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.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR RESOURCES TO FIRE UP YOUR FAITH?FRIENDS: AS A SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER, I HAVE A SWEET LIST OF MY FAVORITE RESOURCES TO FUEL A WILDFIRE FAITH IN MY VERY OWN SHOP ON AMAZON.  (NOTE: I WILL GET A LITTLE SOMETHING BACK IF YOU FOLLOW ANY OF THE LINKS IN THIS POST AND BUY ANYTHING ON THIS PAGE. THANKS IN ADVANCE IF YOU DO.).

Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box. As a courtesy, please link back to LyliDunbar.com in your post. Grab and share the #FaithOnFire button to spread the word. Use the hashtag #FaithOnFire to share your post and connect on Twitter. Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up and find #FaithFuel for your soul. Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment. (Note: First time members of the Faith on Fire Link-up Community are agreeing to sign up for my weekly email for writers. You can unsubscribe and continue to link-up if you do not find it helpful and encouraging.)

Come grab your#FaithFuel at the #FaithOnFire #LinkUp. I’m sharing my burning passion with @LyliDunbar and friends.

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The post When Your Cry for Help is a Simple but Powerful Prayer appeared first on Lyli Dunbar.

How to Celebrate Thanksgiving When You are Not Feeling It

We opened up the box and spread out all the domino pieces on the counter. Our friends, Ami and Chris, had joined us for an early Thanksgiving “friendsgiving” and game night. All day long, I’d been hankering for a bowl of chili out of my crockpot, and I couldn’t wait to taste the chocolate-covered strawberries for dessert. Everything was planned and ready to go. Exceptional fun was on the menu–until we counted all the dominoes.  

One piece was missing.  

I shrugged my shoulders and resigned myself to the inevitable. Something essential was gone, and I had no idea why it happened or how to fix it.  

That dollar store box of dominoes is kind of a metaphor for my life lately. I know God has asked me to keep participating in the game of life even though my box is currently missing all the required pieces for play.  

I confess some days I am just not feeling it. The holidays are especially hard. The boxes full of Christmas decorations are stacked in a corner, and I am pretty sure I am going to have a good cry if I unpack them.  

How do you celebrate Thanksgiving when you lack something vital to your joy? This is a conversation I’ve had with several brokenhearted friends who understand my dilemma. Perhaps this Thanksgiving you aren’t feeling festive because a chair at your table will be empty. Maybe someone is acting like they forgot your phone number, and you are sad. Perhaps you’d rather gobble down a few Oreos alone and skip the turkey entirely.  

Friend, I totally get how you feel. As we get closer to the holidays, all the brokenness in our lives becomes unavoidably painful. The sticky situations, the family dysfunction, the grudges people insist on bringing to the table — all of this makes me want to cancel Thanksgiving entirely and just avoid the discomfort.  

Yet, even though not everything is perfect and wrapped in a pretty box this Thanksgiving, I am blessed beyond measure. God is good, and He can heal all my broken places as He pours out His grace.  

Because I belong to God, there is always reason to celebrate. In hopes of reminding myself of this fact, I opened up my Bible and discovered 3 changes I can make to my mindset to stop being a grouch and step into gratitude this November:  

Here’s How You Can Celebrate Thanksgiving When You Don’t Feel It:Focus on what you’ve not lost, rather than on what you didn’t receive.  

 No matter how heartbreaking this year has been, God has set you free from condemnation. I confess I am quick to complain about my hardships, and I easily forget I’ve been fully forgiven. God’s kindness to sinners like you and me is a miracle, and that’s a gift of grace we cannot ever lose.  

“Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things….” (Psalm 103:2-5, NLT)Think about how much you are loved, not about how little you are appreciated.  

People we care about may disregard us and treat us with indifference, but God’s love pursues us relentlessly. The gaping hole in our heart can only be adequately filled by our Father’s tender care. When this world tries to tell you you are not valued, remind yourself you are His beloved. 

“…the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him.” (Psalm 103:16, ESV)Contemplate what stands eternally sure instead of what seems currently insurmountable.  

Any injustice you experience today will not thwart God’s triumphant plan for your life. Your God sits enthroned in heaven, and He will get the glory through every circumstance in the end. If your life seems chaotic and unbearable right now, fix your thoughts on the hope of heaven. God is on your side, and He never stops fighting for redemption.

“The Lord has made the heavens His throne; from there He rules over everything.” (Psalm 103:19, NLT)

Need more help to celebrate Thanksgiving when you don’t feel it? I’ve created a one-page printable for you to count your blessings from A to Z this month. Download a copy and grab a cup of tea. Then, find a quiet spot to sit down for a spell to reflect on how God has shown up for you in unexpected ways this past year.  Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and  grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. 

Bonus: I’m also going to count my blessings from A to Z on my Instagram and Facebook for the first 26 days in November, and I’d love for you to join me there and share yours.    

When we choose to bless the Lord in the midst of a difficult season, we stand rooted in God’s Word and not ruled by our feelings.  An inexplicable peace will fill our hearts because we know God’s goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives. We can cease from striving and give thanks because we know these 3 Truths:  

God is always good. He generously provides for our needs.

God will never stop loving us. He will never leave us or forsake us.  

God remains in control. Our future is secure.  

Trusting God with your tomorrow helps you to celebrate Thanksgiving today.

Trusting God with your tomorrow helps you to celebrate Thanksgiving today.

Click To Tweet Let’s Chat: What helps you to celebrate Thanksgiving when you are not feeling it? ARE YOU STRUGGLING TO FIGURE OUT YOUR NEXT STEP? I CAN PARTNER WITH YOU TO HELP YOU CLARIFY THE CALLING GOD UNIQUELY CREATED YOU TO FULFILL.CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO START WORKING ON A PLAN TO REFINE YOUR PASSION AND PURPOSE.

 

 

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.

Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box. As a courtesy, please link back to LyliDunbar.com in your post. Grab and share the #FaithOnFire button to spread the word. Use the hashtag #FaithOnFire to share your post and connect on Twitter. Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up and find #FaithFuel for your soul. Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment. (Note: First time members of the Faith on Fire Link-up Community are agreeing to sign up for my weekly email for writers. You can unsubscribe and continue to link-up if you do not find it helpful and encouraging.)

Come grab your#FaithFuel at the #FaithOnFire #LinkUp. I’m sharing my burning passion with @LyliDunbar and friends.

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The post How to Celebrate Thanksgiving When You are Not Feeling It appeared first on Lyli Dunbar.