Tag: Overcoming Adversity

Finding Strength in Spiritual Struggles

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. ~Romans 8:26-27 NIV

If life is happening, then you’re capable of handling its demands. This is something I’ve learned to say to myself. Especially after what appear to be tough times.

I called an old friend yesterday. She’s going through exactly what I struggled with five years ago. I remember hitting my own low point and feeling completely defeated. She sounded weary when she picked up, hopeless and unsure of herself. The worst part was that all her anxiety stemmed from worrying about local gossip and how others viewed her—I know that struggle intimately.

It’s an interesting truth that the struggles my friend is facing now are the same ones I once went through, and someone else is likely facing them, too. It can feel incredibly isolating, which is often the intention of the “prince of this world” as he wants us to feel alone and blow aimlessly with the winds of persecution.

But God has a different plan. He wants you to stay steadfast, with your eyes fixed firmly on Jesus. While it is genuinely difficult to remain prayerful during such challenging moments, God knows exactly when to intervene powerfully on your behalf.

Trust the process. Remember that the rarest and most precious gems are often formed under the most difficult, unexplainable, and uncontrollable situations. Your strength is being forged in this moment. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Lord, I surrender my heart to Your scrutiny. Expose any hidden corners, any anxious thoughts, any way that offends You. Fill the emptiness with Your transforming peace, that I might know Your presence fully. Amen

Tough Bosses vs God’s Strength

But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48

Hello from the breathtaking Colorado Rocky Mountains! It might sound surprising, but I have a habit of praying around the clock! Still, I sometimes find expressing my thoughts in public prayers challenging.

What do I pray for throughout my day?  I lift my children, their fathers, my husband, my in-laws, family, friends, the world’s problems, and even those who may not have always been kind before God. I ask for His protection over my kids and wisdom to fill their hearts. My prayers truly reflect my personal journey and the lessons I’ve learned. 

Last week, I shared about a young woman facing challenges at work. She feels overwhelmed as if she’s the only one dealing with a tough boss. This situation weighs her down, making it hard for her to find peace and hear God amid the chaos. My heart goes out to her for many reasons. Let’s join in prayer together about tough bosses!

PRAYER

Father God, I am grateful for Your endless love surrounding me and Your wonderful creations. With a thankful heart, I pray for those experiencing feelings of defeat under the pressures of a boss.  I submit their struggles before Your Throne of Grace, placing my trust in Your ability to transform their challenges. I also kindly ask that You surround them with Your peace and grant them the strength to overcome any obstacles they encounter. May the Holy Spirit guide them during times of uncertainty, helping them find strength through prayer in their most arduous moments and making them victorious. Amen.

Day Thirty Three – Removing Clutter

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31:10-31 NIV

When I was a young, single and a mom, I would pray the 31st Proverbs over my life. Then one day I realized God had fulfilled my request. I was alone when I discovered my prayer had been answered and I remember casting the sweetest smile of becoming one of my greatest desires. My children are grown and two of them live miles away from me. They are living their best lives as I seek to regain traction after my journey was interrupted by the foolishness of others. Yet, even on this stressful journey God is teaching me I must rejoice in good times and in bad times. Progress isn’t happening as fast as I would like but it is happening. Just the other day I decided to unload boxes [I stress boxes] of coupon finds of shampoo and conditioners to charities. Not sure of the recipients but I don’t have time to try and sell the items, as I need the space. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Jesus, let us rejoice everyday in knowing you’re our shepherd! Amen

Day Twentytwo: Removing Clutter

October 15, 2023

The plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.

PSALM 33:11

As I write about my experiences with renovating my mom’s home and dealing with the snaky ex, I’m quickly reminded that some things perceivably hard and or bad gotta work a certain way to bring God’s plan to the forefront for our lives. Let’s pray! 

PRAYER

Father God, thank you for your strength and always let it be front and center on our journey.  Amen 

July 20, 2023

Finding Your Way – Perfect Peace

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Isaiah 26:3

A few days ago I was in a meeting that I’d hoped for a better outcome that would end years of infighting. It was clear from the opposing side there was no resolution because their message was about getting revenge based upon their objections that were filled with lies and half-truths. As I sat in silence I listened intently and wrote most if not all of their grievances. And as each of their complaints were addressed with satisfactory and truthful answers to explain my actions, then they began to inundate the meeting with off-the-cuff complaints. And I’d already addressed foreseeable issues before they became an avenue for anyone to say I’d wrong them. Today as I start my day I’m in “perfect peace” because my mind and my actions were done for the love I have for Christ. I live my life in such a way that I want to convey to God I’m grateful for every blade of grass. Because! I learned decades ago we can only be our best and have perfect peace when we learn the art of gratefulness in Christ Jesus.

PRAYER

Father, someone’s life is filled with an untold amount of stress. Speak gently to their souls on being grateful as learning this critical life lesson will open the door to your perfect peace. Amen

Prayers Of A Black Woman

October 20

Get a burning passion in your gut. Start letting the world know what you’ve got to say is important! Believe that God put you on this earth for a reason. Your higher purpose is to make a difference by what you have to say.

David W. Anderson [Founder of Famous Dave’s BBQ]

PRAYER

Father, today we’re revisiting a continued request from yesterday. Again I ask for you to give those that struggle with confidence their voice. Speak peace to their tormented souls so they realize their life is important. Amen

Prayers Of A Black Woman

October 19

No one has ever succeeded in life by being shy or timid. Right now you may be thinking to yourself, “I will never get the job I want because I am too afraid of selling myself” or “I could never be a leader because I am too afraid to speak in front of groups. I even have a hard time expressing myself in small groups?” Guess what — you’re not alone.”

David W. Anderson

I’ve shied away from having long prayers for many reasons when sharing them publicly. But today is special because of a conversation I had with a phenomenal person/woman. She and I have been friends for over thirty years.  I thought I knew all there was to know about her.  Then she shared with me that she liked parts of her job but was marginal at the parts that made her uncomfortable. Out of curiosity I asked what made her uncomfortable.  She said, “having  to meet with the customers face to face.”  My jaws dropped!  How could that be!  She being a minister’s wife caught me off guard with her statement of truth. She’s always speaking to people face to face.  So, is it her truth or just someone else’s perception embedded in her character?  

PRAYER

Father, thank you for another day to do things better than the day before. Today I ask that you give people who struggle with speaking up for themselves their voice. Show them how wonderfully made they are. Teaching them that sometimes truth is an illusion that changes with self acceptance and self knowledge.  Amen   

The Prayer’s of Black Women: Praying For The Homeless

Artist: Henry Lee Battle
Artist: Henry Lee Battle

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.  Be of the same mind toward one another.  Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble.  Do not be wise in your own opinion.  ~Roman 12:15-16

Today, Lord, give me the ability to push my troubles temporarily aside.  As you give me the comforting words to say to a friend in distress.  Lord, I also ask that you give me the words to pray for the homeless everywhere.  

Lord it is easy to take your blessings for granted when personal wants are fulfilled.  It’s easy to forget about those that are sincerely in need as long as personal needs are being met.  

Heavenly Father, this morning I’m praying that you touch the hearts of those that are blessed with a roof over their heads, food in their stomachs, clothes on their backs and shoes on their feet with a spirit of thanksgiving.  Lord, help them to see, myself included, how blessed we truly are despite of unachieved goals.  Help us to become steadfast in giving to the less fortunate with cheerful hearts.  

Lord watch over the homeless.  Give them their next meal without question or delay.  

Your Loving Daughter ~Annette

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Inspirational Fridays: Trouble Getting Going?

Family Travel TrailerI just got back from a five-day camping trip.  My family and I decided to join a friend and her family at a local state park.  I knew preparing for the mini-vacation would be a chore; since, I have been emotionally and physically tired for years.  But a vacation of some sort was a high priority.  So, when my friend told me that she and her family was going camping at Boyd Lake State Park, I reserved a camping spot for my family and me to join her and her family.

My friend was too excited to have us come with.  She had made plans for us as a group to do this and that.  She had made her trailer as the command central.  She had even planned several of our meals (without consulting me).  Her efforts were those of a true friend but her services were not totally needed.  As you can see, my dearest and sweetest friend took it upon herself to make plans for everyone without consulting with anybody.  And had the women of both families checked with each other about the trip perhaps hurt feelings could have been avoided.

My friend had failed to see I wanted some me time.  I wanted to escape the demands of my demanding life.  I wanted to sit and or lay in the comforts of cleanliness.  I wanted to enjoy my trailer that has been for years a BIG source of disappointment in some mental capacity.  But, nevertheless [sigh], the trailer belongs to me and mine and we love it despite of all the headaches it has given us.  And we are always overjoyed to use it when it is not in the shop for months at a time because it was poorly made.

However, with all that was going on mentally, I had very little time to freely think about the direction of my life until now.

I got the below YouTube video from a fellow blogger and I thought I would share the powerful message with you: