Category Archives: Edification

Encouragement for the soul and elevation of the Spirit

How to Survive Hard Times: Three Keys to Overcoming Adversity in Tumultuous Times

Posted on by yolandaberry
Reply
ocean waves crashing in a storm

Faith-based survival strategies and coping skills for life’s toughest seasons

We’re living in chaotic times that’s full of distractions and overwhelming challenges. The world is noisy, and everything is competing for our attention. We are pulled in several different directions, and time seems to be speeding up and things are rapidly changing. Every day, there are news reports unfolding and we must reclaim our peace to stay focused. How do you keep your peace in such a chaotic world? You may be dealing with health issues, a troubled teenager, a disjointed marriage, unemployment, a sour relationship, isolation or loneliness, or grief of a loved one- the list is endless.

With everything unraveling so quickly, it’s very easy to lose hope. When you lose hope, you are in danger of losing your faith and once you lose your faith, you lose your peace. When you build your faith on a firm foundation, it’s hard to lose hope because you know and understand the infinite power of God working in your life. He established the beginning from the end, and He will be faithful to complete every word, covenant and promise. He is not conditional to circumstances. He is unmovable and unshakeable.

When you have established history with the creator, you can reflect on every devastating or traumatic experience He brought you through so you can rely and rest in faith. Through every trial, you develop courage and peace that surpasses all understanding. Phil 4:7

We are fighting against so many spiritual and natural forces in life. We must be aware of the strategic attacks forged against us and be mindful of how to sustain a level mind under enormous societal and economic pressures.

Here are three main survival skills to focus on when facing opposition.

  1. Adaptability

Changes in life are inevitable. We will all deal with unexpected changes and major life events whether it be good or bad but we must remain adaptable to the situation or event. Adaptability is being able to adapt or contend with a certain climate or condition. It’s the ability to be content in uncomfortable conditions or circumstances. The apostle Paul stated in Phil 4:11-13, “I learned to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound; everywhere and in all things, I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and suffer need. I can do all things in Christ which strengthens me.”

Image of pregnant woman touching her belly with hand

Adaptability does not mean conformity. You’re not in agreement with the circumstance, attitude or practices, but you can adjust using your critical thinking skills, emotional maturity, and intellectual ability instead of accepting the situation at face value.

Complicated Maze Shows Complexity Obstacles And Challenges

Adaptability also does not mean flexibility. Flexibility provides a variety of options or choices. It is the ability to bend or shift at moment’s notice, however flexibility requires adaptability because you must shift to changes quickly and then adapt to those changes.

woman looking at computer screen

2. Resilience

Resilience is the process to adjust or recover from a crisis or major life change whether illness, divorce, death of a loved one, marriage, new birth or any other life changing event. When you’re resilient, you have the power to bend and contort under extreme pressure. You may be compressed or stretched way beyond your capacity that you didn’t think you would be able to handle or overcome.

Resilience requires inner strength and mental restraint. Self-discipline and self-control are two components where you will be tested under fire. Do you have the resilience to keep going despite what it looks like? Faith is the source where resilience is birthed.

Despair Or Hope Directions On A Metal Signpost

Faith is the evidence of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then he is strong.

2 Corth 12:9-10

10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corth 12:10

The Lord is omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent. He is everywhere all at once. Take that in for a moment…. Secondly, He is all-knowing. For example, He knows exactly every strand of hair on your head! Not just your head but everyone on this earth!!! That is just how detailed the Father is! It baffles me when I think about the unlimited power and presence of God. When you’re able to grasp those characteristics of the Father, you will not fear the terror by night or the arrow that flies by day. Psalm 91

cars stuck in traffic jam during rush hour waiting to get off of exit on highway

3. Patience

One of the fruits of the spirit requires patience. It’s not in our timing but in God’s divine timing. We live in a fast-food society where people want quick fixes, quick results, fast money, just everything done fast! It’s a hustle culture that has no patience. Road rage, burnout, just everything done with momentum. God is still. God is patient. You can only hear the Lord in a calm, still voice. Prayers need to marinate. There is obedience in waiting. There is training in the waiting. Character is being built in the waiting. Strength and endurance is established in the waiting so don’t rush the waiting process. Embrace it.

You may feel that God doesn’t hear your prayers but He will answer every prayer on His timeline so don’t grow weary in well doing for in due season you will reap if you faint not. Gal 6:9

Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10

The Lord is sovereign and just. He does not fail. He holds all power in His hands. Although we will face uncertainty, calamity and chaos in this world, Abba Father is in control and will be magnified and glorified upon the earth. Do not fear. Put your trust in Him.

Be sure to subscribe to the devotional-style newsletter for more tools and resources sent directly to your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Additional Bible Verses

Matt 6:25-30 31-34

Matt 7:24-27

Mark 4:39

Matt 14: 22-33

Matt 6:33

Matt 24

Bible Verses on Contentment

1 Tim 6:6-7

Heb 13:5

Phil 4:11-13

Bible Verses on Resilience

2 Corth 12:10

Bible Verses on Adaptability

Rom 12:2

1 Corth 9:22

Bible Verses on Patience

Rom 12:12

Gal 6:9

James 5:7-8

Col 1:11

Prov 16:32

2 Peter 3:9

1 Corth 13:4

Psalm 37:7

In the Reflection of Our Father: Celebrating the Quiet Strength of Fatherhood

Posted on by yolandaberry
Reply
Father and child

The divine role of a man in their household has been watered down by society. Due to the breakdown in the family that has been a gradual process over decades, men have lost their identity, function and position in the family. The established role that the Lord created for men has become blurred lines in relation to the roles between husband and wife.

In the Garden of Eden, a man was created in His own image. In the image of God, He created him; male and female He created them. Gen 1:27 A woman was created as a helpmate. Gen 1:20-24

Bird flying across the ocean

“Let him have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Gen 1:26

The Lord established the man to be the head of the household. He was designed to lead with Godly wisdom, authority and integrity. He was not created to take advantage of his own strength and power to dominate but to lead with holiness, authority and dominion.

When women began to work outside of the home, it shifted the whole dynamics of the family structure and foundation. There was a constant power struggle between the husband and wife which applied pressure on the family not to mention societal and economic pressures. Not only was there a power struggle, but there was an identity crisis, character flaws and a lack of Biblical values and principles established to build a strong foundation. With the rise of inflation, it’s nearly impossible to have only one source of income in the household. This has added financial conflicts, tension, anxiety and increased stress levels in the family.

In Esphesian 5:25-27, it states, “25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

In an act of obedience and commitment, the foundation established by a strong family result in raising up disciplined and respectful children.

little girl with soccer ball

“Train up a child in which way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Prov 22:6

The importance of instruction, discipline, obedience and guidance in raising a child in their early stages of life reflects the Lord’s natural and spiritual design and intentions for the family.

The role of a father is one of great sacrifice and dedication to the family. He has great responsibility and many heavy burdens that should be released to the Lord to carry – not only financially but mentally, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.

infant hand holding father's hand

As we honor Father’s Day, may we celebrate the strength and endurance of the men who lead with dignity, wisdom and strength in a world that is constantly changing and with the demands and pressures of life that are fierce to undertake.

family walking in sunset in a field

Prayer for Our Fathers

For the fathers who have lost children, may the Lord comfort and strengthen you in your time of grief. May you receive courage, support and encouragement to fill the pain and void in your life.

May you walk with the hand of the Father who guides every step you take and every decision you make. May you desire a deeper relationship with the Lord to overcome every challenge, opposition or temptation that you face. May the hand of God shield and protect you and your family from any harm or danger as you walk in faith and lead with integrity, courage and tenacity in every area- family, business and life.. With trust and assurance, may you receive the provision and abundant blessings of peace, rest and grace to sustain you.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

Related Bible Verses

Eph 6:1-4

Eph 3:17-19

Exodus 20:12

Psalm 103:13

Luke 15:18-20

Prov 22:6

Prov 23:24

Prov 20:7

The Power of Forgiveness: Embracing Freedom and Healing

Posted on by zeevacawford
Reply
Jesus on the cross, Easter, Resurrection, Easter Day, Forgiveness

Image by Romy from Pixabay

Forgiveness is often perceived as an act of kindness, a way of letting go of past grievances. Yet, forgiveness is much more than just a moral duty or a selfless gift to others. It is a powerful, life-changing practice that can bring profound freedom and healing. In a world filled with hurt, betrayal, and misunderstanding, forgiveness holds the key to restoring peace, not just with others, but within ourselves.

In this article, we will explore the strength of forgiveness, why it is essential, and how embracing it can lead us closer to true healing and freedom.

Moving Boxes, Releasing Stress, anxiety, problems, deadlines, break ups, work problems

Photo image from Pixabay Photographer Unknown

The Power of Letting Go

At its core, forgiveness is the act of releasing the pain and anger caused by someone’s actions. When we forgive, we let go of the emotional burden that holds us hostage. Forgiveness is not about excusing the wrongs done to us or pretending that they never happened. Rather, it is about choosing to release the power that those wrongs hold over our lives.

When we carry grudges or dwell on offenses, we often end up hurting ourselves more than anyone else. Holding onto anger may feel justifiable in the moment, but over time, it can cloud our judgment, distort our relationships, and weigh down our spirits. Forgiveness breaks this cycle, allowing us to move forward with peace and a renewed sense of hope.

Many find that exploring deeper spiritual insights can support them on this journey. Resources like Spiritual Life Stories offer enriching perspectives on forgiveness and healing, guiding individuals to embrace this transformative practice with compassion and grace.

Bible, opened book, book pages, Bible pages

Image by Tep Ro from Pixabay

The Biblical Foundation of Forgiveness

In Christianity, forgiveness is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus. One of the most well-known passages on forgiveness comes from the Lord’s Prayer, where Jesus instructs us to pray, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” (Matthew 6:12, KJV). Jesus calls us not only to seek forgiveness but to extend it to others as well.

The Bible teaches us that forgiveness is a central component of our relationship with God and with others. Jesus himself demonstrated ultimate forgiveness on the cross when, as he was being crucified, he said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34). This radical act of forgiveness shows us the depth of God’s grace and calls us to embody that same forgiveness in our lives.

Forgiveness is not easy, especially when the pain runs deep. But we are reminded in Scripture that God forgives us, and in turn, we are called to forgive others. In Ephesians 4:32, Paul writes, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Our forgiveness of others is a reflection of the grace we have received from God, and it is through this grace that we find healing.

woman reading a book in bed

Image by Karolina Grabowska from Pixabay

Forgiveness Brings Inner Peace

When we choose forgiveness, we make a conscious decision to let go of the negativity that weighs on our hearts. Holding onto anger or resentment can create a toxic environment in our minds, leading to stress, bitterness, and even physical ailments. Studies have shown that unforgiveness can increase anxiety, depression, and blood pressure. On the other hand, when we forgive, we allow peace to replace bitterness, and healing to take place.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean that we forget the wrongs done to us or that we condone the harmful behavior. Rather, it means that we are choosing to release the hold that those negative feelings have over us. In this process, we find freedom—a freedom that allows us to move forward without the heavy burden of past pain.

The act of forgiving can feel like a weight has been lifted from our shoulders. It creates space for healing, not only in our hearts but in our relationships. It allows us to start fresh, without the emotional baggage of resentment dragging us down.

A couple piggybacking

The Healing Process of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not always a one-time event. Sometimes, it takes time to truly forgive, especially when the hurt is deep or ongoing. The healing process is different for everyone, and it’s important to give ourselves the grace to go through it at our own pace.

Start by acknowledging the pain. It’s okay to feel hurt, angry, or betrayed. These emotions are valid, and it’s important to process them before we can truly forgive. Suppressing or ignoring our feelings only prolongs the healing process. But as we face the pain, we can begin to release it, one step at a time.

Remember that forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves, not just the person who hurt us. It’s about reclaiming our peace and our joy. Sometimes, forgiveness involves setting healthy boundaries or seeking reconciliation, but it always starts with the decision to let go of the need for revenge or justice and embrace grace instead.

drops of water, ripples of water, rain drops

Image by roegger from Pixabay

The Ripple Effect of Forgiveness

One of the most powerful aspects of forgiveness is its ability to create a ripple effect. When we forgive, we not only heal ourselves, but we also contribute to healing those around us. Forgiveness has the power to mend broken relationships, restore trust, and create a culture of compassion and understanding.

When others see us choose forgiveness over bitterness, it can inspire them to do the same. Forgiveness encourages empathy, fosters unity, and promotes peace in our families, workplaces, and communities. It teaches us that, despite our differences and struggles, we are all human, and we all need grace.

The ripple effect of forgiveness extends beyond our immediate relationships. It impacts the way we interact with the world. When we walk in forgiveness, we choose to be agents of peace in a world that desperately needs it.

woman crying, woman upset

Forgiveness and Self-Forgiveness

While we often think about forgiveness in terms of others, it’s equally important to practice self-forgiveness. Many of us carry guilt and shame from our own mistakes and regrets. We may struggle to forgive ourselves, believing that we are unworthy of grace.

But the truth is, just as God forgives us, we are called to forgive ourselves. In 1 John 1:9, we are reminded, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Just as God forgives us, we must learn to forgive ourselves, releasing guilt and shame and embracing the freedom that comes from knowing we are forgiven.

Self-forgiveness is a powerful step toward healing and growth. It allows us to move forward in life with a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that we are not defined by our past mistakes but by the grace of God.

Holy communion, bread, wine, grapes

Image by isaiasmanica1 from Pixabay

The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not easy, but it is one of the most powerful tools we have for healing and freedom. It’s an act of strength, not weakness, and it allows us to break free from the chains of anger, resentment, and bitterness. Forgiveness brings peace to our hearts, healing to our relationships, and freedom to our souls.

When we choose to forgive, we walk in the footsteps of Christ, reflecting the grace and mercy that He extends to us each day. Forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves and those around us—a gift that has the power to transform lives, restore peace, and heal wounds.

So, if you are struggling with forgiveness, remember that it is a process, not a destination. Take it one step at a time, and know that in choosing forgiveness, you are walking in strength, healing, and the freedom that God desires for you.

May you take time to reflect on Jesus during this Resurrection season and on the act of unconditional love, grace and forgiveness that Jesus provides.

If you enjoyed this post, please share or leave your comments below.

This post was generated partially with AI and modified by the contributing author.

Contributing Author Bio: Zeeva Usman is an experienced content manager at Christian Marketing. Experts and a content specialist at Salt of Heaven, where she uses her expertise to create impactful, faith-centered content. When she’s not crafting words, Zeeva finds joy in worshiping and singing for the Lord Jesus, drawing inspiration from her faith to encourage others.

Subscribe to the newsletter which is sent directly to your inbox for devotional-style encouragement and inspirational messages, purpose-driven tools and resources created for the Body of Christ as well as faith-based entrepreneurs, creatives, personal brands, non-profits and ministry organizations. Stay current with the latest updates and strengthen your walk in the Lord.

Subscribe Now