Most Powerful 3 Letter Word

" I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:13

This verse is known by almost everyone - Christian and non-Christian alike.  But if we really understood this verse, our world would be a very different place.  

Do you know what the most important word is in this verse?  (I'll give you a hint -it's one of the shortest.) The most important word is all.  It doesn't say "I can do some things" or "I can do the easy things".  It says "I can do all things".  This is so powerful.

With this promise from God, your life has new meaning.  It means you don't have to stay where you are right now.  It means that whatever you are going through is only temporary and you will come out on the other side of it better off.  It means that whatever the diagnosis was, God will give you the strength to get through it.  It means that if you are without a job right now, God will give you the strength to get through it.  It even means that if you are grieving right now, God will give you the strength to get through it. 

You do have a role to play however.  You can't just sit around, having a pity party, waiting on God to deliver the strength you need.  You have to get up everyday, thanking God for all of your blessings and asking Him constantly to give you the strength to deal with the day.  You have to find joy even when it is challenging.  And you have to accept His strength and talk positively about your situation.  

There is a treasure in every trial.  There is a message in every mess.  Find yours today.  Start every day listing three things you are grateful for.  I'll help you get started - you woke up today.  Live the awesome life that Christ died for you to live and know that you can do anything - not by your own works and strength, but by Christ who strengthens you.

Let It Go

I can sing every word to this song, but singing it and doing it are two completely different things.  One of the hardest things I have had to learn to do is let things go - everything - and give it to God.  You see, we know God can do anything, but we tend to only want Him to do what we want.

Have you ever been in a tough, uncomfortable situation and completely given it over to God - that no matter what happens, you are okay because you know it is God's will?

"Give your burdens to the Lord and He will take care of you."  Psalm 55:22

All Christians know to do this, but doing it is tricky.  You see, when you give it all to God, that means you have to completely let it go.  You shouldn't think about it anymore, worry about it, or concern yourself any longer.  Truly giving it to God means every time a negative thought or worry pops in your head, you simply say "I'm not worrying about this.  God has it and His will will be done".

The hardest part is when we have to accept that His will may be an uncomfortable situation.  For example, maybe you have been diagnosed with an illness or maybe you have a situation where you can't do something you used to be able to do.  Perhaps you are struggling in a relationship or a job.  Whatever it is, no exceptions, give it to God 100% and He will take care of you.  This doesn't mean He will remove it, it doesn't mean you won't be uncomfortable, but it means you need to get up everyday with joy in your heart and with a positive attitude because you know that your Father has got you.  And what a witness you will be when you are smiling through your situation and when you don't complain even though in the world's eyes you have every reason too!

Have a blessed week!

Finding Joy

I am currently studying the book of Ecclesiastes and it is so amazing everything that I have learned.  If you want to hear the studies, you can check out our podcast and listen to chapters 1-3 as of today and we will be adding a new chapter each week until we finish.

But today I wanted to share something truly amazing that I believe will help so many of you.  Did you know that God expects us to have joy in all circumstances?  Even when things aren't going our way.  Well, it's true.  And this is really hard.  When life is beating on you, it can be a great challenge to keep your joy.  But in Ecclesiastes 3:12-13, it says this very thing.  Basically, God's people will find meaning and joy in life when they cheerfully accept it from the hand of God.

What are you going through today?  Are you "cheerfully accepting it from the hand of God" or are you losing hope, downtrodden, and just plain miserable?  Jesus came that we may have and enjoy everyday life (John 10:10 AMP).  God guides us in multiple places in His word that if we truly believe in Him, we can get through anything with joy and praise.  We can accept what is happening and know that it is for God's glory and our good.

I challenge you today to pray this prayer - "God, I'm not okay with what I am going through, but I am going to trust you 100%.  I trust that you are going to take this situation and use it for your glory.  God, help me to cheerfully accept my situation because without you, it is impossible.  I give it all to you God.  Give me the strength and wisdom to find and keep my joy in this challenging situation.  In Jesus's name I pray, Amen!"

God loves you and He has not forsaken you.  There is a reason you are going through what He is allowing.  Trust Him and know that whatever the reason is, it is for your good and the good of His message.  We pray over you today.  We love you and pray that you have a blessed week, no matter your circumstances.  Find your joy through Jesus!