What Comes After the Gospel?

Okay, last week we talked about THE MOST IMPORTANT THING that could ever be talked about: the Gospel, in “Why the Gospel Is Such a Big Deal.”

So, it only seems logical that we talk about what’s next… what comes AFTER we surrender to the hope of the Gospel: repenting of our sin, believing that Jesus died on our behalf & rose victorious over both sin AND death, surrendering to HOPE… what comes next?

God Is Perfectly Holy

This topic of holiness is something that I quite frankly have misunderstood my entire life.

I sort of understood the idea that GOD is holy… although the impact of that fact still somewhat eludes me & although I strive to learn, will probably never FULLY get it.

God is holy. He is perfect. He is without fault or sin (Psalm 92:15). He CANNOT do evil. There is NO darkness in Him, only Light (1 John 1:5). He never has sinned & never will (2 Corinthians 5:21). He CAN’T sin. He is the definition of complete perfection in every single way. ALL of His ways are Good & done in perfect wisdom & Truth.

BUT, then this little verse comes along, in 1 Peter 1:16, where God tells us, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

Ooof.

Does the Idea of Holiness Make You Anxious?

Considering all that makes up the pure holiness of God, right away I need only review even just a brief snippet of my life (of today even), to feel completely overwhelmed by this command to BE HOLY.

How in the world am I supposed to live up to THAT?!

Well, first, let’s take it back to the Truth that gives us hope on this venture, the phrase I will keep repeating: “Our only hope is JESUS.” HE is our holiness before a perfect, holy GOD ALMIGHTY.

“For He [God] made Him [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him [Jesus].” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

When we turn to, surrender to, & accept JESUS as our Hope (the Gospel), God credits JESUS’ holiness as OURS.

So, this is not a call to be holy OR ELSE. It’s not a threat, because Jesus already paid our debts in full.

But, we ought not stop there, beautiful lady.

Why Is Holiness Such a Big Deal?

If holiness doesn’t save us… what is the whole point of holiness? Why is holiness such a big deal?

Because we know. We know what we were saved from. We know what we deserved & the mercy that covered us. We know Hell was our path, but that Jesus gave His own life for our debt.

Because it’s commanded by God, “For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8)

Because we know it pleases Him.

What Is Holiness

Holiness is a longing… a striving… a journey… & not one done in our solitary efforts.

Holiness is worked out in us through the work of the Holy Spirit, Who gently leads, gently prunes, gently replaces the old you with a new you. (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Holiness is a partnership with God… a striving to live a life that pleases Him & to do only what pleases Him.

Holiness is striving to do ONLY what pleases God for ONLY the purpose of pleasing God… not for salvation, not to manipulate Him to answer our prayers, not to be “good enough”, not to be a “good” person… but only for the purpose of pleasing God.

We won’t always get it right. We’re not perfect. But it’s a pursuit well worth our efforts.

What Pleases God?

How do we know what pleases God, though?

The age-old answer: Read/study/meditate on the BIBLE (aka absolute Truth/the Word of God) & talk to Him/spend time with Him, by being still with Him.

And also, make sure to ask God to help you find a church that determines to teach from the Bible, not changing the Bible to fit culture, but seeking to change culture to fit the Bible. We’re easier to trick when we stand alone. God continually emphasizes the need for church fellowship throughout the Bible. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

The Holy Spirit guides & affirms us in our efforts to live a holy life. The Bible tells us to acknowledge God in all our ways & He will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:6). That means, acknowledge that He alone is God & therefore He alone knows what ought to be done or how something ought to be handled. He will help teach you what pleases Him as you continue to seek Him in this pursuit.

Crave Revival–A Renewed Surrender & Closeness with God Our Father

When I first began this journey of holiness, in working through the “Seeking Him” study by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth & Tim Grissom, I was SUPER convicted when they addressed pride with God. I knew I struggled, but WOW.

This led me to realize that I was SERIOUSLY down-playing God’s PERFECT HOLINESS & not taking my personal journey for holiness serious enough!

It’s easy to feel good compared to people who express a lack of desire to grow at all in this area… but when compared to God? I FAIL… COMPLETELY… like NOT EVEN CLOSE to being good. And OOF, that hurt.

In praying to understand God’s holiness better, He led me to begin reading, “The Pursuit of Holiness,” by Jerry Bridges. (DEFINITELY & HIGHLY RECOMMEND.)

CRAVE REVIVAL!

God Beckons

As we seek to live a holy life (one that pleases God in everything) & as we seek to understand God’s PERFECT holiness, our own impurity & imperfections will become magnified, creating in us a grief as seen in Isaiah, when he encountered God’s splendor & holiness. (Isaiah 6)

And Satan will try to tell you to turn away from God, to accept your shame & never return… but God gently beckons us home to Him, saying, “Yes, My child, Jesus died for that, too. Repent & return to Me.”

“His mercies are new every morning.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) THANK GOD for THAT!

And God comforts us, in Matthew 5:4, when He says, “Blessed are those who mourn [over their sin], because they will be comforted.” God doesn’t leave us in our own muck. He offers us comfort, healing, restoration, & growth through our human imperfections, through the Holy Spirit’s work in us.

(*Read my former post on “Matthew 5-The Ladder of Growth,” here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.)

Heed the Call: Humble Yourself & Pray for a Revival of Your Heart for God

So, my call to you (& ME) is this: Strive to “be holy, for God is holy” (1 Peter 1:16) & ask for God’s help AS you do it.

He is gentle & kind & ALMIGHTY & completely worthy of our pursuit.

What are you holding back from God?

Jerry Bridges mentioned in his book:

“If there is not, then, at least a yearning in our hearts to live a holy life pleasing to God, we need to seriously question whether our faith in Christ is genuine.”

(The Pursuit of Holiness” by Jerry Bridges, p. 33)

For, while the Bible tells us that salvation is of God, not of works, so that no man may boast… He also tells us in, “Faith without works is dead.”

If you say you believe but don’t live what you claim to believe… can you really genuinely claim to believe?

“Jesus says:

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, & done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

(The Holy Bible, NKJV, Matthew 7:21-23)

Shine Hope, by Striving to Live a Holy Life

Do you long for holiness? To grow in holiness?

What is holding you back?

Humble yourself before God & repent of any pride that is holding you back from this pursuit.

God is worthy of our pursuit of holiness.

Shine HOPE by striving to live a life that pleases God for only the purpose of pleasing God.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

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

Share with friends & Subscribe by Joining My Tribe, so you never miss a week.

A Note from Michelle:

This blog/website has been running for THREE years now! 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

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Zoya Earrings (India)

Zoya means “shining, life” in Hindi. These stylishly stunning gold-toned earrings are handcrafted in India, featuring genuine freshwater pearls on a delicate linked-chain design. Every purchase provides fair-trade jobs in areas of extreme poverty in India.

In India, poverty often leads to exploitation of vulnerable Artisans in sweatshops. Every purchase provides these Artisans with fair wages, access to healthcare, education for their children, & care for elderly family members.

Purchase these earrings & empower an Artisan in India!

How You Can Help:

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!

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!

Let’s Start from the Top

Just so we’re on the same page here, the Gospel… aka the Good (so good it almost seems impossible) News… is a gift that God offers each of us, but it has to be accepted for it to make any difference in your life. (Romans 10:9)

Maybe you heard that long ago, there was a Garden of Eden, with the first human beings created by God: Adam & Eve. (Genesis 2-3)

And Eve bought the lies that Satan (through the serpent) fed her as he worked to create doubt for God in her mind… And she ate up his lies, let her doubts lead the way, & ate the fruit from the “Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil.” And Adam ate also.

Because of this, mankind now has a recognition of Good & Evil in the world. And what once was meant to be complete surrender to Him handling everything, became a desire for us to take the reins from God & fix it our own way… To run our life “better,” as if we suddenly knew better than the One who made us, the world, & everything in it.

And there was a consequence to this… Sin brings death (even death IN LIFE). Sin’s consequence is Hell, for eternity. Because sin is “missing the mark,” or, not quite doing it God’s way, but doing it ours instead. Taking the lead. Trying to usurp the throne for ourselves, from GOD. (Romans 6:23)

(*To read why this was a display of God’s goodness & love, read my previous post on this topic: “Garden of Eden: What Was So Wrong with Eating That Fruit?”)

Sin Is… But God

Sin is foolish. Sin is arrogant. Sin expresses the false belief that we somehow “know better” than Eternal, Almighty God.

Sin deserves Hell.

But.

But, God.

God knew. He KNEW this would be the choice made. He KNEW we would continue to choose us over complete surrender to Him as KING Almighty.

And although He knew we would decide this… And although He knew we could never pay this debt we owe… He knew HE would need to pay our debt… to make a WAY.

And, because He LOVES US SO MUCH, He made us anyway… & a plan for our redemption… to restore us to Him. (Romans 6:23)

God’s Plan from Before Time: Jesus

His plan was Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son… equally God AND man. (1 Timothy 3:16) Emmanuel-God with Us. (Isaiah 7:14) Part of the eternal Trinity of God the Father, the Son, & the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 8:5-6; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

And when the time was right, in God’s perfect judgement, after decades of demonstrating that no matter how we as mankind may try, we always fail to earn our own redemption… Jesus was born (the reason we celebrate Christmas) to virgin Mary (a miracle done by God) (Isaiah 7:14) & lived a humble, serving, giving life speaking HIS (aka THE) TRUTH, God’s Word, to everyone who would listen, while healing & gently loving everyone He met… demonstrating to us, in bodily form, His great, GREAT love for us… But there’s more.

At the end of His ministry on earth, He gave up His life. He died an excruciating, gut-wrenching death for us on a cross. He took our sin upon His own shoulders, agreeing to take the weight of our debt upon Himself, paying OUR price.

He was beaten, spit on, whipped with shards, mocked, betrayed, abandoned, bruised for our transgressions. Pierced for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace, was on Him. He gave His all for us. (Isaiah 53)

Jesus Is Our Continual & Eternal Hope

But, it doesn’t end there, because JESUS CHRIST is LORD. And, as He promised, He ROSE AGAIN (the reason we celebrate Easter), victorious over sin AND death! Our Victor! Our Healer! Our KING! (Mark 9:31; Luke 24)

You see, He came… not to CONDEMN the world, but to SAVE it. (John 3:17)

He demonstrated His great love for us in that WHILE we were STILL sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

HE is THE Way, THE Truth, & THE Life… & NO ONE comes to the Father, EXCEPT through HIM. (John 14:6)

He is seated in the heavenly places VERY MUCH ALIVE. Reigning over ALL. (Ephesians 2:6-7)

We can trust Him.

We can rely on Him.

We can count on Him.

We can lean into Him.

HE is why we can rejoice. HE is how we can find FREEDOM. (Galatians 5:1) HE is why we can have HOPE.

He brings us LIFE, in the now & in eternity. (Matthew 16:25)

How to ACCEPT This Gift of God

But… as I mentioned at the start of this post… you have to first ACCEPT His free gift… because you can’t earn it.

How?

You agree with God about your SIN… that you have indeed “missed the mark” & usurped His rightful throne in your heart.

You repent to God of your sin… ask forgiveness, in humility, & TURN from that sin! (This doesn’t mean you will suddenly become perfect & will never mess up again, but it DOES mean that you agree with God about it being sin & agree to submit under His lead, agreeing with His Word, the Bible, as Truth, & to let Him help you along the way, growing in obedience to Him. Satan will try to convince you to avoid God when you mess up, but God always whispers, “Come home, my child. Jesus paid for that, too. Repent & Return to Me.”) (1 John 1:9; Romans 10:9-13; Luke 15:11-32)

And finally, you ask God to take over as LORD of your life, believing that Jesus died for you & rose again! He is faithful, ALWAYS & without any fail (1 Corinthians 1:9; Deuteronomy 7:9; Matthew 28:20) . HE is faithful to continue a good work in you (Philippians 1:3-7), the old you passing away & a new you taking its place as He, through the Holy Spirit’s work, guides & shapes you in life (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Don’t Wait for an Unpromised Tomorrow

Don’t let Satan convince you you’re too far gone. No one is.

Don’t let Satan convince you that your sin is too great. God is greater.

Don’t let Satan convince you that you can find what you’re longing for elsewhere… anything else will always come up short & leave you empty & longing (& hurting).

Don’t let Satan convince you that “living it up” will somehow fulfill you. It won’t. It Can’t. (Matthew 16:25) (Trust me, I’ve tried!)

Don’t let Satan convince you that being a “good” person &/or that works are enough. God says it is by faith, & not works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9)… & that no one is Good except One—GOD. (Matthew 10:18; Luke 18:19–Note: Jesus is God, but He knew the man with whom He was speaking saw Him as JUST a teacher, so Jesus was calling out this false belief.)

Don’t let Satan convince you that you need to wait another day. You’re not promised to even live through the end of this post. Life is but a vapor, here today & gone tomorrow. (James 4:13-14)

–Agree with God. Repent. Surrender. LIVE.– (John 10:10)

Why the Gospel Is Such a Big Deal

Since I surrendered to Jesus Christ, I have made MANY mistakes. But I no longer live to make them. I no longer feel like I am pushing down guilt & shame. I feel free. I feel loved & accepted. I feel forgiven. I feel HOPE. Learning & growing in my obedience to Him gives me LIFE. It’s not a life-stealer, serving Him is a life-giver. (Matthew 16:25)

Hope against ALL the odds.

Because when Jesus came to die for you & for me… that is exactly what He came to offer us: HOPE.

And THAT is why the Gospel is SUCH a big deal.

Shine Hope by sharing the Gospel, aka Good News… & by living it every single day.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

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

Share with friends & Subscribe by Joining My Tribe, so you never miss a week.

A Note from Michelle:

This blog/website has been running for THREE years now! 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

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Radiant Necklace Set (Middle Layer of 3 Shown) (India)

On-trend set of 3 layered necklaces that can be worn together or separately, featuring a labradorite stone, hammered discs, & a blue topaz crystal drop.

In India, poverty often leads to exploitation of vulnerable women in sweatshops. Every purchase provides these Artisans with fair wages, access to healthcare, education for their children, & care for elderly family members.

Purchase this set & empower an Artisan in India!

How You Can Help:

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!

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!

The Subtlety of Sin

My heart has been convicted recently: I struggle to praise God when I struggle.

Maybe you can relate to that? Or maybe my confession seems reasonable & not necessarily something to even feel convicted about.

But it is.

Why? Because the difficulty I consistently experience in praising God in my storms expresses that those are areas where I don’t trust Him.

As if to say, “because this didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to, God must not [care/be able to do better/know what He’s doing/etc.].”

Praise expresses the exact opposite opinion of God. Praise says, “because this didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to, God must [care enough to do His better plan over mine/ have a better plan than mine/know better than me/etc.].“

The Dangers of Refraining from Praise

But, as I mentioned, I have been feeling convicted about this because rather than praise, I complain. And not only does complaining show my lack of trust in God, but it opens myself to be vulnerable to Satan’s exploitation of my lack of trust in God.

Opening myself to Satan’s attacks means I am more vulnerable against my struggle with depression, with fear & anxiety & worry. It means I get easily frustrated &/or imbittered.

It makes me doubt God & begin to pull back from Him rather than drawing nearer.

Praise Him in the Storm

We are called to praise Him, even in HARD times, because it puts God back on His throne in our hearts. It reassures us that God has a plan & He knows what He’s doing… that He very much DOES care. It puts our trust back in Him & not in either our circumstances or in ourselves.

And not only does it return God to His rightful place as God in our hearts, but it serves to comfort & reassure us, knowing no matter how hard it is–it’s in His hands.

How Can We Praise Him When It Hurts?

But HOW can I PRAISE while I weep? How can I praise Him while my heart breaks & pain courses through me relentlessly, in the MIDST of great loss or heartache? How can I praise Him while I am hurting?

Prayer. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Draw near to God & He will draw near to you. (James 4:8)

Resist the devil & he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

The Holy Spirit interprets the groanings of our hearts. (Romans 8:26-27)

TURN TO God when pain hits. Ask for His comfort & wisdom & guidance & peace IN IT. (Proverbs 3:6)

And start reminding yourself of Truth… Truth of WHO GOD IS. (Psalm 77:11; Psalm 105:5)

Let the Words of My Mouth… Be Acceptable in Your Sight

“Let the words of my mouth & the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength & my Redeemer.” (Psalm19:14)

God, You are Almighty (Isaiah 6:3). God, You work ALL things together for the good of those who love You & who are called according to Your purpose (Romans 8:28). You are GOOD (Luke 18:19). You saved me from Hell (John 3:17). You paid my debts (John 3:16). You rescued me (Galatians 1:4). You heal & bind up wounds (Psalm 147:3). You are my Strong Tower (Psalm 59:9). You are my Refuge & Strength & very present Help in time of need (Psalm 46:1). You are with me always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). You are eternal (Deuteronomy 33:27). You alone are God (Psalm 83:18). Your ways are higher than my ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Nothing can separate me from Your love (Romans 8:38-39). You are amazing God!

PRAISE Him IN the storm! Turn your eyes to Him. PRAISE HIM.

Will I Praise Him in the Storm? Do I Trust God?

Do you trust Him? REALLY trust Him? Even when all seems to be falling apart?

Do you trust Him?

Shine HOPE into your own heart in the midst of dark situations by determining to trust Him & praise Him—even in the storm.

((NOTE: To read several verses about what God’s Word, the Bible, says about PRAISE, check out this link. (I cannot vouch for this website as a whole because I am not familiar with it, but I found this compilation of verses to be a good resource. Or, try a concordance or an internet search about PRAISE in the Bible.))

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

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

Share with friends & Subscribe by Joining My Tribe, so you never miss a week.

A Note from Michelle:

This blog/website has been running for THREE years now! 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

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Northern Lights Studs (India)

These studs hold labradorite stone, displaying multiple captivating colors that vary in different exposures to light, just like the Northern Lights themselves.

The women we partner with in India do so much more than just create beautiful products. With every purchase, another woman is empowered out of poverty to be self-reliant! Women have the opportunity to earn an income, attend financial management classes, & receive education & healthcare. These women are now able to give their family a promising future because of your purchase!

Purchase these studs & empower a woman in India!

How You Can Help:

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!

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!

Keep Your “WHY” in Life Fresh

This topic is relevant to everyone, whether it be a regular church-goer, a famous Christian artist/author/speaker, or even a pastor.

And it’s something I have had to face up to lately… with myself.

God has something to say about this topic, in Revelation 2:2-5:

“I know your works, your labor, your patience, & that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles & are not, & have found them liars; & you have persevered & have patience, & have labored for My name’s sake & have not become weary. Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent & do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly & remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.” (emphasis mine)

Don’t Leave Your First Love

You see, it’s easy to get into the routine of serving Him… & doing so until it becomes just a routine.

I have to make the continual choice to choose Him & His kingdom first.

This means no running on autopilot… no “finding what works” & just sticking to that.

This means getting fresh direction & guidance from God, through maintaining regular reading of His Word & talking to Him (prayer), willing to let Him interrupt your current track for His plan.

His Great Love for Me (& You)

When I designed & launched this website several years ago now, I was coming out of a pretty dark time in my life, consumed by bitterness & stress that I didn’t know how to manage. And seeing Him grow me through such dark pain really reignited my trust in & love for Him, seeing that when I had nothing, I had everything with Him.

He was my strength & wisdom & hope when I had none to muster from within myself.

He loved me first. He was my first love. His love & care sparked my own love for & trust in Him… & out of that came this website.

What God Wants

But I have to be careful, because my heart is prone to wander.

I get wrapped up in distractions, I find a new normal that works & stick to it… & I begin to rely on my routines & habits & distractions rather than on Him.

It is true that God tells us to live righteously, to live according to His laws… but that doesn’t save me. Jesus saved me.

God sees my heart… my motivations. He knows what drives me.

He is not looking for just good behavior, but continual love for & obedience to Him.

And while I have been running this blog with a heart of obedience, praying for His guidance & help when I get stuck… I have also felt my heart begin to harden.

My Wandering Heart

I have begun to choose ME a little more often.

I have heard His gentle whisper on my heart & ignored it for my way… for comfort… for ease.

I have heard Him nudging me gently with conviction to turn back to Him… & I made choices to keep going anyway.

Satan is so subtle & I am so quick to listen to him tell me the lie that ignoring God is the easier, better route… not in outright sins, but in small ways of creating a pattern of shutting out God’s voice for my own.

He Is Our VINE

And I have noticed the result of shutting out His loving nudges for my comfort/ease. Choosing me over God makes me more vulnerable to Satan’s attacks, when Satan exploits my weaknesses.

I am more easily triggered by my past traumas. I am more prone to being short-tempered or easily offended. I get hurt more easily because I am feeling more insecure. I fill up with anxiety & feel the tempting pulls of depression nipping at my heels. Instead of peace, I feel uprooted & drifting, full of uncertainty.

These are the results of me trying to do life MY way & without God’s help. He is my Counselor & Friend. He is my Healer, my Father, my Redeemer. He alone has perfect wisdom & Truth.

And when I reject Him, even little by little in small decisions, I am literally removing myself as a branch from my life-nourishing, life-giving Vine.

He feeds my soul. He gives me life.

That’s why He DEMANDS my obedience… because without living His way & His Truth, I am pulling away from my true source of LIFE. I am hurting myself.

Don’t Fluff Up Sin–Call It Out & Turn from It!

Oh how it must pain Him to see me stubbornly pull away when all He wants to do is fill where I lack, lift me up, & love me with His Truth.

I have a rebellious & stubborn heart, prone to wander, prone to choose me over God’s ways a million times until I have exhausted myself & cry out to God for help. That’s me. & I’m not proud of it.

“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, & stubbornness is as iniquity & idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected thee from being king.” (1 Samuel 15:23) (Ouch.)

And when I started the “Seeking Him” study by Nancy Leigh DeMoss & Tim Grissom, where it has you catalog all your “dirty laundry” mistakes & hard-heartedness, I felt attacked, wanting to donate the book & just move on with my life. I felt despair that although I answered all of the questions, I felt the reared-up tension of not wanting to change, of wanting MY way. I didn’t feel shame or remorse, I felt angry & protective over it.

Even KNOWING it was for my GOOD!

Break Up That Fallow Ground!

And then I read the last page of today’s work page, finishing up Week 1 of the study, & it directed me to Hosea 10:12-13:

“Sow for yourselves righteousness;

Reap in mercy;

Break up your fallow ground,

For it is time to seek the Lord,

Till He comes & rains righteousness on you.

You have plowed wickedness;

You have reaped iniquity.

You have eaten the fruit of lies,

Because you trusted in your own way….” (emphasis mine)

Wow, if this doesn’t just get right to the point, huh? I DID. I HAVE been trusting my own way… & I AM seeing negative consequences as a result!

Let’s Break It Down

And today’s lesson then led me through this list, encouraging me to turn from that “trusting my own way” to GOD’S WAY (summary):

1-Return to righteousness & obey God

2-Accept God’s mercy & forgive others

3-Allow God to plow up your hardened heart

4-Grieve over your sins

5-Ponder the consequences of disobedience you’re experiencing

6-Accept responsibility for those consequences

7-Seek God & His kingdom as priority

So today, I start by admitting to you & God where my heart has been rebellious, taking responsibility for my wrong actions & for the consequences of quick frustration, anxiousness, & hard-heartedness I am experiencing.

Today, I want to change. I want God to revive my heart & bring me back to my love for Him as my “First Love.”

I Want HIM–Jesus Christ as #1

I want HIM to guide my steps, even if that means skipping tv, videos, or game-playing when He prods my heart to do so even if for a reason unbeknownst to me.

I want HIM to guide my steps, even if that means not caving at the first sign of a terrible food decision.

I want HIM to guide my steps, even if that means feeling uncomfortable speaking Truth & Hope into a situation where I would usually keep quiet because I want to be liked.

I need this fallow ground of my HARD HEART to be broken up & I need to RETURN to my First Love.

It’s Time to Desire Revival

God gave everything for me, for us. He made me knowing He would also have to save me. He is so faithful & patient & kind while I am prone to wander & ignore Him.

It’s time for revival.

Are you with me? —Even on our “good days”, there always seems to be that little something we want to hold back from God… what is that in your life?

Pray about it & ask for God to show you… Ask for revival in your heart. Ask Him to revive & renew a steadfast spirit within you (Psalm 51:10), one that seeks His kingdom first & acknowledges Him in ALL things (Matthew 6:33).

To love the LORD you God with all of your heart & all of your mind & all of your soul & all of your strength (Mark 12:30-31), having no other “gods” before Him (Exodus 20:3).

HE is the way, the Truth, & the Life (John 14:6). He is our True VINE (John 15:5).

He is a life-giver, Sustainer, Healer, Friend, Awesome God, Almighty in Power & Wisdom & Strength. He is the One true King. He is GOD.

Thank You JESUS, for saving me! (Romans 3:23; Romans 5:8; John 3:16)

Shine Hope by letting God break up your fallow ground (packed down, hardened heart) & asking Him to renew a fresh love for Him as your highest priority & love in life.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

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

Share with friends & Subscribe by Joining My Tribe, so you never miss a week.

A Note from Michelle:

This blog/website has been running for THREE years now! 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

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Luminous Studs (North Asia)

These 14k gold-plated mask-friendly studs are mesmerizing, as they sparkle in the light, creating iridescent shades that change with your every move.

Every purchase helps support a sex trafficking survivor in North Asia with safe housing, health care, trauma counseling, job skills training, & dignified income. In North Asia, poverty encourages sexual exploitation of women in brothels. These women want to provide for their families but have few options. Your purchase helps provide sex trafficking survivors with holistic care, dignified income, & hope.

Purchase these earrings & empower a woman in North Asia!

How You Can Help:

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!

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!

A Dangerous Misunderstanding

It is common to hear the phrase “we need to have more faith.” It is even common to tell ourselves we need to “have more faith,” but while this phrase is well-meaning, it is often misleading.

This call to “have more faith” is misleading because it can lead us to believe the exact opposite of what God tells us….

Jesus even told His disciples that they don’t need more faith, when they asked Him to help them have more faith. (Luke 17:5-6)

I understand where this idea to “have more faith” came from, because we are told to “just have faith” & so that often translates into, “well then, I need to have MORE faith, then!”

You may be thinking, “okay, but is it really a “dangerous” misunderstanding?” Most certainly yes!

God made a point to include this quick exchange between Jesus & His disciples because He knew we are prone to place the burden on ourselves instead of on Him… That Satan would exploit situations where we don’t get what we pray for, convincing us that it’s all our fault & if we just had more faith THEN we would get what we want from God….

It’s no bueno (no good). The rally cry for “more faith” really teaches us to have more faith in OURSELVES, if you think about it.

Listen to the Bible

The Bible expresses to us that we actually DON’T need more faith, as Jesus said in Luke 17… but that what we need is faith more often… & even a corrected perspective of God, based on God’s Word–the Bible.

I grew up believing the lie to “have more faith,” believing that everything relied upon me believing in God hard enough… placing the burden on my own shoulders.

And while God does tell us repeatedly to submit to Him & His way… & to place our hope & trust in Him, which is also hard sometimes, God never tells us that His work depends on US believing “enough,” because it doesn’t.

“So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ & it will move; & nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)

Jesus says this because He knows the Truth that God’s working is not reliant on the power of our faith, but on HIS POWER.

So much of the Bible is spent highlighting all the many scenarios in which we should stop trusting in our plan, our wisdom, our way, our efforts… & instead, LEARN to trust GOD & do what GOD says.

God Does What He Says He Will. Period.

You see, our level of faith or the amount of faith we have does not add to or take away from God’s power. His action or inaction is not hinging on this “more faith.”

He works according to His promises. Period. He does what He says He will. Period. And He will do so every single time. Period.

In reading “Sit, Walk, Stand” by Watchman Nee (short book, but Powerful Insight–highly recommend), the author even gives us this hint in saying that because God is faithful to His promises 100% of the time, our petitions should contain less pleading & more praising, knowing that we do not have to convince God to do what He says He will do.

So, when we use this phrase of “we need to have more faith,” we need to also understand this to mean that we do not need more faith, but rather, we need to have faith more often.

Don’t Doubt God… & Pray/Ask According to His Promises

My prayers growing up expressed my misunderstanding of this phrase because I constantly felt like “God must not have answered my way because I am not believing hard enough in Him.”

Well, the Bible tells us that we do not get what we ask because we ask amiss (James 4:3), which means that if we are asking for something that is not in God’s perfect wisdom & will, to use selfishly or self-centeredly, then we won’t get it.

And PRAISE God for that! Because when we ask “amiss” it is because we are thinking & planning & solving in just our limited perspective, knowledge, & understanding, whereas God sees, knows, & understands literally EVERYTHING past, present, AND future. So, PRAISE God that He does not give us what we ask when we “ask amiss.”

God knows the perfect answer to everything, even if it’s not how we’ve decided is best.

We are also instructed to pray without doubting (James 1:6), meaning that if we know God promised something & so we ask Him to carry it out in a certain situation accordingly, doubting is basically asserting the idea that God may not be faithful, which is offensive & dishonoring at best. So, when you ask, ask in faith, trusting God to keep His Word.

Not More Faith, But Faith More Often

But, you might be wondering, how can we insure that we don’t “ask amiss” & how do we avoid doubting God will answer us a certain way?

The simple answer? We need to study God’s Word, memorize it, & get to know it. We need to spend time with God & His Truth–the Bible.

We need to get to know the Bible & His promises to then know how to ask rightly & with CONFIDENCE, without doubting, to ask God of things we know He will carry out. And as our fruit, we can begin to have faith MORE OFTEN.

Shine HOPE by having faith more often.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

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

Share with friends & Subscribe by Joining My Tribe, so you never miss a week.

A Note from Michelle:

This blog/website has been running for THREE years now! 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

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Andean Drop Earrings (Peru)

Handcrafted by our newest Artisan partners in Peru, these unique statement earrings are showstoppers with 24k gold-plated oval studs & framed teardrop chrysocolla stones. Hammered metal & natural variations of swirling green chrysocolla add “Old World” charm to these ethically made earrings. (Designed to pair with our Andean Ring.)

Every purchase provides safe jobs with fair wages in areas of extreme poverty in Peru.

How You Can Help:

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!

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!

I Am a Weak Human

I’m going to be honest with you… I just had pizza bread & soda for lunch & I am not proud of it.

Typically, Jamie & I reserve pizza & other greasy/fatty meals for date-night-in or something special, but I had a lunch craving & I caved with very little resistance (VERY little).

And the other day, I decided not to do my morning walk because it was drizzly out, determining to go later when the rain slowed down… but I didn’t… because I didn’t want to change out of comfy clothes to go out for physical exertion when the couch had already claimed me as a friend.

And last week? I didn’t want to do my blog… like AT ALL. Oh, if you could have seen how hard I resisted doing it.

I didn’t want to pray about any of these things, either, because I didn’t want to do other than what I wanted… & even though I felt that gentle, nudging reminder from God, I purposely ignored Him, too.

I wanted the pizza. I wanted my couch & pajama combo. I wanted to play video games instead of working. I wanted what I wanted.

God Knew Better & I Ignored Him–On Purpose

These things are not inherently wrong. It’s okay to have pizza sometimes, as long as you balance it with a nutritious menu & don’t binge. It’s okay to relax & it’s okay to take a break for games sometimes, even—as long as it doesn’t form a pattern of laziness, over-indulgence, & neglect.

But, the problem was that I knew I needed a nutritious meal because my body was already mad about a poor dinner choice last night. I knew that my body craved getting out for sunshine, fresh air, & exertion & that I denied it for the easy way out. And I knew the reward that comes from spending time committed to this blog, committed to showing up for hope, for you… & it far outweighed the reward of hours with a controller in hand, staring at my tv.

The problem with my choices was that I knew God was whispering over my heart to not make those choices this time, but that I didn’t care… I wanted my way… the cop out. I didn’t listed to or trust or obey God’s loving guidance.

I wanted the instant gratification.

The Patience of God

It had been a long time since I resisted working on my blog. God has grown my heart over these past few years so that it usually seems less like work & more like a joy & a privilege & an honor.

But not last week. Last week felt like I had boxing gloves on & was ready to duke it out with myself to keep from having to do one ounce of work when I wanted to do anything BUT.

God is so patient with me.

I am not running this blog because I have it all together & have the self-discipline to always choose rightly. I make mistakes. I choose the selfish choice sometimes too often (& reap the consequences).

I Am a Weak Human

I am also NOT using that truth of me being a weak human as an excuse.

God has been teaching me to own up & call it [disrespecting, dishonoring, ignoring, etc. God] for what it is.

Instead of, “oh, I am being such a BRAT, aren’t I, God?” (sounding cute & nonchalant about it) it has become instead, “God, forgive me for my selfish behavior where I would rather choose my way than trust Yours. You are God & I am not. Please forgive me for being disrespectful & dishonoring to You.”

I need to OWN up to my wrong actions born from my sinful heart.

Is there anything with which you do that? … Where you just sort of sugar-coat your bad choices like they aren’t really that bad… compared to _________________?

Making light of God’s grace & mercy? His forgiveness?

This is something I do ALL the time. (Regrettably.)

It’s so easy to clearly see where others might be compromising or choosing themselves over God—either their opinion over His Truth, or doing their way vs. His way…. But it is MUCH harder to own up to my own shortcomings & see them for what they are-a sinful, me-centered attitude.

YES!… But First…

In church, on Sunday, our pastor talked about Luke 9, including verses 59 & 60, “He [Jesus] said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go & bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go & proclaim the kingdom of God.”

Jesus’ response may seem harsh, until you think about the bigger picture… that you can’t do anything for someone already gone, but you CAN offer a very real hope to people still around to hear & receive it.

And it hit me… I do this to God ALL the time.

“Oh yeah, God! Of COURSE I want to follow You, but I need to take care of this.”

As if God doesn’t ALREADY know & isn’t sufficient & can’t handle it if I leave whatever it is to do what HE asked me to do.

Like, “Michelle, if GOD ALMIGHTY (Who sees, knows, & understands literally EVERYTHING) asks you to do something, you can GUARANTEE that:

A) He already knows what’s on YOUR schedule,

B) HE can handle what’s on your schedule (or knows it won’t end up needing to be handled at all this time), &

C) asked you to do it NOW because He has a reason for it needing to be done right now, in lieu of your proposed plans.”

Stop & Pray

I like to treat God like He has good ideas, but like I need to fit them in amongst my own responsibilities &/or plans, where as God KNOWS what needs to be done & can handle it MUCH better than I can, so if He says, “GO” then He already has a plan & can take care of it… & He just wants me to GO & do what He asked in the moment.

I need to stop running the show my way, “with His help,” & start living HIS plan, with His help.

I need to learn how to stop [assuming I know all the details] & pray [ask all-knowing God for His say in the matter].

The Right Response

I needed to stop & pray before lunch today, submitting to what He was telling me my body needed right then, letting Him tell me how to care for it & allowing Him to help me carry it out. I could have avoided the tummy ache & headache & sluggish side effects of poor eating choices.

“God, please forgive me for being gluttonous… for choosing cravings over what was good for my body. Forgive me for choosing instant gratification vs. long-term health in caring for the body You made for me. Please forgive me for purposely ignoring You when You were just looking out for me. Now I have the tummy ache & headache consequences when I could have trusted You to show me a healthy AND yummy alternative that would have energized me. I’m sorry for disrespecting You. Help me stop to trust You next time. Amen.”

I needed to stop & pray when God reminded me about my plan to go out for a walk “later” because my heart was really craving sunshine & fresh air.

“God, please forgive me for shoving Your gentle reminder away. You knew it would have refreshed me. You knew it would uplift me. I chose my way & felt defeated by the end of the day for never overcoming my lazy cravings & instead exchanging my walk for ease. Please forgive me for shutting You out & disrespecting You when You were trying to help & uplift me. Help me stop to trust You next time. Amen.”

I eventually did stop & pray last Monday, when I wrestled against my strong, stubborn resistance to productivity.

“God, I do NOT want to work today! I don’t want to! Please! Help me! Remind me that temporary instant gratification is a LIE. Don’t let me quit. Don’t let me give in. Help me. Refresh me. Give me a will to take time to share Your hope & testimony of You. There is so much more value in this blog—LASTING value—than extra time spent on my video games. PLEASE help me. In Jesus’ powerful, mighty name, AMEN.”

Even When It’s Hard

Sometimes it’s not a willing, submissive prayer, trusting God to lead.

Sometimes it’s a full-on FIGHT against my own strong will.

Sometimes it’s a slump-to-the-ground-so-I-don’t-keep-choosing-my-way-&-then-BEGGING-God-to-help-me sort of situation, frustration, angst & stubborn rebellion coursing through me like a mad, raging storm.

And God is SO patient with me. So gentle. So kind.

He knows my heart. I can’t hide it behind a seemingly obedient & righteous smile. He knows.

He sees me.

And yet, He loves me. He grows me. He waits for me. He guides me. He LOVES me.

I don’t do this blog because I have it all together. Quite the opposite!

I do it because despite all of my MANY flaws & weaknesses & bouts of stubborn rebellion, I am loved by a God much bigger than me & far greater!

He is my Rescuer, Healer of scars from trauma, Savior, Guide, Comforter, Counselor, Father, Friend, Almighty God, Creator.

I have nothing to offer Him, but that is okay because He is enough for us both.

Where It All Began

I started with a small, timid prayer years ago: “God, I WANT to serve You, but I don’t know HOW. Show me what purposes You have planned for my life. Show me Your plan. I am tempted not to ask because I am afraid You will give me more than I can handle right now, but then I remember that You know EVERYTHING. You know what I can handle. You know how YOU made me. You know my responsibilities. You are patient & gentle. You can help every step, too. So, show me Your will more & more & help me know HOW to live it. I want Your way… Your plan. Help me see it. Amen.”

That’s where I started. I was SO scared that He would overwhelm me with too much… like Moses probably felt (Exodus 3). But God is SO patient & gentle & kind… AND we can ask Him for His help every step of it!

He knows you. He made you. ASK Him.

Shine Hope by determining to STOP & PRAY, not assuming your solution must happen, but trusting He sees & knows even more/better than You do. You can trust Him!

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

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

Share with friends & Subscribe by Joining My Tribe, so you never miss a week.

A Note from Michelle:

This blog/website has been running for THREE years now! 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

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Radiant Necklace Set (only middle of 3 necklaces shown)

On-trend set of 3 layered necklaces that can be worn together or separately, featuring a labradorite stone, hammered discs, & a blue topaz crystal drop.

In India, poverty often leads to exploitation of vulnerable women in sweatshops. Every purchase provides these Artisans with fair wages, access to healthcare, education for their children, & care for elderly family members.

Purchase this set & empower an Artisan in India!

How You Can Help:

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!

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

Leaving a Legacy

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been talking about leaving a legacy. You can check out the two posts, “Always on Your Lips-Leaving a Legacy,” & “How to Teach Obedience to God,” to catch up.

Obviously, anything I share is not a comprehensive list, but rather a tool to help get us focused on God’s working more than our own… to focus on His perspective, His will, & His commands, more than we trust our own.

Easily Distracted

It’s so easy for me to get swept up in life. Trust me, it is WAY too easy for me.

I have the attention span of a goldfish, it seems, when it comes to being intentional for Jesus Christ.

He is worth my everything, I know that, but one distraction or another all too easily gets me forgetting all about Him until a situation or thought snaps me back to reality.

This is why I am so persistent in talking about this topic. It’s not just for you—it’s for me. I need the reminders just as much as anyone else.

Satan would like us all so distracted, so busy, so bogged down with everything around us, that we completely & forever forget to consider God’s kingdom. Satan wants us all lulled into complacent, ineffective, non-glorifying followers of Jesus.

Well, I don’t want to be okay with that. I want to WAKE UP.

Intentional Conversation, Intentionally Focused

I want to live like this is my temporary home (because it is) & like I have but a short time to invite everyone along (because I do) & like it is the most important thing in all of my life (because it is).

Hence, this line of conversation. I want His Truth always on my lips. I want to leave a legacy that points to Him in EVERYTHING… as our HOPE… our ONE & ONLY true hope.

I want to, with everything in me, teach others to be obedient to Him. Because His command for our obedience is not meant to have us lose out nor be to our detriment… it’s what we were created for & is our design & will bring us the only true contentment, peace, & fulfillment that we seek for fruitlessly in anything else.

And so, in an effort to have this Truth be always on our lips, I thought it would be helpful to get our minds honing in & focusing on Him in all things, by jotting down some conversation starter topics to talk about with your kids, your husband, your friend, your parents or siblings, etc…. to turn our minds & hearts to Christ.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart & with all your soul & with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home & when you walk along the road, when you lie down & when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands & bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses & on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:5-9)

Be STILL & Know That HE Is God.

And Satan has been throwing so much at me this last week to discourage me & shut me up & get me to slump in defeat. I am writing this aching to quit, wishing to just throw in the towel for a nap & some video games… Satan wants me to forget about God being able to help me through it, relying on my own draining strength & just saying, “I quit!”

But I won’t. Because I know the game-changing Truth. God is Enough for us both. HE can bring victory when everything I have to offer promises a sure defeat.

So, Satan, step aside because GOD is in control & God WILL be glorified. AMEN.

16 Questions

Let’s get started with some conversation starters. I have provided just 16 Questions to get us started. Feel free to copy/paste/print these to leave in the car to discuss after church or Bible Study. Maybe start by just asking one question each time, to help ease into that pattern of intentional conversation, leading to being intentionally focused on Jesus Christ in all parts of life… & ask more questions as it becomes more comfortable & natural.

1. What is the most important/valuable thing you learned in [church, Bible Study, etc.] today?
2. From what you learned today, what does it teach you about Who God is or what matters to Him?
3. Did you learn about any commands God gives to us? Is it good to trust & do His command? Why? (God made everything, knows everything, understands everything, & has authority over everything & everything He does is designed for our good.)
4. Do you remember a Bible verse you talked about today? What was it or what was it about? What did it teach you?
5. Did God use anything in that lesson to point out something you’re not doing right (ie a conviction in your heart about sin)? Did you ask God to forgive you & help you change it? How can you change in this area or what can you do to help you remember not to do that in the future? (ie. Memorize Truth of God’s Word about it, etc.)
6. What are you thankful to God for?
7. How has God helped you this week?
8. Do you have any doubts about God or the Bible? Have you asked God to help you work through them since He knows how best to & wants to help you?
9. Today, what is one way that you could tell that God loves you?
10. Is there anyone that you need to forgive today? What does God say about forgiveness? (Forgive 70 x 7 times, forgive others as God, through Jesus, forgives us, pray for our enemies & bear with one another, in love.)
11. What is one way that you can show God that you love Him today?
12. What is one of your favorite creations that God made? Have you thanked Him for it today?
13. What is your favorite worship song right now? Can you sing part of it?
14. What area of your life do you feel Satan is bullying you in lately? Have you turned to God & asked for His help with it?
15. Is there anything you feel you’re not good enough at? Anything that makes you insecure? Have you asked God to show you your worth through His eyes? Because He made you.
16. Do you know Who Jesus is? Do you know how much He loves you & what He did to show you He loves you?

Let Him Lead

As I mentioned above, this is by no means a comprehensive list, but my hope is that it gets our gears turning in the right direction, focusing our thoughts & heart on Him in everything every day.

Also, feel free to modify this list, depending on the age. Maybe look up online Bible discussion questions for kids, if needed. And add to the list, too, if you think of a good question. (Feel free to share your question suggestions in the comments for this post!)

And ultimately, shine HOPE, by putting your mind on Christ, seeking first His kingdom, even by turning to Him for help doing it every step along the way.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

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

Share with friends & Subscribe by Joining My Tribe, so you never miss a week.

A Note from Michelle:

This blog/website has been running for THREE years now! 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

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Silver Medallion Necklace

This textured silver-tone chain from India can be worn separately or layered with other necklaces from our One World Collection. The uniquely textured pendant adds the perfect artistic touch. Three length options allow you to choose your comfort & style. Every purchase provides fair-trade jobs in areas of extreme poverty in India.

In India, poverty often leads to exploitation of vulnerable Artisans in sweatshops. Every purchase provides these Artisans with fair wages, access to healthcare, education for their children, & care for elderly family members.

Purchase this necklace & empower an Artisan in India!

How You Can Help:

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!

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

Being Intentional in How We Represent God

So, last week we talked about “Always on Your Lips-Leaving a Legacy,” & this week, I would like to talk about some more specifics on how to make that happen, in practice. In other words-how to teach obedience to God.

Growing up, I never really understood the importance of obeying God, but as I have been highlighting lately, obedience to God is life-changing & brings into our lives a hope we can’t even begin to imagine.

Because of this, how we represent God to the next generation (& even to our peers & elders) is of UTMOST importance. We need to be intentional in how we represent God to others.

And when God commands us to obey Him, it is NOT something requested of us as a “power move” by God. It is NOT arrogance. Quite the opposite!

Why God Commands Our Obedience

He commands our obedience because:

1. He made the world & everything in it, including us.

2. He has authority over literally everything.

3. He knows literally everything.

4. He knows how everything fits together & has perfect understanding/wisdom.

5. Everything He does is meant to bring about our good.

6. Even in our sin/disobedience, HE made a way possible to redeem us by sending Lord Jesus, His Son, to pay our debts.

And this is where we start in leaving a legacy of HOPE… sharing these points about who God is & why we obey Him.

He Alone Is Perfect in All Things

He has:

1. Perfect Authority—which is why we should tremble before Him, determining to do only His will & no one else’s if it contradicts His.
2. Perfect in Knowledge, Understanding, & Wisdom—so we know we can trust Him in everything HE says!
3. Perfect Love—displayed through His extravagant, beyond-practical design of this earth He created for us to steward… & especially through His Son, Jesus Christ, come to earth (Emmanuel-God with us) to set an example, express His love in person, & ultimately pay our debt, rising again after death as victorious over both sin & death.
4. Perfect Holiness–He cannot do wrong, He is completely pure & perfect in all things.

God Can Handle Our Doubts

We also need to teach that God understands when we don’t understand. He is infinite in all things & we are not. He is patient & gentle with us when we don’t understand–so lean into Him for answers & Truth!

Anyone can come to Him for help with a doubt or worry, when something in the world clashes with what He says in His Word, making us tempted to doubt God. He understands & when you come to Him, He will either clear up the doubt or will show Himself worthy of your trust even if you continue to lack understanding.

He is a Good, Good Father.

(See my previous post on “How to Handles Doubts & Still Honor God.”)

Want “More” Faith? Obey Him

We need to teach that to grow our faith, we need to obey first.

LORD Jesus, God’s Son, tells us we need only faith like a mustard seed (very small), because it is not dependent on how big our faith it, but how big our GOD is. (Luke 17:5-6)

This is why the Bible repeats the command to “Fear God” SO many times (Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10, etc.), because there will be countless times where His Word doesn’t seem to make sense to us, being finite in wisdom, knowledge, & understanding. But, His judgments are always made in perfect & complete knowledge, wisdom & understanding.

(See my previous post about “Fearing God Is the Beginning of Wisdom.”)

God has perfect authority & say-so, so always defer to HIS judgment, respecting HIS authority in EVERY matter. Because He NEVER gets it wrong or miscalculates.

His judgments are ALWAYS perfect.

And when we live with that understanding, with a willingness to obey first to grow our faith (or, rather… TRUST) in Him… a wonderful thing happens… we always see Him proven right & as a result, we begin to trust Him more & more.

(See my previous post on “Want to Trust God? Obey Him.”)

Pray Without Ceasing

We need to teach how to pray… how to talk to God.

A good starting point is Jesus’ model prayer, in Matthew 6:9-15, meant to show us what we should ask for & how to talk to God.

Another good reference are the Psalms. Raw, real, holding nothing back, but also always remembering that God has a plan, God is in control & asking God to help trust Him in it, come what may.

We should pray for our worries & doubts, we can give thanks when we see Him work or when we acknowledge His beautiful creation around us.

We should pray for peace, knowing His peace doesn’t rely on a bad situation turning good, but that His peace can exist in your heart right as the war is waging.

We should pray for a changed perspective & a changed heart.

We should pray for direction, guidance, or wisdom.

We should pray for comfort & healing in the midst of hurts & long-time heart scars.

We should pray for the words to say when in a tough situation.

We should pray for boldness in sharing God’s GRACE, through Jesus.

We should pray for our leaders.

We should pray for our enemies.

We should pray for the hearts of those who are lost.

We should pray for forgiveness, as we repent over wrongs we’ve done or times where we have grieved the Holy Spirit (done what we knew we shouldn’t) or when we have quenched the Holy Spirit (NOT done or tuned out what we knew we SHOULD do).

We should pray for redemption, a only once needed prayer, recognizing you can’t save yourself & that you need the forgiveness & redemption offered by Jesus’ free gift of His life for ours.

We should pray when we’re anxious or afraid or angry or hurt or worried or lost or alone or sad or overwhelmed or tired or happy or excited or grateful or at peace.

We can & should pray & talk to God about anything & everything… we can turn our inner self-musings to silent conversations with God.

Teach God’s Word

We need to teach Bible reading & Bible study as the most valuable & important endeavor.

(If you’re a woman wanting to learn easy baby steps to studying your Bible, I highly recommend katieorr.me. She has helped me learn so much so that I now have significantly more confidence (starting with little to none) in studying the Bible myself.)

God tells us, in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, that “All Scripture is God-breathed & is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting & training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

In other words, God’s Word-the Bible- is good for telling us what is right, what is wrong, how to get right, & how to stay right.

We NEED it!

PLUS, it is a window into God’s Almighty-ness & His great & awesome love for us (a theme constantly woven throughout it). It helps us see Who God is & what He cares about & how He asks us to live in His perfect wisdom & understanding.

Read It, Think on It, Talk about It, Post It, Study It, Memorize It!

God’s Word is worthy of & should be thought on day & night… something we teach our kids… something we talk about in our sitting, standing, going about the way, & our laying down… something we post on our gates & doorposts & even our own foreheads! EVERYWHERE! Because if we study & live according to His Word, then we will know the Truth, & the Truth shall set us FREE. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; John 8:31-32)

And, last, but not least… we need to teach the importance of memorizing God’s Word. God tells us that part of the armor He provides to us to protect us is “the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)

He also tells us that when we struggle, even if the hurt or frustration is with a human being… that really, it is Satan threading lies & misunderstandings & strife, exploiting our weaknesses & insecurities to create division & isolation. (Ephesians 6:12-13) (We’re easier to pick off & lie to when we’re separated from others, especially other believers in Christ. BE CAUTIOUS!) (John 10:10)

Because of this, when we face arguments or disagreements or insecurities or worries/anxieties, we NEED to have that Truth floating across our minds to set us FREE from those chains trying to latch on to us.

We NEED to know God’s Word because God’s Word—the Bible—is TRUTH… And God tells us plainly that the Truth WILL set us FREE. ( John 8:31-32 )

So, teach His Word & teach the importance of memorizing it & reading it & studying it & dwelling on it day & night. True HOPE is found in those words from God.

How to Teach Obedience to God

So, as much as someone who doesn’t have kids (but has seen through the eyes of friends who are mothers) can know, I know parenthood is hard & sometimes seems all-consuming.

I know there are so many things that are wrapped up in all it takes to parent a child, from feeding to clothing to cleaning up after to teaching manners & obedience & respect to parents, etc. etc. etc., but I promise you that THE most important thing you can pass on to your children is to know & love God MORE & how to live a life of obedience to Him.

Because they won’t always make the right choices. They will mess up. They will have scars on their hearts, no matter how much you want to protect them. They will do things in secret. And, you won’t always be around.

And one day, they will have to answer to God for THEIR choices… & a pass from Mom won’t count.

So teach them, live an example & a legacy to them… teach them how to obey God.

Shine HOPE.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

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

Share with friends & Subscribe by Joining My Tribe, so you never miss a week.

A Note from Michelle:

This blog/website has been running for THREE years now! 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

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Bold Link Necklace (India)

Make a bold ethical fashion statement with this gold-tone linked-chain design from India. Its “chunkier” look & feel will keep your personal style on-trend, whether you wear it alone or layered with other necklaces from our One World Collection. Completely adjustable, you can customize the length to fit your desired comfort & style. Every necklace has variations as a part of the Artisan-made charm!

In India, poverty often leads to exploitation of vulnerable women in sweatshops. Every purchase provides these Artisans with fair wages, access to healthcare, education for their children, & care for elderly family members.

Purchase this necklace & empower an Artisan in India!

How You Can Help:

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!

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

Not How I Pictured It

As you may or may not know by now, it has been 8 years since my husband, Jamie, & I decided we wanted to grow our family & have children.

It has also been 8+ years of childlessness.

This has been a challenge I have wrestled with in different ways over the years. There were times of peace & times of tears… there was anger & bitterness… there were times I felt I was being punished by God for the sins of my past.

A while ago, I shared more about this journey in “To the Barren Woman” & “When God Says ‘No” & How to Respond to Others.”

God Always Has a Plan

It has not been an easy road, but on this journey, God has given me the wonderful gift of new perspective. In working through a study by Beth Moore, called “Breaking Free”, God showed me that He always has a plan through 2 verses she highlighted in the study:

1. Luke 1:5-7, calling Elizabeth a righteous woman who followed God blamelessly… but also pointing out her barrenness… erasing the shame-led belief that I was just not good enough to be a mother… &
2. Galatians 4:27, calling barren women to rejoice because they are able to bear more fruit… (spiritual fruit).

You see, my heart had been crying to leave a legacy of grace & hope to this hurting world full of so much of Satan’s craftiness & devious destruction.

And not having children felt like a dagger. But God reminded me that He always has a plan.

Satan Screams Lies… God Whispers Truth

I felt like God was saying I wasn’t worthy (I mean, really, none of us are—but by God’s grace & help!), but my heart yearned to raise children to learn God’s Truth, His HOPE, His LOVE, His GRACE… & to share it with & shine it in the world around them.

And when I went through that study, God showed me that He was giving me that very desire, but on a scale far beyond my hopes & in a way I had never before considered.

What a good & loving & perfect God we serve!

Leaving a Legacy

And so, my heart cry is to lift up you, as the reader, to be emboldened with the Truth & to share the hope & love & grace of God, through the gift of Jesus.

Life can wear us down… we can get covered in routines & habits & distractions & just LIFE, but I want to remain a beacon to remind you (& myself!) that there is a higher calling… a calling that will leave lasting joy & hope for the generations to come.

We can live a surrendered life to God Almighty, proclaiming the Good News of Jesus in & throughout all we do, with the help & wisdom of God guiding the way.

This isn’t just a “when it’s convenient” lifestyle, but a lifestyle that submits to His perfect, loving will in all of the mundane routines & habits of daily life, leaving a legacy of HOPE.

God’s Good & Perfect Will

“The Gospel Changes Everything,” by Meredith Andrews, is playing right now & so eloquently expresses why this moment-by-moment decision to submit to His will & His help is so life-changing.

In my prayers this morning, I felt convicted to ask God to help me better serve others because it’s not a strong spot for me… & in my prayers, He brought these words to my heart as I wrote my prayer, “God, you tell me to serve & love others, not to my expense & detriment, but because you know it is what will really fulfill me. I was designed for it! Help me trust Your design & Your good & always perfect will.”

That’s the same for obedience to His law & His will… we were designed for it & it’s where we will find that perfect unmovable peace. It’s for our good to obey Him! We can trust His judgements fully every time & in every circumstance!

Always on Your Lips

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart & with all your soul & with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home & when you walk along the road, when you lie down & when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)

And so, let that perfect, Good law always be on our lips… in our sitting & standing & lying down.

Let us leave a legacy of submission to Him in everything.

Always defer to His judgement.

Always let Him be the lead.

Always trust His Truth.

LIVE for HIM.

Shine HOPE by allowing others to see where our hope comes from. Our hope is in the LORD!

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven & earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)

Psalm 92

“It is good to praise the Lord
    & make music to Your name, O Most High,
proclaiming Your love in the morning
    & Your faithfulness at night,
to the music of the ten-stringed lyre
    & the melody of the harp.

For You make me glad by Your deeds, Lord;
    I sing for joy at what Your hands have done.
How great are Your works, Lord,
    how profound Your thoughts!
Senseless people do not know,
    fools do not understand,
that though the wicked spring up like grass
    & all evildoers flourish,
    they will be destroyed forever.

But You, Lord, are forever exalted.

For surely Your enemies, Lord,
    surely Your enemies will perish;
    all evildoers will be scattered.
You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox;
    fine oils have been poured on me.
My eyes have seen the defeat of my adversaries;
    my ears have heard the rout of my wicked foes.

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
    they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
planted in the house of the Lord,
    they will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still bear fruit in old age,
    they will stay fresh & green,
proclaiming, “The Lord is upright;
    He is my Rock, & there is no wickedness in Him.”

(Psalm 92)

For another encouraging song reminding us how a life lived for Him is worth it all, check out another one of Meredith Andrew’s songs, “Worth It All.”

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

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

Share with friends & Subscribe by Joining My Tribe, so you never miss a week.

A Note from Michelle:

This blog/website has been running for almost THREE years now! 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

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Zoya Earrings

Zoya means “shining, life” in Hindi. These stylishly stunning gold-toned earrings are handcrafted in India, featuring genuine freshwater pearls on a delicate linked-chain design.

Every purchase of these beautiful earrings provides fair-trade jobs in areas of extreme poverty in India. In India, poverty often leads to exploitation of vulnerable Artisans in sweatshops. Every purchase provides these Artisans with fair wages, access to healthcare, education for their children, & care for elderly family members.

Purchase these earrings & empower an Artisan in India!

How You Can Help:

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!

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

But Really… What Is It?

I often talk about hope. But growing up, if I heard someone talk about “shining hope” or how “we need hope,” I probably would have rolled my eyes.

I think part of the reason for this reaction is that I didn’t really understand hope, or my need of it.

I thought it was just this vague happy thought… I thought it was dreaming of an unrealistic ideal or wishful thinking about what “could be.”

But, to me, this idea of dreaming for hope seemed sort of pointless….

Isn’t Life Just LIFE—Make the Most of It Until You Die? No.

I mean, what is the point of hope, really? Life just IS & you just have to make the most of it… nothing more… you don’t have any control over that… or so I felt.

But, the more that I seek after knowing God more & growing my love for Him, the more this “vague, pointless daydreaming about hope” seems more tangible & actual… a real thing to be sought after.

What God Says = Fact

You see, I am finding that everything God SAYS is true in the Bible, is actually very & completely true. It is FACT… Including the very actual reality of HOPE.

So, if life seems to be quite in contradiction to how God says it is… it is not that God is wrong, but rather that Satan has effectively distorted our view of the truth, thus creating his goal all along of helping us to doubt God & God’s truth & goodness.

Satan distorts our idea of Truth through his thorns, chains, jabs, tricks, “promises” with fine print consequences, & just plain old lies.

And we, trying to come up with our idea of “truth” are often easily manipulated & deceived.

But what if we determine to NOT trust Satan’s lies or even our own judgement, but determine to toss all else aside & ONLY trust GOD’S Truth, whether we understand it to be possible or not?

Amazing things begin to happen, I will tell you that… because I have seen it.

I Have Seen His “Impossible” Hope Change Me

For example, growing up, I felt very unworthy of others’ affection or attention. I felt fat & ugly & awkward. I felt like the tagalong friend of every group, just hoping to not make any mistakes so they would keep me around.

And I dressed for attention… shirts that went too low & shorts that were as short as I could get away with… I thought that was the only way to be worth keeping around.

Eventually, it got worse. I began to notice the “value” my words had on those around me—especially the guys—in flirting & saying inappropriate jokes… it seemed to earn me value points & made me feel I was more worthy of being kept around.

But something felt off about it. I felt like they didn’t really like me… like they only liked the part I played for them to like me… that I couldn’t ever drop the game or my worth & value would plummet in their opinions.

Unwanted Attention

So, I kept it up, earning along the way some unwanted advances & even several cases of assault because I claimed to want it & I was too embarrassed to admit that I’d rather them not. I didn’t want to seem too rigid or too boring or anything else negative that would make them realize I wasn’t a friend worth keeping around.

And I died a little bit inside every time. I felt used & cheap. I felt like trash, used up & tossed aside.

But, I felt like life was just that way… if you wanted to be wanted, you do what it takes, make the most of it, & just live with the consequences.

Hope seemed a vague, silly, unrealistic ideal… so I kept up with my plan & kept playing the part, taking on the identity of the group flirt… feeling hurt & trapped by this new identity but not seeing any real way around it.

But Then… I Decided to Give Hope a Chance… & Asked God for Help

I kept going to church with my family & doing all the “good Christian” things, but something inside me was crying for a love & affection that didn’t seem to cost so much.

I felt emptier & emptier, but resolved that it was better than being all alone & unwanted.

Until I started asking God about it.

It dawned on me, probably a reminder nudge from the Holy Spirit looking out for me, that God made me… & if God made me, then God knows who I am & how He created me to be, probably even better than I did.

So, I started asking Him to show me just that & my prayers turned to Him for a new solution… a new HOPE.

A Prayer Seeking HOPE

“God, I feel empty & hurt. I’m scared of being alone & unwantable. I am trying to fit in & do what I need to to be liked, but it hurts me. Is it meant to be this way? I am not trying to be sinful—I am not having sex—I feel like I just AM a flirt, like I can’t help it, & it seems to be one of the only things people seem to like about me… & my crude humor. But, You made me. So, You know what You made me to be. You know my design. So, help me see THAT. Help me see how YOU made me, even if it doesn’t match this design I have made for myself as the group flirt. I want YOUR design. Please help me see it. Help me see & live YOUR design for me. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Starting to Let Myself HOPE

I prayed something similar to that prayer for months, longing to feel wanted & loved without the cost of my dignity or having to keep up certain actions just to feel I was worth something to someone else.

In other words, I was starting to let myself HOPE.

I was starting to let myself hope that maybe, just maybe, God was right… even though it seemed to go against everything I knew to be possible… that maybe life didn’t have to be this way… maybe I could hope for MORE.

What Is Hope?

And, as just ONE example of more than I could even possibly recall to share with you, amazing things began to happen when I trusted God’s HOPE over my own perceived, lived “reality.”

During that period of prayer, wondering “what is hope?”… “can I hope for something more?”… something in me began to shift… confidence began to take root… I no longer felt such a strong need to feel wanted or needed or seen… I felt sure enough of myself without pandering to others’ ideas of what they wanted me to be & to just BE.

And this isn’t just for this ONE type of life situation or circumstance… God is in the business of sprouting HOPE into our lives—even where it seems impossible—HE MAKES A WAY.

You see, this isn’t JUST hope in forgiveness before God for our sin, through Jesus paying our debt to God FOR us as we accept His gift of redemption… but it is an EVERY DAY HOPE for RIGHT NOW.

Jesus Came to Show Us There IS HOPE

“The thief came only to steal, kill, & destroy, but I [Jesus] came to give LIFE & to give it MORE ABUNDANTLY.” (John 10:10) (emphasis mine)

Don’t accept Satan’s tainted “truth” as a life you just have to survive & make the most of it… determine to trust that when Jesus says He came to give life & life more abundantly, that HE MEANT IT.

Trust God’s way of doing things. Trust & do what God says.

Trust that GOD IS IN THE BUSINESS OF HOPE, even in the most “impossible” of circumstances.

Shine Hope because HOPE in life, through God, is REAL.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

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

Share with friends & Subscribe by Joining My Tribe, so you never miss a week.

A Note from Michelle:

This blog/website has been running for almost THREE years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

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

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Silver Medallion Necklace

This textured silver-tone chain from India can be worn separately or layered with other necklaces from our One World Collection. The uniquely textured pendant adds the perfect artistic touch. Three length options allow you to choose your comfort & style. Every necklace has variations as a part of the Artisan-made charm! Every purchase provides fair-trade jobs in areas of extreme poverty in India.

In India, poverty often leads to exploitation of vulnerable Artisans in sweatshops. Every purchase provides these Artisans with fair wages, access to healthcare, education for their children, & care for elderly family members. 

Purchase this necklace & empower an Artisan in India!

How You Can Help:

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!

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