Obstacles.

Let me tell you, on any given day you may feel like a contestant on American Ninja Warrior. Random obstacles [and not so random obstacles] will come at you so fast it leaves you out of breath and out of time.

God will help us navigate through life’s most intense terrain; however, we have to be a willing participant. We cannot mumble side-tracked, unfocused prayers and then get upset when OUR GPS leads us to a roadblock. We’ve got to put in the work to get to where we need to be – no matter how hard or intense that may look. No matter how many times we want to turn back.

These obstacles {barriers} aren’t going anywhere. There will always be something between us and our dreams. There will always be something trying to stop us.

But if God says walk – if God says go – and if we do just that – Get ready. He will make a way.

Just like when God parted the Red Sea – talk about one major obstacle – He will help us get through, over, under, or around whatever is trying to hinder our ability to be successful on the path that God has set before us.

If we go.

If we get up.

If we believe.

If we put in the work.

If we exercise our faith.

If we stick it out.

If we don’t turn back.

Who’s winning your battle today? Your obstacle or Your God?

“17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” 18 But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.” Exodus 13:17-18 (ESV)

“13 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14:13-14 (ESV)

“At times, we’re not much different than the Hebrews wandering the desert. Sometimes we “long for Egypt” by looking to the past or grumbling about the present. Along life’s road, we’ll experience successes and failures, much like the Hebrews in the desert, but we’re destined for the promised land, too, an eternity in God’s presence.” (Excerpt from my incourage Bible)

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Destined for the promised land. That’s something to be excited about, y’all. We have something to look forward to – a goal to reach – a race to run.

And even when life gets hard, because it will, we can keep going – because my God is there at the starting blocks. He is with me during the heat, and He is waiting at the finish line.

He’s ready to celebrate with us as we cross over.

Don’t give up.

Keep going.

One foot in front of the other.

God’s got you.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (NIV) James 1:12

Go with God.

Grow with God.

Just remember, with growth comes growing pains.

Be prepared for planting and pruning. Be prepared for watering and waiting.

Growth isn’t easy. It takes time, and without a doubt it’s uncomfortable. Growth hurts; however, you can count on this – growth equals change.

Change equals development.

Development equals substance.

Growing takes humility, patience, and a deep trust in our Savior. It’s hard, but it’s worth it. Choose to let God cultivate the areas within you that are in fierce need of growth.

Growing pains may hurt for a while, but they won’t last.

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” (ESV) 2 Peter 3:18

“I’m choosing solutions over slander.

I’m choosing prayer over pessimism.

I’m choosing hope, guys. I’m choosing hope.”

I bet I wrote that over six months ago. I don’t know why {but I know there is a why} but today is the day I’m supposed to post it.

Maybe you know.

If you do – if this is for you – I’m praying you choose hope and optimism and kind words. I’m praying you choose to lean on God.

Don’t let the ugly parts of this world infiltrate your soul. Speak life. Speak hope.

Be God’s girl.

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (NIV) Colossians 4:6

It’s Monday.

The way this week goes is up to us. God has given us an assignment, and it’s our choice to embrace it in it’s fullness.

Can we confidently say we are exactly where God needs us to be? If we are, then we’ve got work to do. If we’re not, then we’ve got work to do.

I pray today that you will recognize where God needs you. Like a small child on the first day of summer, I hope you cannonball into that pool unabashedly. I hope you know how much you are needed. I hope you know how important the fruit that your bear is to furthering God’s Kingdom.

Don’t shy away from your assignment today. God gave it specifically to you – for a reason.

You are His.

He needs you.

Dive in.

“1 Blessed is the one

    who does not walk in step with the wicked

or stand in the way that sinners take

    or sit in the company of mockers,

2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,

    and who meditates on his law day and night.

3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,

    which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither—

    whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

Jesus saves.

The most beautiful promise of all. What He did on that old, rugged cross – for us – is unimaginable to me. But He did it. He endured it.

He loves us that much. He cares about us that much. And if you accept Him today as your Lord and Savior you will never be alone again. He will be by your side through life’s ups and downs – a constant confidant to lean on every single day.

I pray that you will. I pray that you will join me as a brother or sister in Christ.

God gave.

God rose.

God reigns.

God saves.

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

This verse.

So sweet. So true. When you delight yourself in God – then all you will ever need is God. Accomplishments and shiny things will never fully quench that insatiable thirst that humans encompass. Without a true, 100% all-in-kind-of-love for God, you will always be reaching for something unattainable.

Fall in love with Him. When you do, you will start seeing your heart change. His desires will become your desires.

Serving Him.

Serving others.

Loving Him.

Loving others.

Worshipping Him.

Ministering to others.

Your heart will be satisfied. At peace. At home. And guys, that’s a good, good place to be.

God loves.

God changes.

God gives.

God promised.

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)

The valley.

We’ve all been there and done that. You may even be there today. It’s not an easy place to be – certainly not somewhere that you want to be alone.

Although everybody’s valley is vastly different, there is some sameness to be found in the following fact – God is God of the valleys, too.

So no matter how deep or how wide your valley is today, He is there. He didn’t leave you.

And don’t forget – things do grow in the valley, y’all. Things flourish. Things rise up.

Take heart. Look up. He’s right there.

God hears.

God holds.

God grows.

God promised.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

It doesn’t matter how naturally intelligent you are, how many degrees you may have or what alma mater you sing along with on game day – if you are not looking to God for true wisdom [everyday] then you are in fact going the wrong way. Trusting God’s will and God’s way for your life is the smartest thing you will ever do.

He didn’t promise it would be easy, but He did promise He would be with you. From the smallest decisions to the biggest, He wants to be a part of every single detail.

We can’t see the big picture, but He can. We don’t know our future, but He does. Staying in God’s word and daily communicating with Him through prayer and worship will help ensure that you do recognize His guidance and plans for your life.

Don’t place your trust in a website, a self-help book, or even your best friend for instruction. Look to God. Fact check it all. Pray for discernment.

One thing I’ve learned by diving into God’s word is that His timing is so amazingly cool. He truly works things out in a way that our small human minds could never fathom. His paths aren’t always paved with perfectly smooth concrete – in fact sometimes they are so uneven that we stumble and fall over and over again – but you can know without a doubt that His path will take you exactly where you need to be.

God knows.

God leads.

God guides.

God promised.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Adultery. Abortion. Addiction. That’s just three of the many transgressions that satan tries to hold over us. Maybe you can’t forgive sins you’ve committed. Maybe you deem these sins – and yourself – too far gone.

That’s a lie. That’s a lie that satan is whispering in your ear – maybe screaming – to stop you in your tracks. To make you remain stagnant.

Don’t believe it.

God promises in 1 John 1:9 that He will cleanse us from any sin we’ve committed. We have to sincerely repent. We have to want forgiveness.

We are never too far gone for God. There can be beauty from these ashes. Even though it seems impossible, God can wipe our slates clean. We really can start fresh this new year.

I’ve seen it. I’ve seen marriages healed. People healed. Addictions gone. Hearts broken. Hearts mended.

God can.

God will.

God has.

God promised.