A dreary January day turns into an extraordinary moment for a woman struggling to begin again after the past year leaves her discouraged. The Journal Charlotte sat by the window at the front of the diner. She’d planned to be on the road by now and heading back to the pieces of her fragmented life …
Tag: discouraged
A Season of Trials
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, …
When Your Boat Takes on Water
"One day Jesus said to his disciples, 'Let's go over to the other side of the lake.' So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went …
When Things Come Against You
"The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles." Psalm …
A Moment to Reflect – Overwhelmed
When it seems there are too many things coming against you - physical issues, damaged relationships, emotional scars you never dealt with, discouragement, financial stress - you can feel overwhelmed. There's so much pressing against you that it's hard to breathe. It's as if you're holding your breath while running a marathon that's taking place …
A Moment to Reflect – Sing
The enemy can be very quiet and subtle at times. He doesn't always attack in loud and obvious ways. Stay alert. Keep praying. Watch your thoughts - this can't be stressed enough. If you're struggling physically, your defenses are down - especially if you're having problems sleeping. This is when you may feel especially weak. …
A Moment to Reflect – Needing Others
Sometimes you're going to need the support of others who are not only willing to stand with you as God works things out in your life, but to pray for you. There may be times when your faith is fragile or even bruised - when you've been enduring some great battle and all you seem …
Comparing Yourself to Others
Do you compare yourself to others, thinking you need to be more like them to “make it?” Maybe there are days when you feel like a little bird perched on a branch with the sky above full of eagles and condors. You’re waiting. They’re flying. Just looking at them makes you feel like you’re the …
Waiting
Waiting is hard work. It’s especially difficult for the underdog. You might feel like you don’t have much support or encouragement, that others don’t believe in you and actually voice such things. You might even feel like you’re stuck in a prison of sorts waiting for the moment when you’ll break free and step into …
Joey Rudder 