How Do You Know if You’re Living with Blinders On?

If you saw on my social media the sermon notes I took down this past Sunday, you will have a clue as to the direction of this week’s blog post: How hard it is to live in light of eternity, when our everyday activities are right in front of our face all the time.

I can’t say I am always too good at this. I tend to live life with blinders on… run the errands, do the chores, do my tasks at work, come home to relax, etc. before considering the fact that really, when it all boils down… none of it is anything that will affect eternity or have any significance or worth after I die.

So, how do I do things differently? How do I live with a mindset of what will last? What truly matters once I am gone? After my loved ones are gone? Once Jesus returns?

If It Were Up to Me…?

One question that keeps ringing in my ear is the one I wrote on those sermon notes… “If it were completely up to me, who would go to Hell because I felt too uncomfortable to tell them about Jesus?”

That’s rough, isn’t it?

It seems a little too uncomfortable even reading or asking that question.

But there is some truth to it. No, it’s not entirely up to us. God doesn’t need us. But God DOES use our willingness to live in obedience & surrender to Him. It can bless others, help their road be less damaging, be a demonstration of HOPE to a world in desperate need of it. PLUS, it brings honor & glory to God.

We can play a part. We can plant a seed. But we can’t bring anyone to Christ—that’s God’s job. He does the saving, not us.

Where Is Your Focus Pointed?

How do you start your day? Do you grumble at your alarm clock? At the lack of sleep you had last night? (Saying from experience here.) Do you grab your phone for some mindless scrolling? Or do you pay attention to the fact that God sees you, right there, in your groggy fogged state, in whatever attitude you have at that given moment—He sees you. Do you take a minute to say hi? To confess your grumpy attitude, if you have one, & ask for an adjustment in perspective? Do you ask Him to guide your day, grant you wisdom, help you to see opportunities, help you to live for Him that day?

What about getting ready in the morning? Is there worship music playing? Are you praising Him? Talking to Him? Are you reviewing Bible verses as you brush your teeth to help you stand firmly on truth? Spending time with your Bible & study notes?

Where are you setting your focus?

(*My website offers a free Bible Study Notes Guide printable resource if you need help getting started on this. You can find it in the “Abiding in Him” section of the Resources & Recommendations page on my website.)

Where Are You Pointing Your Family?

If you have a family to cook for, are you seeing it as an opportunity to serve them lovingly? To create an environment where they feel safe & loved? Or are you doing it out of felt obligation? Do you take opportunity to demonstrate & teach the importance of taking time to thank God for His provisions before you eat, as Jesus demonstrated? Or just rush through the meal?

In the chores & the errands, do you see it as a way to bless those who will benefit from it? To create a warm, safe, loving environment for everyone to come home to? Or just work to be done?

At work, do you serve as if serving God? Trying to do it willingly & cheerfully? To be a blessing to others? Or just to get a paycheck at the end of the day?

I heard a comedian that gave me such a wonderfully fresh perspective on this. He talked about how he came to work every night, to perform his comedy bit, working on new material & practicing & doing the shows, to GET PAID… but that God got his attention one day to view it not as what he can GET, but rather what he can GIVE. That some may be stressed from piles of assignments at work, feel underappreciated or unseen, struggling through loss, etc. & that he had the beautiful opportunity to GIVE them space to smile & laugh & feel LIGHT. What a beautiful perspective!!

How can we apply that to different areas of our lives? Where can we GIVE?

Living the Gospel Out Loud

When others talk about their stresses or hurts, do you take a minute right there & ask if you can pray with them right then & there? To come alongside them in it? Or just promise to pray a prayer for them that you’ll forget about later?

Do you ask God for opportunities to be a blessing to others who may be secretly hurting, who may have needs you’re able to meet?

Do you talk about Jesus? Do you ever bring Him up in conversation? Do other people know that you know Him & trust Him with your eternity?

When you hear the lies of culture, do you take a moment to point out what the Bible says to counter in it with Truth? To point to a steady, sure, reliable foundation….

Do you read your Bible so you can get to know the character of God, to recognize the voice of truth when God tries to lead you? Do you know your Good Shepherd’s voice? Do you know His Word, the Bible, well enough to know the Truth, to know His leading, to hear His voice? How is your discernment?

Do you talk to Him all throughout your day? … Recognizing that He hears your every thought & can help you through every step as you allow Him to take the lead?

Do You Pray Without Ceasing? Talk to Him throughout Your Every Day?

Do you seek His comfort & pray when you’re down or burdened or hurting?

Do you seek His wisdom & pray when you’re anxious, worried, or stressed?

Do you seek His strength & pray when you feel weak, incapable, or insecure?

Do you seek His help & pray when you feel ill-equipped, unsure, or out of your depth?

Do you seek His words & pray when you want to talk about Him or His Word to others, but you just don’t know how to say it?

He is always listening. He is always capable. He is always strong. He is all-wise, all-knowing, all-powerful.

ASK Him.

Living in Light of Eternity? Or Just Right Now?

Do you live your life in light of eternity? Or just right now?

How are you living?

Will it matter when you die?

Will it have affected the lives of those around you for eternity after they’re gone?

What changes will you make? Will you ask God where to start? Will you ask God to give you wisdom in the how & strength in the change? Will you have the courage to ask Him to help you live more in light of eternity vs. just right now?

How are you living?

Shine HOPE by living every day in light of eternity, realizing the difference between what will be here today & gone tomorrow, versus what will last long into forever after we’re dead & gone. What will you invest your life in? Will it matter? Shine as a beacon of hope in Jesus Christ, so that, if it were up to you, everyone who even passes by you will have every opportunity to know how they can spend their eternity in Heaven & never feel the painful pangs of Hell. Live like forever matters… because it does… it really, really does.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

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 for 7 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 (make sure to check your other inbox folders), 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! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Sealed with Love Ornament–NEPAL

HOLIDAY EDITION – While supplies last! Create safe jobs with fair wages for the women in Nepal who handcraft the adorable Sealed with Love Ornament through this dignified partnership. Your Christmas tree will be so charming with this festive mother and baby duo holding a present. Each ornament is crafted using 100% wool and traditional wool crafting techniques that have been passed down for generations. 

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 You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#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!

Never Thinking I’m Good Enough… So Never Wanting to Try

My whole life, I’ve lived life scared. Scared I wasn’t good enough. Scared of getting into trouble. Scared of failing. Scared of looking bad. Scared of disappointing anyone. Scared of not being liked or wanted. Scared to try. Scared of saying the wrong thing. Scared of looking like I was trying too hard. Scared of looking dumb. Scared of not being “wantable” or loved.

It’s turned me into a people pleaser. It’s kept me from trying new things. It’s kept me stuck.

It’s not in everything, but I’ve seen it trickle into my life & I have overcome some, through God’s help, as well.

Getting Married Didn’t Solve All My Problems Like I Thought It Would

Somehow, I think I believed marriage would solve this… you know, find someone who happens to love you for you & all your problems melt away. But, somehow, I think my fears got worse instead.

All of a sudden, another person was tied to me, by choice… which meant they could change their mind.

It’s not like my husband puts unreasonable stipulations or expectations in place or like he holds my imperfections over me… they’re self-inflicted.

So, getting married didn’t actually fix anything. It’s something I need to surrender to God for help instead as I come across it.

My “Anti-Word”

You may or may not remember a couple years ago or something, how, instead of choosing my “Word of 2024,” I chose an ANTI-word: Victim. (Read that post here: “My ‘Anti-Word’ for 2024–VICTIM.”)

I recognized I had been living as a victim. Not an actual victim… but living as if I were one.

God had started whispering the reminder “victim” over my heart every time I was letting it happen, as if to gently make me aware of what I was believing & living… so I could stop doing that.

God didn’t make me to be timid… that is something Satan uses to keep me over-protective of self & closed off from others, while diminishing trust in God & appreciation of God’s many blessings.

God’s Glory or Protecting Self, Living in Fear?

Well, progress (at least in living afraid of disappointing my husband every day), has happened… but I find now I have so much more to go.

For one, I love to sing. Never have I ever sung solo because the idea terrifies me: I am “not good enough, not consistent enough with my range, not confident enough.” (I dropped out of doing choir when I hit high school even because solos were required. That’s a giant NO for me. And it’s why I never joined choir last time I lived on Guam: solo tryouts were required. Automatic NO thank you).

So instead of doing something I absolutely LOVE… that also gives God glory… I run from & avoid it like the plague because I am too scared to look a fool or fail to live up to others’ standards.

Is it just me??

Baby Steps to Living for God WITHOUT Living in Fear

But, I have been praying about all these people-pleasing fears & the lack of singing in my life as well… & God encouraged me to at least ASK about joining the praise team at church. (If solos were required, I was OUT.) No solos required & I was invited onto the team!

Instant regret! Thinking of ways to back out without looking like a complete wimp. Praying constantly 24 hours leading up to it because the urge to drop out was PRESSING.

But I didn’t quit. I prayed A TON. And, although I was shaking like a LEAF the WHOLE TIME… I DID IT!

I determined I would do my best to give Him glory, to sing with my soul & not just my voice, worshipping Him versus worrying whether I sounded good enough to justify being up there.

Where Did My Carefree, Child-Like Love for & Trust of God Go? Just Basking in All He Is?

Did you know, I’m even scared of dancing in my OWN HOME because I’m afraid someone will happen to see me & raise eyebrows at me & judge me? Or worse, film or photograph me looking foolish? Same with belting out singing at home? Same with most things? (Paranoid much?)

When did I become so afraid of everything?

I used to put on socks & headphones, with my little hot pink cd player & blast my music & just dance!

I used to draw & paint & create art.

I used to be silly & light-hearted & fun.

In What Ways Are You Living Life as the Victim? What Are You Missing Out on because of It?

I’m so uptight now. So scared of judgment. So worried someone will take an unflattering picture & blast me with hurtful words. So worried of not looking like I have it together & don’t care what others think… the old move I used to use in grade school, where I got openly mocked for being completely inept at sports because I had been homeschooled & didn’t know any of the rules… so I grew to put on the “oh, sports? pshh, lame. I am talking with my friends instead, duh!” so I would appear as if it were “too beneath me” vs something I was so afraid of everyone laughing at me about. Act like you don’t care & they can’t mock you for caring & failing. So sad.

And I still do it. I live as a victim. If I act like I’m not interested, I can’t make a fool of myself. I don’t attempt friendly games of sport because I feel like a flailing pigeon. I don’t sing or dance because I don’t think others will think I’m any good. I don’t want to sing solo because I don’t want to prove to others I don’t deserve the chance. Still living as a victim.

Let Us Not Live Life Scared

I want to give myself permission to be imperfect… to fail.

I want to give myself permission for people to not think I’m good enough… to be less than.

I want to give myself permission to be misunderstood… to be disliked.

I want to give myself permission to try… even if I’m terrible at it.

I want to give myself permission to ENJOY the blessings God gives me… unashamed.

God doesn’t ask me to be meek BY STAYING SCARED. Those two are not the same thing.

God doesn’t ask me to try to be every person’s “cup of tea.”

So, yesterday I sang with just a few other people… on stage… with my own mic… & I survived. Scared… but I did it. God made my voice to give Him praise… & I want to use it, whether or not I’m the best at it!

Live Unapologetically for Him! Enjoying His Blessings & Using His Blessings to Give Him Glory!

I want to begin living unapologetically. Not in sin… but not in fear either.

God made me to be a light… to live in confidence through Him… to live how He made me… to shine for His glory… not to hide.

I have a long way to go… but with God’s help, I’m going to keep going.

Shine HOPE by living first & foremost to please, honor, & obey God, letting yourself be imperfect, letting yourself fail, letting yourself be a work-in-progress, letting others dislike you or misunderstand you, letting yourself be who God made you to be, even if not everyone likes it or understands it. Above ALL for HIS glory!

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

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 for 7 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 (make sure to check your other inbox folders), 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! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Emerald Wrap (INDIA)

This emerald green wrap is handmade by women in India who are facing extreme poverty. By shopping this wrap, you’re creating an opportunity for them to earn a fair and dignified wage so they can feed their babies. Each Artisan-made scarf is handcrafted using a soft viscose material.

Every purchase creates safe jobs and fair wages for women in areas of extreme poverty in India.  

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 You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#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!

POST #400!!!

I just want to take a minute before we get started to acknowledge how big a thing this is! Me, the girl who starts & quits a million craft projects, who struggles tons with self-motivation & insecurities, wrestles with dark seasons of depression at times… ME… + FOUR HUNDRED POSTS!

What a faithful God Who helps me even in my hard seasons to remain faithful with this little corner of the internet, however small it may be. What a testimony to our blog topic for this week!

When God began to lead me down this path, in 2018, I was SO nervous… mainly because of all the reasons I listed above. I don’t want to be fake with people either, pretending I have my life together to “be a good testimony.” I really struggled with that. But God reminded me ever so gently, that this space is not about showing how worthy & capable I am… but how worthy & capable HE is.

It’s not about me having all the answers, but knowing Who to turn to for those answers. Not about me being strong, but showing Him as my strength. Not me as the best writer, but Him as worth writing about. Not me as the most faithful, but about Him as worth showing up for, even on days I feel I have very little left to give.

So, here’s to post #400! Praise to God!

He can use our little to do great things, because all the power belongs to HIM.

“The Exceeding Greatness of His Power Toward Us Who Believe…”

“Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.” (Ephesians 1:15-21) (emphasis mine)

When did we stop believing all that God is capable of to those who believe on Him?

How often we underestimate Him & in how many countless ways!

Oh, What God Can Do in & through Us… If Only We Believe!

How much of what God calls us to do we think is up to us to fill in for Him or do FOR Him?

Do we not remember that He walked on water, calmed the stormy seas, freed Israel through miraculous signs, whittled down an army so that even the small could defeat the great in His power? He led David to victory against all odds, shut the hungry lions’ mouths, kept even the SMELL of smoke from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He created the WORLD… from NOTHING… knit us together in our mother’s womb.

The whole Bible SCREAMS at us the power of our great GOD. Do we listen? Do we BELIEVE?

We Need to Get in the Habit of Believing Him Enough to Ask for the Impossible

If you, for one second, think you need to prove your faith by doing it without asking Him for His infinite supply—STOP. Isn’t that just the OPPOSITE of faith? When did we get that twisted? God doesn’t need us to prove WE can… because HE can.

ALL work in our homes, at work, in church, in the world (grocery store even) ought to flow out of time spend before Almighty God & His infinite supply.

If you feel ineffective or like your life is not really being lived all for His glory, but you feel there’s nothing you know to do about it… don’t stop at what YOU know or what YOU can manage. Ask HIM.

Let me tell you something. God is so much more infinitely capable than we could ever even BEGIN to wrap our minds around. So infinite. So limitless. So powerful.

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

It’s Been a Hard Couple Weeks

Last week, well… the last couple weeks… have been hard. For one, my cat of 12 years is fading & has stopped eating real food. The vet is out of ideas. Options are out. We’re on our last attempt. We may have to say goodbye soon. It’s been hard watching him become less & less himself. Weaker. Thinner. It’s tough.

But that’s not all.

Work has been infinite for my husband recently. I had strep. Meds are now making me super tired & drowsy. And there’s other stuff I won’t get into for the sake of others’ privacy.

It’s just been one of those months where I feel like I am being slapped back & forth in the face. I’m weary. I’m wounded. And on some nights… I feel I can barely stand under the weight of all that I can’t control or stop or make better.

Even His Little Is Infinitely Great

And I had one of those nights recently. If you follow me on social media, then you saw my posts about it. But it’s worth bringing attention to it again… in case you missed it or forgot.

In the depth of that hurt I felt I was paralyzed… I had no answers, no profound prayer to pray, no strength. Just hurt.

So all I could manage was I whimpered to God: “help.”

That’s all I had. Just a little whimpered, pathetic “help.”

I faceplanted on my bed, & just felt as if I was being directed to one simple thing & then another… pulled over my phone, turned on the music app, set it to my worship playlist, & the first song that played was one I didn’t even remember owning: “Turn to Jesus,” by Katy Nichole (highly recommend).

It’s like God knew & summed up all the whirling pain & overwhelm & just washed His comfort over my heart when I didn’t think comfort was possible. In just the simplest of ways… a song with the words I so desperately needed to hear.

Do Not Forget How Great Is Our God

He doesn’t need my input or my particular profound words to hear my heart & know my need.

He doesn’t need to calm the storm to calm my heart.

He doesn’t need to show up to make Himself shown to me.

He carries the weight. He doesn’t need my help. He can.

I’m the one who needs Him… not the other way around.

And yet, even in my greatest, most weak moments, He doesn’t tell me to get it together… He tells me to come to Him.

Ask Yourself

Where are you selling Him short in your life?

In where/when you’re willing to serve?

In your hurts/traumas?

In your day-to-day task list items?

Where do you leave Him out?

Are you believing in God as the God Who made the WORLD?

As one of the ladies on my hall in college once wisely taught us, “when you write on a piece of paper the most amazing, mind-blowing thing you can think of about God… & you put that piece of paper in a box… just remember that whatever it is that you wrote on that piece of paper… you are still putting God in a box.”

Shine HOPE by believing God is as He reveals Himself to be in the Bible, taking Him at His Word, believing He can work the impossible, willing to say, “Send me, Lord,” knowing this is true about Him. That He CAN where you most certainly cannot. To God be the glory! How great is our God!

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

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 for 7 years now (BLOG POST #400 TODAY!!!!)! 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 (make sure to check your other inbox folders), 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! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

November 2025 “Hope Mail”

FOR A LIMITED TIME – Only available during the month of November! Enjoy free shipping and 10% off your Hope Mail package when you subscribe every month!  

The Merry & Bright Mini Pouch is a hand-beaded pouch is handcrafted by women in India in a workshop committed to fighting child marriage and creating dignified jobs for women. Every stitch and bead showcases the incredible skill and artistry of our Artisan Partners.  4.5 in x 6 in. Beaded on the front with a cream satin backing.

Your purchase of the November Hope Mail provides one day of school for a girl in an area of extreme poverty, giving her a chance to learn, dream, and thrive.

Each pouch is beautifully unique, with small variations that make it charmingly artisan-made!

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 You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#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!

God Is Patient, God Is Kind…

God is so incredibly patient. Do you believe that? Have you seen that in your own life? Because I have.

Today, I am reminded of the Israelites in the wilderness. They are so easy to pick on until you realize how accurate a reflection of us they oftentimes are.

They complained A LOT.

They had spent SO LONG crying out to God for help. God heard their cries & led Moses to lead them to their rescue & escape from years of being the slave labor of the Pharoah. But nothing was ever good enough for them.

God Always Has a Plan…. When Chaos Seems to be Winning… God Is Working

It had started out as an offering from a king who respected Joseph (remember him?) (Genesis 47) but when that king died & it was now years & years later, the Israelites had multiplied so much that the new king in power was thinking to himself, “they could overtake us, so let’s just squash that right now & make them our slaves & oppress them… oh, & kill all their baby sons.” (Exodus 1)

But God had a plan.

So God led Moses (Exodus 3), did miracles (Exodus 7-11), wowed literally everyone, & after showing that He ALONE was God Almighty, He got His people FREE.

But then, it didn’t stop there. He made sure their clothes never wore out & their shoes stayed good (Deuteronomy 29:5) … And God led them with a pillar of cloud by day & of fire by night for light (Exodus 13:21). He parted the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21). He provided them with FOOD they didn’t have to farm or buy (Exodus 16). He had water gush from hit rocks to provide water where there was none (Exodus 17).

God HAD them. He cared for them & protected them & provided for them & FREED them... against ALL ODDS!

Instead of Complaining, Have You Tried Praying?

And yet it seems that every single chapter detailing this journey was met with a NEW COMPLAINT AGAINST GOD.

But you know what the absolute wildest part of it is? I am not entirely convinced that God would even withhold what they wanted if they had just believed in Him enough to ASK Him.

Grumbling at every turn. Lusting after the few comforts they had had before, in captivity. Lusting after the known & fearing the unknown. Lusting after comforts over FREEDOM.

It really just sounds DUMB.

Until I realize I do the same thing.

Forever a Work-in-Progress… & Thank God (really, THANK Him) That He NEVER Gives Up on Us

I try to self-solve & self-soothe my way through hard stuff. I avoid it even sometimes. I feel frustrated & overwhelmed & despairing.

And eventually, God gives me a gentle nudge reminder that “oh yeah… God.”

So dumb.

Now, please realize I have definitely grown a lot in the past years with this… but I definitely still have some growing left to do.

Our Complaining Shows We Really Don’t Trust Him

I also see a consistent thread that the reason God was so upset about the complaining was that it showed that the people didn’t believe in Him.

I mean, can you blame Him? I mean, leave out the fact that He literally made us AND the world we live in (without our help, at that… & out of nothing but His WORD) … leave that very important part of the equation out & JUST consider EVERYTHING He did supernaturally to make sure you were set free & were free indeed. Miraculous! Did they not remember?

Instead of complaining & grumbling, they could have taken a moment to consider ALL God had done for them ALREADY & gone TO HIM with their struggles!

Believe that if He did all that for you… He is worth believing & ASKING…. Not complaining.

How Much Do I Lose Out on Because I Don’t Believe He Can Do More Than I Can?

How much do I miss out on because I don’t bother to consider believing in Him over myself or my circumstances or my resources or my time or my hurts?

Lack satisfaction? Ask Him to teach you contentment.

Lack resources? Ask Him to provide.

Lack time for something? Ask Him for timing.

Lack courage or wisdom? Ask for it.

Lack energy? Ask Him for a way forward.

Don’t resort to trusting yourself, your circumstances, or your hurts to guide you.

Don’t resort to grumbling & complaining about your life.

ASK HIM. Turn to Him. Trust Him. Believe in Him.

God Is GOD & You Are NOT

He can do far more than you’re capable of doing. Do you trust that? … And ACT on it by turning to Him in everything?

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

How do you know what to ask for, though? By reading your Bible & praying for wisdom on that very thing.

“Because You Can’t” Is Not a Valid Excuse… Because You Know God CAN

And I think that’s where some lose interest, because complaining feels like we’ve acknowledged that there is a problem that we can’t fix, so we’re free to avoid it & live how we see fit. As if we’re absolved from accountability because it’s “not our fault.”

But God can. We know God can. But we have to trust God can & ASK Him. And God isn’t at all fooled at the fact that our complaining just seems a more comfortable solution… a copout.

Asking seems like more work. Asking is admitting we can’t & need help. Asking is letting someone else be in charge. Asking brings accountability. Asking may require work on our part that we’re intimidated about.

Don’t Stay Stuck… PRAY to the God Who CAN

But don’t stay there. Don’t stay stuck. Trust God knows what He’s doing AND wants a life that is best for you, not just mediocre or “surviving.”

“The thief [Satan] does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I [Jesus] have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

It doesn’t mean the hard will stop, but it does mean He’ll be your enough in the hard.

So ASK HIM.

Shine HOPE by daring to ask the God Who made you & gave His all for you… rather than just copping out with complaints that anger Him because they reveal a lack of trust.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

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 for 7 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 (make sure to check your other inbox folders), 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! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Gingerbread Village Set (INDIA)

HOLIDAY EDITION – While supplies last! Shop to support families in areas of extreme poverty in India! Display the darling Gingerbread Village Set along with all your favorite holiday decor! This set of three unique, hand-painted mango wood houses will create a beautifully cozy feel when placed on your mantel or in a tablescape display. Each house is eco-friendly and made from fast-growing mango wood, a sustainable byproduct of India’s mango fruit industry. Each house features unique natural wood grains and hand-painted gorgeous designs.

***Purchase this beautifully unique & handcrafted set, using the “Shop Here” link below, to empower women in India out of poverty, by providing them with safe, reliable work environments!***

How You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#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.

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-win!

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

At the Feet of Jesus

I used to think that being a good Christian was all about all I DID for God.

As if God needs my help….

The more & more times I read through the Bible, the more this perspective has shifted. Because, in all reality: God does not need me.

And in all the retelling stories of the Bible, this reality is echoed over & over & over again. God requested, God provided. People screwed it all up, God still worked through it. God protected. God won wars. God healed. God gave wisdom. God directed steps. God answered the peoples’ cries for help. God created. God IS.

God Is Entirely Sufficient

God is entirely sufficient. Just Him. He has no need that He could need anything from me. He has no lack that I could have opportunity to supply. He is the infinity to my limits. He is the sufficiency in my lack. He provides the air I breathe & crafted the lungs to breathe it.

What a freeing thing that is! He doesn’t need me!

That means there is no expected pressures placed on me except to obey Him!

Now wait! Obedience is expectation! … Well, sort of? Because guess Who knows everything to more than adequately craft the perfect plans for you? Guess Who has infinite wisdom to see what to do with all facets of every ripple effect throughout all time so He knows how to direct you? Guess Who has the power to make the world from nothing & can supply your every need? Guess Who offers Himself to us in everything He asks of us?

Stand Up by Laying Down

Yes, you see… if you want to stand for God… you have to lay yourself down.

Trade your weaknesses for His strength.

Trade your limitations for His infiniteness.

Trade your lack for His sufficiency.

Trade your fears for His power.

Trade your inability for His inability to fail.

Lay it all down!

It Takes Surrender… And That’s the Hardest Part of It

I get it, though. It takes surrender still… it really does. Surrender of your way, your expectations, your ideals, your comfort zones, your pride, your insecurities, your will… for His.

It takes laying down of how you want to live, to live how He designed your life to be.

It takes time spent with Him… Abiding in Him by getting to know His Word (the Bible) & talking with Him regularly (prayer).

Oh, What a Merciful God!

I don’t always get this right. If you’ve followed along my blog journey all these 7 years (how has it been 7 years?), then you’ve seen it in me. The seasons of hesitation, of selfishness, of struggle, of failure.

But always waiting there with open arms He remains. Steady. Sure. Gentle. Kind. Forgiving. FAITHFUL.

No guilt trips. No shaming. No scolding.

Patient, all-enduring LOVE. Mercy. Grace.

All It Takes Is a Willing, Surrendered Heart

I want to live more for Him & sometimes I think that means I need to do more. But really, it means I need to lay down more of myself. I need to lay down my efforts, recognize His deity, authority, & KINGship, & lay down all of me for all of Him.

It starts with a willingness. A saying: “God, I want this. I want to give more of myself & my life to You. I don’t know how that should look, but I want it. I don’t know how to fit it into my current lifestyle, but I want it. I don’t feel I would be good enough for You, but I want it. Show me how. Teach me surrender. Teach me to lay more of myself down at Your feet for Your will. Not spending this life on me, but on You, on eternity. Help me to live the life You designed for me. Not my routines, not my habits or cultural expectations. Show me how to live my life for You, by You, through You. All for your glory & not for mine. Trusting You are worth it. More than worth it. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Because I guarantee you… if you are willing to pray that way… God will show you. He will lead you. He will teach you. He will prove Himself worthy. More than worthy.

Shine HOPE, by Letting Him be GOD in Your Life

So, if you want to stand up for Jesus… start by laying down.

Shine HOPE by taking a stand for truth, proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to a broken world who may pretend or strongly believe they don’t need Him, but who desperately do all the same. Be a LIGHT. Shine HOPE.

*A beautifully written book on this topic is one I rave about quite often: “Sit, Walk, Stand,” by Watchman Nee. Check out my list of recommended reading to find its link for more information.*

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

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 for 7 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 (make sure to check your other inbox folders), 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! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

October 2025 Hope Mail (UGANDA + INDIA)

FOR A LIMITED TIME – Only available during the month of October! Enjoy free shipping and 10% off your Hope Mail package when you subscribe every month!       

*Your purchase of October Hope Mail provides one day of school for a girl in an area of extreme poverty.*

This exclusive October Hope Mail package makes a great gift for any occasion! The beautiful Nambi Light Bracelet is handmade by women in Uganda. Featuring handmade paper beads painted in cream, ethically sourced bone beads, and gold-tone accent beads.  Every October Hope Mail creates necessary jobs for women and mothers in areas of extreme poverty in Uganda!       

***Purchase this month’s Hope Mail, using the “Shop Here” link below, to create safe jobs with fair wages for women in areas of extreme poverty in Uganda and India where vulnerable women are often exploited by sweatshops and human traffickers.***

How You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#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.

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-win!

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

One Choice… So Many Excuses

I hear a lot of reasons why people choose not to believe in God, but what it all boils down to is a choice–to believe in the created or to believe in the Creator.

Some have been hurt by the church. Some have seen “believing” parents abuse them at home or act unChristlike outside the church. Some have experienced devastating loss & can’t imagine God to be good because of it. Some want to believe what they want, contrary to God’s Word, & so try to push Him away. Some think they’re a “good enough” person as they are & therefore they don’t need Jesus. Some want at least perceived control over their own lives… their own destinies… with their own view on how that ought to be. Some think because they can’t see, feel, hear, etc. Him, they don’t want to believe in Him.

But whatever your reason… whatever your excuse… it all comes down to a choice. Me… or Him.

Who Is God? Not Me!

I would argue this to be an extremely easy choice, aside from pride, no matter what your views of God or His Word may be, because anytime you assert to know more than the very One Who MADE you (+ your brain) & everything else… WITHOUT your help… well, it just sounds sort of foolish at that point, doesn’t it? I’m sorry if that offends you, but sort of in a sorry, not sorry sort of way… because, well, it is what it is.

I love this little verse that USED to make me so uncomfortable, back when I misunderstood what it was saying: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10) Why? Because it’s a reminder that if you want to make a wise choice, you ought to start with the source–GOD. And understanding that if ANYONE were to know, it would be all-knowing GOD.

An understanding that HE is God… & I am NOT.

So, basically, whether I agree with Him or not… does not make Him any less GOD or any less Creator or any less in charge as King of kings & Lord of lords. He is still God & still has the final say, whether I like that, want to believe it, or whether I reject it completely. Doesn’t change facts.

What Is Really at the Root of Your Rejection of God? And Where Will That Get You When All Is Said & Done?

Stop believing your excuses for your rejection of God!

If the church hurt you? Well, surprise! They’re human. They’re not God. And anyone, read that ANYONE who takes their eyes off truth or Christ for a single moment is going to act just so… as a HUMAN. They may represent God, but that doesn’t mean they’re doing a good job at it. Would you want someone blaming you for something your family did just because you’re family?

Same with family acting one way at church or claiming belief in Jesus, while being abusive or contrary to Scripture away from church. HUMAN. They are NOT living the way God instructs them to live–don’t blame God for their chosen disobedience.

Loss? Devastating, heart-wrecking loss? I get it. Really. I struggle with depression & have been through such excruciating seasons that lasted for YEARS & felt they would NEVER END. It’s so easy to doubt God’s goodness when pain just will not stop. But let me tell you something. We live in a world broken by sin. We live in a world where we see & very much feel the consequences of sin, GROANING for heaven & relief from it at times. God allows the consequences of sin to play out. But He is the hope IN IT. Don’t push Him away out of anger… pull closer to Him & ALLOW Him to be your strength, comfort, & healing in & through it.

God Is the Answer to What You’re Searching For… Even If You Can’t See That Right Now

Mad at God for His many “rules”? Think of yourself as a little toddler, mad because your parent won’t let you touch the glowing red, pretty stovetop because you don’t know better. Now imagine yourself as an adult, hearing what God says no to. It is the same. Maybe not immediate, but the hurts WILL come… God knows… God says no.

You think you’re good enough on your own? I’m sorry, but don’t fool yourself here. You know deep down you are not self-sufficient. God is absolute purity & perfection & holiness. He cannot be in the presence of anything less. So, would that describe you? If not… sorry… you’re not good enough. BUT, the GOOD news is that God made provision for you because He loves you & doesn’t want to be apart from you—He sent JESUS. (John 3:16-17)

Want to control your own life? Sorry to burst your bubble, but God, in His infinite wisdom, reminds us of one harsh reality—we will always be a slave to something. Either to the world, or to Him. The world will destroy you… He will infuse LIFE into you. Which sounds better?

Of All the Things… He Is More Real to Me Than It All… It All Comes Down to a CHOICE

Are you worried that because you can’t see, hear, feel, etc. Him, you can’t believe Him to be real? Don’t you understand that that as just another excuse you tell yourself to live the way you feel you want to? It doesn’t hold up. Because I know, deep down, you CAN feel Him. You feel Him there, beckoning gently to come home.

Look around you & you will see the evidence! It’s overwhelming!

I love the quote from the Case for Christ movie, based on the book by the same name by Lee Strobel. He fought to disprove Jesus Christ because it made him feel offended & threatened that his wife felt she needed more than him when she trusted on Jesus.

And after all of his evidence gathering, more & more solidifying happened that, if anything, he could only prove Christ true… but he still could not get himself to believe after all that. And I think it was his wife’s character in the movie that explained it like this, “because… of all the things I can hear & taste & touch & smell & see… somehow, some way… Christ feels more real to me than all of that. So, how can I deny Him? It all comes down to a choice… will you believe?” Will you believe?

Will You Choose to Believe??

“Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the Lord,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:6-7)

“… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23)

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

“… that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

Stop Believing Your Excuses for Your Rejection of Jesus Christ

No matter your excuse, it all boils down to this: What will you choose?

Will you choose death? Or will you choose life? Will you choose destruction? Or will you choose HOPE everlasting? Will you choose trusting flimsy human SELF? Or will you choose trusting infinite, almighty God, Who gave His own Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the debts (in FULL) that your life of self has earned you?

You can call it whatever you want. You can justify it however you want. God is not fooled. A heart that says “me & my ideals first” is a heart that rejects the One Who made it & gave everything for it.

Turn to Him… Find LIFE

Life is hard & will remain to be hard as long as we, as humans, exist in it… because we disobey God’s “nos” & reap the consequences of that, even as collateral damage sometimes.

But God sent Jesus into this world so that we many find LIFE. (John 10:10) We give up seeking life our own way & trust Him… where we FIND it. (Matthew 16:25) So, He could be our Comforter, our Friend, our Helper, our Savior, our Father, our GOD. Because God can trump ANYTHING else… can overcome ANYTHING… can save us from ANYTHING… even ourselves.

Shine HOPE by giving up on the chain of excuses, letting them drop & shatter on the floor, & run into the arms of your forever waiting Lord & Savior, JESUS CHRIST.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

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 for 7 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 (make sure to check your other inbox folders), 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! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Joyful Resilience Necklace–INDIA

When you shop the beautiful Joyful Resilience Necklace, you are creating safe jobs with fair wages in areas of extreme poverty where vulnerable women are often exploited by sweatshops. The stunning hummingbird charm is not only a symbol of joy and persistence but showcases the beautiful craftsmanship of our Artisan Partners. Wear alone or style with our other necklaces for a layered look!

***Buy this necklace to empower women in India out of poverty, using the “Shop Here” link below!***

How You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#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.

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-win!

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

What Life as a Christian Ought to Look Like?

I get it. I grew up going to church, but really, I didn’t understand what it meant to have God be “Lord of my life” or to let Him lead or how to live for Him.

I thought it meant: “go to church, read your Bible when you can, pray before meals or when you’re struggling, don’t do the bad stuff God says not to do… & do good stuff that pleases God, like treating people well & serving in church, etc.”

But is it more than that? Yes, & thank God for that!

Who Runs Things?

Imagine with me for a second the reality of the situation here:

1. God existed eternity past… before the world even existed.

2. God created the world & everything in it… including knitting us in our mother’s womb.

3. God sees & knows everything, eternally past & future… to include every person’s every thought.

So, considering those 3 things alone… who should get to determine why it is we’re here & what our life ought to be about?

But who most often determines why it is you’re here & what your life ought to be about?

How Much of My Life Is Determined by ME?

Me. For my life—ME. I take what I learned growing up… how I learned to survive hard situations… how to fit in… what others consider to be right or appropriate…. I observe, I learn, I determine a path based on all of it, to the best of my understanding.

Habits, routines, responsibilities, expectations, needs, desires. I shape my life based on it all.

But who am I living for in all of that? Who is leading? Who do I allow to lead? Culture? Expectations of others? Family? Ambitions?

What Lasts After You’re Gone?

If you were to die today… would your input or contribution or life patterns impact anything about tomorrow?

If someone in your life were to die today… would your input or contribution or life patterns have impacted anything that will matter in their life now that they’re dead & gone?

And I’m not just saying this AT you, as if it’s not also a struggle for me. I think, if we’re really honest with ourselves, this is a struggle for every single person who had ever existed, at least to some degree.

Not many of us live eternity-minded through EVERYTHING we do.

What Can God Do If We Let Him Have Our Every Moment?

How little credit we can tend to find ourselves giving to God. As if He didn’t make the world ex nihilo (from nothing). As if, He being KING, didn’t also give His all so that we could be forgiven of our sins against Him & be redeemed from those sins through the death of His Son Jesus Christ on the cross.

God could make a plant just sprout up out of nowhere & then have it whither the next day.

He can make the aim so perfect for a child to hit a stone into a man’s temple to kill him against all odds.

He can shut hungry lions’ mouths.

He can start plagues & end them.

He can open the ground to swallow people whole.

He can multiply fish & loaves of bread miraculously.

He can make it so that shoes & clothing never wear out.

He can multiply pests & send them away.

He can draw 2 of every animal to a specific place at will.

He can flood the earth.

He can control the wind & the waves.

He can make barren & open the womb again.

He can make scorching fire completely avoid skin & clothes, to the point of not even leaving the smell of smoke behind.

He can heal what no doctor can figure out.

He can cause an animal to speak.

He can predict the actions of others.

He can protect when those who should won’t.

He can make Himself clear to those who ask.

He can cause the lame to walk, the blind to see, the dumb to speak.

He is GOD. He is KING of kings & LORD of lords. Alpha & omega, beginning & end, Father to the fatherless, infinite in power, infinite in resources.

How Much of Your Life Is His?

Who are we letting determine our days? Our moments? Who is running our life? Ourselves with a dash of Jesus for good measure? Or maybe He’s just the backup?

Who is in charge?

Who do you live for?

But me, I didn’t get it. I just lived my life. Went to church, prayed before meals, went to Bible studies, tried to be a good person to be pleasing to God.

But I didn’t get it. I didn’t get why I am here. That He MADE me. He made me to point to Him & to give Him glory. He made me to live for HIM, for HIS kingdom.

He made me to live in light of eternity, not this short breath of a life here on earth.

To impact for eternity! To live for things that will last beyond my life & my death! To live with a surrendered, prayerful focus of letting Him love & serve others through my life. To share JESUS & HOPE that can actually change lives for ETERNITY!

Am I doing that? What parts if my life am I holding back from Him?

How Much of My Life Ought to be for God?

Do I realize a flat tire could be a God-appointed gospel opportunity for a tow truck driver seeking hope?

Do I realize purchasing groceries as an opportunity to be a light in the life of a bagger or cashier?

Do I pray over everything & talk to God throughout my day, asking for His guidance & wisdom & courage & words, or do I just avoid it all for the comfort zones of ineffectiveness? Trusting my limits more? Or His limitlessness?

Who or what am I living for that will matter after I die?

Who am I Living For?

When I am someday on my deathbed, looking back… will I see God’s hand working through my life? Will I feel I did all I could to be a light, to leave behind hope through Jesus? Will I feel I left it better than when I came into the world?

Was I a good steward of the time God allowed me to have on this earth for His kingdom?

Or did I live for the routine & world’s expectations? Did I fall into the world’s rhythms? Did I live for me? Or Him?

Shine HOPE by recognizing Whose life yours is… & when you don’t know what to do with that information, ASKING Him to show you what that should look like & letting Him grow you TOWARD that!

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

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 for SEVEN 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 (make sure to check your other inbox folders), 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! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Reverie Earrings (INDIA)

Purchase these gorgeous, beaded earrings that are handcrafted in a workshop in India that’s committed to fighting child marriage and helping women become financially independent as fair-trade Artisans. Each Reverie Earring features burgundy, gold, and dazzling CZ beads to create a stunning statement earring. These earrings are not only beautiful, but create necessary jobs for women in areas of extreme poverty in India.

***Purchase these beautiful, handcrafted earrings, using the “Shop Here” link below, to both empower women out of poverty & support my website ministry!***

How You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#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.

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-win!

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

You Don’t Need to Feel Ashamed for Big Emotions

I was talking to a friend in the past months about her struggle through some very strong, painful emotions. Like many of us, she felt guilty for feeling that way, as if it made her seem to not be trusting God enough with it.

That’s how I grew up believing, too. That if I am having very strong negative emotions, it was shameful because it meant I wasn’t trusting God enough.

But let me tell you something that will hopefully loosen those chains for you a little bit if you also struggle with that type of shame—emotions are not sin… they’re simply indicators.

Emotions on Full Display Throughout the Bible

I would like to encourage you to, as you read through the Bible in the coming months, look out for expressions of emotions… how they’re expressed, what comes from them, prayers prayed through them, how God responds to them, etc. You will slowly release any idea of feeling ashamed for feeling.

Emotions are very clearly & strongly expressed throughout the entire Bible!

Now, just as having hundreds of wives & concubines, as many kings did (including kings whom God praised for their faith), just because it’s mentioned IN the Bible does not mean it is automatically not sinful.

And that is why we must look at how God RESPONDS to emotions in the Bible. This is why I strongly encourage you to turn your attention to that as you read in the coming months, so you can begin to see patterns emerge in looking at how God feels about our feelings.

Joy IN the Hurts/Distresses?

As someone who struggles with depression, sometimes pretty severely in certain seasons of my life, I can tell you right now how so many of the Psalms, as well as the “thorn in the side” passage (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) become so clear. This understanding that I can have such intensely painful feelings, not always even see any real, justifiable cause for them (which only makes it more painful & embarrassing), & still feel joy AND intense pain simultaneously. One does not always erase the other.

And that right there is what I think so many Christians misunderstand about having joy in every season, trusting the Lord… as if it means you should therefore not feel pain because you should feel joy.

No. Just as Paul says, “in needs… in distresses,” he doesn’t say the distress is therefore now ABSENT because he now sees the bigger picture of being a testimony for God’s strength in his weaknesses & pains… he says IN IT.

That was me, going through my very dark, very painful seasons. The sun didn’t come out & shine all my sad hurting away because I trusted God in it… the pain very much remained & tormented me, & yet I had this hope inside of me, this “come what may, I know You have a plan, God… I know You have me… I know You won’t waste a single ounce of this pain I feel right now.” A peace, A contentment. A knowing. An assurance. A HOPE.

A joy.

Don’t Suffer in Silence Trying to Look “Strong for God”

So often I see Christians who are very obviously suffering trying to plaster on a smile for all the world around them to see, afraid to be a bad witness for Christ, afraid it will appear that they must not trust Him “enough.” STOP!

The Bible does NOT shy away from pain. It is clear about it. It talks about it. And it shows that God is sovereign, sufficient, & sure through it. Compassionate, gentle, kind even.

Honey, if you are plastering “I’M OKAY” on your face to prove to others how good your God is… stop it.

All the world sees then is you pretending to be strong. It doesn’t show HIM to be strong.

Being a testimony to His strength means being real about your weaknesses. BOASTING even in them. So that others may clearly see that you don’t have all the answers, you’re not strong, you’re not able… but HE IS.

Big Emotions Don’t EQUAL Sin, But They Are Also No Excuse for Sin

Big emotions are not an excuse to wallow, to hide away, withdraw, hold bitterness, lash out, hurt others, be rude, talk about someone behind their back, refuse kindness to others who are undeserving such as yourself. Big emotions are not an okay to sin.

Big emotions are not sin, but they’re also not an excuse for sin.

They’re just indicators. So please stop beating yourself up over them. Stop beating OTHER people up for them. And check yourself if you’re using emotions as your “get out of jail free card” for wrong behavior or bad attitudes that displease & dishonor God. You need to yield them to God for help if you are struggling with this.

God Sees Me & God Cares

Sometimes, when I am flooded by big, hard emotions, whether someone said a careless hurtful thing, it’s that time of the month, something awful happens, or my depression is just kicking my butt… whenever I feel like whimpering, “Can I please just go to heaven now, God? I don’t want to feel this hurt anymore,” I picture God as so big & mighty that He fills a whole 2-story open room, & small little me (in comparison) crawls up into the crook of His elbow & curls up there, nestled in His strong arms. Safe. Protected. Loved.

I stop to remember that He is bigger than me. Stronger. Powerful. Wise. Good. Compassionate. Kind. Loving. He has a plan. He holds me. He hears my cries. He knows my heart. He loves me. He is sufficient in all things. I can trust Him even when everything is hard & everything hurts.

Even then… I can trust Him. And so can you.

How to Please God & Have Big Emotions

Stop trying to be “strong” for God. He is more than capable for the BOTH of you.

Shine HOPE by coming to God, crying out to Him in those big emotions, trusting He sees you, has you, & has a plan in it… turning to Him & crying out to Him as your help in & through it, & by shaking off the shame for those indicators that ought to just draw you right back into His very capable & loving arms. Having joy, even in still feeling very much the hurts of the storm you are in, because He’s got you.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

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 for 7 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 (make sure to check your other inbox folders), 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! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

September 2025 Hope Mail

FOR A LIMITED TIME – Only available during the month of September! Enjoy free shipping and 10% off your Hope Mail package when you subscribe every month!     

Your purchase of September Hope Mail provides one day of school for a girl in an area of extreme poverty.   

Featured in this month’s Hope Mail are the Golden Canopy Earrings, stunning ebony brown and gold earrings in the shape of a leaf. These earrings are crafted using remnant leather, making them eco-friendly as well. Your purchase creates dignified jobs for women in areas of extreme poverty in India.      

***Purchase this month’s Hope Mail, using the “Shop Here” link below, to create safe jobs with fair wages for women in areas of extreme poverty in India where vulnerable women are often exploited by sweatshops and human traffickers.***

How You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#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.

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-win!

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

Which Soil Describes Your Heart?

Wayside, trampled, birds—distracted, devil takes it “lest they be saved.”

Rocks, withered, lacked moisture—received with joy, no root, in temptation, it’s gone.

Thorns, choked—cares, riches, pleasures push it out.

Good ground, sprang up, multiplied—keep it, bear fruit with patience.

Anyone Can Hear God’s Word & Not Let It Permeate

I know that Jesus’ parable (fictional story told to make a point more clear) of the sower of seeds & types of ground it lands on, in Luke 8:4-15, is often talked about with relation to those who don’t accept Jesus, but I think it can be applied to anyone.

If you think about it, the seeds are the Word of God (truth from the Bible), not directly the Gospel (the beyond belief amazingly good news—aka Jesus dying & rising again to pay for OUR sins before God).

So, if we look at this chapter of the Bible from the POV of a Christian, what can we learn from it? What can it teach us about how we take in God’s Word?

The 4 Types of Soil

There are 4 types of ground Jesus mentions in this story: wayside, rocky, thorny, & good.

But He doesn’t leave it there. He elaborates in an explanation to His disciples of the meaning behind the different types of soil in this parable.

Jesus wants us to see a word picture of the different ways we receive His truth when we hear or read His Word. He wants us to be aware, to take notice of it. Why? Because He wants us to pay attention. He knows His Word nourishes our souls more than what makes sense to us logically. We need it more than we know.

When Seeds End Up on the Wayside–Distracted/Half-Hearted, Doesn’t Sink In

The wayside He describes, where the seeds are trampled & birds come & gobble up the seed tossed there (or, where the Word of God is heard/read), is Satan coming & snatching that truth right out of your head so that it can do you no good.

Now, to me, this sounds like reading the Bible half-heartedly… maybe because you feel you HAVE to…. Not necessarily because you WANT to. Maybe other things are on your mind, maybe you’re tired or distracted or just not into it that much. It kind of goes in one ear & out the other.

Why I Didn’t Read the Bible Regularly, Consistently

Well, this was a lot of my growing up. I assumed I just wasn’t any good at reading my Bible. I had tried SO MANY TIMES to be consistent, to “read the Bible in a year,” (funny how that’s not ever mentioned as a requirement in the Bible… aka, just start somewhere, just READ) etc. & always fell off to not reading anymore. Now, I went to church, Sunday school before church, attended Bible Studies, did devotionals, read edifying books… but as far as sitting down & just straight up reading through the Bible? Meh, didn’t feel I had the concentration for that.

I was wrong, of course. I had believed the Satan-fed lie that it was all up to me. That I had to “willpower my way through it, or else.” I thought that proved I believed God “enough” to please Him, if I could manage to force myself to do it.

And, as I said… I was wrong. So very completely wrong. No willpower needed, actually. None at all. NONE.

How God Helped Me Overcome My MANY Obstacles

All it took, my friend, was a willingness to LET GOD HELP ME DO IT. To say EVERY time, if needed, “God, why do I keep getting so distracted & off course? I am SO bad at this. Please forgive me. Will You help me stay on track right in this moment as I read? I trust that IF this pleases & honors You (which I know it does), THEN I can ALSO trust You to be MORE THAN sufficient in helping me accomplish it. So… please… help me. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!”

And then… immediately… I would just START reading, & trust that God would carry me through it in His power, not mine. (He DID. Every time. Even when it didn’t feel “easy.”)

Satan is crafty. He knows how to discourage you best. Headaches? You’ll get a lot of them. Distractions? You’ll get a lot of them. Hard time concentrating? It will forever be hard to concentrate.

Whatever gets you to put that Bible down… Satan knows. He will use it.

God is stronger.

When the Seeds End Up on the Rocks–And Temptations Come a Knockin’

The second type of soil is the rocky kind. This type, Jesus says, is like the Word of God that you receive & accept so willingly, with joy… but the second that temptation hits you, you immediately forget & toss out everything you deep down knew to be true when you heard it.

Listen, I am going to say this as gently as possible… because I am speaking to myself on this as well… author Jerry Bridges hit me over the head with this truth bomb, in his book “The Pursuit of Holiness” (go read this right now—SO GOOD): “There is no such thing as victory & defeat for a Christian in regards to sin, only obedience & disobedience, because once we trust on Jesus for our sin, God empowers the victory… if we’re willing to trust it & obey.” (paraphrased)

Jerry Bridges with Regard to Victory & Defeat VS Obedience & Disobedience

“Too often, we say we are defeated by this or that sin. No, we are not defeated. We are simply disobedient. It might be good if we stop using the terms victory and defeat to describe our progress in holiness. Rather, we should use the terms obedience and disobedience. When I say I am defeated by some sin, I am unconsciously slipping out from under my responsibility. I am saying something outside of me has defeated me. But when I say I am disobedient, that places the responsibility for my sin squarely on me. We may in fact be defeated, but the reason we are defeated is because we have chosen to disobey.

We need to brace ourselves up and to realize that we are responsible for thoughts, attitudes, and actions. We need to reckon on the fact that we died to sin’s reign, that it no longer has any dominion over us, that God has united us with the risen Christ in all His power and has given us the Holy Spirit to work in us. Only as we accept our responsibility and appropriate God’s provisions will we make any progress in our pursuit of holiness.” (Jerry Bridges, Pursuit of Holiness)

Do Not LET Sin Win–Surrender It to God for HELP

God GIVES US POWER TO OVERCOME! We HAVE to be WILLING to accept it, though. It takes surrender. It takes dying to self. It takes trusting God is God & knows what He is saying more so than the lies of your temptations.

But we have a choice. Once we have accepted the blood of Jesus to atone for our sin, we have a CHOICE. To sin or not to sin. It doesn’t rule us anymore.

But sometimes we let it, don’t we? Sometimes we feel out of control because we want to not stop it. We want to make excuses for it. To feel okay with it. That it isn’t really “that” bad.

But, when we do that… we are shriveling up the truth that gave life to us… that we knew in our heart was truth. Don’t allow your flesh to lie you out from under the blessings of TRUTH.

When the Seeds End Up in the Thorns/Snares–Don’t Let It Get Drowned Out

The third is the thorny ground. This ground hears God’s Word, but is so overcome by all things around that you don’t take it in.

Jesus mentions “cares, riches, pleasures.” This sounds to me like “responsibilities, routines, habits, pursuit of more, pursuit of above & beyond, pursuit of success, love of MORE, comforts, happiness, having what we’ve always wanted. Pursuit of SELF.”

I fall into all 3 of these aforementioned types of soil sometimes, or have at least in different times in my life. This one is no different. I forget sometimes that I can trust the Blessing-Giver more than I can the blessings He provides me.

I hold on to what makes me comfortable, feel secure, feel happy. I CLING.

And the truth gets choked out of me sometimes. I get numb to it. I lose sight of it. I lose sight of my trust in Him... of living for HIM more than I live for myself. I forget.

Assessing the Soil–Are You Taking in What You Read?

I’ve been distracted. I’ve wrestled with excuses. I’ve been fooled by temptations. I’ve chosen sin. I’ve trusted comforts more than the One Who supplied them to me.

But what can we do to change that for ourselves? What can we do to cultivate a type of soil that is described by Jesus as the “good” ground?

Having a noble & good heart, keeping that truth with patience, trusting God’s work & word & ways more than my own. Watching Him multiply His Word that I take into my heart, mind, & soul into a harvest of blessings both for myself & those around me… seeing the peace it provides, the joy, the security, the surety, the steadiness. Trusting God to be GOD. Letting God be God.

Where do you need to start? Which soil describes you most right now? What do you need to work on surrendering, apologizing, turning? Where do you need to ask for God’s help?

Shine HOPE by working to have a noble & good heart who trusts God through distractions, trusts God’s help (& TAKES it) through temptation lies, & trusts God is more sufficient & good than ANYTHING else you could be striving after—that He alone is where TRUE satisfaction, joy, & HOPE resides.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

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 for 7 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 (make sure to check your other inbox folders), 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! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Cygnus Savings Set (EAST ASIA & INDIA)

This week only save when you purchase the Cygnus Savings Set!

Purchase this set to save on Artisan-made designs! The stunning Cygnus Mini Pouch has a detailed, hand embroidered white swan. Each Mini Pouch is handmade by women in India earning a dignified wage for their work. Also included in the Cygnus Savings Set is the Elva Rose Bracelet handcrafted by women escaping brothels in East Asia. The multicolored, jasper stone beaded bracelet includes square 18k gold-plated accent beads and one round gold bead for a gorgeous look!

***Purchase this set, using the “Shop Here” link below! Each design is created by women who are earning a dignified wage for their work, in an area of great need.***

How You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#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.

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-win!

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

God Is

Do you feel like you have to serve God, or else? Like some pressure of not being good enough, not doing enough?

The more I read the Bible, the more I see a beautiful picture begin to emerge… a pattern. God doesn’t need our help. Not one bit.

If you struggle with this, I recommend Watchman Nee’s book: “Sit, Walk, Stand.” (It is SO good. You can find the link to this book under “Books” on the Recommended by Michelle tab of my website.)

Mr. Nee talks about the DONEness of God. God was before we were created & before time began. God made the world (without our help) before He made us. He saved us from the consequences of our own sin, through Jesus, when we couldn’t save ourselves. He is not pacing heaven trying to find solutions. He. Is. Seated.

We Can Feel Like We’re Never Enough… But That’s Just It… We’re Not… But He IS

I get it. This is going to make some of you a little uncomfortable. We know we OUGHT to serve God, so saying this sort of thing can sound like I am saying the opposite. I’m not.

We most definitely ought to serve God. It’s His right. He is deserving of it. He holds full authority in heaven & on earth… throughout all time. Master & Creator. We ought to serve Him, no question.

But that does not change the other side of that coin—that He equally & absolutely does not need our help.

Look What People Accomplished Because the People Trusted GOD

Consider God’s response to Job—basically, “where were YOU when I made literally everything?”

Or Moses… Moses didn’t have magical powers. GOD worked those miracles.

Gideon overcame fear as God gently helped him through it.

David won battles because he kept asking God for wisdom & direction.

Daniel slept unscathed with hungry lions because God shut their mouths.

Why is it so hard to trust that God has this kind of power available to Him? Why do we minimize Him? God can do literally anything, any time, with anyone. He is in full control at all times. He doesn’t need our help.

So, if He doesn’t need me, why serve Him?

God Is GOD

Well, aside from His deserving that I mentioned above, really because He tells us to. And if God tells us to do something, we can be completely assured it is 100% always for not only His glory, but for our GOOD.

He knows what His world needs. He knows what we need. He knows how best to take care of both & everything. If He says it, we ought to take His word for it & DO it.

But not without His help.

With all of His not needing our help… it goes beyond that… He can give HIS help to US as we seek to serve Him.

Don’t Underestimate the God Who Made the Heavens

How many times have you said things like… “Oh, I can’t serve in that because it’s just not my thing.”?

Raising my hand right now because I HAVE DONE THAT.

I have ways to serve that just make me passionate & I could do it all day because it just lights a fire in me. Teaching the 4s & 5s class (during the EARLY service, might I add) is NOT that.

But I prayed. I asked God where He wanted me to plug in… & no matter WHAT I did, I could NOT shake the nudge to volunteer anyway. So, I prayed more. And it felt as if God were saying, “Michelle, I heard you & I gave you My answer. Do you want to do what makes you feel good, or do you want to serve where they most need help?” My answer was a mumbled, defeated-because-I-knew-He-was-right “…um…. both…….?”

Look What God Can Do through Us When We Trust & Obey Him

And you know what? It’s not necessarily my thing, but God has worked through me in those kids. I’ve seen it. I rehearse gospel points every week, asking them to tell me what sin is… to give examples… that it’s more than “doing bad things,” but more of a not measuring up to the standard of GOD & that we ALL miss it because He is PERFECT & we most certainly are not. We talk about Jesus, Who He is, what He gave… His LOVE for us… the consequences of our sin. We talk about repentance & choosing to trust Jesus to save us & not just trying to be good. And the more months that pass, the more they fill in the blank without needing my help.

God had a plan. I obeyed. God is working His plan through me, allowing me to see His good work all because I obeyed.

But He doesn’t need me. He could call someone else. They could reject Him, too & God would STILL find a way to get His message to them another way. He is never limited by our unwillingness &/or rebellion to His call.

I am not His solution.

God Doesn’t Need Your Help… But We Ought to Submit to His

But, by showing up… by pointing to Him… I can impact someone looking for hope. I can add blessings into the world because I obey. Because I let Him be God through me to others around me.

It takes a dying to self. It takes a willingness to say, “this isn’t my thing, but if it’s Your will, fill in the gaps & give me the grace I need to endure &/or be faithful in it.”

“I am not good at this, but I love You, so help supply what I need to walk faithfully in it anyway.”

“I’m not enjoying this, but I love You, so help give me the grace to do it anyway, living for You & trusting You more than myself.”

“I don’t have time/energy for this, but I love You, so supply the time so I can do this.”

Don’t limit God. He made the world without your help. His Word, the Bible, has POWER in its truth… & I don’t even mean it JUST being life-changing to obey/follow truth… I mean nourishing your heart & soul beyond what seems possible just by reading it & learning it & spending time in His presence through talking with Him in prayer & reading His Word.

Don’t Limit God

He doesn’t need your help, but just like a child alongside his daddy, holding a toy hammer that doesn’t do a thing, “helping” build… the child gets to work alongside his dad, see the building go up through their efforts… feel the joy & hope… to see how big & strong & capable His dad really is, knowing you can count on Him no matter what because you’ve gotten to see firsthand just what He can do.

God doesn’t need your help, but He knows your help is for your good. You get to see Him be sufficient where you lack. You get to see His love for others lived out through your faithfulness. You get to feel the joy He feels when others are blessed through your efforts. And others get to witness a tangible testimony for God’s great love & faithfulness.

God doesn’t need your help… but we ought to submit to His.

Shine HOPE by letting God be GOD in you. By understanding He is sufficient. By letting Him love others through your life, with His help & supply that never runs out.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

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 for 7 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 (make sure to check your other inbox folders), 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! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Reverie Suede Bag (INDIA)

Each design is created by bold women in India earning a dignified wage for their work. With its iconic look, the Reverie Suede Bag has an interior zipper pocket, interior slip pocket, key leash, and is perfect for your everyday essentials! The ethically made Cygnus Rising Charm is stunning and perfect to add to any handbag for an upgraded look!

***Purchase these beautifully handcrafted items, using the “Shop Here” link below to help empower women in extreme areas of poverty in India.***

How You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#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.

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-win!

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