Whew! Feels like forever since I’ve written; I’ve missed connecting with you and hearing your thoughts. I hope today’s message encourages you!!!

For the last several weeks, we’ve prepared for our National Fall Conference and video taped 112 coaching sessions for 2013. Exhaustion, fatigue, and emotionally spent…doesn’t even begin to describe the battles we’ve experience. For whatever reason, after every National conference, I face huge spiritual battles.

The enemy whispers Give up! You aren’t good enough! You messed up here…there…and will be defeated. You can’t do this! In addition to his voice, I tend to wrestle against self-defeating thoughts. You should have cut costs here…you could have ministered more effectively…you aren’t as talented as everyone else…

Despite the raving reviews and powerful testimonies women shared with me privately…I struggle against the voices of imminent defeat!

How about you?

Ever wonder if God is near? Ever feel overwhelmed by impossibilities? Ever believed in faith that your mountain would be moved only to awaken to realize a second mountain has piled up on top of your original one? Sometimes, I want to shout; ENOUGH ALREADY! I CAN’T DO THIS ANYMORE!!! How about you? Ever feel like giving up?

If so, I want to encourage you–Breathe in…Breath out! 

Now, take a moment to consider; the breath you just breathed is evidence that God is still ministering grace in your life!

Friend, I don’t know why faith has to be so stretching. I don’t understand why the wicked prosper and why our road has to be filled with so many battles. BUT…this one thing I know!!! GOD is near! He is close to the broken-hearted and saves those crushed in spirit  (Psalm 34:18.) AND, He promises that He will NOT leave us until HE fulfills ALL that HE has promised us. (Gen. 28:15)

Jeremiah 29:11-14–Demonstrates the heart of our Father, saying: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” (NIV)

If you are struggling today, I want to encourage you to overcome by doing the following:

  1. Choose to thank God for the breath that He just gave you.
  2. Praise Him for three blessings in your life.
  3. Meditate on HIS goodness, faithfulness, and GOOD WILL toward you.
  4. When the enemy whispers 1/2 truths agree with him…say you’re right enemy…I can’t…BUT THEN remind him of the full truth from GOD’s WORD! I can’t, but GOD can. AND HIS plans are to bless me and NOT harm me.
  5. CHOOSE to serve, unselfishly, right where you are!