“Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:8).

“You’re going to be okay.”

That phrase, the idea that it’s all going to be okay, that you’re going to be okay, hits straight to the heart. It’s a phrase beyond just words. To many, hearing those words brings a rush of refreshment to the soul, a sense of calm to the nervous system, and a moment of comfort to the mind.

That simple statement uttered by a friend or even yourself allows a breath to be taken, a sigh to bring some relief.

Those five little words carry weight. The very thought is wrapped in the belief that the storm will subside, that this moment in time doesn’t define all of time, and that things can turn in one’s favor eventually.

It brings with it the hope that the sunshine will break through the clouds of darkness, and bring bright warmth to the mundane gray that has hovered heavily.

It brings with it the hope that positive changes are within grasp and that one day an emergence will come and the mountaintop will replace the bottom of the valley.

This life can be hard.

To many, this thought is an understatement.  It can, for some, feel like one strainful struggle after another, a long uphill climb desperately trying to get to the top, to achieve a goal that’s felt far off, distant.

Like everyone who has ever lived, I’ve had my share of hard…my share of struggles. I’m going through some right now…a season of waiting and wondering.

And, in these uncomfortable moments, I have to continually remind myself that in the midst of waiting for tear-stained, heartfelt prayers to be answered, to stay the course and keep remembering Who my Father is. I have to keep walking forward, keep believing, keep thanking, keep staying positive, keep asking God to bring a peace which passes understanding to my heart and mind while believing for a breakthrough. A breakthrough…a miracle that will only come in His time.

The reality is, it’s hard to wait. It’s hard to surrender one’s schedule, it’s difficult to ache for progress- to desire deeply to see movement, only to realize the answers come in the waiting. Waiting on His time, not our own. Waiting even though we seek instant answers, instant progress. This idea is wrapped in the truth of this profound verse found in Proverbs 16:9:

“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.” The NIV states it this way, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

Isaiah 55:8 conveys, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.”

We’re used to planning…preparing. We’re conditioned to making plans, working those plans, and expecting it all to work out according to our hopes. But, the reality is, we can make all of our plans, but truly only God is the one who decides if our plans will falter or succeed. He is the one who decides when or if the labor will yield fruit. He decides how long the process will take. He has to make it all happen, not us….we are limited and can only do so much.

In other words, we may think we have control, but we don’t …God does. Whether we’re experiencing the dryness of a familiar desert or swimming in the abundance of an oasis, we are called in both instances to pray, to believe, to give thanks with a grateful heart, to seek His will, and to trust completely.

It’s definitely not easy or a natural response for most. Waiting, developing patience, disciplining desires, are daily submissions… submissions that require willful surrender, complete obedience, and faithful trust.

God desires to shape and mold us so that with every trial, every situation, every valley moment, we become more like Him.

And, as we do, we become a bit more comfortable. We’re a little more conditioned to lay both our burdens and plans at the feet of Jesus, placing our full trust in Him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords…the Creator of all creation, the One who gives good things.

If you’re struggling today, remember– struggle has always been a part of the human experience. And although the world has become more chaotic and crazy, know that hope is still available.

So many are going through hard times. The world’s current direction, along with its messes, paired with the increased sense of selfishness permeating more prevalently throughout society, has many of us pausing and feeling a sense of hopelessness.

So today, if you’re wandering about, feeling in despair, remember there are absolutely no surprises to God. He is in your corner. He hears your prayers. He is working all things together for your good.

No matter what changes around you, no matter what chaos may ensue, or what desert you may feel stuck in, always remember, God never changes. He is right there with you…working behind the scenes. He is always graceful, merciful, loving, all-knowing and all powerful. He is still the King. He is still omnipresent. He has never left His position or post…not once, not ever.

Believe that.

Hold on to That.

Be Encouraged.

Take a Breath.

The reality is, in the natural, this world can be daunting, but as I’ve had to remind myself many times, in the supernatural, because God is at work, anything is possible. Nothing escapes His attention. Nothing stops His love, mercy, and grace from flowing. Nothing hinders His plans.

We all need to hear, “You’re going to be okay.”

The world needs to hear, “Because of Jesus, because of a bigger, bolder, brighter plan…we will truly be okay.”

John 16:33 states, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

If you’re a believer, find comfort today in the fact that God has overcome. And take comfort in knowing He sees you, loves you, and promises to take care of you. Matthew 6:26 beautifully states this truth:

“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

Be encouraged by the reality that whatever you’re going through has an expiration date…it’s not forever and you’re not alone.

Look up and give thanks that your best days are still to come. As I have to remind myself often, this world is not our home. This state of not normal and even crazy that we find our world in today is not our forever. Your eternal home with all its beauty and perfections will be realized one day.

Friend, your life truly hasn’t even begun. There’s so much to look forward to…so much in store…a bright, perfect, forever future for all eternity, thanks to Jesus! So shout today and rejoice…this is good news!

Remember: you are not an afterthought or forgotten…He sees your life, your journey, your tears, your frustrations. He hears your cries. He knows right where you are, and He has a plan.

Life has a way of surprising each of us, and when God’s in the mix, we can experience an about-face in our circumstances. He is still the God of miracles. He is still the God of breakthroughs. As long as He’s involved, we have true hope.

Be encouraged, sister in Christ.

Be encouraged, brother in Christ.

You’re going to be okay.

spate.holly@gmail.com

Dear Friend,

No one is promised tomorrow… no one.

Each day we wake, having breath in our lungs is a blessing.

And, each breath we have left to take in this life, breath given by the Creator, is a mystery to us but is only known by Him.

Ultimately, He knows the beginning from the ending and when we each will take our final breath this side of eternity.

Luke 12:7 states His caring nature and great attention to detail regarding His creation. It conveys: “But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.”

Psalm 139:16 goes on to say, “Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.”

It’s amazing that the Creator of the universe cares so much. It’s remarkable that the One who formed the world, set the stars in the sky, and created all mankind wants to always be actively involved in our lives and desires a close relationship with us.

Friend, if you have given your life to the Lord, fall on your knees in thankfulness and praise Him today (and every day) for the greatest gift you could have ever received.

Thank Him for stirring your heart and guiding you toward truth.

Thank Him for pursuing you, for sending others to sow seeds along the way, and for opening your eyes and heart to His truth.

Thank Him for paying it all… for paying a debt you could never repay.

Thank Him for His unconditional love… a love that chose to save you, even in your most wretched, worst state.

Thank Him for a blessed and amazing future… an eternal destination of complete perfection… a place He is lovingly preparing for all His children, breathtakingly beautiful and bright.

1 Corinthians 2:9 gives a glimpse into what gloriously awaits every believer, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

Friend, by accepting His gift of salvation, you have been promised so much in the here and now and beyond the here and now.

Because of His precious gift, you are FREE!

Because of His merciful love, you are FORGIVEN!

Because of His majestic power, you are RESCUED!

Because of His great sacrifice, you are HEAVEN BOUND!

Jesus’ death on the cross and shedding of His innocent blood for all of your sins (past, present, and future) leaves you clean in the sight of God. Because Jesus paid it all, you reap the reward. Because Jesus paid it all, you have the guarantee of a relationship with Him and a beautiful future existence… a place of peace and perfection… a place beyond your final earthly breath.

Give Him PRAISE for all He’s done for you!

Never forget what lengths He had to go through to redeem and rescue you.

Never forget the pain He endured… His sacrifice… His death, burial, and resurrection. It was His great compassion and love that compelled Him forward, and it was God’s amazing and remarkable nature that allowed Him to offer His one and only Son.

John 3:16 reminds us of God’s incredible love for each of us. It states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

The Father gave His only Son so His creation could have a bridge back to Himself. The Father gave his only Son so His creation would not be lost for all eternity and be separated in darkness. The Father’s love and Jesus’ obedience are beyond what any of us deserve. But, thankfully, we serve a God who is merciful and loving and who wishes no one to be separated from Him.

2 Peter 3:9 makes God’s intentions clear, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

HALLELUJAH!

If you have made the decision to accept His gift of salvation and have given your heart and life to Jesus… putting your trust in Him…REJOICE today. Thank Him for all He’s done for you, and keep sharing His story… keep spreading the truth and proclaiming the hope everyone so desperately needs.

And, friend, if you are reading this and still undecided, please know that time is running out.

We will all take our final breath one day. And, when we do, there are no do-overs.

Jesus made it crystal clear in John 14:6 when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.”

Those who choose to accept His gift and choose to follow and accept Christ as Savior and Lord will be rescued and saved.

There is no greater decision.

There is no greater reward.

There is no greater outcome.

There is no greater eternity.

There is no greater gift.

And…

There is no greater time than now.

Jesus is all in all… everything. He’s the only reason for breathing, and He’s the only One who gives breath and life.

He is the only way, the only truth, and the only life.

Have you accepted Him today?

Your fate, for all eternity, is at stake.

Remember, friend… no one is promised tomorrow. As a matter of fact, no one is promised the next hour. If you have a personal relationship with Jesus, you are sealed and prepared to exit this earth and enter heaven’s eternity when the time comes. However, if you don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus, please ask Him into your heart today. It is the BEST decision you will ever make, both in this life and in the eternal life to come.

Would you like to ask Jesus into your heart today?

First, ADMIT YOU ARE A SINNER and ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU’VE SINNED.

Romans 3:23 says the following: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, BELIEVE THAT JESUS DIED FOR YOUR SINS, HIS PERFECT BLOOD CLEANSES YOU, HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD, AND PUT YOUR TRUST IN HIM ALONE FOR YOUR SALVATION.

Romans 10:9 says the following: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Acts 16:31 states, “And they said, Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

Third, CONFESS YOUR SINS

1 John 1:9 says the following: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Psalm 103:12 goes on to say, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”

And know, without a doubt, that when you confess your sins and ask for forgiveness, He will forgive you, no matter what sins you have committed.

Friend, if you’ve asked Jesus into your heart, find a good church, get a Bible, and begin to live for Him and follow Him with your whole heart.

Titus 2:11-14 states, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

If you are still on the fence, remember… once your last breath is taken on earth, your eternal fate will be sealed— forever. You will never have an opportunity after that to accept His gift… a gift offered freely to you today. A gift offered because of His immense love for you.

He is right there, arms wide open, to offer you Himself… to offer you His everything.

He loves you so much and wants to have a relationship with YOU.

The time is now to say YES to Jesus!

Please, don’t delay…

You’re Not Promised Tomorrow.

spate.holly@gmail.com