A Bridge to Possibilities

Each phase of life presents challenges to be conquered while introducing opportunities for personal growth and change. Even when a challenge appears overwhelming, there is something within human nature that defies defeat. That special something is hope. Hope motivated the Israelites to move forward and take possession of the Promised Land.

Hope builds a bridge to possibilities. For the Hebrew people this included the challenge God gave to Joshua, their new leader who replaced Moses. "Be determined and confident for you will lead these people to inherit the land I promised. Make sure you obey all the laws my servant Moses gave you and you will be successful." This was their source for hope and courage.

God's word encourages you to be strong and courageous in the strength and power the Holy Spirit provides rather than relying solely on your own strength and power. Confidence is a personality trait, and when fortified by faith in God, success is possible.  

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Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again – my Savior and my God!

~Psalm 42:5 New Living Translation  

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Change, Challenge, and Convictions of Steel - Part 3

Engagement is a wonderful word most often referring to a couple's decision to make their relationship exclusive. Engagement means entering a covenant bond with promises regarding roles and behaviors to be honored for a lifetime. The integrity of each person entering this covenant bond affects the endurance of the relationship.

Engagement is an essential factor in communication. Engaging a person in conversation means more than exchanging words. It indicates two people are on the same track and their exchange of words is meaningful. To engage another person means to give value to that person, and it goes beyond words to give recognition to what another is feeling.

Resilience is related to staying on track rather than getting sidetracked. Jesus in John 21 demonstrated resilience with Peter when he asked him three times, "Peter do you love me?" Jesus was aware of the trials yet to be endured by Peter. He engaged and challenged Peter by asking for a commitment that would endure regardless of hardships yet to be faced.

Surviving a Personal Crisis with God's Help - Part 3

Everyone experiences challenges to what they expect from life. Sometimes these challenges are minor and relatively easy to manage. At other times we're tested to the point where personal survival appears uncertain. Challenges that result in spiritual failure can be so devastating and overwhelming that recovery seems impossible.

Even if you've cratered in the face of a crisis and abandoned everything you believed in, all is not lost. God has not given up on you. Psalm 147:5 reassures you that survival is possible. "Great is our Lord, mighty in power; his understanding has no limits." And that's not all. Listen to Psalm 145:14. "The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down."

Passing through the torrential waters of a crisis opens the door for needed change. Surviving requires resuming faith in Christ Jesus and being vulnerable to the unlimited understanding of the Lord God. He will cleanse and forgive you and provide faith which assures that survival is possible.