I Think We All Could Use a Reality Check on This One… No Matter How Far We’ve Come

Well, this one sort of gets to the point, doesn’t it?

I think over my day-to-day, my thoughts, my habits, patterns, responsibilities… how much of my life is about ME & how much of it do I make about Him Who MADE me?

Temporary gains & goals? Or eternal consequences & hope?

What do I live for? What is more important to me?

And the funny thing about this question about our priorities is that no matter how far we come, no matter how much we improve on this, there is always room to grow. Why? Because living for something outside of ourselves is not natural for our flesh… & it’s not how we’re raised (no matter how true a follower of Jesus your parents were, no one is ever 100% perfect… we’re all human). It’s not what we see exemplified for us out in the world we see every day.

So, no matter how much we may excel at putting God first, it will never be with perfection 100% of the time (that is why we praise God for sending Jesus, AMEN!?). We always have room to grow, to fail forward. And thank God that He sent His Holy Spirit to help us as we yield (die to) ourselves & as we aim to live ever more fully for Him.

I will ALWAYS be a work-in-progress, & I hope you will be, too.

Those Darn Nagging Little Convictions

For example, I was really convicted yesterday by what a friend said in our Bible study chat. She said something to the effect of: “Praying for gospel opportunities through this storm.”

You see, we just got hit with what was gearing up to be our THIRD SUPER typhoon last night. Now, God did bless us by sending it further south & having it lessen before it hit (PRAISE GOD!)… & He had it move fairly quickly versus at a snail’s pace like the last one that just seemed to keep hitting & hitting us forever with no end… but it was posturing to be just as strong.

My thoughts on this? Can I say, with honesty, mirrored her expressed thoughts about Gospel opportunities? Nope. They were FAR closer to something more like: “Please, God, NO! Not ANOTHER one. PLEEEEAAAASE!!! And RIGHT before we MOVE & we’re already dealing with so much?? WHY!!???”

Real God-pleasing, huh? You can tell the Gospel was my main thought priority leading up to this, no? Yeah, NO. It wasn’t.

And boy did her little comment snap me back & insert that nagging, annoying little conviction. So, I prayed about it & asked God to change my mind to better reflect that in the future: “This should I have been my first thought… but it wasn’t. I have more work to do. I need to grow more. God, please forgive me for not even thinking that ONCE… please help me view hardships & hurts more as opportunities to watch You work… & to share You with others who are scared &/or hurting in them. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

He will help me grow as I continue to yield my falling shorts to Him.

I Crave Comfort More Than I Crave Surrender… Obviously

If you’ve been following my content for any amount of time, you have seen this pattern before. I absolutely CRAVE comfort & without being super intentional about laying it down before God in prayer for help on that, I can pretty easily spiral when the comfort return request is denied for any extended amount of time. It is pretty pathetic & I am very aware of that.

But praying for the end of a struggle is not the same as praying for opportunity in a struggle. (Didn’t I JUST write about this??)

And it is OKAY to admit not enjoying struggle. Even Paul talked about it. It is NOT fun. And we don’t have to pretend it is in order to follow God & represent Him well. In fact, what a TESTIMONY to admit how badly you are struggling WHILE showing you’re willing to obey & trust God ANYWAY. WOW!! Do that. Don’t fake it. Most people can tell you’re faking it anyway & it is NOT good for your mental well-being to get good at faking it until nobody can tell–TRUST me from past personal experience–NOT worth it! Be honest. Be real. Turn to Him IN it!

Is the Gospel More Important to Us Than Our Own Hopes & Dreams?

What am I living for? Who am I living for?

Do I live for a good time, happy memories, family, success, money, the “idyllic life”?

Do I live for me?

All of that is temporary, isn’t it?

I am reminded of pretty much the whole book of Ecclesiastes. It gets bashed as being a super depressing view on everything, but I see the contrary. Solomon was noted as the wisest man to have lived & do you know what he realized? That having all of that wisdom was something that felt like a burden sometimes because he could see the patterns of civilizations, of people turning from God & living for vain things that don’t matter at all once you’ve died—& that all people die!

His cry throughout that book of the Bible is basically: “Vanity of vanities! Everything is vanity!” That we strive & strive our whole lives for things that won’t even really matter one tiny little bit once we die… & we WILL all die… so why are we spending so much of our energy, time, & money striving after what won’t matter when we’re gone?

I ask myself this, too. I am not exempt to getting focused on what won’t last… what won’t even matter anymore once I’m gone… & I am not promised any amount of time.

I Have Come So Far from Where I Once Was… But I Still Have So Far to Go… So I Will Keep Praying & Keeping Asking Him to Work on Me

I don’t naturally wake up thinking every waking moment is a Gospel opportunity—an opportunity to show others that Jesus died to satisfy God’s wrathful judgement of sin so that we could be counted clean before God—not because of any good we have done or could do—but because Jesus was willing to take that wrath upon Himself for us.

I just don’t. I think about basic needs, about what I want to make for breakfast, what outfit I’ll wear, my task list for the day.

Yes, I do talk to God when I am waking up. Mostly whining about how grumpy & tired I am & asking Him to help me with my attitude & energy levels, to help me do well with my day despite how I feel about it in that moment.

I talk to Him throughout my day each day. I praise Him when I see a pretty sky or a cute kitty or a pretty bird fly by or when I drive past the ocean view lined with palm trees here on Guam (I’m going to miss that).

I thank Him when I see Him answer a prayer or grant me wisdom with something I was asking for His help.

I thank Him for His provisions as I think of them—a comfy bed, A/C, protection from the stormy skies, my food, my health.

I ask Him for help when I feel stumped or stressed or stuck or sad.

But I don’t always think about how each inconvenience in my life can turn into a Gospel opportunity. I tend to ask God to make each inconvenience work out &/or go away. (*If you haven’t heard the song “Blessings” by Laura Story, wow… Go listen now.)

It is something I need to work on praying about more. Praying for opportunities. Praying for courage. Praying for wisdom & words. Praying to trust Him more. Not just praying the struggle away… but trusting Him through each one.

Look Beyond How It Makes You Feel

People are oftentimes looking for hope when they’re not acting kind. They’re stressed, worn down, just trying to get by maybe… or maybe someone is regularly unkind to them. I ought to be Jesus to them… to show them graciousness, gentleness, & kindness… to treat them how I would wish people would treat me on a really bad day… words of encouragement or even the Gospel as nudged by the Holy Spirit.

I ought to be open to seeing people not as rude people or inconsiderate people or means-to-an-end people (cashiers, auto repair techs, dentists, neighbors, etc.) but as people for whom Jesus died for… who need the hope of Jesus or they will face the consequences of their sin themselves… get what they deserve… what I deserve—Hell—all while Jesus made a way out possible so they wouldn’t have to.

Am I so concerned with looking odd or making someone uncomfortable or feeling awkward… that I’m okay with them going to Hell to prevent it from happening?

Vanity of vanities for sure! My appearance in saving face over their salvation & eternal hope. Vanity of vanities is right. And not a vanity as in being vain (which it is, technically), but vanity as in “all in vain” aka pointlessness.

Is the Gospel more important to us than our own hopes & dreams? Our own comfort zone? Our appearance?

Do We Live for What Will Matter After We Die?

Do we live a life of “vanity of vanities, everything is vanity” that will all pass away & have been pointless when we die?

Or do we live a life that will tell others there is hope? Even if we risk coming off as weird to them.

Do we live a life that puts Him as our purpose in everything we do?

How we love our family… representing God’s love for them.

How we represent our trust in Him by DOING what His Word says versus just KNOWING a lot of verses?

How we love strangers, even those who are mean to us… representing the grace of God through Jesus Christ.

How we run our home… creating a safe haven for family or friends to return home to.

How we serve others… letting them see they matter to God & God sees their needs.

How we humble ourselves when we want to snap back or demand to get what we feel or even know we deserve… like how Jesus never fought back when He was blasphemed, spat on, whipped, & hung on the cross because we were worth it to Him.

How we love the undeserving… God loves US even in OUR undeserving.

Everything we do, whether we eat or drink or whatever we do…. What are we living for?

What Are YOU Living For?

This isn’t a guilt-you post. No matter how good or bad you are right now… not a single one of us is perfect at this… we ALL need to grow more to live more pleasingly to Him, for Him… through Him. ALL of us. No one is exempt from needing growth in this.

So, ask yourself: “How good would I say I am at having a right perspective on this… right habits…?” And then, you know what, 1-10, whatever you gave yourself… pray right now & ask God to take you one step further. Admit where you fall short to Him, apologize for any fear or insecurity that wins over your trust & obedience. Trust Jesus paid for that falling short. And ask Him to help you know how to improve… to help you practice living it out even more or at all.

God is a gentle teacher. He knows you are human. He knows you are weak & maybe scared. You don’t HAVE to share hope with others to be saved… but you WILL be missing out on the MOST humungous blessing of seeing Him work through your trust in Him to show other people that TRUE HOPE IS POSSIBLE. He will take your hand & gently help you step-by-step grow in this AS you are willing to be led. As you humble yourself before Him & say, “Lord, I am willing… use my life to share HOPE.”

And Shine HOPE by sharing it with others… by making it the priority in your life before all else… by asking God to help you.

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

***He is waiting for you… will you come?:***

***(Romans 3:23; Romans 5:8-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; John 14:6)***

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Coming Next Week

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As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running since Summer 2018!! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

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Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Wildwood Set–Handcrafted in the Dominican Republic!

EXCLUSIVE! Only a few available.

Beautifully handcrafted. Meaningfully connected. A story worth sharing.

Add a touch of earthy elegance to your style with this stunning jewelry pairing! The Wildwood Earrings from Trades of Hope feature intricate cream and warm caramel-colored beadwork, creating a beautiful statement piece inspired by natural textures and timeless artisan craftsmanship. Their eye-catching design brings warmth, character, and a touch of bohemian charm to any outfit.

Paired with the earrings is a gorgeous handcrafted beaded bracelet made by artisans in the Dominican Republic who have been rescued from human trafficking. Featuring rich, amber-toned beads, delicate gold accents, and a beautiful piece of larimar as the centerpiece, this bracelet is more than a beautiful accessory—it represents hope, dignity, and the opportunity for a new beginning through meaningful work.

Together, these two pieces are a lovely reminder that what we wear can reflect what we believe in. Whether you’re dressing up a simple everyday look or searching for a thoughtful gift, this pairing celebrates beauty with a deeper purpose.

***SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!***

How Can You Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support MichelleHydeOnline.com?

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!