When life gets hard and the pressure hits, what is your go to? If you are thinking… the Lord, that is IT!!! Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner! Praise God!!!🙌🏻🎉🙌🏻🎉 ME TOO!!!

Going to the Lord first is ALWAYS BEST. But, in addition to seeking the Lord, if needed, sharing your pain, worry, or frustration with another believer can be helpful. Prayer and an encouraging word from another Christian can definitely reinforce and confirm the HOPE we have in trusting the Lord for our situation. Having someone stand with you in prayer can be a real game changer! Praise God!!!🙌🏻🤩🎉

The following is an exert from the book of Exodus:

Exodus 17:8-13 tells us, “Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.” So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.”

Here we see Moses being obedient to what the Lord has called him to do. But, eventually he tired under the pressure of continually holding up his hands. When Aaron and Hur came alongside and supported him, he was able to stay strong and continue on with what the Lord had him doing. Moses was being used by God to gain victory over the Amalek’s.

How often things can start to feel too heavy in our lives. It can be hard to keep holding steady in the midst of life’s pressures. There can come a point where you feel like… something just has to give! That is when you reach out to a listening ear and someone who can genuinely lift you up to the Lord in prayer. James 5:16 tells us, “… the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

When you are transparent before another believer and honest before the Lord, things change! The Lord sees our struggles and situations, and provides the strength and perseverance to lift our spirit and fill us with hope. We don’t need to feel that we are weak when asking for help. Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Believers are supposed to be that prayer partner and covering for one another.

Next time you feel tempted to go at it alone, remember Moses and how even he needed the help and support of others to keep those hands raised high. People need people, so don’t be ashamed to reach out and get that support. Receive the strength you need to fulfill God’s purposes in your life. God is so Good and Faithful, ALWAYS!!!💯🎉🥳🙌🏻♥️

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Do you ever feel heavy or burdened after praying about the problems of others? I used to have a real issue with not being able to LET GO of what others were going through. It was as if whatever problem they were experiencing, I would be going through it WITH THEM. It was like, I just couldn’t shake it, and that person and problem stayed with me ALWAYS, until there was a breakthrough, resolve, or end. And I’m telling you, the heaviness that I felt was just too much for me to handle!

We are not built to carry burdens of the heart. Not ours, or anyones! They are much too heavy. It is not healthy hanging onto them or carrying them around with us. Even though they are not tangible, problems are emotionally HEAVY and can be exhausting, if not handled in a healthy way. There has to be a RELEASE and a way to walk in FREEDOM, when acting as an intercessor in prayer.

That release is JESUS. How do we walk in freedom? We give it ALL TO HIM. Psalm 55:22 tells us, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” We are to be like a conduit. A conduit acts as a channel for conveying water or other fluid. Fluid flows through it, but doesn’t pool inside. It is ever flowing! THAT is how we are to be when it comes to intercessory prayer. The prayers flow through us and out of us, unto the Lord. We are to be a conduit to Christ. God holds it all. Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

We convey, meaning, we deliver prayers up to the Lord, but we don’t keep carrying them. We can lift people up, give them to God, and trust in Him completely for the outcome. Because of His all knowing ways, we can trust that His ways are the very best, even when we don’t understand, the why. Proverbs 3:5-6 confirms, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” He has plans and purposes we will never grasp, this side of heaven. Philippians 4:6-7 exhorts us to, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

The key to not being burdened after praying on behalf of others, is learning how to trust the Lord for the outcome, believing that HE KNOWS BEST. If we can trust the Lord and walk in faith for that situation, then we ourselves will not continue to carry the burden. We can give it to God and walk in peace, knowing that He is actively working on taking care of that situation. Psalm 46:1-2 tells us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea…” Knowing that God, who created the entire universe, is in control of that prayer request is powerful and reassuring! Praise God!!! GOD is GREAT.💯🙌🏻🎉

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Appointments, deadlines, finances, relationships, work, and even play all take a toll on our bodies. Emotional situations can be especially draining, zapping our physical strength and motivation. Like having a cup of coffee topped off, we also need to take time to fill our cup!

Everyone is different, but finding a way to implement healthy down time will be like a good investment that earns you additional interest. If you renew and refresh yourself, you will find it well worth the effort! You don’t need to feel guilty about slowing down and taking it easy. Relationships will be healthier and flow in better harmony when we aren’t frazzled or unraveling, under the stresses and pressures of life.

There are many ways we can recharge our batteries. Whether it’s a drive through the countryside, listening to the crashing waves at the beach, sitting in the yard, or curling up in a little ball on the sofa, finding THAT WAY to relax and renew our physical strength is so totally worth it. Exercise is good, but there is something about taking a mental break, where you savor the stillness and serenity of the moment.

As a Christian, for me, these times are inner-twined with seeking the presence and peace of the Lord. The ocean is therapeutic to listen to, but it is truly the Lord who renews my strength. Down time where we seek to get away from the distractions of daily life and are intentional about checking-out with the Lord, are especially healthy. Psalm 46:10 tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God…” There is something very beautiful about sitting before the Lord and basking in His goodness!

With the world screaming in our ears and pulling us in all different directions, getting alone with the Lord in a quiet place lends opportunity to really press into Him and receive what He has. Even Jesus went to be alone with The Father. Luke 6:12 tells us, “Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” It was a very intentional decision He made for His own strength and edification. Seeking the Lord by yourself, in a quiet place, without distractions, will bring opportunity for personal growth between you and the Lord. Just like our friendships and family relationships require time and effort, being intentional to spend time with Jesus, our Lord and Savior, will draw us into closer relationship with Him.

Lay by the pool, sit at the river, slow down and savor the simplest moments of a sunset, a rose, or watching a hummingbird! God’s beautiful creation abounds all around us! Sit with our Creator, alone, and just soak in HIS GOODNESS! Matthew 6:6 says, “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Spend time with Him and let Him renew your strength. Be filled with His inspiration and let it permeate you from the inside out! Walk in His peace and fullness of joy.

A cup of coffee and time in God’s Word go well together. So, fill that cup and keep it topped off! One feeds your appetite and the other your soul!🥰😅

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Life is wrought with comparisons, intentional or not. Comparison can be one of the best recipes for cooking up our own dissatisfaction. If you want to be discontent, let it simmer! There will always be that someone who seems to have it all together or maybe they have what you think you want in life.

If you are going to compare though, be sure and compare to those who have it harder than you, or have less than you too! It is a good reality check! A change in perspective can help put us back in our rightful place, having an attitude of gratitude.

In Philippians 4:11, the apostle Paul says, he has learned to be content in all things. So should we. Comparison will steal our joy. Instead, JUST BE present and thankful, even though life can be full of crazy imperfections. Your life is the way it is for a REASON. The Lord knows what is best for each of his children. That being you, and me!

What’s hard, when it comes to comparison, is how a person‘s life can APPEAR to be SO GREAT in a certain area that YOU JUST CAN’T SEEM TO ACHIEVE! And we may find ourselves asking, WHY?!

God knows our hearts. God knows our desires. God knows ALL that we struggle with. God knows our tendencies towards lust of the flesh, pride of life, idolatry, along with our inner most insecurities, fears, and unresolved pain. GOD SEES IT ALL. Those things we are struggling with is what He is going to work on. It’s the hard things in our life. We are all wired differently, and the Lord allows challenges in each of our lives, for our personal growth in Him.

The Lord wants us to be whole in Him, and part of that process is learning how to overcome our own hang ups. The Lord’s desire is that we walk in His perfect peace and surrender to Him. God wants the very best for us! Matthew 11:30 tells us, “His yoke is easy and His burden is light.” He is our strength. He is our healer. He is our counselor. He is our provider. He is our Abba Father. Whatever we NEED, He is it! He is our EVERYTHING!

Every believer has something in their life that is a challenge. We are all in good company! Have faith, trust, and allow the Lord to stretch you, grow you, and strengthen you. I encourage you to be at peace with where you are, RIGHT NOW. Refuse to carry that burden of comparison any longer. He has you!

All things are changing, nothing stays the same. There are seasons and there are GOD REASONS! Press into the Lord, trust in Him, and enjoy the freedom you will find in just being who God designed you to be! YOU! Beautiful YOU!!!

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Are you struggling to walk in faith, believing on the promises of God? Is there a THING that drags you down, frustrates you, or causes fear or worry to well up within you? How do we deal with these circumstances in a way that will bring glory to God?

The first step is TRUST. We must choose to trust the Lord with the cares and worries of our heart. Trust lends itself to FAITH. Trust and faith go hand-in-hand, and together they are very powerful in the life of the believer. When we step out in faith, it is like a key that turns a lock, opening a door and allowing the Lord to initiate the good plans He has, just for you! Faith allows the Lord to show us just how FAITHFUL He really is, as He leads us through various trials and challenges. Hebrew 11:16 tells us, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Romans 4:3 tells us, Abraham, the father of all nations, believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. How was Abraham able to trust in God’s promises fully? In the NKJV, The Word For Today Bible, Chuck Smith sites four key points that activated Abraham’s faith:

(1) Abraham ignored the human impossibilities and trusted God to keep His promises.

(2) Abraham did not stagger at God’s promises.

(3) Abraham praised God before the evidence was there.

(4) Abraham believed God was able to do what He had said He would do.

In Romans 4:19-20 we are told, “Abraham did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.”

Praise God! Be encouraged! We, too, can be strengthened as we TRUST in the Lord and choose to step out in FAITH for the PROMISES of God in our lives!🙌🏻🎉🙌🏻🎉 God is so GOOD. All the time!💯🎉♥️

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