Tag: Hope

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Blessed are They Who Mourn

Blessed Are Those That MournMatthew 5:4 “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Matthew 5:4 powerfully reminds us that mourning is an inevitable part of the human experience in a broken world. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the burdens of a world full of challenges, or the pain of broken relationships and regrets, mourning is something we all face.

To Mourn

But this verse isn’t about being stuck in sorrow, it’s about the hope that follows. Grief and loss are real, but they don’t define the end of the story. They open the door to comfort, healing, and renewal. Even during pain, we are not abandoned. We are met with love, grace, and reassurance. The comfort we receive comes through our faith. Delivered through others, or the quiet peace that grows within us over time. We can trust that our pain is not meaningless, and that hope shines through, even in the darkest moments.

Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”

Mourning is not just about what’s been lost; it’s about what’s missing now. The emptiness left behind is sometimes the most challenging part. It’s not just the absence of a person or situation but also of something that once brought us joy or purpose. So, how do we fill that space?

The answer is believing that God’s presence will fill the void. Through Him we can turn to love—deepening relationships with those still with us. We can fill the emptiness by embracing a new purpose, turning pain into something meaningful through service, creativity, or personal growth. What matters is that we don’t numb the pain with distractions but allow something that truly nourishes the soul to fill the void.

Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Resilience

True resilience lies in finding God’s purpose, even in tragedy. Grief may cloud that purpose at first, but in time, we are faced with a choice: Will we allow loss to define us in despair, or will it transform us into something stronger, wiser, and more compassionate? God doesn’t remove the pain, but He gives it meaning. He uses suffering as a catalyst for growth, helping us understand life and love on a deeper level.

Never does a man know the force in him until some mighty affliction or grief has humanized the soul.- Frederick W. Robertson, The Sermons of Frederick W. Robertson.

There is always the temptation to fall into victimhood, to let pain define us as helpless or unworthy. But that path often leads to bitterness and isolation. Instead, God invites us to trust that He can use it for good even in the worst circumstances. This is where we can experience actual growth: amid hardship, we can choose to rise above it and be transformed by it.

Suffering is never without purpose. Even in our deepest pain, God is at work. The Bible speaks of how God turns ashes into beauty, works all things for good, and is always near to the brokenhearted. Mourning is not just an expression of loss—it’s an invitation to draw closer to God. In our weakest moments, we often feel His presence most profoundly. Grief creates a vacuum, but that space can be filled with God’s love, grace, and the hope of resurrection.

Beauty from Ashes

Isaiah 61:3, “To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

Tragedy is a choice: either a point of surrender or resistance. Choosing redemption means trusting that God can bring something good from even the worst circumstances. Choosing victimhood closes us off from that possibility. The invitation is always there.

“Even amid our worst times, God has not abandoned us. We may feel overwhelmed by our problems and sorrows — but God is never overwhelmed, nor do they take Him by surprise.” – Billy Graham.

Ultimately, to mourn is not the end. It’s the beginning of healing, transformation, and a deeper relationship with God. Beauty from ashes—this concept speaks directly to the heart of redemption. God can take what is broken, burned, or lost and bring something new, even more beautiful, from it. It doesn’t erase the pain but transforms it, giving it purpose.

Think of how fire refines gold or how a forest, after being ravaged by fire. It grows back more vibrant than before. Similarly, our deepest struggles and losses can lead to our most extraordinary growth. If we allow God to work through them. This is where true beauty can emerge—not just from what we gain, but from what we’ve endured and learned along the way.

Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart and saves such as have a contrite spirit.”

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Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).

At first glance, this may seem like an odd statement. Who would consider depression to be a blessing? But in the gospel context, being poor in spirit refers not to emotional poverty, but the recognition of our spiritual  insufficiency. It’s about understanding that, without God, we are spiritually bankrupt, utterly incapable of saving ourselves from our sin. We should all consider ourselves poor in spirit for we have all sinned.

Acknowledging Our Sinful Nature

Romans 3:23: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

To be poor in spirit begins with the painful but necessary acknowledgment of our sinful nature. The Bible teaches that we all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. This means that, apart from God’s intervention, we are separated from Him and under the weight of sin. We may try to live righteous lives, but at the core, we are broken, our hearts are prone to selfishness, pride, and rebellion. We all have a desperate past of sin that we want to forget, but can’t.

“Our yesterdays present irreparable things to us; it is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future.”— Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

Recognizing this spiritual poverty is the first step to true humility. It’s when we come to terms with the reality that we have nothing to offer God in terms of righteousness, and that we cannot make ourselves right with Him on our own. This is a sobering realization, but it is also a liberating one.

Seeking God for Relief

Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Once we acknowledge our brokenness, we face the crucial question: How do we find relief from this self-incrimination? How do we stop beating ourselves up over past transgressions? The answer is simple yet profound—by seeking God. To be poor in spirit is to recognize our need and turn to the One who can provide what we cannot. It’s an invitation to humility, surrender, and a desire to be transformed by God’s grace.

In seeking God, we acknowledge that only He can heal our brokenness. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, cleansed, and made new. The kingdom of heaven belongs to those who recognize their need for a Savior. This is why Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Recognizing our sin and dependence on God opens the door to the richness of His grace and the abundant life He promises.

A Humble Posture Before God

Being poor in spirit also means taking on a humble posture before God, free of self-righteousness. It’s easy to look at others and think we are better or more deserving of God’s favor, but the reality is that we are all in need of His mercy. We are all beggars at the foot of the cross.

True humility comes from knowing we cannot stand on our merits. Our salvation is entirely God’s work, not our own. When we recognize this, we can experience the freedom and peace that come from trusting in Him fully.

Conclusion

Proverbs 18:14: “The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?”

The blessing of being poor in spirit positions us to receive the kingdom of heaven. It’s an invitation to let go of self-incrimination and embrace God’s grace. By acknowledging our sinful nature and seeking God’s relief, we are drawn closer to Him. As we walk in humility and surrender, we find that God, in His mercy, is ready to forgive and transform us, making us new creations in Christ. This is the true blessing of being poor in spirit—recognizing our need and finding our fullness in God alone, erasing the past and looking toward the future.

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An Opinion is only a State of Mind.

Christians making ChristiansAn opinion is only a state of mind; it does not predict the future. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines opinion as “a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter.” We too often give too much credence to someone’s opinion, including our own. Many of the disagreements I hear are formed when opinions differ.

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” — Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning.

Christian Opinion

As a Christian, I think it is time to walk back our opinions. We often take too strong a stand on our emotional state about a subject. The genesis of our opinions is not our knowledge of the future, but environmental elements of our past. We form opinions because of past experiences, cultural, or social influences, media information, peer pressure, group dynamics, personal and emotional bias, education, and personal interest. There are probably many other reasons, but none of these reasons is knowledge of the future.

Colossians 4:6 – “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

Having a strong opinion about a matter does nothing to make a difference. Making a difference comes from active involvement in relieving the condition you oppose or improving a condition in which you feel a deficit. Telling everyone you meet your opinion only stirs up controversy. Controversy gives birth to anxiety, which fosters conflict.

2 Timothy 2:23-24 – “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil.”

Influencers

We live in a dysfunctional world full of misinformation and half-truths. Millions of people write online articles to create conflict by influencing public opinion. They do this out of greed, not as a public service. The more diversion they can create, the more site traffic they create, the more advertising income they receive. These are not people interested in improving the world. Their goal is to create income with passionate speeches and convoluted logic.

Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

“Tolerance isn’t about not having beliefs. It’s about how your beliefs lead you to treat people who disagree with you.” – Tim Keller, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism (2008)

There are legitimate influencers with a true passion for their cause. Some of their causes are misguided and based on sketchy logic, but they are heartfelt. Some influencers take great pains to find the truth and communicate it with an objective view, but it is rare. We are all influenced by the abovementioned reasons; no one is above unconscious influence.

Our Position

Proverbs 18:2 – “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.”

“One of the great uses of Twitter and Facebook will be to prove at the Last Day that prayerlessness was not from lack of time.”- John Piper, A Godward Life: Savoring the Supremacy of God in All of Life (1997)

Our position as Christians is to rise above the ordinary. We can’t stop having opinions—God-given emotions overflow into opinions—but we can watch how we communicate them; consciously acknowledging that they are emotions, not facts. Changing the future by arguing a position is counterintuitive. We change the future by doing, not talking.

James 1:19 – “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”

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Breaking Free: Doing That For Which You Were Created

Kyrgyzstan Winter photo by Nelly Kazykhodzhaeva 2024“Breaking Free: Doing That For Which You Were Created.” Have you ever felt like you might not be doing the right thing or that you’re just in the wrong place? It’s a familiar feeling, and we find ourselves in such situations for many reasons. Ideally, passion drives us—we discover what we love, pursue it, and thrive in it. But for many, that’s the exception rather than the rule.

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” — C.S. Lewis, crediting Carl Bard.

Often, we start doing something, get good at it over time, and feel stuck because we’ve invested so much effort. The idea of starting over feels daunting, so we stay on a path that may not bring true fulfillment. Here’s the cautionary tale: no matter how much success or power you gain, there will always be an empty spot if you do not align yourself with your purpose. Think of David’s journey or Joseph.

Gallup’s Global Workplace Report (2022) reveals that only 21% of employees worldwide are satisfied with their work. This study indicates a widespread disconnect, with many feeling their jobs lack meaning or hope for the future. That’s not God’s plan for your life. His design is for you to experience joy, hope, and purpose.

The world is full of people treading water—moving along paths, unsure how to leave. Life has conditioned us to believe it is about survival, not happiness. But this is a misconception. God created you for more.

Here are some of my guiding principles to help you discern your purpose:

Doing Builds on Your Past

1 Peter 4:10: “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

Every season in life builds upon the last, preparing us for the next. God uses your experiences, even the difficult ones, to shape your future. Those dark times, when things didn’t go as planned, can become the roots of compassion and relatability.

If the direction you’re considering doesn’t incorporate your past experiences, pause and reevaluate. God never wastes what He’s invested in you.

You Have the Right Experience

James 1:17: “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”

Purpose aligns with the skills and knowledge you’ve already acquired. While growth is essential, if your next step requires constantly struggling with tasks you dislike or don’t excel at, it’s unlikely to bring lasting joy.

Sacrifice is necessary at times, but constant sacrifice can lead to burnout. Align your calling with your strengths to serve others joyfully.

It’s the Right Time

Romans 11:29: “The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”

Timing is crucial. God grooms us for the right moment, instilling new skills, connecting us with the right people, and planting the desire for change. It might not be the right time if a decision feels forced or premature.

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” — Frederick Buechner.

However, don’t let fear hold you back. There’s a difference between bad timing and resistance to change. Trust God’s leading to discern which it is.

You’re Qualified

1 Corinthians 12:4: “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.”

Hard skills are essential, but they’re not the only measure of qualification. Passion and aptitude matter just as much. Soft skills—the essence of who you are—must align with your calling. You’ll burn out if you constantly push yourself out of your comfort zone. God designed you uniquely for your purpose, and it will align with who you are.

Doing Brings Joy

God’s purpose for you will ignite your passion. Ask yourself, “If I did this for the rest of my life, would it bring me joy?” Life is too short to ignore what excites your soul. God wants you to delight in the work He has prepared for you.

Seek Clarity

Finding your purpose is like searching for a unicorn—rare and challenging but worth it. Personal honesty is vital. Be open to the insights of others who know you well, as they might see strengths you’ve overlooked.

Remember, life unfolds in seasons. Each season builds upon the last, honing your skills and preparing you for the next chapter of God’s plan. Don’t view your purpose as static but as a dynamic journey of growth and discovery.

Trust in God’s timing, lean into your experiences and embrace the joy He has prepared for you. Your purpose is waiting—step into it boldly and confidently.

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Living the Life of Esther: Embracing Your God-Given Purpose

Overcoming difficultiesLiving the life of Ester: embracing your God-given purpose. Have you ever wondered if you’re where you’re meant to be? The story of Esther offers profound insight into how God orchestrates our lives to fulfill His purposes. In Esther 4:12-14, Mordecai’s words remind us of our divine placement: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Even when we don’t realize it, we are precisely where God wants us to be.

Esther 4:12-14, “When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house, you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

“The will of God will not take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us.” – Billy Graham.

God’s Plan for You

The story of Esther is a testament to God’s intricate and long-term planning. From the exile of the Jews under Nebuchadnezzar to Esther’s adoption by Mordecai, from Queen Vashti’s fall to Esther’s rise in King Xerxes’ court, every event was part of God’s plan to save His people. Esther’s position wasn’t an accident; it was divinely orchestrated.

Mordecai’s message also serves as a challenge: “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place.” This underscores two key truths: you are where God wants you, and if you don’t act, He will use someone else to accomplish His will.

You Are Where God Wants You

Don’t spend too much time questioning your placement. You’re where God wants you to be. Look around and recognize the opportunities in front of you. Your mission field begins when you wake up and lasts until you close your eyes at night. It may not be your ultimate calling, but it is your purpose for today.

“Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.” – Jim Elliot

Like Esther, your journey may include trials and uncertainty. She likely didn’t view her exile or the loss of her parents as blessings. Serving a gentile King in a foreign land was far from ideal. Yet, God used these experiences to prepare her for a pivotal moment.

Your circumstances may not seem significant, but they are part of God’s plan. Trust that God is guiding you even if the task is daunting or unclear. Esther faced a life-threatening decision to save her people. Most of us won’t face such stakes, but we are called to act in faith daily—whether speaking to someone about our beliefs, volunteering, or simply being a light in someone’s life.

If You Don’t Seize the Opportunity, God Will Use Someone Else

God’s plan is unstoppable. The question is, will you be part of it? If you don’t act, someone else will step into the role meant for you.

Luke 19:26, “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But even what little they have will be taken away from those who do nothing.”

Taking small steps in obedience prepares us for more incredible things. God doesn’t need us to fulfill His plan, but He invites us to join Him to share in His joy. As the lyrics from Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman” express, “I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time.” That’s how God feels about you. He has pursued you from the beginning of time to position you for a life of purpose and joy.

Live Fully in Today’s Mission Field

Luke 19:26, “To those who use well what they are given, even more, will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.”

Luke reminds us that we are responsible for what God puts before us. Our daily actions matter. Whether it’s a conversation with a neighbor, a gesture of kindness to a coworker, or volunteering at a local ministry, each step of obedience brings us closer to God’s purpose for our lives.

One conversation at an IMED conference resonates deeply. A participant asked how to discern if someone attending their training was the “right” person and if they would succeed. The answer was simple: God had planned it from the beginning. Our job is to pray, work diligently, and trust the results to Him.

Today, commit to living intentionally in the mission field where God has placed you. Don’t wait for tomorrow to act. Speak to the person God places in your path. Seize the moment before it passes and someone else experiences the joy God intended for you.

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Peter Pan

Key to GreatnessPeter Pan said, “You can have anything in life if you sacrifice everything else for it.”

Peter wasn’t wrong. Paul put it a little differently.

Philippians 3:7, “But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.”

Chasing the Fog

Accomplishments: many people, men, more likely, have sacrificed everything else to gain power, privilege, wealth, or fame. The worldly trappings and the expectations of others drove their view of self-worth; they believed Peter Pan before they believed Paul. They thought the uneasiness they felt was due to not having enough. It was just the next thing that would make a difference. Many would look back on their lives and see they had sacrificed everything in vain.

“Greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline.”—Jim Collins

I don’t want to be that man. I want my life to count for something. I want to leave a legacy that will echo through eternity. In my death, I want to be bigger than life itself.

Matthew 6:19-20, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on Earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal.”

Gravitational Pull of the World

The world pulls at us with the gravitational pull of the Sun. It wants to keep us in its orbit of mundane, meaningless accomplishments. Eventually, our orbit will decay, and we will find nothing but a fiery finish. When time has run out, we realize that all we have accumulated will be forgotten or exploited by others we have never met. We cannot reach back for a do-over. The do-over starts now.

Ecclesiastes 5:15, “Everyone comes naked from their mother’s womb, and as everyone comes, so they depart. They take nothing from their toil that they can carry in their hands.”

Joy is a choice, and God wants us to choose joy, but happiness is also part of God’s plan. Not perpetual happiness with laughs and birthday cake, but true deep-down happiness that grows from the soul. The type of happiness that brings tranquil sleep. It is a happiness that radiates throughout your body in quiet moments of reflection. It is a contentment that nothing else can give.

Never is a Long Time

Peter Pan also said, “Never is an awfully long time.” To never experience the pure love of Christ is indeed a long time. It makes life a marathon in Death Valley rather than a walk in the park. To always have to trust in yourself is exhausting. To always have to know the answers, have a plan, and make a move is to live a life full of anxiety and worry.

Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Seeking His kingdom and righteousness is not just putting your sights on eternity with Christ; it is to live a life worth living here on Earth. It is to free yourself from chasing the esteem of others and only pursuing God. It is about having faith, knowing that Christ is with you, and knowing your needs will be met. There will be setbacks and challenges, but you are not alone. You do not have to create the person that God wants you to be; God already created them; you must find them within yourself.

“People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.”—Edmund Hillary

Peter Pan, “To have faith is to have wings.”

Peter Pan wasn’t all wrong, but I’ll take Paul.

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The Need to Love and Be Loved

"To be loved is the fire that keeps us warm through the coldest winter nights."The need to love and be loved is one of the most decisive impulses created in us at birth. 1 Corinthians 13 is one of the Bible’s most significant chapters ever written on this subject.

1 Corinthians 13

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Love

This chapter captures the essence of our shared human experience: the deep and universal longing to love and be loved. At the heart of so many of our struggles lies this profound truth. Reflecting on my frailties, I see a common thread—either I haven’t loved enough or felt unloved. Our ego, insecurities, self-esteem, and self-image are all rooted in one pivotal question: How do we perceive the love in our lives?

John 15:13: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

I yearn for that kind of love. A love so boundless that I would give my life for it. A love that surrounds, protects, fulfills, and sustains me. I want it to consume me—to be overwhelming, awe-inspiring, even terrifying in its power. I want it to be extraordinary. And I long for it because that is how God created us to be: vessels for this incredible, life-altering love.

 Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul. – Augustine

He Loved First

1 John 4:19: “We love because He first loved us.”

These seven simple words hold staggering power. God’s love is our foundation, yet I falter when faced with the messiness of human relationships. People are flawed—they say, think, and do things that can be hurtful. They don’t always love us in the way we desire or expect. But isn’t that how I am to God? Flawed, unpredictable, and imperfect—yet fully and unconditionally loved by Him.

Romans 8:38-39: “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

This truth should anchor my heart. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. Yet, why do I still wrestle with feelings of isolation or struggle to love others freely?

The answer lies in our broken world. We live in a fallen creation, surrounded by people who often don’t know Christ or understand the trustworthy source of love. The world distorts God’s perfect love into something transactional and shallow. It’s no wonder so many feel unfulfilled.

But even in my humanity, even when I feel unloved, the way forward is not to focus on the love I receive but on the love I give. I find joy when I love others—even those who do not reciprocate or deserve it. Through loving others, I feel the warmth of love in my heart.

2 Thessalonians 3:5: “May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.”

In loving others, I reflect on the very nature of God. Love isn’t easy, but it is always worth it. In giving love, we touch the divine and discover our true purpose.

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Is Adversity Part of God’s Plan for Your life

Adversity and FaithIs adversity part of God’s plan for your life? That is both a scary and humbling thought. First, I don’t believe God necessarily brings adversity upon us. It is not in His nature. But He does allow our actions and those inherent in a broken world to affect us adversely. I believe He allows this because we need direction and guidance that can not be achieved through prosperity. We will not modify our behavior if we do not see the natural outcome from behavior contrary to God’s teaching.

“Out of the cross comes the resurrection. Out of weakness comes real strength.” – Timothy Keller

Throughout my life, I have developed this philosophy: adversity is an opportunity to either become a victim of my circumstances or the author of a great story demonstrating the power of overcoming. In the middle of the fight, it is hard to see that there are two paths available to us. We can give in and give up, letting the tides of life wash us out to sea, or we can use this opportunity to grow stronger and be an example to others who might suffer the same fate.

Resilience in Hardship:

Several examples in the Bible show how God uses adversity to create greatness. Like Joseph, Moses, and Esther, challenges can be opportunities for preparation and transformation. Even when circumstances seem overwhelming, perseverance and faith can lead to unexpected triumphs.

1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Whatever situation you are in, there is a way out. It may not be simple, quick, or painless, but it exists. God will not let you suffer beyond His ability to save you. Resilience and patience are the key.

Unlikely Heroes:

God often uses ordinary or overlooked individuals—like Esther, Ruth, and David—to accomplish extraordinary things. His use of ordinary people reminds us that everyone has value and the potential to make a significant impact, even in adversity.

God doesn’t create superheroes to show His compassion and grace. He uses everyday people like you and me.

1 Corinthians 1:27-29: “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are so that no one may boast before him.”

Never think you are not good enough to be a beacon of light. Don’t believe that you are not significant or worthy to be rescued. No matter your personal view of yourself, God cherishes your existence.

Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Divine Providence and Timing:

As seen in the stories of Esther and Joseph, timing plays a critical role. Difficult seasons often position people for opportunities they never anticipated, revealing a higher purpose at work. We cannot see the future, but we know that the future God has planned for us is more significant than we could envision. It does not seem that way when you are in the eye of a storm, but all storms run their course and come to an end.

We need to be resilient to withstand the storm. That resilience can not come from within us but from above us.

Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Courage to Act:

Like Esther’s bold decision to approach the king, overcoming fear and stepping out in faith can lead to remarkable outcomes, even in uncertain times.

Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Start creating your story of overcoming by believing you will overcome through God’s grace. With that conviction, start moving in that direction. Great stories require movement and stepping out in faith when the outcome is uncertain.

Psalm 144:1: “Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”

Transformation Through Faith:

Faith in God can bring healing, growth, and redemption as demonstrated through Paul’s conversion or Job’s restoration.

Jeremiah 30:17: “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord.”

We live in a time-constrained, linear view of life. We see only what is in front of us, and we don’t see the ripple effect of every interaction. God does; He knows the future. We move forward through faith.

Joel 2:25-26: “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten. You will have plenty to eat until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you.”

God is in the business of restoring broken lives, healing wounded hearts, and redeeming what has been lost.

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Creating a Future by Embracing the Moment

Kyrgyzstan 2024The present moment is all we truly have. Think about it—there are 31,536,000 seconds in 2025, and once they’re gone, they’re gone; no rewinds, no replays, no do-overs. Every single second is an opportunity, and this New Year, let’s commit to making the most of them.

Ephesians 5:15-17, “So, then, be careful how you live. Do not be unwise but wise, making the best use of your time because the times are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

Kaki King eloquently stated in her 2008 TED Talk (paraphrased):
“If time stretches infinitely behind and infinitely ahead, then each individual moment might seem small and meaningless. But if nothing else has a place in the universe either, then every moment becomes the most important moment ever.”

What if we treated every moment as sacred? We, as humans, are wired to plan and strategize, always looking forward. Yet, in doing so, we risk missing the beauty and significance of our moment. But that’s not how God designed us to live.

Emily Dickinson wisely said, “Forever is composed of now.”

Planning for the Future, Living in the Now

Planning is powerful—there’s evidence to back it up. A landmark Harvard study from the 1980s showed that people with detailed written plans outperformed their peers by over 50 times. That’s incredible! But here’s the key: planning is only valid when paired with action. A vision for the future is meaningless unless you’re moving toward it intentionally, starting now.

Psalm 90:12, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

God’s purpose for your life isn’t some far-off destination. It’s unfolding moment by moment. While He created you before the foundation of the universe, He also exists in the present. God is in the moment, and by living intentionally, we align ourselves with His purpose.

Time is Irreplaceable

James 4:13-14, “Now listen, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town, stay there a year, conduct business, and make money. You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

“Lost time is never found again.” – Benjamin Franklin.

Time cannot be stored, reused, or replaced. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. This truth doesn’t mean we need to obsess over every second, but it calls us to deliberate how we spend our days. Even intentional rest, like sleep or quiet reflection, has profound value. Sleep, for example, isn’t wasted time—it’s foundational to healthy aging and overall well-being. One study revealed that improving your sleep patterns could increase your chances of healthy aging by 18%.

The same goes for strategic thinking. Effective leaders don’t just act—they take time to think deeply. Research shows that strategic thought is twice as important as communication and 50 times more critical than hands-on tasks.

A Call to Action

In the moment is where intentionality meets action. Begin with a clear vision of where God is leading you. Without it, the movement lacks purpose. Many New Year’s resolutions fail because they’re vague or lack deep meaning. But this year, let your resolution be different.

Chase God’s passion for your life. Live intentionally. Embrace the present moment as the most critical moment that has ever happened. When you do, you’re not just creating a better future—you’re living fully in the now.

“What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.” – Ralph Marston

Let’s make 2025 a year of purposeful, intentional moments that build the life you were created to live.

John 16:13, “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. For he will not speak on his own authority but will speak whatever he hears and tell you what is to come.”

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Love

Christ calls us to love one another. There is a significant difference between caring for someone and being deeply connected to them. Caring involves showing compassion, kindness, gentleness, and patience. It doesn’t require liking them; it’s an intentional act that soothes their wounds and quenches their thirst. Being deeply connected goes further. It includes all care qualities but adds a profound passion and longing. To feel this connection is prioritizing them above all else—it is an act of selflessness.

Love is not only something you feel; it is something you do. – David Wilkerson

1 John 4:19, “We love because He first loved us.”

However, being in love is not the same as being co-dependent. Needing someone for your survival turns love into parasitism, draining their energy for your sustenance. Sometimes, we encounter people who seem to complete us, fill a void, or make us feel worthy, but this isn’t love—it’s addiction.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Christ’s devotion to us is profound and unwavering. He extends compassion, grace, kindness, and patience, giving His very life so we might have eternal life. Jesus does not demand that we fully comprehend the depth of His sacrifice—a passion so great that He gave Himself for a world that rejected Him. God’s care is entirely selfless, requiring nothing from us to complete Him, fill a void, or affirm His worth. It is a commitment so powerful that He offered His Son to endure a horrific death, all so that we might live.

John 15:12, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”

Every Day 

1 John 4:7-8, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God because God is love.”

He commanded that we love one another and treat one another with intentionality that goes beyond personal comfort. We are to put doing right ahead of being right. Trying to survive in a broken world is enough for humans. We see the seeds of hate everywhere. We are constantly immersed in a world where being right is much more important than doing right. Somehow, our opinions and attitudes are the drivers of the world. We lose sight of the fact that God decides the world’s future, not humankind. Our opinions are just opinions; they shape our thinking and attitudes, but not the future.

Ephesians 4:2, “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.”

I’ve realized that when people treat me unkindly, it’s rarely about who I am but rather a reflection of their life experiences. Seeds of anger and disrespect were sown in their hearts long before our paths crossed. Often, a small, insignificant act triggers these buried emotions to surface. Loving them means looking beyond the hurtful behavior and recognizing it as the overflow of past pain.

Choosing to love in those moments is no small task. It’s easy to see ourselves as victims of the interaction, but we must remember that God’s love for us covers every inequity we may endure on this spinning orb. His love reminds us that our time here is fleeting while eternity stretches endlessly ahead.

John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Sacrificial 

Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

The concept of romantic connection is often misunderstood. Much of psychology emphasizes that humans are inherently self-interested—that every interaction involves, and will always involve, some form of personal benefit. Psychologists are correct in this: We are not divine. So, how can we truly connect on a deeper level if we are imperfect? In a fractured world, that question becomes layered and challenging.

To build healthy relationships, one must first find security in who God created them to be. If someone feels incomplete, they will search for validation elsewhere. But the truth is, God does not create incomplete people—fear and doubt do. When God gave His Son for humanity, it wasn’t because He lacked anything. He acted out of the certainty of His purpose and the depth of His care. As children of God, made in His image, we must embrace this truth about ourselves before forming authentic bonds with others.

Romans 12:10, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

To be devoted to someone means placing their well-being above your own—not by indulging their every desire, but by serving them in ways that truly benefit them. Imagine two people so deeply devoted to each other that each willingly sacrifices their happiness for the other’s sake. In this mutual selflessness, both would find immense joy in the other’s happiness.

However, we live in a fallen world, and achieving even a glimpse of this level of caring requires sacrifice and intentionality. It demands a conscious effort to prioritize the other person’s needs while striving to love gracefully and purposefully.

God’s Love

1 John 4:16, “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”

God’s caring for us is perfect, unblemished, and forever. There is nothing we can do to separate us from that. His unwavering desire for us gives us the power to care for others.

Romans 8:31-39, “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

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