Friends, wouldn’t it be nice to always have someone whisper words of hope into your ear when you are feeling defeated or weary? Maybe even when you are frustrated, discouraged, and unsure? Because let’s face it, in the midst of another negative pregnancy test or hearing of a devastating doctor’s report, hope can be hard to find. It’s not something that will just come naturally to you in those intense moments of heartache and uncertainty. And so one of the best ways to overcome despair is to write encouraging words, phrases, prayers, or scriptures and place them inside a cute container (I use a bird teapot) to pull out when your soul feels weary. Your heart feels crushed. Or your faith is weakening. It doesn’t have to be anything long or elaborate. Just something that can be read easily and quickly. And you know what else you can do? You can even choose to place them throughout your home so that all around you is hope.
For instance, you can put a small note on your microwave that reads, “Get excited! God is cooking up something amazing today!” Or when you open up the kitchen cabinet to get out a glass, there is a sign that reads: “Your cup–your womb–your life–will soon overflow! So get ready!” Friends, it might not seem like much, but these small reminders will also help you make hope—the confident expectation that something good is going to happen—a habit. A habit that is desperately needed so that when the bad news hits you like a freight train, it won’t knock you down and keep you there.
For more hope-filled words to help you get started in making your own hope-filled jar or to perhaps place strategically around your home as a reminder to always anticipate, expect and believe for change, keep on scrolling. Because there you will find encouraging status updates I have used on my Waiting for Baby Bird Facebook page, inspirational stories I have shared, and scriptures that have become my lifeline (over 130 in all). So what are you waiting for? Grab a cute jar and jam pack it full of your favorite hope-filled words below in order to light a spark within you to keep believing that one day, and one day soon, your circumstances can and will change.
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Just because something is hard doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
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God never gives up on the dreams He puts in our hearts.
And you know? Neither should we.
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Hope is a powerful force.
It’s the fertile soil for which faith grows and miracles sprout.
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There were seven women mentioned in the Bible who had trouble conceiving. And you know what’s interesting? The Bible never mentions why. It could have easily been due to PCOS, endometriosis, blocked Fallopian tubes, no uterus, low ovarian reserve, poor egg quality, uterine lining issues, etc. Or it could have had nothing to do with her but rather an issue with her husband. And so what’s my point to all of this?
It is simply to point out that it didn’t matter why and it wasn’t important to God to mention why. Instead the point God wanted to highlight and still wants to highlight to you today is that He is the God of the impossibles. And ultimately it doesn’t matter what is causing your inability to conceive. It doesn’t even matter if it is “unexplained” because God breaks through barriers. He destroys obstacles. He heals. He restores. And He fulfills the desires of those hearts that cry out and delight in Him. So friend, please listen to my heart today. Because I want you to know that it doesn’t matter what you are facing, what your diagnosis is or isn’t; God is the same yesterday, today and forever. And what He did for them, He will do for you. Nothing will ever stand in His way.
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When the enemy tries to intimidate or discourage you to stop,
just continue with an even greater determination.
“They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination. “ ~ Nehemiah 6:9 (NLT)
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It might not be today, tomorrow, or the next day. But friend?
Trust that in due time, God will work it out.
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Last night, after celebrating Christmas with my family, I came home and found two beautifully wrapped presents leaning up against my back door from my cousin. One was for our foster princess. And the other one? It was for my yet to be conceived baby bird. Immediately tears began to fill my eyes as I stood outside holding his gift. Because to know that someone else remembered my hopes and dreams that day meant more to me than words could ever express. And her step of faith in believing that I would one day have a miracle baby sparked hope in me. Hope that was fading. And it ignited a light of fire within me to keep praying. To keep believing. And to keep trusting that the Lord is always faithful to His promises and He is never late in fulfilling them.
But friends, as I sit here tonight with tears still filling up my eyes, I realize there are so many of you who do not have this kind of support. You don’t have packages left on your doorstep or someone else standing in the gap for you; recharging your hope and fanning your flame of faith. And so I want you to know that while I can’t leave you gifts of encouragement on your back porch today, I can still be the support you need. I can still be the one who whispers hope into your ear. I can still be the one who reminds you that you are not forgotten. And I can still be the one to pray for you when no one else around you is, which is what I am doing right now.
I am asking that your womb be abundantly blessed and life to always flourish inside. I am praying for hormones to be balanced. Endometriosis to vanish. Cysts to be removed. Fallopian tubes to be opened. Eggs to mature and release. Chromosome abnormalities to disappear. Fears to flee. Hearts from miscarriage and loss to be mended. Strained marriages to be strengthened. Mountains of impossibilities be removed. Financial burdens to be lifted. And doors to adoptions swing wide open.
I know this road can feel so lonely, but sweet sister, you are not alone. And I have faith to believe that this prayer I just prayed or the one you cried out earlier or last night or last week, could be the one that opens the flood gates of Heaven. It could be the one that makes you a mommy to the miracle baby you are longing for and the one God has already planned for you to love and nurture. So please don’t lose hope. And don’t let go of your dreams.
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Every time you thought you couldn’t keep moving forward, every time you thought you couldn’t take another step, every time you thought you couldn’t hold on to hope any longer, you did. Take a moment today to appreciate your strength. Because it’s big.
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“But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.’ ~ Matthew 19:26
Sweet sister, do you know what this means? This means regardless of the situation—God can fix it. He can turn it all around! He can do what your doctor’s claim can’t be done. He can make a way where there seems to be no way. He can do what you have tried. So friend, don’t fret. Don’t become discouraged. God has the power to help you overcome.
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Lord, thank You for the power of hope in my life. When I am having a tough day; my heart feels broken, my emotions are stirred up, my thoughts going in every direction, or just an overall heaviness that things will never change, You are right there by my side ready to help me. I give it all to You Lord and trust You to guide me through it. You are greater than any trial. You are bigger than any problem. And You are everything I need to see me through this journey. I know You want the very best for me and now I ask that you take this mess and turn it into a miracle to be used for Your glory.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen
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Lord, in a world of heartache and disappointment, we hold on to Hope.
Hope for the impossible.
Hope for the unlikely.
Hope for the unexpected.
Hope for the improbable.
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Things don’t always go as planned. They don’t always go as we dream or picture. And this can leave us feeling confused and disappointed.
But do you want to find comfort in all that?
“I know the plans I have for you, ‘declares the Lord.” ~Jeremiah 29:11
We don’t know, but He knows. He knows and He cares and He loves. While we can feel disappointed or unsure with the way our life is going, let’s bring in that measure of faith. The faith to believe He knows. He is in control. And despite what we can see, hear, or feel on our own, our hearts rest on that He is at work. And we trust in His name to make all things right.
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Too often we live in a “hoping it will work out” state and I want you to live in an excited anticipation state! Like when a child has a birthday party or is going someplace they can’t wait to get to. They never HOPE that mommy and daddy will take them there. NO! They get in the car, can’t sit still, and are in excited anticipation for all that is to come. When you pray, ask expecting to receive. When you ask, ask believing He will answer. Have an excited anticipation for all that God is going to do. He has so many things He wants to show you, give you, and empower you with. But sitting in a hoping sate of “well maybe it will, maybe it won’t’ isn’t faith. Expect things that are impossible to become possible; because through Jesus, they can.
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Life is tough my darling, but so are you!
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Just in case no one has told you today:
You are worthy.
You are beautiful.
You can do it!
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Father, I ask that you come into her circumstances and do what only You can do. Give her the peace she needs to not worry or fear. Give her the comfort she craves when her heart is restless. And give her the miracle she needs to fulfill the desires you have planted in the soft fertile soil of her heart. We know you are good and Your plans for our lives are good. Help us to see this when the circumstances speak differently. Help us to see Your hand working when the struggles keep coming. And help us to never give up hope that despite the reports, the statistics, and the time that has passed without an answer to our prayers, that You are still working. Still weaving. And still making a way where there seems to be no way. It’s in Jesus Name I pray. ~Amen
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Sometimes I get tired. Tired of waiting. Tired of praying. Tired of being hopeful. Tired of walking by faith. Tired of being positive and joyful. And sometimes, tired of reminding myself that His plans are better than mine. But it’s in those moments when I’m tired and I just want to give up, I remember this verse…“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” ~Galatians 6:9 And friend, it’s that last part that gives me the push…the drive… the strength…and the hope to keep on keeping on. I pray tonight that it does the same for you.
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No matter what the statistics say,
no matter what the doctor’s tell you,
there is always a way through Jesus.
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Friends, don’t compare your life to others, wishing you were them instead of you. No matter how good they may look on the outside, you can’t see their problems, their bank account, their doubts and fears; their hours spent maintaining their lifestyle or their addictions and hang-ups. And if you did, you may just find that you are way better off than you thought. So be you! And be happy with you!
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So many times in our lives we face obstacles and we have to remind ourselves that the mountain we might be facing is not even close to being as big as the God we serve.
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Don’t look to your circumstances. They might overwhelm you. Instead, look to Jesus. You may not see a way, but He can make a way out of no way.
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“…Be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something that you would not believe, even if you were told.” ~Habakkuk 1:5
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Friend, tell yourself this today:
“I don’t have any control over that, so I’m not going to worry about it any longer. Instead, I am going to keep my peace. I’m going to keep my joy. And I’m going to trust God.”
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Since the enemy can’t take away the promises God has made for you, he hangs question marks over those promises instead. Don’t let him twist the truth. Don’t let him cause you to doubt those God given desires of your heart. Instead, claim them with confidence. Because sweet friend, He is for you. He loves you. And He is going to bless you.
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If you are doing the right thing, but getting the wrong results, don’t give up hope. You never know when your breakthrough is going to break through.
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Evidence is all around that nothing is impossible for God. So keep praying. Keep believing. And keep trusting that soon you will see your miracle.
“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. ~Jeremiah 32:17
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I am not sure if it is the nausea I have been having, the sudden bursts of tears I have been shedding, or simply the magic of the season I have been feeling, but I thought this was it. I thought for sure this month…this time…this test would be different.
But it wasn’t.
I have always loved Christmas and I have always thought about how awesome of a gift it would be to give my husband the news we were expecting on Christmas morning. And as I stood in our bathroom realizing that once again this dream of mine would not become a reality (at least not this year), I couldn’t help but question God. Because this isn’t hard for Him. With just a wave of His finger or a whispered command He could end this. He could answer my prayer for a miracle. He could make this the best year yet…the best Christmas season ever…the best story I could ever tell…
But that’s when I thought maybe…just maybe…the miracle God has in store for me is far greater than the miracle I have been praying for. And His dreams for my life far exceed the dreams I have for myself. Or the story I think would be so awesome to share, doesn’t even compare to the one He has already written for me.
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A prayer for you today…
May God Himself restore to you something you lost and never thought you would get back again. May He bring a sudden breakthrough on a long-awaited heart cry. May He heal a soul wound you think can’t be healed. May He pour out an abundance of joy and hope that makes you celebrate even before the answer comes.
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Don’t give up, my friend. Where you see an end, God is just detouring you toward the right direction.
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Jesus came to give you abundant life. He not only walked on water, He controlled the weather. When Jesus touched the lame man, he didn’t just get up and walk; he leaped! He jumped up! When Jesus turned the water into wine, He didn’t just make average tasting stuff; it was the best. And He didn’t just make “enough” wine either; He made too much! Overflow miracles. Overflow blessings. That’s what He wants for you. Do you believe that today?
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That thing you can’t stop worrying about? Verbally give it over to the Lord right now. Say out loud, “God… this is hard for me. I feel like I have more control if I keep worrying about (insert worry.) But I fully give this worry over to You. I trust You with this. You are good and You are good at being God.”
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” ~1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)
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God is up to something good in your life today. Even if it doesn’t seem like it…God’s got a good plan for you and it’s better than the yes and more fulfilling than getting exactly what you want. So trust in Him. His plans are to prosper, not to harm and to give a hope and a future.
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I want you to know that you are never alone. God is with you. He knows your name. He numbers the hairs on you head. He understands the cares in your heart. And every morning, He is by your side. Every night, He watches over you as you sleep. There is never a moment you are not in His thoughts…never a day you are not in His care. You are never on your own. He whispers to your heart, “You’re forever My own.”
Just a little reminder…LOVE is with you today.
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Just because your prayers weren’t answered today, shouldn’t make you stop praying tomorrow.
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Worry may contribute to a problem or make it worse. One thing it won’t do is solve your problem.
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Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is hang in there, then hang in there a little longer, and then a little longer…Because at the moment when you least expect it, God is going to show up and show out in your life. So hold onto your hope sweet friend! He has promised to fulfill the longing desire He has placed in your heart and I believe that even now He is working and weaving to make a beautiful story out of what you might see as an ugly mess.
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Sometimes God gives us mountains to climb, deserts to cross, giants to defeat, obstacles to overcome, and storms to face to be a testimony to others that with His help they can also make it through.
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I want you to know you are capable.
You are brave.
You are significant.
And you are loved.
Even if you don’t feel like it right now.
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“Some days there won’t be a song in your heart, sing anyway.” ~Emory Austin
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I have been given a 3 percent chance of ever conceiving on my own. I have been told my eggs have applied for their very own AARP card as they are the quality of a 60-year-old woman. And I have even been informed that if by some crazy miracle I did get pregnant, I would likely miscarry. Needless to say, the odds are stacked high against me. And as each year passes, the odds only seem to get worse. But friends, I don’t let it stop me from believing. I don’t let it keep me from dreaming the dream. Or praying that things will ever change. Because just like Jesus took five loaves of bread and two fish to meet the needs of 5,000 hungry men; I know He can easily take my measly 3 percent chance, my 60-year-old lookin’ eggs, my high risk pregnancy diagnosis, and do the same…which is meet the needs of my aching heart and empty womb. The odds might be stacked against me, but what is impossible with man, is always possible in the hands of God (Matthew 19:26)
When Joseph was sold by his own brothers into slavery he must have felt like his world was falling apart and his dreams were shattered. But really God was bringing him into the next step that would take him closer to fulfilling those dreams that he thought would be forever gone.
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Friend, sometimes the circumstances we believe are going wrong for us today might be what God will use to prepare us for the things that will be right for us in the future. When you have God on your side you never have a reason to lose hope. Trust Him in all of your circumstances today. There is no situation He can’t turn around to work for your good in the end.
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The dreams God has placed in your heart, He will fulfill. You may not understand how it can happen because it may look like you’re too old, you missed too many opportunities, or it’s just no longer possible. But God has it all figured out. Trust in Him today, sweet friend.
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Plan for tomorrow. Prepare for tomorrow. Pray about tomorrow. But never worry about tomorrow. Friends, God is in control even when your situation seems hopeless. Because your future is secure not because of anything you can do yourself, but because it is in God’s hands. So throw your worry list away. Have peace in your heart and mind today. God will take good care of you.
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You know that moment today when it just became too overwhelming? And it was too much to bear? Or even think about? And talk about? That was the moment you almost quit right? But you didn’t. And you won’t. Because friend, you are strong, brave, and courageous. You are! And while today might have been rough, tomorrow is a new day. With new possibilities. And new chances. So hang on. Your story isn’t finished. The best is yet to come.
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Dear little lies that are keeping me awake tonight:
Yes, you lies that are telling me it is not going to turn out okay. Or that God won’t be enough. And that this mountain ahead of me is too high and that I am going to fail, miss out, or be forgotten. Well, guess what, little lies? The Truth is that God has me. He is bigger than any mountain. He can make a road through any ocean. He is in me and with me and for me. And His absolute perfect love for me kicks all you little lies and all you lying fears right to the curb. So consider yourself busted.
Sincerely, Child of the Most High King
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In the Gospel of Mark, we are told to speak to our mountains and tell them to move. But if you are sometimes like me, you spend too much time talking about them. I sometimes forget in the moment that words of faith will move the mountains in your life. But words of worry, fear, and doubt will only make the mountains we face become larger. So let’s agree today to speak hope, not doubt. Speak faith, not fear. Speak life, not death.
“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.” ~Mark 11:23
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Guess what? You are amazingly unique and you never need to compare yourself with anyone else. So go ahead…be the amazing person that YOU already are.
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Soak in these truths today…
You are loved.
You are wonderfully made.
You are beautiful.
You have purpose.
You are a masterpiece.
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Start your morning out by speaking life and favor into your day. Worrying and fearing about what’s next won’t help. It won’t. So every time you feel yourself getting anxious cast down those thoughts and begin to say this… “I am walking in the favor of God. I will not worry or fear. What God has for me is for me. Thoughts come into alignment with what God says about me. He says, “He has plans to bless me and not harm me, he’s giving me hope and a great future.” I decree and declare breakthrough in every area of my life! Amen!
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Prayer is asking for rain. Faith is carrying an umbrella.
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I know that this might be hard (it’s hard for me on some days) but now, right this second, I want you to choose to believe God is doing something better in your life. And then I want you to allow yourself to get hopeful…allow yourself to believe that even though you may not be able to see it, feel it, or touch it…God is leading you to something better than you can ever imagine!
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Don’t let the hurt of today blind you to the hope of tomorrow.
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“Trust me in times of confusion—when things don’t make sense and nothing you do seems to help. This type of trust delights Me, because I know it is real. Invite Me to enter into your struggles—to be ever so close to you. Though other people may not really understand what you are going through, I understand perfectly and I am here to help.” ~Jesus Today by Sarah Young
“My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” ~ Psalm 63:8
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Lord, please give me and my friend the grace to be content where we are now, the patience to wait on Your timing, and the faith to know your hand is always on our hearts. I pray that the one who reads this feels your unconditional love, the comfort of your peace, the warmth of your joy and is blessed with peace and wisdom. Lord as we sleep, heal our souls and minds. Make us new!!
In Your precious name I pray. ~Amen
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It might be a slow process, but quitting won’t speed it up.
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Deep breath. You got this. It won’t always be this hard. It won’t always be this overwhelming. You won’t always feel this way. It will change. It will get better. Keep going!
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A prayer for you, the one feeling weary and heavy burdened tonight:
Father, I know You are with her and that You love her. I know you are bigger than anything she is facing now. I am sure it feels like the enemy is throwing everything he can against her, trying to get her to give up, but I know You live in her and the devil is no match for You. I ask that you show Yourself strong in her life. Silence her accusers! Flex your muscles as she stays rooted and grounded in You. Show up and show out as she plants her feet in Your word and refuses to listen to hopeless lies from the enemy. Be glorified Father and show her and everyone around her that You are the God who makes all things possible.
In Jesus Name I Pray. ~Amen
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Lord, instead of seeking to understand the complicated situations in life, I’m choosing to give them to You. So here they are Lord. I trust You to direct me, guide me, and love me through what I don’t understand. With sometimes a trembling heart, I embrace Your plan. And.I.walk.In.Faith.
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Our enemy wants us to believe that it will always be this sad, this hard, this difficult and this overwhelming. But the moment we dare to believe things could change? The second we dare to hope? We win.
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Lord, I lift to you my sweet sister and I ask that You do the impossible in her situation. I pray that NOW be her time to have life formed in her womb….NOW would be the time for her family to grow…NOW would be the time for her waiting to end and a new beginning to take place….NOW would be her time for You to show Yourself strong in this area of her life…and NOW would be her time for the pain to end and the joy begin. Please wrap her mind in peace as she waits for her NOW moment. Give her comfort to know that You are always there and working no matter the outcome. And grant her the peace she needs to replace the fears and worries weighing her down. I thank you Lord for loving us, being merciful to us, and giving us hope to believe that through you and with you, all things are possible. It’s in Jesus Name I pray ~Amen
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Daughter, I know this journey is hard. It’s not at all what you thought it would be. And as each day passes without an end to your heartache and suffering, you start to lose a bit of yourself…your hope…and your faith in Me. I want you to know I understand. I get it. It’s hard to see Me working when your circumstances are not changing. It’s hard to know in confidence that I love you when your prayers seem to go unanswered. And it’s hard to keep believing that they ever will. But Daughter, I want you to know tonight that the battle you are facing, I am fighting. The tears you are shedding, I am catching. And the circumstances you see today, I am changing. I am the Great I AM. And I AM making a way where there seems to be no way.
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Hey you…You got this. You might not feel like you do…You might feel hopeless…defeated…weary…But keep your head up. Keep going forward even if it’s a snail’s pace. Because friend? You got this.
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Heavenly Father, she knows Your Word promises that You will never leave her, never forsake her, but right now she is feeling alone and forgotten. Please renew her. Refresh her. Help her sense that You are still there and still working to bring all things in her life together for good. And help her Father to rest in Your grace as she waits upon you to deliver her from this trial that she has no control over. It’s in Jesus Name I pray. ~Amen
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Inside every impossible is the word “possible”… if only we dare to see it
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Oh Lord, I am so grateful that you are bigger than our fears. You are bigger than the anxious feelings we have. And I am thankful that You are with us. And that You are all knowing and all powerful. We trust You Father and Your perfect plan. We make choices right now to reject the paralyzing feeling of fear so that we can confidently walk in the truth of Your love, Your grace, and Your promises. Please calm our thoughts and give us Your peace in this moment.
~In Jesus Name I pray. Amen
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God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;
God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.” ~ Psalm 46:5
Sweet sister, please don’t move from your position of hope. Please don’t be moved from dreaming the dream God has purposefully given you. Please don’t be moved from your position of faith. Because just as the night sometimes seems unbearably long, yet always ends at the break of dawn; so will the troubles you find yourself in at this moment. So hang in there…and if you must, hang in there a little bit longer because your dawn is coming.
Your deliver…Your heavenly Daddy…is on His way.
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Deep breath. You got this. It won’t always be this hard. It won’t always be this overwhelming. You won’t always feel this way. It will change. It will get better. Keep going my sweet friend!
Keep going!
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Friend, it might not be today, or tomorrow, the next day, or even next week–but it’s going to be okay. I know it might not look like it will be, but isn’t that when miracles happen? When it all looks hopeless? And when it all seems lost?
So hold on sweet friend. I have faith to believe that it’s all going to be okay.
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Don’t view your struggles today as merely problems.
But view them in faith as opportunities. Because friends, to God? That’s exactly what your problems are to Him. Opportunities for Him to show up, show out, and perform a miracle in your life that goes far beyond what you could ever hope for, dream of, or begin to imagine.
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Friend, if you’re under attack, believe today that it’s because your blessing is CLOSE! Thieves only come to loaded vaults. So stay encouraged! Today just might be your last ordinary day. This month could be the one in which your prayers are answered. And this time next year? Your tears could turn to joy as you begin to smile at all that you have been given.
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You can do this girl! You can! I want you to look behind and see how far you have come. I want you to look ahead and remember where you are going. And then I want you to take a step. Just a small one. And then another small one. Then another. Because friend, that’s all it takes.
It’s not perfection. Just perseverance. It’s not speed. Just steadfastness.
And know that when you do? You are doing well. And you ARE going to make it because you’ve got more strength than you know! And when you think no one else is cheering you on, know that I am!
So go, girl, go!
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Just a friendly reminder…
You are worth it!
You are much bigger than your battles.
You are much stronger than your enemies.
You can get through anything that is brought your way!
So never stop fighting! Never stop hoping! Never stop believing!
You can absolutely make it!
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Keep the faith.
The most amazing things in life tend to happen
right at the moment you are about to give up hope.
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Jesus, make her brave enough to hope and bold enough to believe that things can change and her circumstances will one day be different.
In Jesus Name I pray ~Amen
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There will be times in your life when you feel as if you are in a deep and extended nose dive and everything is out of control. Times when you feel your engine has stalled and everything in life is broken or at a standstill. Because maybe your marriage is crumbling, your dreams are dying, a diagnosis has been given, or your plans keep failing…and failing. And it’s in difficult times like these that it’s natural to panic and to think God doesn’t care or that He has left you alone. But friend, I want to try to encourage you with this: just because you may temporarily feel alone, afraid, and abandoned, it doesn’t mean you are. God is right there with you. Even in your worst days, He is there. Even in the midst of your most difficult circumstances, He is there. And even in your most painful heartache, He is there. And friend? He is not only there, but He is holding you close and He is bringing you through. So do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. Instead, have faith to believe that He is not only leading you through your worst of times, but bringing you into your best of times.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” ~Deuteronomy 31:8
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I am terrible at grammar and punctuation. I never know when to put a period or simply a comma. And don’t get me started on semi-colons! But lately, I have realized my poor grammar and punctuation skills extend far beyond my writing. Because sometimes when nothing seems to be working in my favor or everything seems impossible and out of my reach, I am tempted to put a period and move on. Basically, I think it’s a sign to give up. But when I start to feel this way, I remember this old quote… “Never put a period where God is putting a comma.”
And sweet friend, that’s what I want to encourage you with. Because sometimes in life what we perceive as a period, is really just a comma. And what we presume as God’s silence is actually Him just taking a pause…
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God makes a promise.
Faith believes it.
Hope anticipates it.
Patience quietly awaits it.
~ Charles Stanley
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The enemy isn’t fighting for your present. He is fighting for your future. And do you know why? Because He knows how awesome it’s going to be. So hang in there my sweet friend! And have hope! Because no weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17)!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~Jeremiah 29:`11
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That thing that looks messy? Broken? Ugly? Impossible? Hopeless? Too far out of your reach? Don’t rule it out just yet. Because friend, God is still working. You may not see it, you may not feel it, but by faith, believe it.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” ~ Ecclesiastes 3:11
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her.” ~Luke 1:45
“We live by faith, not by sight.” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:7
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If we were to have coffee together this morning, do you want to know what I would say? I would say that you are a special person. No really, you are. Because God doesn’t make junk. And so without you, the world would be missing something beautiful and wonderful and awesome!
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Don’t you just hate it when you want microwave timing for your situation but God has it simmering in a crock pot? I know I do.
But sweet sister, just like crock pot food taste better than a microwaveable dinner, Gods timing is also better. In fact, it’s perfect. So hang in there. Let Him simmer it a little longer. Because later when you are enjoying what He has prepared, you will be so glad you did.
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Friends, I never want you to assume that where you have been or where you are is as good as it gets. And when your goal or your situation seems impossible, keep in mind that nothing is impossible with God.
“For nothing is impossible with God.” ~ Luke 1:37
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I did four loads of laundry today and at one point while I was hovering over the washing machine taking the clean clothes out and then replacing them with the dirty, I thought of something. I thought about how life…our problems…can be like the washing machine. Because they will twist us up. They will turn and knock us around. But you know what? I believe that in the end, we will come out cleaner, brighter, and better than before.
And it is because I believe that God causes ALL things to work for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).
So hold on sweet friend. I know it’s hard to see or believe that anything good could come out of your circumstances, but have faith. Faith to believe that He is making a way where there seems to be no way. And that even now as you read this, angels are fighting on your behalf to make it happen.
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This is just a friendly reminder that God’s plans for your life far exceed the circumstances of today. Or this past week. Or this past month. So friend, have hope. Hope that the best because I believe His best, is still yet to come.
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Hey there sweet sister. I don’t know where you are as you read these words. I don’t know the circumstances of your life. I don’t know the desires God has planted inside of your heart. But I do know you’re reading this for a reason…to be reminded that God has a plan for you. A dream you can’t even imagine and wouldn’t even dare to consider as being for you.
So hold on.
Don’t let go of the hope you have that things can be different.
Or the faith to believe that they will.
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You might have wanted to give up, but you didn’t. You kept going. And you’re going to keep going, because you are stronger and braver and more determined than you know.
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Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.
So hold on my sweet friend, hold on.
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The same boiling water that softens the potato also hardens the egg. So friend, it’s about what you are made of and NOT the circumstance. And you were made to do all things through Christ who strengthens you! So keep going forward! Keep hoping and believing! Keep praying! And keep on keeping on! You got this! But just in case the water gets too hot and you start to lose hope that you can make it another second, just remind yourself that the One who holds the universe in the palm of His hand, is the same One living inside of you. And together you will make it through.
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” ~Philippians 4:13
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Lord, she has believed the lie that she isn’t good enough for far too long. She feels like she is running a race ten paces behind everyone else. Like she can’t catch up. And like she will never be able to catch up. Lord, I can see her. She is almost out of breath and out of energy and almost out of hope. So tonight, I pray that you would speak to her heart. Wrap Your mercies around her insecurities. Bring her comfort and assurance that You do love her and that she is not forgotten.. Restore her hope and remind her once more that nothing is impossible with You. ~It’s in Jesus Name I pray. Amen
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Just remember that when you think all is lost, the future remains. And when you think the curtain is closing for the final time and it’s possibly the end, God is actually just setting up for His next big and amazing scene. So have hope and expect good things! Because friend, today just might be your last ordinary day.
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Today I have a great idea! Are you ready? Let’s set aside half an hour this afternoon to do all of our worrying…then let’s take a nap during that time.
“Worrying is like a rocking chair.
gives you something to do, but doesn’t get you anywhere.”
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I know that you might feel as though you are in the biggest storm of your life and nothing seems to be changing. Nothing seems to be happening. Nothing seems to be moving forward. Am I right? And let me guess, you also aren’t sure how much longer you can go if progress isn’t made soon? I get it. I understand!
But never forget that you are strong and you are brave and you are making it through. Because standing your ground when you are battling a category 5 hurricane is not only admirable. But it’s also progress.
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Father God, I pray for those who feel empty and for those who question Your plan. I pray peace over those who just don’t know what to do next and for those who feel as if each step is a struggle; each bend in the road is another heartache. I ask Father that you calm their fears, ease their worries and speak words of comfort to their hearts. Bless them. Heal them. Strengthen them. And revive them. Give them a breath of fresh air tonight Father.
It is in Jesus name I pray. Amen.
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“For God does not show favoritism.” ~Romans 2:11
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“The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still.” ~Exodus 14:14
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He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” ~Psalm 112:7
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“If we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” ~Romans 8:25
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“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.”
~John 14:1
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Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” ~Luke 1:45
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The Lord will grant you abundant prosperity in the fruit of your womb…” ~Deuteronomy 28:11
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“Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.”
~Matthew 11:28
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” ~ Isaiah 41:13
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“God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”
~ Numbers 23:19
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“For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.”
~Psalm 33:4
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“LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.” ~Psalm 30:2
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“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” ~John 10:10
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Today I was scrolling through Facebook and I saw pictures of my friends with their beautiful growing families. And while I can normally scroll through and not give it a second thought, today, I couldn’t. I will be 32 years old next month and my life looks nothing like the plans I had made and envisioned for myself. In my early 20s I just knew that by the time I was 32 I would own a home with a big backyard and a swimming pool so that the four kids I just knew I would have by now could laugh, splash, and eat a yummy popsicle while I soaked up not just the sun, but their innocence. But obviously that plan didn’t work out. And so today when I stopped to look at all of the gorgeous pictures and read all of the mommy status updates, I couldn’t help but feel as though my life had been pulled backwards. And I couldn’t help but just feel stuck. Stuck sitting in this same stage of life. And maybe you have felt this way too? But you know, as much as I wanted to sit there and cry and feel sorry for myself, I didn’t. Because I have hope that just like a bow has to be pulled back to reach its target, sometimes God has to pull us backwards to reach ours. I know it doesn’t make much sense, but God doesn’t always do things in the manner that makes the most sense now does He?
So sweet friend, if are feeling like me…pulled backwards and stuck…choose to have faith to believe that God is just getting us in to the perfect position to not just fly, but fly higher than we could ever hope for, dream of, or begin to imagine.
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“When everything seems to be going wrong, refuse to get discouraged. Remember that I am a God of surprises: I am not limited by the way things are or by the small and meager possibilities you can see. I am infinitely creative and powerful. With Me all things are possible! So stay hopeful! Because the longer you wait for your prayers to be answered, the closer you are to your breakthrough. In the meantime, wait for Me in a still and quiet trust…because I am good to all those who wait for Me.” ~ Excerpt taken from Jesus Today by Sarah Young
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him;
~Lamentations 3:25
Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” ~Matthew 19:26
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Lord, having a child feels out of her control. Yet you ask her to not be afraid or discouraged. But goodness! It is so hard to do because she doesn’t know what the future holds. And she feels so helpless over the events to unfold. But Lord, remind her today that You have seen her future and there is no reason to feel fear or be discouraged. And it is all because You are there beside her. Holding her hand. Whispering into her ear the truth that You will never leave her nor forsake her. Please Lord give her the confidence she needs to trust You and the encouragement to help see her through the uncertainties in life.
~ It is in Your name I pray. ~amen
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. ~Deuteronomy 31:8
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Time may say “impossible”.
Reason may say “impossible”.
People may say “impossible”.
But God? He says that with Him NOTHING is impossible.
So friends, believe even when the world tells you it’s impossible.