Small Teachings: Don't Give Up!

Happy Sunday! I wanted to post a quick motivational scripture this morning before I head off to church. It's one of my absolute favorite scriptures and has helped me understand what to do when I am going through.

Earlier this year I was in a place with my profession where I felt trapped. I had been working in the beauty buying office, but was not sure that was where I wanted my future to take me. I was having difficulty finding motivation to push through and follow God's plan for me. 

God told me that He was going to see me through but I had to work hard everyday at my job and do it for HIM. So, in every task and assignment I devoted it to Jesus. When I would get upset, frustrated, or stressed I would say "Lord I am doing this for you" and I would put the smile right back on my face and keep pressing. 

Sometimes that is one of the hardest things you can try to do. To be faithful and do the right thing, no matter what. But I will tell you Jesus does not lie. His word does not return to Him void, if you are faithful to Him, He will be faithful to you. 

One of the keys to understanding this is knowing that you are following His plan. And although sometimes things don't work out the way Jena thought or wanted it to, it doesn't mean it's not working out for my good. (Romans 8:28) God is good behind the scenes! 

So in conclusion, I stuck to believing and holding onto His word. In September, I was offered a lateral position on the Interactive/Marketing team, a raise, and much more flexibility in my job. I no longer take work home with me and with a new baby on the way this was the perfect step for me. I know Jesus did it because He led me in each and every step to this place and He promised me this in the beginning. It was up to me to hold onto His word and be not weary in well doing. 

So hold on. Even if it feels like there is nothing you can do to change your situation, Jesus is bigger than any situation. And as long as you are living for Him and faithful to Him, It is NOT over. 

Hope this helped you! 

Don't ever give up on God!

Small Teachings: Don't look at the situation

My dad teaches a faith clinic each week on Thursday nights. One of the messages he gave us a couple months ago stemmed around understanding that God is bigger than the situation at hand. 

Often times, we waver in faith when things start to look tough. I am learning that looks can be deceiving.

In fact, I am learning that keeping my focus on the prize (Jesus) and my mind and soul in the right place, makes it so much easier to ignore what the situation looks like. I haven't always thought this way, I've told you before I used to be the biggest worry wart. I now know it got me nowhere, and in fact I was worse off with a headache of worry. 

Understanding that God's word tells us that ALL things work together for my good because I love and follow Christ, makes me put the load on Him! Yes, ALL things. I talk to God all the time and remind Him of His word:

"Ok, Jesus, I know what it looks like, but you said ALL things work together for my good - so I am trusting you to work out your plan for my good!"

What a great opportunity to give your stresses up to the Lord! 

He will take them with open arms. 

How great is our God!

Hoping this encourages you to enjoy your Thursday!

Small Teachings: Our source of True Love

Jesus is teaching me the importance of showing love to one another. That is something He did in His ministry on earth and still is showing us today.

For He is the source of love, and if we don't believe and receive Him we shall never know what true love is.  By showing His love and helping others, I can become a light for Him. He became a light in this world of darkness to show all men they could have true life and that life more abundantly. 

I want abundant life, and each and everyday seeking after Him is filling me with more and more. Just as his disciples, I cannot sitback and not share it with the world. That is just how good Jesus is to me. 

I am beyond blessed and I am thankful for every moment of it. 

All thanks be to Jesus.

Amen.

linking up w/ totally posted tuesday