Extra Grace Required

If you know me at all, you know that I absolutely adore my momma. She is my favorite person in the world because she has stuck by me through good times and bad. Some of you guys may not believe it, but I wasn't the easiest child in the world. In fact, I was what you would call a "difficult child", or "a handful". The thing that impresses me to this day is that despite all that, my mother still had a tremendous amount of love and grace for me. 

She and I were talking about a week ago, and she told me something that really has stuck with me. She told me that God's timing isn't always convenient, and sometimes the most important things God has for you to do are the ones that you want to do the least.

That struck a chord. We live in a world where we are so self centered and focused on what we want that we put ourselves on a pedestal. Is something inconvenient? We don't do it. Hear that whisper in your heart to help someone but you'd rather do something else? We ignore the whisper. We put way too much emphasis on us and not enough emphasis on others. 

You might not wanna hear it, but at some point, you were one of the difficult people, just like me. And my bet is that someone gave you a little extra grace, and went out of their way to help you. It may have been bad timing or they had something they'd rather do, but they went and showed Christ's love to  you. Now it's your turn.

Galatians 6:9 instructs us to do what is right and bear one another's burdens without growing weary. I'm imploring you, look around. See who you can help. If you hear that whisper in your heart, or feel a nudge at your spirit, don't ignore it. Do what you are called to do. You never know what kind of impact you are making. Never miss an opportunity to further the Kingdom of God, or be His hands and feet here on Earth. Extend grace as He does. Show unconditional love like He does. Reach out to the hurting. I'm not saying it will be easy, but I am saying that it will be worth it. 

Surrender

*Hey, y'all! Hope 2015 has been blessed and wonderful for you and yours so far! Sorry I've been absent. Life's gotten a little hectic around my neck of the woods, but I do believe we are back on track for weekly posts. Thanks for sticking with me, friends!*


Life is crazy, plain and simple. Some times in life are smooth sailing, and that's wonderful. Some seasons in life are confusing and painful. Those times are less than wonderful.

If you are in a "smooth-sailing" season, I am so happy for you! Enjoy the great things that are happening, and praise God for what's going on in your world.

If you're in a "choppy-sea" time in your life, it's okay. I'm right there with you, friend. It's tough to keep fighting sometimes. Some days, you don't feel okay (and that is okay. Whatever you are feeling is okay.) and you struggle to make it through the day. Been there, done that. But, it will get better. It's hard to be hopeful with an uncertain future, isn't it? There is hope. Our hope is in Christ Jesus, who has overcome the world. He is stronger than sin, stronger than death, and stronger than whatever you are facing. Your future is in His hands.

God is for you, not against you. He is with you, and He will be your strength. He will not leave you. Not now, not ever. Even in your darkest time, He is faithful. You are His beloved child. He cares so deeply for you. He is all-knowing, all-sustaining, and loves you more than you can fathom.

I'll be completely honest with you: I don't have all the answers. I don't understand His plan right now. I don't know why I am facing these specific trials, and enduring this pain. I don't know your situation, or why you're enduring these struggles either. I don't know what's gonna happen next. But I earnestly believe that God has a plan, and His plan is perfect. I know He will work all things for our good and His glory.

It's okay to hurt. It's okay to be sad. It's okay to cry. It's okay to be mad, or confused. It's okay to feel. Just don't get stuck in the sadness, the pain, the tears, or the anger. They'll knock you down. You gotta get back up again. Don't stay down.

So, dear friend, I encourage you to keep strong in your faith, and lean on the Lord. Depend upon Him. He cares for you. He will sustain and provide. Give your worries, fears, and doubts to Him. Just surrender. Hold tight to His promises, and keep fighting a good fight. This situation is just temporary. It won't last forever. There's light at the end of the tunnel. Life isn't easy, and some times are tougher than others. But have faith. It'll get better.


"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." -James 1:2-4