Take Heart

Take Heart

It seems that when we try our hardest to achieve a goal or to move forward in life that something happens that sets us back. Perhaps we receive a bad report, a loved one gets sick, we lose our job, or something unexpected happens.

Troubles and hardship are inevitable. They are simply a part of life. We will always have ups and downs in our lives. It would be great only to have ups, but it is in our moments of trouble when things are not going as we planned that we can depend on our Heavenly Father to get us through.

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Our heavenly Father does not guaranty us a life free from troubles or hardships. However, He does guarantee that we may have peace in the midst of those troubles because He has overcome the world. What does that mean? Jesus Christ defeated every obstacle He faced here on earth. Nothing stopped Him from accomplishing His purpose and mission. The fact that Jesus Christ overcame everything He faced should give us peace because we know that He can also help us overcome anything we may be facing in our lives.

I love the fact He tells us to take heart. Why? Because He knows that no situation in your life is too great for Him to help you overcome. Any trouble you may be facing today is not greater than our Heavenly Father, who has overcome everything.

Depend on Him by giving your troubles and circumstances to Him. If we depend on the One who overcame the world, nothing we face will stop us from reaching our purpose in life. Take Heart, He has overcome your circumstance today.

Much love,

Carmen

ccncarmen0722@aol.com

Stand Still

When life is throwing all sorts of things at us, it’s hard to stand still.

Our first reaction is to become anxious and try to “figure things out.” It’s in our human nature to try to find solutions to our problems because we want instant answers. It’s in those times of desperation that we often make wrong choices.

When we react rather than respond to our circumstances we fall into “quick fixes” and do not actually resolve the issues we are facing. That is why it is crucial that when we face a hard circumstance, that we stand still and allow God to guide us in the decisions we need to make to face our circumstances properly.

Nothing that comes our way trying to defeat us stands a chance against God’s Mighty power. He is more powerful than anything that life may throw at us. No battle is too great for God.

Exodus 14:14 “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

We do not need to let anxiety take the best of us. When battles and circumstances come our way, we need only to stand still and know that The Lord will fight for us and give us the victory.

Standing still means giving God control over your situation and allowing Him to guide you, direct you, and comfort you through the process.

Psalm 46:10

“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”

Much love,

Carmen

ccncarmen0722@aol.com

                                                                                                                     

Will You Trust Him?

It is hard to trust someone when our hearts have been broken. When betrayal has entered our home, and when there seems to be no sense of security.

It is challenging to let down the walls we build around ourselves to avoid being hurt again. It seems normal to want to be on guard, right? After all, who wants to be exposed to betrayal, hurt, and insecurity?

The problem with that is it limits our ability to trust the One who has our best interest. When we get so wrapped up around making sure others do not hurt us, we lose trust in God who truly cares about us. We even wonder why, God allowed certain things to happen in our lives. His word says that He works all things for our good. Yes, even the most painful things.

He wants us to let down those walls, so that He can come and be the One that comforts us in times of trouble. He is for you and not against you.

The challenge this week is whether you will let your past experiences limit your ability to trust in the One who has your back? Or will you let down your walls and put your trust on Him.

Choose to trust. He is faithful.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV

“In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.” Psalms 25:1 NIV

Much love,

Carmen

ccncarmen0722@aol.com

                                                                                                                     

The Promise

One thing that I absolutely love about our Lord Jesus Christ is that He always keeps His promises. No matter how big or impossible a promise may seem to us, if God said He would do it, we can be sure He will do it.

Deuteronomy 31:8 “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”

There are many beautiful promises God makes to us throughout His word. This is perhaps one of my favorite promises because it assures me of three things.  That I am never alone, that God is before me, and that He will never leave me nor forsake me.

Life is much easier when you know there is someone by your side, helping you navigate through it. A significant promise from God to all of us is that He goes before us and will be with us every step of the way. He will be with you no matter where you go or what you do. You no longer have to feel like you are doing life on your own. You have God who accompanies you where ever you go.

Take comfort in knowing that He is going before you and making a way where there seems to be no way.

Take comfort in knowing that He will be with you throughout your life journey.

Take comfort in knowing that He will not leave you nor forsake you.

Take comfort in knowing that you do not have to fear because He will be with you always.

Embrace this promise over your life today.

Much love,

Carmen

ccncarmen0722@aol.com

                                                                                                                     

It’s Time

Have you realized that the hardest things to let go of are those that hold us back? The things that bring us pain, anger, and frustration. Those that build a load too heavy to carry and can paralyze our progress in life. I find it odd how we master holding on to these things that delay our progress in life. I don’t know anyone who would say they like setbacks. Yet, by holding on to the past, we set ourselves back.

It’s time to let go.

It sounds very simple, right? Let go? How?

Isaiah 43:18-19 “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.”

Dwelling on the past causes us to stay in the past. We will never progress and take hold of tomorrow’s promises if we keep dwelling in yesterday’s sorrow.

It’s time to let go.

God is doing a new thing in our lives daily. Holding on to the past causes us to miss out on the new things God has for us.

The past brings pain and grieve. God’s plan for your life brings joy and freedom.

Again, It’s time to let go.

Much love,

Carmen

ccncarmen0722@aol.com