It’s in What’s Not Said

Well, this week at church hit me a little different.

Maybe you see me doing these blog posts every week & going LIVE to chat about the topics every week, & you think, “How can you say you’re silent? You’re anything but silent about God’s Word!”

But let me tell you, while God has brought me great lengths from where I was at when I launched my website & first blog post nearly 5 years ago… I still have some growing to do.

I used to struggle even with how I write now. I used to sort of “water down” what I wrote to make it more palatable to the general audience because I was so afraid of offending anyone—heaven forbid (it’s “in style” to be offended about literally everything these days, it seems).

But, back then, God chided my heart & put an unrest in me to let me know something was off—that if someone was in search of life-giving, FREEING truth… they wouldn’t get what they were looking for… & if someone didn’t care about that, they wouldn’t have reason to care about my measly blog anyway.

So, considering that I have become more straightforward in my pointing to Who my hope comes from—JESUS—it may seem an exaggeration to say I am sinning through my silence… but I am. It’s in what I choose NOT to say….

Finally Reaching their Promised (by God) Land! But…

At church, our pastor has been walking through the journey of the Israelites in the Old Testament, a common theme being their grumbling (see also: murmuring & complaining aka not going to God & thus trusting Him with it/through it)—it’s pretty much threaded through MUCH of the Old Testament. (Exodus 15:24; Exodus 16:2; Exodus 17:3; Numbers 14:2; Numbers 14:29; Numbers 16:41; Deuteronomy 1:27; Joshua 9:18; Psalm 106:24-25)

Right now, we’re in Numbers 13-14, getting to the part where they have arrived at the land God has PROMISED to give them, has singlehandedly LED them to, after PROVIDING miracle after miracle after MIRACLE to GET them there.

And God tells them, at the beginning of Chapter 13, to send their choicest men to go scout ahead to let the people know what to expect: namely, the beautiful, bountiful promised land’s reality of “a land flowing with milk & honey.” (Exodus 3:16-17; Exodus 33:3)

Well, the guys go, get samples of the land’s bountiful resources, & return to the people to give their report. Now, this was meant to be a scouting mission for the place where GOD called them to go, where GOD promised to provide… NOT a “whether or NOT we should go” type thing.

But that’s exactly how they handled it… as giving their assessment of whether or not they should go… & their assessment was a huge NOPE.

A Faith More in Human Ability or God Ability?

“YES, it’s BEAUTIFUL!”

“YES, it’s everything God said it would be & MORE!”

“YES, it’s AMAZING land!………”

“BUT, the people living there are like giants! & there’s so many of them that we don’t even stand a CHANCE! We need to turn back! We will lose!” (Numbers 13:26-29; Numbers 13:31-33, paraphrase)

RUH-ROH. That was NOT their call to make. That was NOT their assignment! (*But wait, don’t I do that ALL THE TIME when I choose not to do something I OUGHT to do because it makes me uncomfortable??? Oops. I try to OUT-LOGIC GOD.)

But it was effective, as basically EVERYONE came as one accord to agree with those choice men. They did NOT want to risk it. (Numbers 14:1-4; Numbers 14:10) They were SO afraid, in fact, that they were readying to STONE anyone who opposed their idea to give up!

“Then the Lord said to Moses: “How long will these people reject Me? And how long will they not believe Me, with all the signs which I have performed among them?” (Numbers 14:11)

Am I Too Willing to Stand for God’s Leading, Despite the Hatred of the Crowd?

But there were 2 men who chose to look at the roughness of the situation—I mean, if their choicest men were shaking in their boots so eager to get OUT of there, it MUST have been BAD—but these 2 men:  Caleb & Joshua, chose to trust not what they could see, but the God Who is GREATER than any obstacles they saw ahead. (Numbers 13:30; Numbers 14:6-9)

They remembered how God rescued them from slavery & oppression in Egypt.

They remembered how God had led them through the wilderness with a pillar of smoke by day & a pillar of fire by night, never leaving them to fend for themselves for one moment.

They remembered the manna food that came from the sky that God provided as their daily sustenance, & the water that miraculously sprung out from the rocks when struck in places with no near water source.

They remembered every bit of God’s power & majesty & provision!

And they looked at the SAME OVERWHELMING odds & said, “You know what, it IS a great obstacle that is NOT humanly possible… BUT GOD IS GREATER.”

And the people wanted to STONE them for proclaiming it! What?! (Numbers 14:10)

What Does It Mean to Live by FAITH?

Living in faith means doing what God says, even if it makes NO SENSE to us.

Living by faith means doing what God says, even if the crowd wants to stone you (or “cancel” you) for it.

Crossroads in your life that change the course of your life may seem insignificant at the time but end up having a HUGE impact. Where will our choices lead us? To mediocre, “good enough” or to God’s BEST for those influenced & impacted by you? Are you influencing the world or is the world influencing you? <–Read a previous post on that, here.

When we say, “But I can’t.” We need to finish that statement with, “But GOD CAN.”

Don’t get caught fixating on avoiding discomfort or struggle versus trusting God is more than sufficient through ANYTHING.

Remember Who He Is

What has God ALREADY gotten you through? Throughout history, what has God ALREADY done?

God’s promises or human obstacles… which will you let rule your path/heart/confidence/life?

If even the GREAT 10 were AFRAID, the obstacles they saw must have been HUGE, but Caleb saw clearly that GOD IS GREATER.

Will you be willing to stand alone or will you hide in the majority?

God’s Ways Lead to the Promised Land

This is where I was convicted in my own heart: God’s way & God’s Truth leading to obedience to His Word & also SALVATION… THAT is the promised land… the good land promised by God.

Will I be courageous in encouraging obedience to God’s will, to give Him glory in ALL things… even the things people love to cancel others for… to seek to honor & please Him with EVERYTHING in life, even if it makes me the hated minority, knowing if God has led it then it IS the “promised land” we seek?

His way leads to LIFE. Am I really committed to believing that ENOUGH to speak up about even those things that the media is quick to stone you with their viral words of hatred?

Will I be like Caleb or like the other guys? Will I trust self or God? Will I protect myself or the Truth of God that sets us free & leads to life everlasting?

My Sin? Silence.

Is comfort so much my idol that I would deny encouragement for people to be free of the payment & guilt of their sin? Or if already free, to find the GOODNESS & BLESSING tucked in living a life of determined, surrendered obedience to God no matter what?

Being a Caleb requires sacrifice, surrender, sometimes ridicule, & sometimes a LONELY standing alone. It’s an obstacle that in my seeking out of comfort, seems NOT humanly possible.

But God makes it all worthwhile.

Who around me will pay the price for my silence?

“And your sons shall be shepherds in the wilderness forty years, and bear the brunt of your infidelity, until your carcasses are consumed in the wilderness.” (Numbers 14:33)

I ask again, who will pay the price for my silence?

God Is My Strength, in Whom I Place My Trust

Why do I think I have to be strong when God Himself promises to be my strength?

What God calls sin, is sin. We can justify it, disbelieve it, ignore it, avoid it, talk around it, feel progressive & forward-thinking about it… but what God calls sin… is SIN.

And judgment day will come.

Don’t make excuses. Don’t make yourself out to be wiser than the One Who MADE you.

Trust HIM over yourself. And if it makes absolutely no sense to you & you just REFUSE to live by it until it makes sense to YOU… let’s just say God understands more than you do & that excuse (saying you have to know as much as God or you refuse to obey Him) will not fly with Him come judgment day. Your choice is your choice & thus your consequences will be your consequences.

Be Careful

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools,” (Romans 1:20-22; Romans 2:15-16)

Shine HOPE by determining NOT to keep quiet… NOT to focus on the HUGE obstacles/struggles ahead… BUT to fix your eyes on REMEMBERING ALL GOD has brought you through & done throughout history… without your help. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Let God be God in your life every day.

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 almost FIVE 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!!

May 2023 Hope Mail

FOR A LIMITED TIME – Only available during the month of May!

Imagine the joy of opening this May Hope Mail package and discovering these eco-friendly fair-trade earrings! Artisans in India handcraft these elegant Silver Simplicity Earrings. Each earring features six silver-tone ovals linked to smaller circles, creating a beautiful fair-trade fashion statement. Every pair of Silver Simplicity Earrings helps to end poverty cycles and keep families out of the slums of India!

This bright, colorful Aqua Statement Bracelet is handcrafted in India and designed to create a fair-trade fashion statement! Several strands of aqua colored glass seed beads on viscose thread. Each bracelet is finished with knotted ends and fun hot pink tassels on the pull strings. This bracelet is helping women in India leave situations of abuse and discrimination and sending girls to school.

Inspire yourself or someone you love with this exclusive, vinyl, Trades of Hope Esther Sticker with the encouraging message, “Perhaps this is the moment for which you were created.”

*****Every purchase provides 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 the Artisans & Support My Website:

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!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

Do You Think God Is Too Demanding?

Have you ever been tempted to think that God just expects too much, asks too much, or controls too much?

I definitely wrestled with these thoughts growing up as a Christian. I misunderstood that the Bible—God’s Word—was all about rules & control.

But then, when I considered how, yes, He expected & asked for holiness & perfection… but how He also made a way to restore us knowing we couldn’t keep up our end. He loved us so much that He made the way for us when we couldn’t.

So, that sort of tilts the whole idea of God being on some power trip… because He could easily have kept Jesus from coming & just let us all pay the consequences of our own choices—HELL… & death in this life as well.

God Owns All, Is Deserving of All, & Judgment Day Will Come–No Matter What You Want to Believe

Today, I want us to consider Mark 12, which highlights 3 points regarding His deserving:

• Him as the One to Whom all belongs,
• Giving to “Caesar” what belongs to “Caesar” but to God, what belongs to God (us, our hearts, our lives, our all), &
• How we will all face God someday as the Righteous Judge & we ought to know whether we’re ready to meet Him.

When we are tempted to think of God on a cosmic power trip, we must consider that He made everything, owns everything, & that He alone has the right to judge it all—PLUS, He sent JESUS.

It’s True Though… God Has Expectations of Us

But even though God made a way for us to be free from the consequences of our own wrong choices, God still expects us to express love to Him through our obedience to Him… & sometimes it’s true that He asks some hard things of us (but not without His offer to help).

Sometimes it’s having a willingness to leave everything behind to follow His lead, like Abraham did when God called him (Genesis 12:1-4)… or like many missionaries throughout history.

Sometimes it’s letting God define our identity rather than trying to make that call ourselves–even & especially when our way seems so “true to self” &/or “authentic.”

Sometimes it’s being willing to die for His Truth to be shared with a hope-seeking world, like so many of Jesus’ disciples & the many martyrs throughout history.

Sometimes it’s accepting a life of ridicule from those you care about & want to please the most to stand for the hope you know is True & worth living for.

Sometimes it’s being willing to serve where it’s not so glamorous & where you get close to zero recognition &/or praise. (I think at least a few of my mom friends have felt this way at least at some point—can you relate to that?)

Whatever it is that God is asking of you to walk in obedience to Him… maybe it doesn’t feel good or make you look good or goes against everything you’ve always wanted or believed. And you may be tempted to think that God is quite demanding & controlling.

But God is not demanding. He’s deserving.

What Makes God Deserving?

He made you… knit you together in fact. And He knows all your days before one ever took place. (Psalm 139:13-16) Only He gets to say “who you are.”

He can number every hair on your head. (Matthew 10:30)

He is LORD of Heaven & Earth. He MADE Heaven & Earth & everything in it. (Acts 17:24-25)

He is before time & will exist eternally after time. (Colossians 1:17; Genesis 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:17)

He knows absolutely everything there is to know or ever will be to know & has perfect understanding & wisdom to navigate through it all wisely. (Romans 11:33; Proverbs 2:6)

He holds absolute authority. (2 chronicles 20:6)

AND He sent Jesus to pay all of your debts to reconcile you to Himself if you believe on Jesus to cover your debt & declare Him as your LORD. (Romans 5:8; John 3:16-17)

Don’t Underestimate Your Need of Him

Maybe you grew up always trying to be a good person & you think, “what debt, Michelle? I always have tried to be a good person & do right things & not be a troublemaker. My debt, if any, isn’t really that big a deal.”

Yeah, growing up in the church, especially, my pride tempts me to think that way too sometimes.

But sin is really the idea of “missing the mark,” of not always, in every single moment of every single day having every thought, attitude, & action be pleasing & honoring to God. I don’t think ANY of us can claim THAT–I know I can’t.

We’re not comparing ourselves to other flawed humans.

No, we’re comparing ourselves to the One & only perfect, holy GOD ALMIGHTY.

And on THAT comparison, to say I fall short is a HUGE understatement.

He is PERFECT & HOLY. I am not worthy to even have Him consider me. (Psalm 8:3-4; Isaiah 6:1-5; Job 40:1-14; Ephesians 3:8; John 1:27)

I am the undeserving one.

God Is Not Demanding, He’s DESERVING

And yet, He knew that & He sent Jesus to cover my debt to Him & ALL I HAVE TO DO to receive it is repent (admit, confess, turn from) my sin against Him & believe on JESUS to be the covering for that sin (versus trying to be it yourself—because you will never quite measure up). (Acts 3:19; 1 John 1:8-9; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16-17; Romans 10:9)

And, oh yeah, get this: Every single thing He commands us… IS FOR OUR ULTIMATE GOOD. (Romans 8:28; Deuteronomy 10:12-13)

AND every single thing He asks of us, He ALSO offers to be our supply in the doing of it. (2 Peter 1:3-4)

So, considering ALL THAT, to even imply that the Bible is a display of a major power trip of God’s is just quite frankly insulting.

God is not demanding. He’s DESERVING.

He Gives His All So We May Give Our All to & for Him

Wow. In all my underserving, my pride, my underestimating Him & neglecting to praise Him as often as He honestly deserves… He gives His all for me.

God is NOT demanding. He’s deserving.

So, if you want to scream your “rights” in wanting to live YOUR life YOUR way–even in just how you spend your free time aka my struggle (it’s not your life) & live by your determination of YOUR “true, authentic self…” (only HE knows what that is, because HE made you)—if it goes against what God says—you WILL pay the price for that “missing the mark” because if it goes against what HE, as YOUR CREATOR says… it’s automatically wrong.

I Don’t Give Him the Praise He Deserves

He offers payment in full. Full forgiveness. Full debt forgiveness. A fresh start.

You don’t have to “clean yourself up first” or “prove you mean it” by conquering certain things first.

You just have to be willing to accept that you are NOT enough & that ONLY He is. And repent of your way & trust on Jesus’ payment & have a desire to live for God’s way.

Shine HOPE by not apologizing for God’s commands, but rather pointing to His deserving in all things.

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 almost FIVE 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!!

Identity Quartz Necklace (Guatemala)

The naturally varying shades of strawberry quartz stones make the handcrafted Identity Quartz Necklace from Guatemala beautiful. Dainty tones of pink with ivory shades encase a pure silver charm embossed with the fingerprint of the woman who created it!

***Every purchase provides safe jobs with fair wages for women in areas of extreme poverty in Guatemala.***

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

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!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

Understanding Isn’t a Prerequisite for Struggling

Now, before I get started this week, I want to make one thing absolutely clear: This post is NOT meant to be emailed to your child, friend, or spouse, as a way to say, “See, you just need to give it to God.”

If you are tempted to use this post to make a point to someone, you probably need to take a step back & give your heart attitude about that other person… to God. Pray for that person… pray for compassion & understanding… pray that God would work through their struggles, even if you don’t see a “reasonable cause” for them to be struggling the way that they do.

You don’t have to understand it… heck, THEY may not even understand it (*raises hand)… for them to actually BE struggling.

ALSO, if you think to yourself, “I don’t actually struggle with depression, so this post doesn’t apply to me.” Wrong again. We all have struggles where this little sin problem can lurk in undetected… so this post can be for anybody who struggles, ever… AKA anyone.

What Do You Mean?

It’s no secret around here that I struggle with depression. Now, I don’t mean that I am sad all the time or spiraling in a black hole of despair… although it can certainly & easily head that way if I am not careful & watchful & surrendered to God in it.

But, life sometimes doesn’t always come easy to me. Of course, everybody struggles & has hard days, I am not blind to that fact… but what I mean is that some days, my brain just seems to fog over & numb, where I feel checked out, like a heavy weighted blanket has been placed over me, making even physical movement sometimes feel so challenging. Simple, easy tasks become like wading/trudging through waist-deep mud.

And that’s where the despair & sad feelings can creep in if I am not careful, because I sometimes feel trapped in a body where the control center just shuts down randomly on me unexpectedly. And it’s frustrating & angsty & annoying & it makes absolutely no sense sometimes.

But we’ve talked about all that before on here. No new news there.

The Sin Problem That Lurks in Depression & Struggles

The thing I want to focus in on today is the sin problem that lurks in depression & in the midst of our struggles.

Before I talk about it, I think it would be an excellent idea if you started with my previous post: “Understanding Depression with Discernment,” (also completely applicable to ANY struggle, really… especially parts 3-5), where I break down depression into 5 parts:  cause, symptoms, consequences, Satan’s exploitation of all of the above… &, part 5: your choice/response to all of it.

And that leads us to today’s post… mainly, parts 4 & 5.

Sometimes Life Is HARD

Depression is hard. Life struggles are hard. There is NO denying that. Some days just feel like nothing seems to be able to go right & everything just seems to go wrong despite your many efforts toward the opposite.

Some days FRUSTRATE you. Some days catch you off guard like a hard slap to the face. Some days break your heart & leave you a zombie just trying to survive until you can get home & cry in your room without judgment.

Maybe it’s depression or anxiety or any other mental or chronic illness.

Maybe you find a lump. Maybe you get the results & they are the complete opposite of great. Or maybe it’s your kid or your spouse or your parents or best friend.

Maybe it’s a car accident.

Maybe it’s stress at work that seems to always be piling higher no matter how hard you work.

Maybe it’s loneliness… bitter loneliness.

Maybe it’s a little bit of all of the above.

Whatever it may be… if you’re not in it now… you’ve BEEN in it before… & you most likely will again because we live in a sin-torn world until Jesus returns.

Here Comes the Big “BUT”

And it’s not wrong to feel. It’s not wrong to hurt. It’s not even wrong to feel mad at the hardness of it all or the awfulness of whatever the circumstances may be.

But we must stay alert in our grief, in our depression, in our struggle.

Because, as I mentioned in that previous blog post I shared above, Satan is on the prowl. He is looking, SEARCHING tirelessly for situations to exploit.

He is not satisfied that we are just hurting. He wants us consumed by it.

He is not satisfied that we are just struggling. He wants us DROWNING in it.

He is not satisfied that we are tired. He wants us to give up.

Really though, he wants us to doubt God.

He wants us to give up trusting that God can do anything at all… that we can even trust God at all.

He wants us to turn our backs on God forever & bypass the GRACE, LOVE, COMFORT, PEACE, & HOPE that God has stored up for us in His presence.

And honestly… sometimes… when life is really, really, REALLY hard… & STAYS hard… it can feel REALLY EASY to listen to him. And that is where we find the big “but” when it comes to it being okay to feel the hurt… don’t let your hurts turn your hearts from GOD’s HOPE.

Where Does My Help Come From? My Help Comes from the LORD, the Maker of Heaven & Earth!

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)

Satan knows God is our ONLY true source of HOPE. (John 14:6)

Satan knows that God heals the brokenhearted & binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3)

Satan knows God is our Helper, Comforter, Refuge, & Strength in times of trouble. (Hebrews 13:6; John 15:26; Psalm 46:1)

Satan wants us to forget. He wants us to turn our backs on our only hope.

So, where does the sin problem lurk in depression & struggles?

… In beginning to listen to those lies from Satan because it just feels easier not to fight it anymore.

I Love Sleep

I mentioned somewhat recently that I went through a two-month sleeplessness battle.

I knew it was spiritual warfare because there was no clear, real reason for the sleeplessness. It was always something different–super random.

There I would be, drifting off to sleep, on the very brink of nodding off into dreamland & then ITCH… or DOG BARK… or HUSBAND LEG JERK… or ETC ETC ETC. It made no sense how I could be so relaxed, so at ease, so ready to drift away to sleep, but then never could… for TWO MONTHS of an hour here or a couple hours there.

It was AWFUL. (I love sleep. Anyone else?)

You’d Think I’d Learned by Now… Right?

Anyway, I mention all that because EVERY SINGLE TIME I bowed that icky, sicky, feeling grumpy & tired & already ready to just quit my day every morning so I can go back to sleep, wanting to THROW my phone at the wall for having the AUDACITY of waking me up once I finally fell asleep (an hour before it went off)… EVERY SINGLE TIME I bowed all of that to God, repenting of my terrible attitude & asking for His enoughness to somehow, SOMEHOW get me through each day & honor Him in it…

Guess what? He came through EVERY SINGLE TIME.

So, now comes the part where I tell you the happy ending, right? Where, okay, I have LEARNED my lesson! I no longer worried about no sleep from that day forward because I realized God was my ENOUGH & He would carry me through it all COME WHAT MAY!

Right? …. RIGHT?

nope.

I STILL had to repent EVERY SINGLE DAY about my bad attitude & wanting to just quit, give up, & stay GRUMPY.

Why? Because I knew full-well that God would help me… but I DIDN’T WANT TO NEED HELP EVERY SINGLE DAY.

I Don’t Want to NEED Help… & Satan Knows This… & This Feeling Can Lead to Sin

Depression? Struggles of every kind? Aren’t they the same way?

Deep down, we KNOW God WILL help… but we don’t want to NEED help.

We just want it to stop & go away & not exist anymore.

We don’t want peace IN the storm… we want the storm to GO AWAY.

Right? Am I the only one?

And that right there is the danger. That is where Satan picks & nags & tempts.

There is the sin problem that lurks in depression & troubles: the temptation to want to turn our backs on God because He is allowing the hard to STAY.

Is depression hard? YES!

Are troubles hard? YES!

But the moment we are willing to exchange hope in God for the ultimatum of the end of our troubles… that’s where the sin gets us… that’s where the spiral to despair begins if we’re not careful, watchful, & ALERT… if we’re not surrendered to God EVERY DAY in it–because He IS our hope in it.

My Biggest Idol I’m Tempted to Worship above God… Is COMFORT

I get it. I hate struggling. Comfort is my STRONGEST idol that tempts me.

I want out of the struggle. I want easy. I want EASE.

I don’t want to need to ask for help. I don’t want to NEED help.

But I will tell you something right now. Hard does not have to equal bad… it’s just hard.

And easy doesn’t always equal good, either.

When life is hard, which it WILL be on this earth, be careful, be watchful that you don’t let this sin take root in your heart… that you determine to stay surrendered to the ever-sufficient care of God… EVEN IF it STAYS hard.

Because let me tell you something… hard will stay hard with or without a surrendered heart to God for help… but it will get a WHOLE LOT HARDER without Him.

Rest in Him. Keep Coming to Him. Keep Relying on Him. Keep Recognizing Your Need of Him Every Moment, Every Day.

Rest in Him. Determine to stay surrendered to Him. Ask for His help EVERY day if you have to. Don’t spiral. Don’t let sin creep in when you’re not looking. Don’t reject God when life is at its worst. CLING to HIM.

Shine HOPE by determining to stay surrendered to the help of God, repenting for wanting to be self-sufficient versus God-dependent, & by always pointing to HIM as our source of HOPE in ALL our struggles… depression or otherwise… even if the hard never stops.

BECAUSE HE IS OUR HOPE IN ALL THINGS.

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 almost FIVE 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!!

Kids’ Pastel Bracelet Set (Uganda)

While Supplies Last! Beautiful, artisanal bracelet set perfect for the kid in your life!

This adorable Pastel Bracelet Set is ideally sized for kids 4-7 years old or those with smaller wrists. This set is designed to coordinate with our Kids’ Vibrant Bracelet Set. Handcrafted by vulnerable women in the slums of Uganda who are leading their families out of poverty, this set includes a pink bracelet and an aqua bracelet made from hand-rolled paper beads and accented with gold glass beads. Each bracelet is totally unique to the woman who made it!

***Every purchase provides safe jobs with fair wages for women in areas of extreme poverty in Uganda.***

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

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!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

Unrealized Potential?

Are you influencing the world or is the world influencing you? This question was posed at church on Sunday & it really stuck with me.

We have so much potential to live out the grace of God to the world around us, do you realize that? Do I?

Oh, I know our neighbors & our co-workers & extended family seem “just fine,” but imagine having to carry the weight & burden & shame of your choices, second-guessing yourself maybe or trying to stuff those feelings deep down so you can carry on, always stretching toward an ever-fleeting peace or hope or happiness—because you don’t have any true, lasting, solid HOPE.

You have the potential, as an ambassador for God, dear Christians, to live as a physical representation of His grace & hope & peace in the world going on around you every day. Do you realize that?

It’s easy for me to want to answer that question with a quick, “duh, of course,” because it really IS my desire… but when I take a moment to honestly examine my thoughts, my attitude, my day-to-day choices, & my focus—oftentimes, it doesn’t really look like I do realize that after all.

Just Livin’ Life

I go about my life like most people. I get up, usually grumpy at my alarm clock, tired, & dragging my feet to the bathroom to start getting ready for my day.

Then, I say a quick “I love you” to my husband (& my cat) & head to work.

I do my job, barely looking up from my piles of papers to check, except to walk kids to their daily specials… then go to lunch… go home for a quick, often unappreciated kitty snuggle (deep down, I know he loves me… but his snuggle limit typically lasts about 4 minutes)… then get to my chores & “learning corner” of hobbies (ASL, Spanish, & piano).

Time to get dinner ready, greet my hubs, eat, hang out, then get ready for bed & TRY to sleep (I’m not always good at sleeping).

Just going about my day. All that routine… all that stuff to do… but I barely ever really stop to think, “am I representing the grace of Jesus to the people I pass at work? To people I see when I run my errands? To anyone really?”

I just seem to day-in & day-out DO what I need to DO that day & then start again the next day.

Without His CONSTANT Influence & Guidance…

Do you go with the flow, letting the world shape your mind, your attitude about stuff going on in the world, or even your routines/habits? Or do you intentionally seek to lay everything down every moment with a silent prayer of, “Lord, I know my gut response is _____, but what honors & pleases You in this? Help me do that. Give me wisdom & give me strength to do that. Nothing else. Help me live every moment for You & Your glory somehow. Show me how. AMEN.”

I think that’s why God instructs us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “pray without ceasing.” That’s that WHOLE verse right there. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.

He knows full well how easy it is to just hop right into our routine without a second thought.

I need to remember to better learn this habit of “pray WITHOUT CEASING…” every thought, every routine, every habit, every task, every interaction, ALL OF IT bowed to Him… offered to Him as an opportunity to be an INTENTIONAL influence for HOPE in the world around me every day… every moment.

Just Don’t Let Them Get in the Way of GOD

Habits & routines aren’t bad. They help us function more effectively & efficiently… but the danger in them is that I can get so used to them & so comfortable in them that I barely ever look up… I barely ever consider, “what if God wants to change my route today? What if God wants me to interact with someone specific today for a loving word of Truth or a smile or an encouraging word… & it takes me off my scheduled/routined path?” What if?

Will I be willing to let God interrupt my routine/habits to better be an influence of grace to someone He puts in my path or will I be too sidetracked with my own routine?

Will I be willing to say, “God, interrupt my day if it’s Your desire. Show me PEOPLE & HEARTS in need of You today. Give me Your eyes. Give me Your wisdom. Give me Your LOVE for PEOPLE. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Are our tasks important? Sure. Are they AS important as God’s assignment for your any given day? NOPE, not even CLOSE.

God Knows… He KNOWS

Maybe it’s tempting to think: “But, I have RESPONSIBILITIES! GOD KNOWS THAT!”

Yes, He does know that. So, guess what… if He chooses to interrupt your plans, HE HAS A PLAN for THAT, too!

Oh, how easy it is for me to trust MY plan & my view of the day & what I think is just SO important.

Oh, how easy it is for me to look to OTHERS to tell me what is of utmost importance. A boss maybe? Should I listen to them? Of course? Should I let them trump God’s lead? NOPE, never. God has a plan for THAT, too.

Oh, how I tend put God’s lead LAST.

As if He doesn’t know it’s important.

As if He doesn’t know my responsibilities need doing.

As if He doesn’t know I have commitments to keep.

As if He doesn’t know.

Am I Willing to Trust Him Above MYSELF? Am I?

Am I willing to trust that He knows what’s needed… what’s expected of me? That He’ll cover that & lead me in the HOW?

Am I willing to think maybe, just maybe He knows better & more than ME?

Am I willing to LET HIM interrupt ME?

Am I willing to let Him use me to be an influence of His grace to the world around me?

Am I willing to pray WITHOUT ceasing, bowing EVERY interaction & thought & activity & routine & habit & task to HIM for HIS will over MY plans?

Are You Influencing the World or Is the World Influencing You? ALL for God’s Glory

Are you influencing the world? Or is the world influencing YOU?

“So, whether you eat or drink, or what ever you do… do it ALL FOR the GLORY of GOD.” (1 Corinthians 10:31, emphasis added)

Shine HOPE. Be intentional. Be surrendered. Be willing to be interrupted. Be willing to let God take the lead of your every thought, task, or habit. Be willing to be an influence for HIS GRACE to the world around you everywhere you turn.

“God, I want to be this way for You! I really do! But I am so quick to my routines. Please teach me to pray WITHOUT ceasing, making my every passing thought a prayer to You to lead me, to interrupt me, to use me for Your grace & glory. Take me by the hand. Make this thinking my true over-arching-all habit. Use me to influence this lost world with Your Mountain-Moving GRACE. In Jesus’ all-powerful, unconditionally loving, gave-everything-for-us name, amen.”

AMEN.

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 almost FIVE 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!!

Agate Key Bracelet (Dominican Republic)

The varying shades of genuine blue lace agate stone make every Agate Key Bracelet from the Dominican Republic entirely unique. Each stretch-to-fit bracelet features a gold-tone accent bead and a delicate gold key charm.

***Every purchase of this bracelet supports a safe house in the Dominican Republic that provides housing, education, legal services, and trauma counseling for survivors of human trafficking.***

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

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!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

Who Is Really Behind It? Be on Alert!

I take things personally too often. It’s one of my not great qualities. Honestly, that’s why I had to pray so much leading up to even taking the first steps with creating & publishing this website.

Even if it’s a simple misunderstanding with another person, I tend to take it as my character &/or integrity being questioned & it hurts my feelings.

I know people make mistakes. I know I make mistakes… but I still feel the sting when someone misunderstands me in some way.

But then, deep down, if I take time to surrender the hurt to God, God reminds me that my true wrestling match is not with the other person (Ephesians 6:12), but with Satan aiming to sow discord among us.

The Cunning Snake

You see, Satan is a cunning snake. He has had MANY years to learn how humans tick… to know how to create divisions, disagreements, & discord. He knows where to strike.

It’s something I always try to keep in mind & repeatedly try to remind others when meeting with young ladies for discipleship/accountability. Because if you have a relationship with someone that honors & glorifies God, encouraging & edifying one other toward the gospel & good works… you can be SURE that Satan will be QUICK to do WHATEVER he can to break that up… ASAP.

So, if you feel a pull from insecurity, shame, annoyance, frustration, or anything not PEACE-laden pulling you away from someone, you can be sure Satan is doing what he can to keep you both from glorifying God together…. Another reason why he attacks marriages & ministries so often!

And yet, even knowing this… I still fall for it sometimes.

Disagreements, Grumpies, & Hurt Feelings

It can start as small as a disagreement about something, seeing something differently than someone else… or maybe a misunderstanding… & if left unchecked, begins to erode away the potentially God-honoring, blessed connection you may have with someome, until you feel so stiff, tense, &/or insecure around them that you maybe start making new routes in your life to avoid interacting with them.

Sometimes it’s a grumpy mood, “that time of the month,” waking up “on the wrong side of the bed,” or just a good ol’ tough day… & it gets misinterpreted or maybe taken out on someone else… or the grump on your face gets seen as an afront against someone else & now you’re in a feud with someone you didn’t even realize you had offended.

Or maybe you DO realize because your day was SO bad & your mood was left unchecked for TOO long & the cramps are UGH & you just let a curt word come out of your mouth when responding (or rather, REACTING) to someone else. Oops.

It doesn’t take much. Satan is QUICK to jump in there with leading conclusions & jabbing at your insecurities & stabbing at your vulnerabilities until now you’re fuming & “well, I didn’t realize they were SUCH A JERK! Forget them!”

Yeah, it happens.

Be Aware So You Can Pray

But, we need to be aware of this because we need to know to pray about this.

We need to know the signs, the dangers, the manipulations that Satan uses on our weak spots, emotions, & insecurities.

And we need to know to PRAY.

Satan wants grudges, God wants grace.

Satan wants rifts, God wants restoration.

Satan wants division, God wants unity & peace.

Learn to take your gut reaction to God… to forgive you for your gut reaction if it does not honor or would not please Him… for help laying the offense at His feet… & for wisdom on a path toward restoration, through grace, for reconciled unity & peace with that person.

A Prayer of Surrender in the Hurt of the Moment

“God, OOOHH that was not cool! I feel so frustrated & tense & I just want to REACT! But… God help me, please help me. Help me to take a deep breath. Help me place this on Your strong shoulders. Help me let go. Maybe they’re having a bad day. Maybe they’re just grumpy & I’m making more of it. Maybe they really are MAD at me. I don’t know & it shouldn’t matter! Help me lay that on You. Give me Your peace. Don’t let me fall prey to Satan’s twisting, manipulative divisiveness. Help me give it to YOU. Help me to LOVE even when I don’t feel loved back. Help me to SERVE those who seem to dislike me, knowing they don’t have to even like me for me to do the right thing. Help me to honor YOU with how I respond. HELP me do that. My gut response is pettiness, anger, frustration, avoidance… but You command GRACE as You have given me such grace. Grace, by definition, is undeserved—so even if they meant to be mean to me, help me to have the surrender-to-YOU attitude to let You handle it & to help me give grace. Help me love like You love, not reviling or threatening in return (1 Peter 2:21-24). But, love. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Don’t Let Satan Sow Discord Among You

Maybe they really are just having a bad day & it really has NOTHING to do with you.

Maybe they MEANT IT & wanted to hurt you.

Regardless… LOVE.

Regardless… GRACE.

Regardless… Honor God with your RESPONSE (even if you have to bite your lip HARD, take a DEEP breath, & PRAY for help desperately).

If you have a prayer partner, an accountability partner, are in discipleship with someone… EXPECT THIS TO HAPPEN & PRAY AGAINST IT & for discernment to see it!

It Hurts, I Know…

You don’t have to be respected to be respectful.

You don’t have to be liked to love.

You don’t have to be admired to do what’s right.

You don’t have to be well-treated to be kind.

Despite their choice… YOU have a choice.

Honor God. Lean on God. Let God help you.

To God be the Glory Forever and Ever!

Don’t let Satan sow discord among you, because Lord knows HE WILL TRY.

Shine HOPE by praying for the discernment to recognize Satan’s crafty schemes & the submissive heart to come to God for help with a response that honors Him versus letting Satan control the narrative through your natural human response.

Choose to honor God ALWAYS, even when it doesn’t feel so great in that exact moment.

God will bless you for your obedience.

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 almost FIVE 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!!

Silver Remi Necklace (India)

This classic silver-tone beaded necklace from India is an everyday wardrobe essential. Wear it alone or layer it with other necklaces! Customize your length with the adjustable extension chain on the back featuring an easy-clasp closure.

***Every purchase provides safe jobs with fair wages in areas of extreme poverty where vulnerable women are often exploited by sweatshops.***

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

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!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

Let’s Keep Learning…

It seems there is no rest for me lately with lessons learned… hard lessons.

First was trusting God with moving where I didn’t want to go, leaving a place I wanted to stay, needing to wrestle with the anger, hurt, & fear to trust & learn to desire God’s will & plan over my own… then the chaotic move that had Satan seemingly throwing obstacles at our every turn, needing to run blind & just trust that God would clear a way where there seemed no way… then all the stuff with the house & needing to rest that in His hands… to 2 months ish of consistent sleeplessness, where I learned He is sufficient & faithful & can be my strength even when I have none & that He would thus also provide the strength I needed if I gave up sleep on purpose to honor Him with a regular morning quiet time… it’s been a trying year for sure.

God Proves Himself… I Doubt Him in a New Way… My Weak Faith

And now, this. Ugh. I feel like the Israelites going through the wilderness… hardship at every turn, yet God always provides & leads & proves Himself mighty, strong, worthy, & more than sufficient—He provided their food, water, made sure their clothing never wore out & their feet never swelled on their long journey (Deuteronomy 8:4; Psalm 78:20-25). That’s pretty crazy! PLUS, the grand rescue from Egyptian enslavement! And yet… they continuously grumbled against God versus remembering to GO TO GOD.

That’s me. Grumbling. Always grumbling…. The, “not agains” are too many to count.

You would think I would sit back & say, “After all that? Nah, I have nothing to worry about. God will take care of it somehow like He always does… I just need to turn to Him as my help & sufficiency!” But, no… I grumble with each new struggle.

Idols Aren’t Always So Obvious

I have been working through a daily devotional on food freedom, learning to turn to God versus anything else we may turn to… including food.

Well, for me, it’s mainly the eating out. “I’m bored… let’s eat out.” “I had a bad day… let’s eat out.” “I feel angsty & numb & want to feel SOMETHING… let’s eat out.”

Sensing a pattern with me here? An idol maybe? Yep.

It’s not just the eating out temptation as my go-to fix-all… it’s the tv binging some days, & the video scrolling for hours on my phone, or the gaming that starts as an hour & ends with the sun setting. These things have become almost synonymous with NECESSITY versus an option.

My Coping Mechanisms have become my idols–what I turn to instead of God as my help.

I’ve Come a Long Way, But There’s Still More Growing to Do…

You see, as you probably or may know, in my struggle with depression (not depressive thoughts, but the chemical imbalance in my brain that sometimes coats me in oppressive brain fog, numbing over, losing any care for anything because I just feel so full of NUMB in my brain that it’s sometimes physically tiring to try to get myself to care about something), I have come so far from where I once was.

And I thought I was doing pretty well.

I have learned that there’s a distinction between 1. the cause (chemical imbalance), 2. symptoms (brain fog, lack of motivation, tired, checked out), 3. consequences (feeling like every easy thing is way harder than it should be & noticing others’ responses to it), 4. Satan exploiting all of the above: “you’re a waste of space, you annoy everyone, you’re a burden, etc.” & 5. MY CHOICE in how to respond to all of the above: Trust God despite it staying hard, determining to set my focus on Him no matter how hard it may get… or spiral because Satan sounds so convincing. (Read more about these 5 distinctions in a previous blog post: “Understanding Depression with Discernment.”)

But I still have a long way to go… obviously.

What Exactly am I Afraid Of?

But, back to the devotional I mentioned earlier. She made a point about FEAR being a major motivator for overeating or eating poorly.

Her point was about feeling unworthy compared with others or something like that, but God has already worked me through the difference between my worth/value/beauty being completely separate from my HEALTH & caring for the one body God has made for & given to me. (Read more about that journey in a previous post: “Your Weight Does Not Determine Your Worth.”)

BUT… the fear thing stood out to me. I didn’t know why because that seemed a drastic thing to claim when I don’t consciously feel afraid of anything specific… especially not my worth being in question because of poor health.

So, I asked God to help me understand that. And as I continued the devotional, it all came to clarity… she asked me, as the reader, to list things that make me feel tense or afraid & as a counter to each, to list THE PEACE OF GOD as greater than anything I could fear.

And my response? My depression symptoms. The angst. The bored restlessness that seems surprisingly consuming at times. The empty numbness that sometimes envelops my brain. The screaming in my head to satiate, to run to comfort, to feel SOMETHING other than that. To hide. To run. To AVOID it.

Hiding My Fears Behind Coping Mechanisms

I thought my coping mechanisms were smart. I thought I was protecting myself. But in that great, strong security fence I had been building around myself, I realized it had inadvertently become my own prison… one of my own making… a sense of “go to those coping mechanisms, OR ELSE.”

I realized I had been hiding my fears behind coping mechanisms all along. That without them, I felt vulnerable… overwhelmed… treading water… my face tingling with anxiety… a weight on my shoulders & around my ankles that threaten to slowly drag me down to despair.

I thought I was doing so well, but I had placed my hope in “happy highs” that can never actually solve the problem or give me any real victory or hope….

The days I lose. The ambition that drowns in my avoidance of feeling all of the above. The empty hours. The wasted fulfillment. The perpetuating emptiness of time passed that can’t be regained. The looming threat.

Facing the Truth… That I Need Someone Greater Than My Coping Mechanisms

So, last night was rough. I was forced to face the truth… that my solution had imprisoned me.

I realized I didn’t know how to go to God in this. I didn’t know how to do anything but run, hide, & stuff. I didn’t know how to face it & overcome it. My coping mechanisms weren’t fixing the problem… they were helping me pretend I was AVOIDING it.

I realized that I didn’t actually trust God’s peace to be enough for me in this particular circumstance. My desperate rush to cover, hide, stuff, run, & avoid proved that.

And I’m afraid. I’m afraid of not running… of standing facing it… of being overcome by it if I don’t run. I’m afraid of losing to it.

I’m afraid God won’t be enough for me in it.

After ALL He has brought me through & ALL His faithfulness He has DEMONSTRATED to me… & I am here doubting… just like the Israelites.

It Took Me 3 Days…

Our sermon at church this week was “How to Lose Your Spiritual Way in 40 Days,” based on the Israelites going quickly from “whatever God says, we will do!!!” faith (Exodus 24:3; Exodus 24:18) immediately to drunken orgies & worshipping a golden calf because Moses went on the mountain & didn’t come back right away (Exodus 32). After ALL God had JUST brought them through miraculously & more than sufficiently (Exodus 15)! WHAT?!?!?

And here I am. Doubting God, too. After ALL He has brought me through even just this past year.

A Prayer of Surrender to Trust God… Even in This

“God, please forgive me. My coping mechanisms have clearly become a stronghold in me. I hold onto them. Satan uses them to convince me I need them more than I need You… or instead of You… that they will serve me better. And I have unknowingly bought into it hook, line, & sinker. Please forgive me! It just feels too much. I hate falling prey to my symptoms… of feeling vulnerable to them… of facing them versus running. I’m too scared. I can’t do it. Help me. Please forgive me. Help my unbelief. You are enough. You are ALWAYS enough. And You’re always faithful… & gentle… & kind… & You gave everything for me, through Jesus, when I didn’t & don’t deserve it. How can I doubt Your sufficiency & willingness here? You’ve proven Yourself. You are worthy of praise, God! Help me set down these chains. Take down my security fence. Become my refuge… my fortitude. Help me to rest in You as sufficient & nothing else. NOTHING ELSE. Help me re-write fulfilling coping mechanisms, with You at its center, clinging to You as my Hope, Guide, Counselor, Faithful Friend, Strength, & Sufficiency! You ARE Enough. I believe, Lord, Help my unbelief. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Is there anything you’re running to instead of to God? What is your personal stronghold that you feel you NEED in place of God’s peace? Where do you feel God’s peace won’t be sufficient for you?

Shine HOPE by going to Him in ALL things. ALL THINGS. His peace… GOD’s peace… is sufficient!

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”!***)

This blog/website has been running for over FOUR 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!!

Mabel & Walter the Bunnies (Vietnam)

LIMITED EDITION – while supplies last! Cuddly, soft, and lovable, Mabel the Bunny is adorable, mini, fair-trade fun with her cute pink flower and carrot accessory. Each bunny comes with an adorable carrot that is not attached to the bunny making it perfect for creative play! Artisans in Vietnam hand crochet each bunny with soft cotton-blend yarn and neutral cream, black, and pink colors that make this stuffed animal the perfect gift for any occasion or decor. Each huggable bunny is hand stuffed by visually impaired women in areas of extreme poverty.

Have you met Mabel’s best friend, Walter the Bunny? They make quite the pair!

***Every purchase of Walter or Mabel the Bunny provides fair-trade jobs for local women and villagers who are overcoming disabilities, homelessness, and extreme poverty in Vietnam.***

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

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!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

It Doesn’t Have to be Intentionally Wrong… to be Wrong

This is an unpopular topic… mostly because when Christians fall into this, they have ZERO intention of TRYING to make sin appealing & would NEVER claim that it’s even okay to do such a thing.

But just as the verse puts it, “… holding onto the traditions of men…” (Mark 7:8-9), it is easy to see what was okay to the past generations & feel if it’s okay with them & THEY weren’t intentionally trying to promote sin & it was always meant as “all in good fun,” then it can’t be wrong now either. And even though those verses refer to coming up with traditions to SEEM holy, rules God never gave in the first place because it made them feel good about themselves… the same can be true about justifying things we engage in that dishonor Him.

This is where the recurring theme/danger of humanity “doing what was right in their own eyes” (Judges 17:6; Judges 21:25) comes in & needing to pray the prayer, “Lord, search me & know me… see if there be any wicked way in me….” (Psalm 139:23-24) Because it’s not always INTENTIONAL when we’re in fact dishonoring God. We often have good intentions (or at least harmless ones) indeed.

But that doesn’t make it NOT wrong, either.

Almost True = NOT True

It is VITALLY important to do spiritual checkups frequently because we are fed information, beliefs, & opinions every day of our lives through every person we come in contact with, whether through our personal lives or through the media/social media. We are being fed from somewhere, always.

This is also why we NEED the MEAT of the Word of God to be part of our daily spiritual nutrition, coupled with constant prayer, because quite frankly, we don’t always recognize WHEN we’re buying into something that’s just not quite right… even though it may seem PRETTY CLOSE.

Let me put it this way… if something is ALMOST true, what does that make it?

Blurring the Lines Is No New Tactic

As a culture, I have witnessed what has actually been happening every day throughout all history, as it ebbs & flows in its determination to honor & please God… the watering down of how BAD sin really is. Sin sometimes sort of seems to come off as “doing a bad thing” versus wretchedness, wickedness, & deserving of Hell as it actually is.

Think about it. If we water down the severity of sin, which Satan is so intentional in his deceit here, it makes it SEEM like God is just on a major power trip… or that He is just overreacting about EVERYTHING… or that “WHY HELL?” It makes Him seem a maniacal dictator throwing the temper tantrum the century.

Satan very much wants us to think these things about God… to doubt Him… or at the very least, to question Him… to blur the lines of sin & God’s deserving, to make our secure foundation of faith begin to totter & crumble beneath us.

We Need a Reality Check Sometimes

We need a perception adjustment here as a culture.

When we sin… we are defying, disrespecting, & spitting in the face of a HOLY God, Creator & Sustainer of ALL life (that includes you & me!), Who gave His ALL for us through Jesus on the cross, paying the debt WE owe for OUR sin & wretchedness. We don’t deserve Heaven, but He paid the way for every one of us who is willing to turn to Jesus as their only hope. (Because He IS our only hope!)

So, we’re not just mocking HIM when we water down the wretchedness of sin, but also the fact that He knew you would, knew you could never adequately pay Him back to make it right, & so HE HIMSELF MADE a way for you to be cleared of your debt FOR YOU… Our sin mocks THAT, too.

He is infinitely WORTHY of us making sure we are not, in the SLIGHTEST, watering down what displeases God simply because it’s been widely accepted throughout mainstream culture or even sometimes, sadly, the church.

It Doesn’t Matter What It Is… If It At ALL Offends God… WALK AWAY from It

And when you take things like “identity” & make it a “choice” rather than His specific design… that’s mocking Him.

And when you say you don’t have a choice BUT to sin, because it’s “who you are…” that’s mocking Him. Reality check, even if you feel you’ve had a certain DRAW toward a specific something God calls sin since you were a kid… guess what… you were BORN a sinner, so that has since become a decision to satisfy SELF more than a desire to please God… that’s mocking Him.)

And when we downplay certain sins that seem like they’re “not really that bad compared to “WORSE” ones,” assuming sometimes it can be “innocent” & that God “knows your intentions”… that’s mocking God.

And when we defend certain books or movies or games that even a little bit make us wonder whether it offends God… why do you resist that nudge? Have you asked yourself that yet? Have you dared to confront it? To surrender it if needed? To be willing to let God change your mind about it & move on from it? Or do you shove that little heart nudge so deep down that you don’t have to think about it anymore because you don’t want to be made to feel bad about it?

Do you claim that giving it up would be “legalistic”? Is that the method Satan uses to successfully get you to desperately cling on to something that dishonors, displeases, or offends God?

He Gets to Choose

HE made us. HE gets to choose. HE gave us a choice, desiring that we would choose to honor Him, knowing we wouldn’t always, & then made a way for us anyway through JESUS. He is WORTHY of PRAISE & HONOR!

I get it. Trends are popular & tempting because they can be fun, engaging, exciting, & SEEM harmless… but if they honor something God calls sin… can we really, honestly examine ourselves & say that engaging with it doesn’t dishonor Him?

Are you willing to do a soul inventory? Are you willing to be “searched” & “known” by God as the prayer requests of God in Psalm 139? For Him to show you if there be “any wicked way” in you? Or do you insist on remaining comfortable in what you have wrapped excuses around as “not that bad”?

It’s tempting for me, when I come to these sorts of crossroads, for me to rear up, feel defensive & called out… to feel offended… because I am NOT TRYING to offend God IN THE LEAST! But if I am willing to be honest with myself… am I fully convinced that I am indeed NOT offending Him with ANY of my choices?

Or do I just want what I want, to convince myself it is just fine, & to stay tucked in that comfort?

I Don’t Like Being Challenged to Let Go

When facing myself & coming to a willingness to be shown as wrong… It’s scary to me. It is. It takes a willingness to try surrender. To say, “God, I don’t know about this. You know I’m not trying to offend You, right? I would NEVER want that! But I feel myself rearing up. I feel the tension & ick & fear of having to realize that what I was so convinced was just fine before… maybe isn’t actually so fine. I don’t like that. Help me. If this is something that DOES indeed offend You, God, help me be willing… WILLING… to let it go. Change my heart & my perspective to want only what honors You, even if I have to lose something I like. I am afraid of losing this. But I also don’t want to even RISK offending You, either. Help me. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Are you willing to pray that? Are you willing to let God see the parts of you that you’ve justified circles around? Are you willing to let HIM change your mind about it if it indeed offends Him? Are you willing to risk losing that to make sure you honor & please Him with your choices no matter what?

Or will you cling? Will you rear back? Will you talk to friends who will help you feel better about it again so you have someone to back up what you want to feel okay about again?

Will you shut God out of that part of your life?

What/Who do you want more?

The Cultural Breakdown of Sin–Making Evil Look Good

We should NEVER try to sugarcoat what God calls evil or sin. EVER. And for GOOD reason! The cultural breakdown of sin–making evil look good, only stands to HURT us.

Are you willing to believe that if it dishonors or offends Him that it is for a GREAT reason? That His choices & commands ONLY EVER revolve around BOTH your good AND His Glory?

Are you willing to REALLY believe that?

Shine HOPE by being WILLING to go to God in whatever you felt defensive about as you read this… by being willing to ask God to search & to know you, to let you know if there is ANY wicked way in you that you may be excusing or justifying… SO THAT He can lead you in “THE WAY EVERLASTING.”

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”!***)

This blog/website has been running for over FOUR 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!!

Mini Mandala Dish (India)

Create a gorgeous missional tablescape or display your favorite jewelry with this decorative Mini Mandala Dish from India! This eco-friendly dish is made from fast-growing mango wood, a sustainable byproduct of India’s mango fruit industry. Each dish features unique natural wood grains. Every purchase supports families in areas of extreme poverty in India.

In addition to being eco-friendly with fast-growing mango wood, our Artisans use up ALL parts of the wood! Nothing is wasted. This leads to many variations in the bowl, showing off its natural beauty. 

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

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!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

The Idol of Comfort-Seeking

I get it. I am basically the queen of wanting to avoid things that make me uncomfortable. It’s one of my biggest idols—comfort-seeking.

You may see my blog posts & social media encouragement & think, “yeah, but you still get stuff done, so how can you really say you relate?” But if you knew how much inner fight went on behind the scenes some weeks, you would get it. My heart craves comfort-seeking.

In a social media world especially, it’s easy to make life about the feel-good moments & the aesthetics. Frame it well, include some pretty florals, & use the right font & I am more likely to want to try whatever it is. Put it in black & white, in a boring font, & yeah, no thanks.

Reframing Your Perspective Is Actually a Good Thing!

It’s not wrong to try to reframe a situation in a more positive light… for example, if you use a planner, having gold foil accents & florals make it more appealing to use it… or in thinking about chores, changing your mindset from seeing it as grueling housework that you have to do versus something you GET to do to help make your home more comfortable & a safe space to come home to.

Nothing is wrong with re-framing our mindset about responsibilities, but the problem sprouts up when we refuse to do it if we can’t find a way to make it seem pretty or appealing. When we can’t find a way to make it make us feel good.

In a culture primarily led by how something makes them feel, we ought to do what’s right, even when we don’t feel like it.

Legitimate Struggle, But Not Worth Giving Up–Because God Is Bigger Still

I struggle with depression & probably anxiety. Now, this isn’t the type of depression that is feeling depressed & woe is me (although, when left unchecked, it can surely go there) & it is not the type of anxiety where I am constantly worrying about every outcome & everything around me, but rather they are manifested more in feeling physically & mentally tired, worn out, sluggish, checked out, numb, restless, & angsty… making it easy to want to seek out whatever feels better versus adding to the already existing strain.

It’s a legitimate issue… a legitimate struggle. It’s not trying to be lazy, but rather not feeling you have anything left to give anything else.

But, responsibilities still exist & as they pile up unchecked, so do the anxieties & stressors–typically making things worse. And God is always waiting to help as we cry out to Him for help. He wants us to live for Him & He also has the full, inexhaustible supply to help us make it happen.

It Always Leads Back to Surrender

It comes back to surrender… surprise, surprise… a willingness to lay down how I FEEL for what is right, even when I don’t feel like it. But thank GOD He doesn’t leave it up to my willpower or strength! He supplies as I cry out to Him AS my help!

This applies to showing up & doing my blog every week, even when I really don’t feel like concentrating or working some weeks.

It means not wasting away my afternoons when I get home from work, introverted me tired from being around people all morning, but rather surrendering & asking God instead to help take my hand & lead me step by step through my required tasks for the day, even when I would really rather just play video games or binge on a tv show the entire day.

It means doing the hard things, even when they don’t make me feel good.

It means being a PART of the body at church, serving in some capacity, even when some days I just don’t want to be around any other humans because I am TIRED.

But it also means recognizing when God is saying I just need rest, but not taking that to mean rest ONLY, ALWAYS. It always leads back to surrender to His lead & His help.

In a Culture Often Led by How Something Makes You Feel, Do What’s Right Anyway

What would the world look like if EVERYONE ONLY did what made them feel good?

You know what, being a janitor is dirty work… & because it is, I try to remember to thank them respectfully every time I see them working past me, even using sir or ma’am, because I want them to be honored for doing something most of us wouldn’t feel good doing, but I am SO grateful that they do it! If you are a sanitary worker, THANK YOU!

Imagine a world where we all only got the jobs that made us feel good… no janitors, no one to shovel poop on the farm, no one to care for the sick & dying…. It would become a pretty ugly world pretty quickly if we all avoided what didn’t make us feel good.

But don’t we often avoid taking extra time we don’t feel we have (& because it doesn’t always feel good) to serve God or honor Him by studying His Word, or taking intentional personal time with Him every day when we’re busy or worn out? Or is it just me?

What is the world around you missing out on in seeing Jesus through you because it doesn’t always make you feel good to honor Him all the time? Surrender.

I am Not the Shining Example I Ought to Be

I know I am pretty convicted by this. I am certainly not writing this week as a shining example of what ought to be done… unfortunately.

This is something I need to lay down every day, but I honestly sometimes don’t.

It’s something I need to surrender… to be willing to surrender to Him for help.

I have been asking for prayers lately for God to help me rebuild my life after our move because I have a REALLY hard time starting over & setting new routines & productive habits… after the craziness dust settles after a move, I easily fall into “oh phew! Now I need a BREAK!” & then I just never want to come out of that break because I have no good habits built up to fill in the blank spaces yet.

But alongside my prayers for a rebuilt life, I realized that my true need is a willingness to give up that break… (again, surrender) to ALLOW God to replace some of it with productive, healthy habits versus just existing through my day into the next one.

What are you avoiding for this very same reason–because it doesn’t make you feel good or give you a happy high in your day? That’s MY struggle.

Even When I am Weak, He Is Strong

Through my chronic sleeplessness lately (which I am grateful to say seems to have passed), God taught me how much of a Supply He could be if I were but willing to surrender to His help rather than giving up when I was so weak & tired & so prone to crankiness. He taught me that even with an against-my-will lacking, He was enough for me through it….

So, if I lost sleep on purpose (versus setting my morning alarm for the last possible second) to start each morning spending time in Bible study so I could begin my day purposefully focusing on Him versus just numb go-through-the-motions, that He would for sure be enough for me there as well.

He is helping me rebuild… to honor Him better with my time & choices… because I am willing to lay down my coveting of time-my-way for time HIS way… but I am still in need of more work with it FOR SURE & it is taking a DAILY surrender in this area.

What Are You Willing to Surrender, Even If It Doesn’t FEEL Good?

This week, I had a 5-day weekend, & I committed to fast from television, video games, mindless video scrolling online, & mindless swipe games… to work on making a commitment to better use my time. I’m going to need to keep working on it because my progress felt so incredibly sluggish because I am so reluctant… but I want to keep learning to bow that to Him so that when I look back a year from now, I can see & know I spent my time well & not wasted.

What do you need to give up that you are clinging to other than God as your help? What are you avoiding because it doesn’t make you feel good? What are you saying “no” to God about because it doesn’t seem appealing?

Shine HOPE by being willing to do what’s right, even when you don’t feel like it… with God’s help & a willingness to surrender to that help!

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”!***)

This blog/website has been running for over FOUR 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!!

Leather Leaf Earrings (Haiti)

These totally unique brown and ivory Leather Leaf Earrings made by women leading their families out of poverty in Haiti! Inspired by the natural beauty of the changing seasons, these genuine leather statement earrings are hand cut and accented with ivory glass beads and 14k gold-plated fishhook-style ear wires.

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

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!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

What Should Prayer Look Like?

If you’re wanting to learn what God says about prayer, a quick internet search on prayer verses in the Bible will bring up quite a few references to what the Bible (AKA God) says about prayer, but something I would like to highlight is a newer-to-me perspective on why I ought to pray.

I grew up believing that prayer was about asking for what I want. In fact the Bible even says to let our requests be made known to God:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) (emphasis added, & hey, it’s also our verse from last week! Read that post, here: “How You Can Have Impossible Peace.”)

But make no mistake… prayer is not about making God do what I want. And trust me… that’s a GOOD THING.

God Doesn’t Answer to Me… Will That Cause Me to Doubt Him?

Something I always seemed to misunderstand was how I could be expected to make my requests known to Him & NOT be trying to make God into my personal genie—as I had always been told He was not… because He isn’t. He is GOD. And God does not answer to me.

So, going through deep depression lows & other seemingly never-ending times of hardship in my life, I would do as the verse says… I would make my requests (to end my struggles) be made known to God.

But when He did not remove the struggles or hardships… well, I stopped finding it so easy to trust Him.

And guess what… that is Exactly what Satan wants to result from our hardships & struggles… to doubt God & to turn away from Him... from HOPE.

And so I have come to realize that while the Bible does instruct us to make our requests known to God… I was missing a key piece to the whole prayer thing.

Prayer is meant to help me get on the same page as God. To align my heart with His perfect will & steadfast peace. To trust He knows far better than I do.

Remember These Major Truths When You Pray

Really effective prayer stems from another few verses we ought to keep in mind as we pray (emphasis added):

1. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
2. “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him?” For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to Whom be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:33-36)
3. ““For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways,
   And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
4. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
5. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)

It’s okay to let God know your preference & to ask for it. But when looking at the above verses, it sounds like God is trying to tell us something there, doesn’t it? And boy do I need that reminder almost every day…. Our preference should not be the end-all-be-all, my-way-or-the-highway type of request… but a request of humility, understanding that in ALL things, GOD KNOWS BEST.

Fearing God Is Where It Ought to Start… Because of Some Pretty Awesome Reasons

Fearing God means recognizing really & truly that God is GOD & we are NOT–that’s why true wisdom starts there. Couple that with the fact that God tells us directly NOT to rely on our OWN understanding, well, it stands to reason that when we pray, we ought to ask for HIS GOD-will to trump our own will… that He help us trust HIS will & that He uphold us in it & through it.

Prayer is not about bringing a grocery list of requests to God for Him to pop out as you ask them, allowing you to have your ideal life with zero struggle or pain.

Prayer is about bringing our requests to Him & asking with a BUT, “… BUT, help me to see YOUR will in this. Help me to face it in a way that honors YOU. Strengthen me & help me to give YOU glory—no matter the outcome, & help me trust that YOU will also be my enough every step through it & will work it out for my good because YOU are a good God.”

Pray your prayers with a heart of surrender, being willing to trade your preference for His perfectly wise & always GOOD will.

Who Would You Rather?

Consider it this way: If you had a choice between entrusting your faith to a toddler to help you know what is best… Or an adult… who would you rather call the shots? (Hint: We are the toddler in this scenario… & God is the adult, but so much more.)

Oh, we may want something REALLY badly & feel like it’s the absolute end of the world if we do not have it (our dream job, our dream guy, 2.5 kids with a white picket fence, or a clear bill of health–none of those are wrong to want, by the way)… But we only see & understand & know a mere FRACTION of what God sees, understands, & knows.

God sees & understands & knows EVERYTHING. Do we? I know I don’t.

(But let me tell you, it is getting harder for me to raise eyebrows at screaming, demanding-their-way toddlers nowadays because I’m beginning to realize how closely I must resemble them before God sometimes.)

So why oh why would we want & sometimes maybe even demand to get OUR way if it differs from GOD’S way?

God Is Good, So Good–Pray for His Will

I heard pastor & author Chip Ingram say in his video series on “God as He Longs for You to See Him”:

“God is all-wise & all-good, so if there was a gentler, kinder, better way for God to accomplish His perfect will for your life… That’s the way He would do it.”

-Chip Ingram

God knows what He’s talking about on literally EVERYTHING. So that’s why, when we pray, we ought to pray that God help us line up to His perspective & His will in the situation, that He help us trust in that even when we don’t really understand it or see how it could possibly be any good... that He help us through His way & in letting go of our way if it is His will.

“BUT, Your will be done… & help me to trust You through it… I don’t understand, but I know You do. And be my strength & guide & ENOUGH every step of the way.”

Do you pray to get your way or for help trusting God’s way?

Do You Pray to Get Your Way? Or for Help Trusting God’s Way?

Request your request, but have a heart willing to yield that request for His glory & His help through every step of it.

Because He may not give you what you so desperately want, but He WILL supply you with all you need through it, AS you lean into HIM as your Enough. He will NEVER waste your struggle or lack. EVER.

So, shine HOPE by turning your prayers from getting your way to asking for help in being willing to see God’s plan win over your own, & for Him to be your supply through it every step of the way.

He ALWAYS shows Himself faithful. And you can ALWAYS count on 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”!***)

This blog/website has been running for over FOUR 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!!

Aventurine Lock Bracelet (Dominican Republic)

The naturally varying shades of genuine aventurine stone make every Aventurine Lock Bracelet from the Dominican Republic totally unique. Each stretch-to-fit bracelet features a gold-tone accent bead and a delicate gold lock charm.

*Every purchase of this bracelet supports a safe house in the Dominican Republic that provides housing, education, legal services, and trauma counseling for survivors of human trafficking.*

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

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!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

Surrender to God Brings Joy

Last week, we talked about how we ought to surrender to God’s plan when it contradicts our own will. (Read that post, here: “Surrender to God When His Plan Contradicts Yours”) But really, to find true joy in life, everything in our life requires surrender… every little bit of it.

The wonderful thing about that fact is the truth that as we surrender to God’s will & His help in every little thing, big or small, we begin to take so much of the weight & burden off our own shoulders & place it on His very capable, inexhaustible shoulders (Matthew 11:28-30).

Everything takes surrender, whether it be a bad attitude, feeling gloomy or frustrated or even days where you feel like rolling your eyes at everything… & even on a good day, when you think you have it all together & you’re just rockin’ it—because doing what seems right in our own eyes, no matter how righteous it seems, will ALWAYS fall short of deferring to God in any given moment. We need Him.

Let’s go through some areas that require daily surrender.

Rise & Shine? Or Waking Up with the Grumpies?

When I begin my day, it’s my morning attitude & sleepy grumpiness that I must surrender first. My alarm goes off & I confess, my initial response is NOT “Riiise & shiiine, & give God the glory, glory!!” (Anyone else have camp leaders sing that to your hall every morning… oh LORD, I needed to pray for patience & grace those mornings!)

But, NO, that is not my usual first feeling. Normally, I groan in disgust, pinch my eyes shut in annoyed defiance to the required wakeup time, roll out of bed slowly, unwillingly… & pray something like, “God, I’m sorry. Please forgive my bad attitude. I am SO tired I just want to go back to sleep! Please help me honor You today & help my attitude get in shape this morning. Help me not ruin my own day with my own bad attitude. Help me give You glory today instead. AMEN.”

Surrender.

God Asked Me to Do It, But _____________________

Sometimes the need for surrender comes in those moments where I feel an annoying little nudge-prompting from God to do something that intimidates me or something for which I feel ill-equipped. My heart rears back & I feel fear & defiance & anxiety take root.

It’s when I feel too busy to handle it… or too easily distractable… or too worn out… or too ________________________. Distractions & inadequacies & obstacles seem to come in every shape or form when I feel anxious about something God asks of me.

And then God whispers over my heart the reminder that whatever He asks of me, whether a habit I need to get to making, or an area of obedience I am avoiding, or a task to speak to or help someone… no matter what it is… HE will take care of the details & the how. I just have to be willing to say, “Yes, Lord. Show me how. You know this scares or intimidates me because I want to be honoring to You, but practically, I don’t know how to do this. But if it’s something that honors You, I need to remember that You WILL help me to do it if I just be willing to let You. Don’t let any obstacle or limitation keep me from trusting You can make it happen anyway. Show me how & give me the strength to do it… & I will do it. AMEN.”

Surrender.

Love & Pray for My ENEMIES?

Or, here’s a good one. You know the verse that says to “love our enemy & pray for those who persecute us?” (Luke 6:27-36) Sometimes someone is straight up RUDE to me & they know it & they just don’t care one bit. Or, they are completely & utterly CLUELESS to how their bad attitude is being directed at me & so don’t feel the need to apologize at all.

Is my natural reaction to love & pray for them? NO! A BIG no. I want to throat punch them & tell them to shape up. I want to DEMAND the injustice & unkindness be righted.

What I DON’T want… is to be gracious (remember, by DEFINITION, grace is UNdeserved.)

I have to take a deep breath, swallow my righteous anger (because really, I have a right to be angry, but God instructs us to be angry & NOT SIN. (AKA no hatred & yes to loving them & praying for them instead), (Ephesians 4:26-32) & I have to stop & pray: “God… GOD… You saw that. I know You heard what they said & that You feel the hurt it caused me. I want it made RIGHT! I want justice. I want an apology. I want to scream. But I know bitterness & grudges & bottling up my anger doesn’t please You. You want me to love them & pray for them. HOW?!? Help me forgive them. Help me give grace. Help me remember I am just as in need of grace as they. Help me to leave it in Your hands & trust You to handle it. Show me how I can possibly love them. Teach me how. Love them through me & teach me to pray for them versus stewing in it or slandering them over it. Please help me. AMEN.”

Surrender.

So Many Things Don’t Go My Way… & Surprisingly, That Always Ends Up Being a Good Thing

And then there are my plans & goals & dreams, like I talked about last week. Sometimes God says “no.” Sometimes He says, “not right now” & sometimes the “when”not right now” seems so far off or so unclear that you’re not even sure if maybe it’s actually a NO. And it hurts.

Maybe it’s lacking a relationship & you wonder if you’ll be single forever (been there), watching your younger siblings & friends get married while you are yet to have any true prospects (again, been there). Everyone else seems to be enjoying marital bliss but you.

Or maybe it’s a job or career path that ever seems to be slipping out of your grasp or you feel like you’re floating through life, still completely unsure of “what you want to be when you grow up.” Everyone else seems to have it figured out but you. (I can also relate).

Maybe it’s wanting children, but every month you are hit again with the realization that it won’t be this time around. And that happens over & over & over again & you wonder why it seems God won’t answer that for you. Everyone else seems to have a happy family with game nights & camping trips & time with cousins… but you arrive childless to every family gathering. (That was my heart hurt for MANY years, although God has grown me to appreciate the different plan He has had for us. Read about that story, here: “To the Barren Woman.”)

Maybe it’s a prolonged illness, a bad diagnosis, a terrible injury, a mental disorder, or a trauma that seems to haunt you on the daily. Everyone else seems capable & able to live life to the fullest, but you feel stuck, missing out & held back against your will.

I could go through so many maybes, but the truth is, sometimes life just doesn’t happen the way we so, SO want it to.

And that takes surrender. Surrendering to GOD’S will when it seems so opposite your own. DETERMINING to cling to Him & trust His GOODNESS, to trust HIM. No matter what.

True Joy Comes in Living a Life of Surrender

EVERY decision He makes, as absolute authority over heaven & earth is ALWAYS meant for BOTH His glory & your GOOD. Always. 100%.

True joy comes in living a life of surrender, whether it’s my attitude, or little choices in how I respond or treat a situation, or being obedient to Him even when I don’t want to or it’s hard, or facing the fact that God’s plan may not line up AT ALL with mine.

It brings true joy to surrender to Him in all things because STRIVING after & CLINGING to & DEMANDING to have your way happen or that you DESERVE to feel that way or react that way… when we do that, we hurt ourselves.

Let God take on that heavy weight. And let Him carry YOU. Let Him care for & comfort you.

Say, “God, I don’t like the way this is turning out & I want to be bitter & mad at You even. I’m sorry for that, but it’s the truth. I don’t understand why You would allow this to be my life. How can You say you love me & allow this to be my life? I don’t understand. But I want to trust You. I want to trust that You’re still good & that somehow You know what You’re doing & that You’re even ENOUGH for me in this plan I DO NOT like. Help me. I really want to believe You, but it hurts so much. Help me fall back on You & know that You will be there to catch me. Help me stop striving & to start abiding in You & Your comfort & Your enoughness. Show me how. Teach me. Help my broken, bitter heart. Forgive me. Amen.”

Surrender IS Hard, But It WILL Change Your Life for the Best

It’s called surrender because it means the giving up of your way of doing or handling things, of giving up the way you’ve always wanted things to go… of choosing His will over your own.

But that’s where true & lasting joy breeds… in a surrendered-always-to-Him LIFE.

It seems nonsensical that by giving up the way we feel things should be handled or how I want MY life to go… that it will somehow make things better? But we’re not just throwing it all away to chance & then hoping at least some good will come of it, resigning to just giving up or numbing ourselves to what we want so we can bear to carry on… no, we’re ENTRUSTING that difference & contrast to an Almighty God who LOVES us so very much & Who sent Jesus to pay your debts so you could be set free from your due punishment.

He wants what is best for you & He KNOWS what is best for you… even if you think it doesn’t look very much like how you would want it… That’s a GOOD thing when you consider Who is doing the planning!

So, shine HOPE in your life by determining to choose surrender in the big & the small every single day & let HIM be GOD of your life. AMEN!

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Kaia Earrings (Philippines)

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