Have you ever had a time in your life where you had a trial and you just knew you had to push thru, but the how of pushing left you bewildered and searching for answers? If your answer to this question is yes, please know that you are not alone.

 Like you, many of us have experienced trials, circumstances, situations, and issues that warrant action, but seem to inspire confusion.   Yet there are things that we must remember when pushing thru.


#1 When reminded of what the Bible says, remember that God is not the author of confusion.

BAM! There it is, right there... God has not orchestrated the mess, so now you and I both know where to take a stand in the midst of pushing through. -Pardon me as take a brief moment to cut my nails, so that I don't wake my dear husband, as I type away at 5am.  You see, I had determined within myself that I was going to share with you this inspiration that God had blessed me with this morning, no matter what. You might be wondering why I felt it necessary to say "no matter what." We'll, wonder no more, you are about to find out. A few weeks ago, when taking over Prayerful Bloggers, I had been in prayer, seeking God about His will for this ministry.  Yes, ministry, not just a group.  I wanted to know how He desired for me to lead and what He wanted us to do.  Well, don't you know that He began to fill my heart with great plans and activities for us to get connected and fellowship together; Great ways for us to honor Him. However, in the midst of executing these plans, rather preparing to execute them, I was sideswiped by our enemy, the adversary. My husband's mother and father were both hospitalized.  Two of my four children got sick.  My finances got attacked and so did my friendship with my best friend.  As if this were not enough, my biological family began to experience such troubles, that if I had not had the Lord to lean on, I would have been traumatized.  Yet, in the midst of all of this, I have held on to the promises of God and he has kept me.

  #2 Hold on to God's promises and He will keep you.

 I truly believe that all of these things have happened because of my "yes" to God.  And that is expected, but what is not expected is that my God would fail.  No it is not.  So for the past few weeks, I have just continued to pray and push. There are so many things that God has in store for us, but we must remember to walk in faith, no matter what the circumstances look like.  Our God is so much bigger than our problems.  He is more powerful than any trial and there really is nothing that He cannot do.

  #3 Walk in Faith

 In the midst of all of my planning & praying for Prayerful Bloggers and the ambush sent by the enemy to stop this, I can say one thing.   It is the thing that keeps rising up in my spirit and encouraging me. I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging for bread. Psalm 37:25 This is a testimony and reminder of the Lord's faithfulness to us, His people. Some prayers are unspoken and there are times when we push through without telling anyone that we are pushing, but I want you to know that when we are pushing, we are not alone.  The Lord is right there with us.  His Holy Spirit is leading and guiding us.  He is pulling us thru...encoraging our spirits and motivating us to keep on going.

  #4 We are not alone

 I had this great plan for us to study the book of Romans this month.  I was working on our reading calendar, affirmation calendar, blog contribution calendar, praying, and seeking Him for direction, when all of this happened.  I have been determined that we are going to do these things together because the Lord has brought us together for such a time as this.  However, I am taking all of this, one stride at time. Below are our group updates, but the last thing to remember is that our God is faithful.  Do you hear me?

#5 He is FAITHFUL.

• Reading the book of Romans: Yes, we are in the second week of May, but there are 16 chapters in Romans and 19 days left in this month.  Lets read this book and study it together.  What do I mean by study?  Well, as we read it and questions/observations come up, lets discuss them in our Facebook group.  I don't want this to be some lecture type of study.  It would be great if you could share with us what the Lord is showing you regarding this book of the Bible.  If you want to write a post on your blog, periscope, create images, write a poem, post a topic/question, or do other things to communicate your thoughts with us, do it and freely share all of this with us in the group.  Let's have a conversation about the book of Romans.  I am really looking forward to this!  I hope you are too.
• If you are a blog contributor, and have submitted a post, please know that it is being approved and scheduled.  We are so honored to have you all with us, to encourage and inspire us.  You are a blessing from God.  Thank you for your patience. :)
• Prayer:  Let's not stop praying.  Pray for friends, family, strangers, our country, and other countries, ministries, governments, and individual situations.  Continue to pray and make your prayer lists.  Remember that the Lord has heard our plea and has accepted our prayers. (Psalm 6:9)
• End of the month Prayer Call: At the end of the month on May 27th at 1pm EST, Lord willing, we will be having a prayer call.  We will be praying for all of the prayers submitted this month and taking requests over the phone.  We will be praying for those requests live.
• End of the month book discussion:  At the end of the month on May 26th, Lord willing, we will be having an online discussion on the book of Romans.  It will be at 1pm EST.  I will send out an invite through our Facebook group.
• Are you looking for an accountability partner?  If so, sign ups will be starting very soon.  I will post the sign up form to the Facebook group, so that we can all get connected.
• Would you like to receive a daily affirmation text directly on your cell phone?  I know that social media can be distracting at times.  :) If so, please text EZAFFIRM to 313131
• Last but not least, I wanted to announce the boo of the month for June.  It will be What happens when women say yes to God by Lisa TerKerust

 I hope that you continue to have a great week.  Reach out to us if you need anything.  I look forward to connect with you more.  If you have any prayer request, remember to submit them here Let's recap quickly on the 5 things to remember when pushing through

1. The Lord is not the author of confusion
2. Hold on to God's promises, He will keep you
3. Walk in faith
4. We are not alone
5. He is FAITHFUL

I hope that you found inspiration and encouragement in this post.  I'd love to hear from you?  Share with us your thoughts below in the comments and don't forget to connect with us through Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  We are a community her to support, encourage, and pray for you.
(Please be reminded that our new website and blog is now located at http://prayerfulbloggers.org)

 Thanks for reading,

 Your prayerful sister Makeda

1 comment Bible Study, Blog Housekeeping, Life Seasons, Makeda, Prayers

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A Break

Over the past few weeks, I've been kinda hard on myself. I have made sure that I am taking time to rest and I am focusing in on the things that I need to get done, but there is still something that I'm not doing. 

I'm not giving myself a break. 

Well, I really enjoy reading, doing projects, blogging. I have had a lot going on and this causes my hobbies to take a back burner. I don't really like this idea, but I realize that I have to be realistic. For this reason, I have decided to give myself a break. 

I'm telling myself that it's ok.

I'm not going to be so hard on myself, especially when it comes to my hobbies and readings. I have to take care of my responsibilities and focus on the things that are most important right now. If I don't, I'll get side tracked. 

I have to be honest though...I would be really nice it I were able to read a 300 page book in one night, but I can't.   That means that I have to be kind to myself. Yes, there are tons of books that I want to read, but I will just have to plan my readings out. I also have to pray and hope that I will read my books in time. 

Today, I am really reminding myself that I am not perfect. Although I am striving for excellence and I want to be great, I am just a woman trying to be my best and asking God to let His glory be shown through me. 

It's not about how hard I can be on myself to get things done. I need to give myself a break and have faith that God's will, will be accomplished in my life. I will read what needs to be read. I will have time to enjoy my hobbies...until I make time for all of that I will take time to focus on my responsibilities an education. 

I will not be so hard on myself all of the time. I will give myself a break.

I want to encourage you to do the same thing. Look at your life. See if you are being too hard on yourself in some areas. Is the pressure necessary? Is there a way that you could be a little easier on yourself? How?  If you take the time to reflect as I am, I think you will find that you too, can give yourself a break. 

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Remember To Breathe

Have you ever had a moment when you found yourself gasping for air? No, I don't mean literally, but you can feel it.  It seems like everything around you is going so fast that you just can't seem to catch your breath. I know that you know what I'm talking about. It's that time in your life when you feel like you are spinning around in circles, getting dizzy, and are about to pass out because you aren't getting enough oxygen to your brain. Those are the times when it is imperative for us to take time away.  It might be a vacation.  It could be a day.  It could be as simple as a few minutes out of the time that you spend being super busy.  Where ever you make the time to do it, that time becomes your point of rejuvenation.

 How do I know?  Well, it's simple.  I've been there. I've been at a point before where I was trying to be everything to everybody.  I thought that being a good woman, friend, and Christian meant that I had to say "yes!" and do it all...all the time. That's when, thankfully, God's Holy Spirit stepped in and began to tell me something that I will never forget.

BREATHE...Don't forget to breath

Hearing those words caused me to feel like someone cared about all that I had been experiencing and that I was important too.  I began to realize that I didn't have to pour out everything in order to be the woman that I believed that God had created me to be.  It was OK to slow down or stop at a point when I knew that it was too much. I became more encouraged as I felt the Holy Spirit unction me to say "No, I'm sorry.  I understand, but the answer is no."

 Today my life is a bit more balanced.  I am no longer the same woman that I once was.  I know, now, how to say no.

 So, why am I writing this? I'm writing this because I believe that it is important to share my story so that I can help someone else.

 If you are reading this and life seems to be moving at the speed of lighting, take a moment and breathe. Find time throughout your day, week, month, and year to simply look up at the clouds or the sky...the trees, the stars...watch the kids play and as you do, remember to breathe. Thank God for all you have and all He is in your life. Put one foot in front of the other and continue to move forward. I hope you found comfort and encouragement in this.

 Until next time...God bless you

Written by Makeda

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Words of Encouragement: My Favorite Scriptures

Many times in my life when I needed some encouragement, there was no one to be found, besides family, of course.

Yet, I longed for more.  I wanted to be able to sit down with a girlfriend and discuss the troubles that I was facing.  I wanted someone that could encourage me and not just let me wallow in the mud.  Instead what I found was a great friend in God.  He showed me how much He cared for me and how much He thought of me.

Why do I say that?  Well, if we look at the Scriptures, it becomes evident that God had us on His mind as the Bible was being written.  For a long time, it was a part of my Christian emergency on the go kit.  (before the Bible app)  I quickly learned that if I needed encouragement, I had to encourage myself through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

Over the years, it has really helped me to know what God says about the things that concern me and various other topics.  I find myself remembering how much He loves me because of how much I seen His word say that He cares in so many different ways.

So today, I want to share a few of my favorite scriptures with you.  (By no means are these all of them.  Just a few that I want to share for today.) Beside each of the scriptures is a description  of what it helps me to remember or when I needed it.

Romans 10:11 For the scripture says, Whosoever believes on him shall not be ashamed. (When I needed boldness to stand on God's word)

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (When I needed to understand how to go to God and what He expected of me)

Matthew 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said to them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible (When I needed to know that God could do the impossible and that I could trust Him to do just that)

Matthew 6:33 But seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (When I needed to know that God would take care of me, so I could seek His face and work in His kingdom without worrying about my needs and wants)

Isaiah 54: 4 Fear not; for you shall not be ashamed: neither be you confounded; for you shall not be put to shame: for you shall forget the shame of your youth, and shall not remember the reproach of your widowhood any more. (When I was afraid of what was to come and of what would be said about what happened)

Isaiah 54:5 For your Maker is your husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and your Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called. (When my heart was broken)

Isaiah 54: 13 And all your children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of your children. (Whenever I was...am concerned for my children)

Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, says the LORD. (When I am concerned about what others will say)

I really love all of Isaiah 54...it really speaks to me

Psalm 91:5-12 (for overall protection)

You shall not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flies by day;

Nor for the pestilence that walks in darkness; nor for the destruction that wastes at noonday.

A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.

Only with your eyes shall you behold and see the reward of the wicked.

Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the most High, your habitation;

There shall no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.

For he shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.

They shall bear you up in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

Psalm 34 (ALL)

verse 4: I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. (I needed to be reminded that the Lord hears me)

verses 8-10 (the promise of God for my personal needs and wants)

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusts in him.

O fear the LORD, you his saints: for there is no lack to them that fear him.

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.

Psalm 2:8  Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. (When I would pray for people to get saved.  A reminder that God would hear me and His promise to act)

1 Peter 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you. (A constant reminder that God cares about everything the I care about...all of it)

James 5:14-16 (A reminder of the power of prayer)

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:  And the prayer of faith shall deliver the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

James 4:8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (When I want to draw near to God, He want to draw near to me too)

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (Encouragement and reason to study...this scripture was the foundation for my Bible study life)

As I said before, these are not all of my favorites, but the one that came to my heart to share right now.  I hope you have found some encouragement in this.

What are some of your favorite scriptures?

Madeka

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A Need for Healing

Written by Makeda 

We see it all the time.

If we don't see it, we feel it.

The need for healing.

There are times when we know that healing will come.

Then there are times when we wonder how long it will take for the healing to arrive.

Over the past couple of weeks, I have dealt with death.  As if that wasn't enough for me I began to deal with an issue of my own healing.  I never thought that I would know what it feels like to be in such a place in my life, where I am asking God questions about both my life and the lives of those that I care about in this way.

In the midst of all of my emotions, I have had to remind myself that God heals.

No matter how I feel or what the doctor says, I have to remember that it is by Jesus stripes that we are healed.(Isaiah 53:5)

This is what I've had to do over and over again this past week.

I've told myself that no matter what it is that I am going through, I will be encouraged and find a way to encourage others.  When I doubted, I searched the word.  When I worried, I searched the word.  When I didn't know what to do, say, or how to feel, I searched the word.

As I searched the word, I wrote the scriptures that spoke to my heart in my journal.  They were the pieces of buried treasure that I had found.  Each time that I found a new treasure, I felt God strengthening me.

I believe that the word of God makes me strong.

It can do the same thing for you.

When you are lost, look for the words of God that will change your heart and your situation.

I had to pray and listen for the words that would bring about a change in me.

I don't know exactly what will come my way, but I look forward to the gifts of God that I know I will receive as I walk this walk of faith.

2 comments faith, healing, Makeda

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A Moment in Time

written by: Makeda 

There are times in life when things seem to go so fast that you can't keep up.

There are times when it seems like life has taken you by surprise and there isn't anything to do but trust the One that knows it all.

I know this feeling all too well. There have been times in my life where I could barely comprehend the shifting and changes that were taking place. Yet, there have been other times when I believe that I know exactly what is going on.

Still this hasn't been one of those times.

In the past four weeks, I've gotten news that my grandmother and great grandmother passed away. The other two out of the four weeks, were filled with emotions and funerals. In this time, I questioned God about my own life.

I wondered how long I would live and what He had purposed for me to do on every level that I could fathom. I cried and laughed, knowing that life is but a breath.

I've looked at some of the choices in my life, as we all must at times, and realized that although I have made a few bad choices, I've also made a lot of good ones.

I've worried about my kids, my parents, my spouse, and my friends. I wondered if, when it was all said and done, when my life was at its end, would He say that I had lived a life of abundance...that I honored Him.

I also had moments when I prayed for rest and peace as I realized some of my greatest fears and attempted to conquer them.

Most of all, I determined that I would be great and that no matter what I did, I would make sure that I believed.

I would trust in the Word of God and know Jesus had really paid the price for me. I renewed my faith and assured myself that God is on my side. (Psalm 103)

I reminded myself that God is not mad at me. When I am tempted, I have not yet sinned, but have only been tempted and that's ok. I reminded myself that it is alright to have the struggles that all men and women tend to have in this life. I gave myself permission to be weak and not to know it all. I told myself that it was ok to fall down sometimes because that meant that I would learn how to get up and know what not to do.

This past few weeks of mourning has been filled with a new discovery of who these two wonderful women are and what the legacy is that they left to me. I have the faith of my grandmothers (2 Timothy 1:5). This faith helps me to believe the word of God and to trust Him.

I know that no matter what, He is able to do so much more with my life than I could ever do on my own. He will fill me to overflowing and when my story is over, I will look back and see his hand holding me the entire time. Nothing that I could ever imagine is beyond Him (Ephesians 3:20). This gives me great hope...and for the first time in my life, I am not afraid. I am confident, knowing that there is no reason to fear or doubt because God is with me.

2 comments faith, grief, loss, Makeda

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