Just because it has been, doesn't mean it always will be.
Yes, I believe history, in general, repeats itself. If things don't change, things won't change.
As a Christ Follower, I also believe some things in history will not repeat itself because there is no lack of newness of life in God's Kingdom realm. In the timeline economy of God, time is relative...some things will repeat themselves, but for many things they will not.
Let me explain.
Have you ever caught yourself saying something like, "Well, it happened once, I am sure it will happen again," "It's in my family," "I will never change," "this always happens," "it happened to her, I am sure it will happen to me too."
Here are some of the assumptions I have made over the years in my own personal life...
- My Grandma had cancer, I probably will too.
- I miscarried once, I probably will this time too.
- My friend's husband struggled, I am sure mine will too.
- Doors never opened, I guess now they never will.
- I don't have an inner circle of Sister Friends, I guess I never will.
- I wasn't successful in that, I won't be successful in this either.
- It's in the family, I guess it always will be.
- I lost that time, I will surely lose this time.
- They have it so its not meant for me.
- It didn't work last time, it won't work this time.
BUT GOD...
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
I am the LORD, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King.” This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:16-19
Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Matthew 16:8-9
We believe scarcely. I can't help but wonder how many of us are suffering with a scarcity mindset when it comes to newness of life in Christ. He is our renewing, healing, redemption. In Christ, chains are broken, curses lifted, He makes a way when there seems to be no way, blessing abound in His Name.
His power dwells within us and in Him, we are new creations, each one of us fearfully and wonderfully made, hemmed in before our breath took it's first gasp on earth. He seeks after what is lost that they may be found. He parts waters, purifies, protects, conquers, removes, satisfies...He is the God of mercy and healing.
He is doing a new thing, always.
In Him, we armor up in faith, believing, trusting, seeking, refining, pruning, maturing, sanctifying, fighting...surrendering.
"I remember when," is a great recall both in the Word and by word of testimony from your own life, but also through others. This is why it's so important we share our testimonies as evidence! I love the lyrics, "Who am I to deny what the Lord can do." As Christ Followers we are charged with renewing our minds and fixing our eyes on Jesus, not on the earthly things our flesh dwells amongst, rather the eternal....the redemption and circumcision of Christ's Love.
History will not always repeat itself and what was will not always be when we look Heavenward.
Blind will see.
Death will live.
Lost will be found.
Mercy will renew.
Dead will rise.
Old will be new.
Jesus came to set captives free and in Him, our hope strengthens, by faith that He is Over All.
So whatever it is in your life that was, "it WAS."
Let God be your "IS."
Does this mean nothing bad will ever happen or repeat itself? No. I love what Paul says, he has learned how to be content in the plans of God, in turbulent waters and beside still waters alike. In the fire and in the den, He is with us.
We can choose to live, not in our flesh that WAS, but our spirit that IS, in the abundance of surrender that says, "I believe God can do anything." Will our faith set us free from the bondage of "cants?" Yes. We choose to live in the blessing and provision of God, according to HIS perfect will for our lives.
It won't always look like what we thought it would and He certainly is not a Magic Genie to grant our wishes, but He is Lord and Creator over all who is head over all things and in Him all things are redeemed and held together. Everything sifts through His hands, meant for our good and His glory alone.
Grace Upon Grace....we are NOT as we were!!! Glory to God!
His Word, Who Was and Is, will always be, forever and ever. THIS is our history, NOW!
Through the unknown, through what was, through the deep waters, Go Change History by Faith Sister! His heart is for you!!!
Your Heart Sister, Michele
In the next blog, let's talk about the power of our words since Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
In this blog post, the author delves into the topic of overcoming fear and the various aspects associated with it. They emphasize the importance of giving oneself permission to pause and create space for grace in order to combat feelings of inadequacy and fear of failure. The author also highlights the need to evaluate priorities and focus on the people in our lives rather than getting caught up in tasks and external expectations. They recommend seeking guidance from God and establishing clear boundaries and guidelines to address interruptions. Additionally, the author emphasizes the significance of sisterhood, boundaries, and intimate worship in navigating fear and finding peace and surrender. Overall, the post encourages readers to trust in God's provision and embrace a posture of surrender.
Read more...
Just in case you thought you were the ONLY ONE....YOU ARE NOT!!! I did a quick Google search and found this statistic across several sites...85% of us are struggling with love self esteem....WOW! No wonder filters are such a big deal these days. People are hiding. I know that tactic all too well. I spent most of my life hiding.
As a Believer, we should not be surprised when the enemy taunts us with these thoughts...
- Who do you think you are?
- You aren't equipped.
- You are ready or wise enough.
- You pray way too much and God is gonna get frustrated with you if you keep asking for His help.
- You are easily replaceable!
- They can do it way better than you.
- It's too much work, don't waste your time and energy, certainly not your prayer time over it.
- It won't make a difference anyway.
Sound familiar?!? I have heard them too.
These are the questions I couldn't answer in truth because the truths I believed were actually lies. Believing these lies is why I hid. I didn't want to be less than. I didn't want to fail or be rejected by God or others. So, under the bushel I slipped to hide my tiny Light afraid if I let it grow, I would be burned.
Friend, our Light is Shielded in Love. Where the Spirit of God is, we are free, empowered and cared for. We stand in the fiery furnace, not consumed by death, but surrounded by Life. He died and rose again for YOU! To give you His power within you to walk this side of Glory in His name, in Divine purpose and plan, with power, peace and faith.
Faith that says you are able cuz He is with you.
Faith that holds you in sinking sands.
Faith that leads you through the wilderness and over the crashing waves.
Faith that finds what is lost and gives sight to what was blind.
Faith that breaks generational curses and dissolves chains fear bound.
Will there still be pain and suffering? Yes. Will you still have to overcome lies with truths? Yes. The enemy will never stop his schemes to get you to step back. God called us out to GO therefore!
Once I learned the truths of God's design for His children, for me, to walk by faith and not by sight, as I experience trials, pruned, refined, renewing my mind as this temporary life rolls by. With every second, I call this to mind that I must choose to remain steadfast, strong, courageous, confident in the leading and provision of my Lord, unafraid to share and shine together with all my Sisters as a city on a hill on the shorelines of Grace!
- You are more than a conqueror.
- You are more than able.
- His grace is enough
- Nothing can separate you from His Love.
- There is a peace that surpasses ll understanding in Jesus.
- We can rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
- We make choices that quench the Spirit...let's stop doing that!
- You were created for HIs glory and His heart is for you.
- We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
- A surrendered life is full of beauty and strength where joy grows.
Today, remember who you are, Daughter of The King. You are a Warrior. You are His temple to shine and serve as His hands and feet here in the dirt of earth until He calls you home. Look at your fingerprints...there's your path, unique to YOU! No one else can compare to your direction, gifts, talents or experience. Your wisdom is not in the books of the world, but in The Book of Life, The Word of God.
Put on then, His Love, His compassionate hearts and seek Him first for the next steps, every day, all the days of your life. Until we take our breath inside the Gates of Glory, let's draw near to His Consuming Fire and stay LIT UP in Jesus Name for His glory alone.
We live for HIM, Christ Alone, Name above all other Names, our Audience of One!
Seeing BIG COURAGEOUS Heart Hugs as you seek HIM ABOVE ALL ELSE,
Michele
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
Do you ever feel like every thought you have is a wrestling match of good vs bad? You are afraid yet confident...excited but terrified? Anticipating yet avoiding?!? Or is it just me!?!
God is faithful and uses our tests for testimonies if we let go of fear and pride to let Him use us!! In the beginning of your personal development journey, you realize how much you don't realize about your thoughts. As much as a positive thinker I am, I have allowed fear to set up an ocean of fear that my thoughts soak in. I assumed I was just a worrier. I assumed I was just cautious. It wasn't until I began learning I could discipline and cleanse my body and my mind, renewing it day by day, in faith, with grace, through Love.
It begins with prayer. Asking and Seeking His presence first of your day, throughout your day, as you laid down your head. In our prayers, affirming Who He is as our Father and Friend. It is confessing your fears and doubts and releasing them from your control, turning them over to His control. It's adoration, sitting in worship and gratitude.
When we set our minds on things from above, our hearts and faith strengthen.
Since this learning, I am constantly soaking my thoughts in the deep living waters of faith. This is where I have found peace and joy.
There is no depth too deep, shoreline too far or hug of God too far from you. He hears you and sees you because He loves you so very much and nothing can separate you from His Sweet Love!
Fear IS a trap!
Fear IS isolating!
Fear IS suffocating!
Fear IS weakening!
Fear IS minimizing!
Faith IS strengthening!!
Faith IS plentiful!!
Faith IS reaching!!
Faith IS embolding!!
Faith conquers Fear!
Walk by FAITH, do not fear!
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones." Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.”
â€â€Genesis‬ â€50:20-21‬ â€ESV‬‬
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
I just didn’t know I could change. I thought I was just me. When it’s all you know, it’s simply all you know. This is why speaking life is so important along with Sisterhood, Mentorships, personal development and community.
Born into the Cradle Roll at our church by a military Dad and Friend-to-Everyone Mom, “going above and beyond and doing the right thing" was basically my DNA. You add in my shy, insecure personality and there ya have your official Shy Girl, Holy Rolly, Goodie Two Shoes, always trying to be perfect and pure, not causing any issues, church girl.
I accepted my Less-Than-Ness, fueled in the comparison game of observing the brilliance and beauty of everyone else seemingly living the perfect life. While my mindset was completely wrong, my heart was pure, desiring to be better and live "right" before God, family and others. It would be many, many years later I learned to live a life of Grace and honor rather than perfection and perception.
You don’t have to go very far online or out in the world to discover the next newest thing you don’t have and why you (apparently) need it now!
You can't help but wonder if it could be true. Those of us who struggle with insecurity are the perfect customer for these commercials. We are willing to try any and every thing out there in the quest for becoming better.
After years of self-doubt and constant fear of judgement, I collapsed under the pressure falling prostrate into a pit. Thankfully God knew I was heading that way, and He had already lined it with grace.
Grace softened my fall. It bruised me, and scared me, but it didn't kill me.
Grace caught me.
Grace said Just be you. Grace said Life is short. Grace said Worship, not worry. Grace said Fear not! Grace said I am capable and you are in My hands. Grace said Follow Me, not them. Grace said My grace is sufficient enough for you! Grace said It’s Time! Get up and go!
This is one of the things in my life I wish I would have learned sooner. I wish I would have understood Grace and more important God’s love for me. I wish I would have learned about His heart sooner rather than in my 30’s. I am forever grateful for the season in the pit, as painful as it was, I was refined and chiseled as I tumbled about.
Friend, know God loves you so much and He is near. Be courageous and confident in His Love and live in this Gift of Grace. Take time to be still and know, asking and seeking His heart for you.
By grace, you are saved and held. By grace, you are brave. By grace, you are whole! Yo are fearfully and wonderfully made with a Divine purpose meant only for YOU!! You are YOU for this very reason! He has equipped you for such a time as this!! Rise up and Go in Grace!
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
