Welcome to Hope through Hard Times! As I start this ministry, I would like to take the opportunity to explain to you a piece of my story. I have started each category this way to give you some insight of where I am coming from.
My story, like so many of you, is messy. It started out with ‘child-like faith’. I understood who Jesus was and that I wanted Him as part of my life at the age of four. I wanted to publicly declare it through baptism at the age of seven. I was bold in my faith and stance regardless of the criticism I received because of it. I stood my ground and “fought the fight” the best way I knew how.
But, here’s the thing. We live in a sin-filled world. No one is perfect and life is never smooth. As much as it is absolutely wonderful to have Jesus as my Lord, there is an enemy who will do whatever he possibly can to destroy this relationship; that is his total purpose.
So, as I got older, that “wonderful life” I was living came crashing down. I struggled with insecurity, feeling inadequate and a failure in all areas. I quit everything I started and began to become known for it. I had zeal, but also pride. Fear began to control my life. My “perfect” family fell apart, and I joined so many other women in the pursuit of looking for love in all the wrong places because of it. I ran from coast to coast to try and escape my problems, only to realize that they will always follow.
I tried to clean my life up and to get right with the Lord, but was afraid to let go of the reins. It wasn’t until I came to the end of myself, feeling like I had lost all of my identity and purpose that I completely gave whatever I had left over of myself to Him. I wanted whatever He would offer and was willing to go and do whatever He wanted of me.
Then something beautiful happened. When I thought I should be severely punished God only showed me love, grace, and blessing. He mended all broken areas of my life and restored my soul. It took a lot of commitment. It took a lot of forgiveness and healing. However, it was a battle that was absolutely worth fighting.
Life is still hard and satan still throws his punches. However, God’s power and love prevails all storms. Life is definitely worth living and the fight will always be won! Psalm 34:19 says, “Many adversities come to the one who is righteous, but the Lord delivers him from them all”. I stand on the truth that God will fight my battles and I can hold onto hope as He will prevail. He will provide all of my needs, lavish His love on me, and walk with me
“…always, even to the ends of the earth” (Matthew 28:20).
It is my prayer that you will also hold onto hope through life’s hard times. May we learn and battle together with the Lord for His glory and purposes.
