The Move of Continuous Struggles… But… God

You may or may not have followed that my husband & I just moved back to Guam a few months ago & that we are in temporary living until we can work through details for a home purchase.

Well, the saga continues with even more issues. It looks like temporary living is extended yet again & our longings for a HOME put off once more.

To say this entire process has been trying would be an understatement. From the process of the move continually blowing up in our face at the last minute to the MANY trials of the 2.5 days of travel, to now our seemingly never-ending pursuit of a place we can call HOME… it has been ROUGH.

And to admit it continues is disheartening. When does it end? Why is this happening? How many times can stuff go wrong? How many mistakes can be made by how many professionals whose job it is to guide us through this? Why? How? What? WHEN?!

But God has confirmed to us His hand in this, so we are left with a giant “shrug” emoji as our response to it all.

How Can I Trust God When Everything Falls Apart?

We have no clue how God is working or what He is planning, but we know He sure has His hand in it somehow because He has overwhelmed us with reassurance of His guidance for this path.

So, *shrug*

How can I trust God when everything falls apart as it seems to be so readily & consistently doing every step of the way?

Some have told us, “kinda makes you wonder if this is actually where God wanted you if so many things keep going wrong,” & trust me, I have been tempted to think this way sometimes, too, because satan easily & often convinces me of the easy-to-believe LIE that hard=bad & easy=good.

God’s Fingerprints & Reassurance in the STORM

But the ease in how this job came to our attention & how the pieces almost seemed to form together as we followed, without our trying to make it happen, show us His fingerprints in the plan.

And still the fact that EVEN with EVERYTHING seemingly sitcom-worthy nonsensical mishaps & craziness en route just all worked out anyway even though it seemed there would be ABSOLUTELY NO WAY POSSIBLE after everything that went wrong… almost like God was saying, “Nope, not even THAT can keep My plan from moving forward.”

He has SHOWN UP in this.

Hard Hurts

But hard hurts. Hard doesn’t feel good. Hard isn’t easy.

So, hard feels BAD. But hard is just hard.

I want to feel capable & in control, with a plan that I can execute, with God’s help, & feel strong & well able to charge ahead in this new path… but I’m not.

Throw depression in the mix & it’s like, “Really, God? Really?”

It’s like my life & my inner self is being stripped of everything that makes me feel strong & capable…. Glaringly obvious signs that I am NOT, in fact, strong & capable.

And it doesn’t feel good, let me tell you. It does NOT feel good.

So HOW can I trust God when everything falls apart? HOW?

Fearing God Is the Beginning of Wisdom

Because it all boils down to the repeated phrase throughout the Bible, as mentioned so well in Proverbs 9:10, “Fearing God is the beginning of wisdom.”

(Read my previous post on this topic, here: “Fearing God Is the Beginning of Wisdom.”)

That sounds foreboding & menacing, like a threat to submit & fear Him… maybe… but listen up….

For someone who rejects God, then yes, very much yes… you WILL face judgement whether you want to believe Him or accept Him or not. And if you insist on rejecting His grace, you WILL be called on to pay for your sin. The debt will fall on you.

But if you have accepted the gift of God, through Jesus paying your debt in full, submitting your life to Him… fearing God doesn’t come with a sense of doom, but rather facing a fact that God is GOD… & you are not.

So, taking that to heart, God’s absolute authority, Kingship, power, & control as ALMIGHTY GOD… I can trust that even if it seems like a hot mess of a dumpster fire with doom & destruction where absolutely NOTHING seems to work no matter HOW HARD you try… that HE HAS IT COVERED.

PERIOD.

We Know He Has It Covered!

Like I said, through God working the move together despite every turn being met with something or other falling apart at the last minute, coupled with the confirmation He has provided to me & my husband on this path with this house… we KNOW HE HAS IT COVERED.

Is it easy to have no say & absolutely no control whatsoever in this working out? NO!

Is it easy to not know what will happen & having to step forward without knowing where we will end up or when we will be able to call someplace HOME again? NO!!!

Is it easy to trust God when I don’t know His plan? No, no, no!

I have cried. I have felt like giving up. I have struggled with feelings of anger & bitterness. I have intimidated by the problems. I have wanted to just quit & run toward something that feels easier to me. I have had days where I just feel WEIGHED DOWN with ALL of it!

I don’t always have good days where I JUST TRUST. I don’t always submit in prayer immediately or respond with a gracious heart right away. My attitude has not always been honoring to God through this process.

But in those days & times, God whispers over my heart to praise Him, to recalibrate my heart to fix my eyes on Him & not on what I see or can’t see.

He reminds me to trust Him to be better & stronger & more capable than ME… by INFINITE amounts.

He reminds me that He WILL work everything not just for His glory, but always also for my good.

My Role Is to Just. Trust. Him.

And my role? Just. Trust. Him.

Let go & just trust Him.

Fall at His feet. Crawl to His throne. Whisper prayers in my weaknesses. And just trust Him.

“God, help me please oh please to just trust You.”

Shine HOPE by DETERMINING to trust the FACT that He has you, EVEN when EVERYTHING seems to be falling apart. Because He does. Oh, He DOES! Amen!

Just. Trust Him.

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 newly added 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!!

Pippa the Penguin (Vietnam)

LIMITED EDITION – While supplies last! Cuddly, soft, and squeezable, Pippa the Penguin is timeless, fair-trade, holiday fun with a festive red winter scarf! Artisans in Vietnam hand crochet each lovable penguin with soft cotton-blend yarn and gray, white, yellow, and red colors that make this adorable stuffed animal an ideal winter gift or addition to any holiday decor. Each huggable penguin is hand stuffed by visually impaired women in areas of extreme poverty.

Every purchase 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!

Am I Fit for Motherhood?

Have you ever had the fear that you were not good enough to be a mother or that you would somehow ruin your children if you had any?

Dealing with depression, I have definitely had that fear. When I am at my lowest, I struggle to even take care of myself, so I sometimes am afraid that if God were to give me children, I would do a terrible job at taking care of them in those lows.

I’m also selfish. Well, not all the time… but honestly, there are some days that I think, “I would never have the freedom to do this so easily with children… do I even want them?” And if I have days with those thoughts, how could I ever be fit to be a mother?

Many Women Have This Same Concern

Some ladies have confessed to me that it’s their past that scares them away from motherhood… whether it’s their own childhood with abuse, neglect, or even just the human shortcomings of a parent… or whether it’s their own personal mistakes of their past that make them feel unfit.

And since I have heard this fear expressed multiple times through my life, of: “Oh no, I could never have kids… with my [mental disorder, past, history of mistakes] I would ruin them for sure!”

Take heart with this simple but profound Truth: no one is beyond God’s reach & no one is unredeemable.

God Fills in the Gaps

There are so many strong Christian women I have met who were abused, neglected, cheated on, or were completely failed by their parents in some way & yet, through their surrender to God’s healing hand, their life was redeemed & God used their past for His glory & for their good.

It is common for parents to fail their children in some respect, despite their desperate attempts to avoid doing so… because they are human.

This is not an excuse to use in order to ALLOW the poor behavior, wrong responses, neglect, etc., but is simply a fact. Humans will always fall short.

But the good news is that God is always willing & perfectly able to fill in the gaps.

Scenarios Where God Can Redeem

Picture a military wife, wide-eyed & excited to be wooed by a military man in uniform, falls in love, gets married, has children, & then he gets deployed. Now she’s raising them on her own, she’s tired & stressed & feels alone in the day-to-day, just trying to make it through until he returns… she gets short with her children, easily upset, tense, checked out, sad, frustrated… just living in survival mode, running on empty….

The yelling. The “just leave me alone” over-stimulation. The short temper. The tears.

Will it have a negative impact on her children? Most definitely it will. But… God.

But then picture a new scenario, where a mother has full support from her husband, attends women’s Bible Study to stay filled & encouraged, but on days where she hasn’t gotten enough sleep the night before, she slips & screams in response to her child repeatedly disobeying & ignoring her instructions.

Will that have a negative impact on her children? Most definitely it will. But… God.

And sometimes it is simply just repeating the patterns the mother saw growing up, oblivious to the potential of it being any different because it’s all that has ever been modeled to her.

Will that have a negative impact on her children? Most definitely it will. But… God.

We ALL Fall Short

The point is not to scare you into thinking, “why bother then?!” but to encourage you that NO mother will EVER be perfect. We ALL fail in some regard. And it WILL have a negative impact on the children.

BUT, GOD.

We live in a sin-torn world & God tells us we WILL have trials & tribulation, BUT that HE has overcome the world! (John 16:33)

He also tells us that He PROMISES that EVERYTHING will be worked for the GOOD of those who love Him & are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

We all fall short of His glory. (Romans 3:23-24) He heals & binds up the wounds of the broken-hearted. (Psalm 147:3) He is sufficient. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

In other words, GOD CAN REDEEM ANY PAST & HEAL ANY HURT. And though we do & will fall short… HE IS ENOUGH.

What If I Ruin My Children?

We don’t have to be imprisoned by the fears of all the ways we could mess it up because 1. We can trust that God can help us each step of the way IN our weaknesses & failures, & 2. We can trust that God can heal & redeem anything broken.

This gives me confidence that I can lay down that fear at His feet & say:

“God, I see that I am insufficient. I have my own personal struggles & past hurts & bad patterns that were modeled to me by the world I grew up in (some that I am sure I am not even aware they exist yet!). But God, You are greater. You are sufficient. You can fill in the gaps where I lack. Help me not to be controlled by my fears of insufficiency, but by Your power & love. Help my trust to be in You & not in me. Help me to lay this down. Forgive me for my failures & redeem those situations. Give me wisdom moving forward & help me to always remember to stop & ask for Your help where I am lacking (in mood, wisdom, strength, willpower, patience, & anything else I struggle with in each moment). You are enough. You are sufficient. Praise to You! All glory & honor belong to You. Watch my [potential future] children & hold them in Your capable hand. I love You. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Shine HOPE by laying those fears of “what if I ruin my children?” at His feet & asking Him to redeem in your mistakes day-by-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 newly added 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!!

Noel Nativity Art (Haiti)

LIMITED EDITION – While supplies last! Wish everyone on your gift list Merry Christmas with this ethically made Noel Nativity Art from Haiti! Artisans meticulously hand cut, hammer, and embellish the word NOEL with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in a manger beneath the nativity star. Every purchase provides safe jobs with fair wages for Artisans in Haiti.

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!

Does Our Salvation Require Works &/or Obedience?

This topic is a delicate balance that often is wanting to swing from one side to the other.

How are we saved by God? Is it through our works (being a good person, or DOING for God)? Or is it through faith (in Jesus’ death for our sins & resurrection, conquering our sins & death)? Or is it both?

Do we have to prove our sincerity *enough* to deserve & receive Jesus’ gift before we get to go to Heaven?

What Salvation Is

All of us have sinned… every single one of us… & we all DESERVE Hell.

We also cannot earn Heaven. No matter how much good we do, we can never be near good enough to earn Heaven.

But… Jesus.

Our salvation (being made right with God from our sins against Him, through the payment by Jesus for those sins) is most definitely something that can only be accredited to Jesus alone.

Faith or Our Good Works?

So, understanding our complete lack of ability to atone for ourselves, knowing Jesus paid that for us, this question of faith vs. works seems a simple answer—by faith!!—but this quick answer is often misunderstood, so let’s talk about it.

There is absolutely no amount of good works that we can do to merit salvation from Hell. Nothing. If left to us, we would all go to Hell (& deserve to be there), but by God’s love & grace, HE MADE a Way possible for us anyway, through Jesus… & ONLY through FAITH in JESUS’ work on that cross can we achieve salvation.

But…

BUT, the Bible also tells us that faith without works is dead (in other words, if you *really* BELIEVED it, wouldn’t you try to live it?) (James 2:14-26) & it reminds us that true love for God is shown through obedience to God (John 14:15) (again, if we really have our faith in Him, wouldn’t we trust what He says & try to do it?) which sound an awful lot *like* works are involved in there as well.

And that is where a hang-up occurs for many Christians. It is a crack of misunderstanding that Satan likes to wedge himself right into & exploit to have us question our salvation altogether.

But let me be clear, while true faith is demonstrated by our works, it is not the amount of works that earns you salvation–only Jesus.

You Can’t Ignore Obedience

And still others, ignoring the whole “faith without works is dead” truth altogether, think that as long as they *say* they believe in Jesus & *say* the “magic” prayer: “Lord, please come into my heart & save me, blah blah blah,” that they’re all set & ready to prance right along into Heaven, living a life of unremorseful sin in the wait.

You see, it’s not the not-so-magic *words* that get you into heaven… it is BELIEVING ON Jesus’ work on your behalf! And if you BELIEVE on Him… don’t you think you will want to trust as He says we ought to live & try to live that way instead?

Salvation is ALL faith & ONLY faith can save you from your sins—faith in Jesus paying your price for you & rising again, conquering your sin—but that faith, that utter trust in HIM, if sincere, leads us in a DESIRE FOR HIS WILL & WAY.

Sanctification Is a Lifelong Process, Worked out by the Holy Spirit

We don’t become perfect when we accept His payment on our behalf, but the desire in us shifts from a desire for MY way, to a desire for HIS way.

We will get it wrong. We will fail. But we will desire His way to win, not our own.

When we accept Jesus’ work, through our faith in Him (aka salvation), through TRUE repentance (a desire to turn from our ways to His), GOD works in us, called sanctification (a lifelong process of God helping to weed out the sinful habits/patterns, & trading up for habits & patterns that give Him honor & glory, that please Him–holiness).

The level of sanctification we achieve does not determine salvation, but it is sure evidence of that salvation.

And the even better news? He doesn’t leave us to figure out how to do it or HOW to do it (sometimes change feels IMPOSSIBLE, doesn’t it??) But rather, HE works it out in us.

HE prunes us. HE leads us. HE instructs us (through the Bible). He enables us (through prayer). HE points the way.

Not a Better DOER, But a Better ABIDER

So many of us, including myself, can get lost in the DOING. “Do more,” “be a better Christian,” etc.

But God desires something different from us after we put our faith in HIM.

He desires our ABIDING more in Him–to act according to the reality that He is the Vine & we are the branches… apart from Him, we can do nothing. We NEED to rest in His presence, to be still & know that HE is God (Psalm 46:10), to acknowledge HIS role as GOD ALMIGHTY Who loves us beyond measure. (Proverbs 3:5-6; Ephesians 3:14-19)

“Abide in Me, & I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, & I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5)

God Wants Us Near Him Because He Loves Us

He wants us to talk to Him, to pour our heart out to Him, to come running to Him first for comfort or peace, to lean into His strength & power to enable us when it’s hard, to rely on His knowledge & wisdom.

Basically, He wants us to go back to living like we are in the Garden of Eden, taking His hand & letting HIM be GOD, doing as He leads & enables.

This doesn’t mean NO doing. It just means abiding so you can recognize which works specifically He is calling you to do.

Not doing everything “Christian-y” in hopes you’ll get it right some percentage along the way, but instead, reading His Word & being in His presence & talking with Him more so you can hear your Shepherd lead YOU.

Salvation + Works + Obedience?

True repentant faith will produce works & obedience as you seek to live His way over your own, but you can’t do it on your own & you will fail completely at times.

You are human. You WILL fail. (I know I do—I do not deserve to be here!) And Satan will be quick to whisper, “stop going back to Him when you fail… you’re mocking Him with every failure… stay away from Him this time….”

But God will whisper, “Come home, My child. Yes, Jesus paid for that, too.”

From my social media yesterday: “Obedience (or a desire for & striving in obedience) to God’s commands does reveal whether we are truly repentant—as in, saying “the magic words” doesn’t get you a ticket to heaven, but believing on Him & seeking to live His way through His enabling (by abiding in Him). But we will still fall short, so salvation is not something hinged on whether we get it right every time or enough times, but whether our heart truly believes on Christ as our Redeemer & as ultimate Almighty God, & if that’s truly the case, God will work in us sanctification (weeding out the bad habits/thoughts & training us up in righteousness to better live for & glorify Him). It’s a working He does in us as we surrender our hearts more & more as we abide in Him. The level of sanctification achieved does not determine salvation, but sanctification is evidence of salvation as He works in us as one who believes on Him.”

Shine hope by having faith in His work & His way, surrendering more of your heart for His sanctification, & abiding in Him more so that He may work through your life to reach a hurting world that so desperately needs to know of the HOPE we have available to us in JESUS.

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 newly added FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts”!***)

This blog/website has been running for 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!!

Grove Bracelet (Thailand)

This stunning adjustable slide-knot bracelet from Thailand is colorful & unique with natural fluorite & apatite crystals, lime-green jade, red jasper, glass, & gold-tone beads. Hand braided with dark green cotton string, each bracelet is finished with knotted ends and gold-tone accent beads. Every bracelet features naturally unique stone color tones.

Every purchase provides vital opportunities for women in Thailand’s rural villages to earn income & help their families thrive.

Purchase this bracelet & empower a woman in Thailand!

How You Can Help the Artisans:

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!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

I Wanna Do It

It’s not easy for me to stop & be still & just know that HE is God.

When I am faced with something difficult, my trust is not so easily placed in the hands of God… I want to fix it… I want a say… I want to help (so it goes my way—as if I can make it happen that way).

I have realized lately just how much this reveals a lack of trust in God… that it’s easy to know I ought to trust God in all things… & quite a bit more difficult to actually rest in that trust when hard things come my way.

I Know What to Do… But That Doesn’t Mean I Necessarily Submit to Doing What’s Right Every Time

We Christians receive a lot of flak for being hypocrites… & often for good reason.

There are areas of my life where I have seen God work in situations I felt were impossible, teaching me to further rest in Him when similar circumstances arise… but when I am faced with something new, for some reason, my gut response is not to recall all of those other circumstances & thus rest in God’s ability, care, & resources… but for me to start anew by trusting myself first.

It’s Terrifying Sometimes to Entrust Someone Other Than Myself

Trusting God can feel terrifying sometimes because it feels that if I don’t do enough, everything will fail… or at least fail by not going the way I want it to.

Why do I put so much stock in my own efforts & care, even when God has proven Himself faithful & much more capable than I countless times?

More Faith in Him… Or Myself?

This journey of embracing my limitations, while simultaneously embracing the limitless nature of God, is no easy task. It requires me placing more faith in Him than I do myself—& with all the many times He has proven Himself capable while I have often failed, you would think I would be much quicker to jump to God for help.

Learning to Trust God’s Plan More Than What I Can See

My current situation is no different. We are moving to Guam, with little option to bring our cat of 9 years (aka our furbaby) with us.

I want to rest in God & know He has a perfect plan in it all, but instead, all I often feel is worry, afraid that His answer will be something I won’t like & wanting to step in & fix it myself just in case that happens to be so.

How little I trust God!

God Knows What I Don’t—And All He Does Is for Our Good

Even in times where His answer was the exact opposite of how I asked Him to help in a situation, in hindsight, I eventually ALWAYS saw His plan as exceedingly better than mine—no matter how hard it was to trust & follow His way at the time.

For example, when I long ago had to say goodbye to my first love in order to follow God’s leading on my heart, it was the LAST thing I wanted to do, but I see now that my heart wanted someone I was not fit for & that my husband now (who, at the time I didn’t even know existed or whether he would ever come into my life at all) ended up being such a better fit for me & I for him.

God KNOWS what He is doing, even when in MY ”wisdom” He is doing something I want to fight back against.

God KNOWS

God doesn’t have to “best guess” it. He doesn’t have to trial & error it. He just KNOWS.

I know I shouldn’t be too hard on myself. I know every single person has at least a small area where they hold back or try to self-solve, self-shield, or self-soothe in their own limited wisdom, thinking it’s up to them…. as I do….

But I also know I need to not let that become an excuse & that holding onto this control for myself just leads to unnecessary anxiety, fear, stress, & overwhelm… that it keeps me trapped in the facade that I have any true control over my life, ever on the hamster wheel of trying to maintain what’s not up to me to maintain… instead of learning the true rest that comes from trusting God to KNOW.

God Is Patient… God Is Kind

It’s a process. It’s a failing forward.

I don’t always get it right… I most often DON’T get it right the first however many times.

But God is patient & God KNOWS what to do when I am finally willing to come rest at His feet for help… to place the situation in His hands versus gripping onto false control for myself.

A Journey of Embracing My Limitations

If you met me in person, I am sure my highlight reel would be a tempting perspective of me… but I am no different than anyone else… I get it wrong… a lot… I forget to pray for help & usually just act on instinct first instead.

And I am on a journey of ever learning how to embrace my limitations so I can better rest in the limitlessness of God Almighty & His gracious, capable love.

Shine HOPE by learning to accept that God knows more & better… that He can where you can’t… that He wants your GOOD… that even if His solution seems scary or hard, you can rest in knowing that He has a plan, that He knows what He is doing, & ultimately that it’s even for your GOOD. Amen & amen.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

This blog/website has been running for 4 years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Long Chain Necklace (India)

Love long chain necklaces? This is the necklace for you. This silver-tone link-chain design is handcrafted in India & is totally on-trend! Wear alone, double up, or layer together with other chain necklaces from our One World Collection, like our Long Chain Necklace – Gold.

Every purchase provides fair trade jobs in areas of extreme poverty in India.

How You Can Help:

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

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

The Wiles of the Devil

I have to admit: Satan is smart. He knows where to hit & how to subtly convince us of things that are just not true.

And something he has successfully deceived me about in the past were all of the many “reasons” why a pursuit of holiness was something I did NOT want to pursue.

Is this something you can at all relate to? Do you feel a stubbornness ignite within you whenever the thought of pursuing holiness comes up? Do you feel overwhelmed by it? Does it make you cringe?

In all honesty, I have felt all of those things & more.

When I thought of holiness in the past, so many emotions were quick to surface (encouraged by the lies I believed about it), drowning out even considering this idea any further.

So, today, I want to spend some time debunking the lies that breed these fears & concerns that Satan so craftily can convince us of if we are not on the lookout for his schemes.

Is Holiness Unattainable Though?

The first & most common offender (for me, at least), is overwhelm… that holiness “must be unattainable.”

When I hear this small, yet lofty, command to “be holy, for I am holy, in 1 Peter 1:16, I immediately flood with the recognition of my many faults, failures, pride, & stubborn nature, etc.. This FEAR rears up in me that I must be PERFECT to please God. And this idea is so daunting to me that it makes my head spin.

And when I feel overwhelmed, what is my first response to it? AVOIDANCE! (I adopt the children’s concept of, If I can’t see you, then you can’t see me!” & pretend that little verse must mean something else, so I’ll just breeze past it to where I feel more confident & comfortable.)

But, the verse remains right there in 1 Peter 1:16, doesn’t it?

If God Commands It… It’s Possible… With God’s Help

So, how do I combat this fear? How do I dislodge this doubt that Satan has so carefully embedded in my heart? This doubt that my sinful nature rears up at, wanting to choose ME over God?

“Jesus looked at them & said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

First, we must understand something VERY pivotal to this whole command for holiness: If God commands it, then it IS possible.

With God, All Things Are Possible

BUT, it is NOT possible in your own efforts! And it is NOT something you are entirely responsible for… It IS a cooperation with & reliance on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, wisdom, strength, power, etc.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church & in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever & ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

And every single time that the Bible tells us to do something (aka how to be holy), “IN FAITH” or “BY FAITH,” God’s Word is not referring to a flimsy faith in yourself, but a faith in the ALMIGHTY God to help you carry it out… a faith that HE has what you need to carry it out & that HE will help you do it!

It’s a partnership born from humility & obedience to God.

It is a desire in your heart, manifested by the wisdom, direction, power, & strength that He provides. A partnership & a process that God will continue working in you as you seek to live for Him throughout your lifetime.

“… being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

Will This Isolate Me? Making Me Unrelatable?

So, with that relief, Satan was quick with more ammo… If I desire this life of pursuing holiness… won’t that make me unrelatable? Isolated?

Won’t people look at me, scoff, & say things like, “Who does this girl think she is?”

Won’t people think I am judging them constantly because I choose God over myself?

Won’t people shun me when confronted with their own unwillingness to surrender when they see me in pursuit of pleasing God?

Won’t I come off as arrogant & self-righteous?

Won’t all of this isolate me from others, rendering me completely unrelatable?

The answer isn’t simple. It’s yes AND no.

Yes AND No

Yes, some people may not understand & may think you believe yourself to be better than them, but others will see the humility it takes to surrender to God’s working out holiness in your life.

Yes, some people may feel “called out” for their own sinful choices, but others will be encouraged to repent & turn back to God for restoration & healing.

Yes, some people may feel threatened by your pursuit of holiness, but also others will be inspired by it.

Yes, you may lose some friends who want to live the bare minimum for God, but you will most likely gain more friends who are serious about wanting to please God with everything they can, with God’s help.

Know the Truth

And how does God sum up His commandments? Like this:

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” … Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart & with all your soul & with all your mind.’ This is the first & greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law & the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36-40)

Don’t let Satan trap you in his scheming tricks & lies. He is constantly roaming around, seeking who he may devour, & has come only to steal, kill, & destroy. (John 10:10)

“Be alert & of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

But Jesus came that He may give LIFE & to give it more ABUNDANTLY. (John 10:10)

God Is Good. God IS Love.

Seeking holiness may require some giving up of things, but not without replacing it with that which will breathe LIFE into your life. It’s a giving up of the LESSER for the FAR GREATER.

For God’s will is always for our good because HE is Good.

He loves us so much that KNOWING we would reject Him & choose ourselves over Him in so many ways big & small, He STILL created us AND MADE A WAY for us to be restored & redeemed, through the willing sacrifice of Jesus Christ!

A God who loves you THAT much does not ask you to give up good things for worse things, but quite the OPPOSITE.

He asks us to give up things that don’t breathe LIFE into us, so that we can exchange those things for LIFE-giving alternatives.

Squashing Holiness Fears: Unattainable? Unrelatable? Isolating? NO!

Our obedience to Him is a blessing to us… not arbitrary control-trips by an arrogant god, but PURE WISDOM-formed commands by a loving, Almighty God who seeks our good.

Pursue holiness.

With God’s help.

With no ulterior motives.

Not for salvation.

Pursue holiness.

And SHINE HOPE that only comes in living for holiness… living a life that seeks to please God for only the reason of pleasing God–Because that is THE most loving thing you can do in this life.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Zoya Earrings (India)

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

(*Also Shown: 1/2 strands of the Ellora Necklace, hand-crafted in India.*)

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

Purchase these earrings & empower an Artisan in India!

How You Can Help:

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

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

But Really… What Is It?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What God Says = Fact

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

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

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

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

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

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

I Have Seen His “Impossible” Hope Change Me

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

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

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

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

Unwanted Attention

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until I started asking God about it.

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

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

A Prayer Seeking HOPE

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

Starting to Let Myself HOPE

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

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

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

What Is Hope?

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

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

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

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

Jesus Came to Show Us There IS HOPE

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

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

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

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

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

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Silver Medallion Necklace

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

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

Purchase this necklace & empower an Artisan in India!

How You Can Help:

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

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

Enjoying God Flows into Obedience

This topic about obedience flows nicely from our short 3-part series about “Enjoying God” that we just finished up… so let’s talk about why obedience is not a bad word.

Once you begin to see God’s loving, forgiving, & patient nature, you also begin to see how EVERY rule & command that God gives us is actually meant for our BENEFIT… & I mean EVERY one of them.

God Knows Everything… Literally

The reason we are called to obey God & are commanded so fiercely & repetitively to do so, is because God is our Sovereign, Eternal, & Almighty Creator God Who also happens to know literally EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING… & He happens to love us more than comprehension.

But It’s So Hard…!

The reason it is SO HARD to obey God is because since the eating from the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good & evil back in the Garden of Eden, we all (to some degree) THINK we might possibly know better than Him, especially when what He tells us is the exact opposite of what we WANT to do. And, to top it off, OTHER PEOPLE are constantly making wrong choices due to this fact, making us think it’s up to us to regain the balance & fix things… As if God needs our help?

AND, as if obedience wasn’t hard enough because of our own perception & desires, God warns us that Satan is constantly on the prowl to whisper little doubts about God that convince us to follow our own whims & ways instead of God’s. We make the choice, but Satan is always looking for ways to give us that extra nudge to convince us toward our way & away from our hope found only in God.

Obedience Builds Trust

But, let’s circle it back to where this discussion began… Enjoying God.

Every little instruction, command, or rule that God gives is not only for our benefit, but is also designed & declared by our loving, all-knowing, sovereign, almighty, eternal GOD. Basically, He’s WORTH TRUSTING way more than the so-called “benefits” of trusting ourselves.

And that is a huge reason why obedience is not a bad word.

His Words Aren’t His “Version” of Truth… His Words DEFINE TRUTH

Another thing to consider is that His commands are not His opinions & are less like power hungry commands & more like the Law of Gravity. It just IS. His laws just ARE.

It’s not a debatable, maybe-I-know-better type law from a fallible leader, but coming from an All-Knowing, Eternal, Almighty, Sovereign, Creator God.

His laws & commands aren’t just rules… they are indicative of what just IS.

And that’s why it’s best to obey & to trust & to live those laws of His, because when we do, life somehow, against all our human judgement & intelligence & understanding, His laws ALWAYS just seems to work out infinitely better than our ways.

Because His Words just ARE.

They aren’t just His determination of truth… His Words DEFINE TRUTH.

We Need His Help & He Gives It

So, what do we do when we REALLY want to do our way? When we think that THIS TIME we REALLY think that we’re right instead of God? When Satan’s whispers are SO TEMPTING that we want to go right through with what WE WANT?

Tell God all about it. Slump “at His feet” if you need to. Tell Him your inward battles. Tell Him how much you don’t want to trust Him. Tell Him how you really REALLY just want to do it your way. Tell Him you need His help to trust Him more than you trust yourself. And ask for His help!

Those are all things I have learned that I need to tell God… even if reluctantly at first. Usually it starts with a deep sigh, fighting every ounce of me that want to do it my way & I just start by being honest with God.

Getting Real with God

Usually, my prayers around obedience sound something like this:

“God, *SIGH*. I REALLY REALLY REEEAAAALLLLY think that I would rather do this than that. I don’t think You’re right & I am sorry for that, but I just really want this way. HELP ME. Help me trust You because right now I really don’t want to. Please. I want my way in this because Your way seems way too hard & I just feel anxious & I just want my way because it feels easier right now. Help me, please! I know deep down that You MUST know better than me because You are God & I am not, but I want my way, so please help me to trust You & do it Your way instead. Help me come off my own pedestal in all my limitations to put You back up there where You belong. Please help me because it seems impossible to do it Your way right now. Please help me trust You more with all Your great love for me & help me accomplish Your way… Give me what I need: the courage & strength & confidence, to do what You say I should do. Thank You for always listening to my cries in all my weak moments & for helping me every step as I lean into You. Amen.”

It’s Okay to Struggle with It… But Take That Struggle to God for HELP

It’s okay to have a hard time trusting God & it’s okay to admit that to Him & to ask for His help to trust Him when it’s hard.

But let me reassure you that obedience, when it comes to God’s commands & rules, is NEVER a bad word, as they are ALWAYS designed & declared & commanded of us for OUR BENEFIT.

Lord, Help us to trust You & obey You & to ask for Your help in the many times where that just seems impossible. Thank You for Your faithful help & care for us!! AMEN!

Shine HOPE by trusting God & OBEYING HIM. He’s GOT YOU, babe.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Eternal Pearl Set

Delicate freshwater pearls make each of these classic pieces perfect for every occasion.

Artisan Information:

In India, poverty is rampant & fair working conditions are hard to find. But with every purchase, women are receiving an income, access to healthcare, adult literacy programs, & self-help groups! Not only does this change their lives, but they are also pouring back into their communities & helping others! You have the opportunity to empower thousands of women in India!

How You Can Help:

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

God Is Quick & Ready to Forgive

I have talked before about God’s call for us to forgive others, but today, I want to talk about guilt, condemnation, shame, etc. before God & connect HIS response to US to how God calls us to forgive others.

Today, in watching church online, the pastor made a valid comment about the fact that when we turn to God in our shame & guilt, He is quick & ready to forgive us.

The pastor ALSO made the comment that as we mess up again & again (as we all do, if we’re honest with ourselves), God is STILL quick & ready to forgive us when we come to Him, recognize where we distrusted & therefore disobeyed Him, & then ask Him for forgiveness.… He wants us to come to Him in them again & again!

Feeling Condemnation

I don’t remember when it was that this happened, but at least a few months ago, I was thinking about feeling condemnation (which, by the way, is from Satan trying to guilt us away from turning to God for forgiveness) & how terrible it feels to make the very same mistake I have already made so many times in trusting MYSELF in a particular area versus trusting God’s way in it.

I felt so disgusted with myself, rightly so, but as I am sometimes slow to come to God in that ickiness, I finally, reluctantly began to pray & ask God to show me mercy & forgive me. I told Him I knew I messed up AGAIN & that I could hear Satan taunting me that “how many times do I have to ask God to forgive me & shouldn’t I just stop bothering to ask God at all?”

It ached my heart, but it seemed like a valid point to me.

One Too Many Times?

Asking God to forgive the umpteenth time I messed up in a particular way felt like mocking God. I was afraid to ask Him to forgive me. I was afraid I ran out of His forgiveness in that area.

And then the verse I learned SO long ago washed itself over my mind as I prayed… “70 times 7.”

That’s how many times Jesus Himself encouraged Peter as the appropriate amount of times to forgive someone… not in a necessarily literal 490 times… but that when Peter felt gracious in asking Jesus whether SEVEN times was a good amount to forgive… Jesus responded with, no… “but, seventy TIMES seven.” (Matthew 18:21-22)

His point…? Go above & beyond in how you forgive someone. Forgive even when they least deserve it.

That’s How God Forgives US

And in that moment of prayer, God reminded me of that instruction from Jesus’ mouth, “70 x 7.”

That’s how much He tells us to forgive others because that’s how much He is ready to forgive US.

God’s mercies are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Oops, I Did It Again

He doesn’t say, “Michelle, OPE, you have messed up your last time & I’m DONE!”

Instead, when I come to Him ugly crying, ashamed that I’ve OOPS & done it again, feeling crummy, disgusting & just so sick of myself… God whispers… “70×7, Michelle. 70×7.”

He doesn’t want me to turn away from Him & try to carry that sin & those wrongs on my own shoulders, forever beating myself up for them, never moving forward.

He wants me to come to Him again & AGAIN for RESTORATION, TRUSTING He WILL forgive me again & AGAIN.

I (We) Can Trust Him

TRUSTING that His grace REALLY IS sufficient for my weakness.

Trusting His great, endless love for me.

Trusting Jesus’ work for me (& us) on the cross as ENOUGH.

Trusting God to forgive me 70×7 & beyond.

He wants us to come to Him no matter how many times we have to come to Him.

Love Keeps No Record of Wrongs… & God IS Love

He doesn’t keep record of wrong because God tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:5 that LOVE “keeps no record of wrongs,” & then, in 1 John 4:8, we are told that “God IS love.” (Emphasis mine.)

God’s Forgiveness… 70 x 7.

Focus on What GOD Says

So, stop letting Satan keep you trapped in that disgusted, worthless, I-have-messed-up-one-too-many-times state of condemnation…. Come to God AGAIN.

Because God is always quick & ready to forgive… 70 x 7.

John 3:17, “For God did not send His Son [Jesus] into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”

John 10:10, “The thief’s [Satan’s] purpose is to steal & kill & destroy. My [Jesus’] purpose is to give life & to give it more abundantly.”

TURN TO HIM. AGAIN. & again & again & again & again & again… to infinity… & beyond.

Strive for God’s Honor & Glory… But Turn to Him When You Make Mistakes

Should we always strive to live a life that honors Him, revealing our trust in Him by doing what He says to do & asking for His help when we DON’T trust enough, so He can help us? YES.

Will we mess it up & get it wrong? YES.

Will we mess it up & get it wrong AGAIN, in sometimes the exact same way? YES.

BUT God calls us to GO TO HIM every time. Every single time.

Yes, even then. And then… & for that too.

God’s Forgiveness… 70 x 7

Whether you run or whether you slump in defeat… Call out to Him & ask for His mercy.

He will be quick & ready to give it.

Shine hope by trusting God to forgive you, even at your worst & even when that worst is a repeat offense. Shine hope by trusting Him to be quick & ready to forgive you every single time.

70 x 7.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Turning Leaf Set

This silver finish hammered metal necklace with matching earrings was inspired by the beautiful shapes of leaves.

Artisan Information:

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

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!

Good Memories through Rough Roads

Well, I have enjoyed these last few weeks of walking through some of the doubts I have faced in my life—ultimately, they are good reminders because, when looking back, I can clearly see all that God has brought me through, even in the worst of my doubts & struggles.

(NOTE: To see the doubts we have covered so far, find the “Categories” block on the righthand side of this webpage & select “Handling Doubts” in the dropdown menu.)

A Condensed Guide Ahead

Today, I thought it would be a good idea to do a quick recap of the doubts I have covered already, in a condensed way (with God’s Word), to serve as a reference when/if you face any of these doubts yourself.

When you’re really struggling, sometimes you (& I) need it hashed out & lengthy so we can really grasp a hold on the Truth to counter our swirling sense of overwhelm, but sometimes it’s best to just see some good reminders at a glance.

So, let’s do that today!

Things to Remember About DOUBTS

Let’s review some quick tips ABOUT doubts:

2. They are a tool Satan uses to trick us out of trusting our One true source of HOPE-God, through Christ.

3. God already knows we have them.

4. God can help us work through our doubts, usually in one of 2 ways: Either helping give us clarity to understand OR by helping us to see that we can TRUST Him, even when we don’t understand.

5. We should never hide/stuff our doubts, but instead, find freedom by turning to God & asking for His help in sorting through the doubts He already knows exist

Covering Our Doubts in TRUTH

The following doubts are all we have covered recently, with some encouragement from God’s Word for each one. I hope it serves as a reminder that even when life doesn’t make sense, you can trust Him & turn to Him in ALL things.

(Also, my numbering system throughout this series of blog posts has been an absolute mess & I APOLOGIZE for it, haha! Hopefully you can show me some grace & roll with it. And if you don’t see any issues, maybe I got too embarrassed & went back to fix it already, we shall see, haha.)

NOTE: All emphasis/brackets in verses are mine.

1. “Which religion is right/real? IS there a “right” religion? Does it matter?”

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) JESUS is THE way!

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Not based on how good we are, but in how Good God is, through Jesus’ payment on our behalf!

“For God so loved the world that He gave his one & only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

2. “What if God isn’t even real?”

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless & empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, & the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” & there was light.” (Genesis 1:1-3) Spend some time in Genesis 1, seeing the beauty of God’s creating work & then look outside & ponder the majesty of His creation, both specifically ordered AND vastly diverse & unique!

Also, if you remember in the Matthew 5 series, we talked about a PURE (see also, an UNDIVIDED) heart. The more we seek Him & His ways, the more we begin to see how personally & intimately He responds to our prayers. It’s a beautiful thing! He knows us so much better than we even know ourselves.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

3. “What if I am beyond forgiveness?”

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful & just & will forgive us our sins & purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) ALL. All unrighteousness.

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven & against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe & put it on him. Put a ring on his finger & sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf & kill it. Let’s have a feast & celebrate. For this son of mine was dead & is alive again; he was lost & is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” (Luke 15:11-24) THAT is Jesus’ LOVE for YOU.

4. “Can God really hear/answer my prayers? Why pray?”

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.” (1 John 5:14-15)

“Ask & it will be given to you; seek & you will find; knock & the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; & to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8) Seek HIM.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

5. “Is it really that important to read the WHOLE Bible versus focusing on key phrases/verses?”

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul./The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple./The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart./The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes./The fear [reverential trust] of the Lord is pure, enduring forever./The decrees of the Lord are firm, & all of them are righteous./They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;/they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb./By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” (Psalm 19:7-11) God’s Word NOURISHES us!!

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

6. “Can God even help me read my Bible or follow Him when nothing I do seems to work?

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.” (1 John 5:14-15)

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church & in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever & ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

7. (Subtle doubt) “I think I know best for my day-to-day schedule/life, so there’s no need to ask Him.”

“You are not to do as we do here today, everyone doing as they see fit,” (Deuteronomy 12:8)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart & lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, & He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

8. “I turned to God when my life was hard, but it’s still hard—Is God a false hope?”

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy & peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.” (1 Peter 1:6)

9. “Maybe I need to prove my faith by living for Him in my own strength, not His?”

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.” (1 John 5:14-15)

“Seek His will in all you do, & He will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:6)

10. “Where is God in my hurting?”

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

“Come to Me, all you who are weary & burdened, & I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle & humble in heart, & you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy & My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

11. “If He is good & all-powerful, why would He let this happen?”

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

12. “Am I being punished?” & 13. “Should I even ask for God’s help if I feel I deserve this?”

***Go back up & read the verses for #1 & #3 again, Lovely. <3 *** God is quick to forgive.

And That’s a Wrap!

Phew!

I don’t think I have ever put so much effort into a single post before this. But it was well worth the effort, reminding myself & maybe you, too, to seek God in every doubt.

Maybe you still doubt & maybe you doubt God so much that you don’t know whether you can trust His Word (the Bible). If so, TALK TO HIM about those doubts! Even in silent pleas, reach out to Him & ask for His help.

Start with the prayer I prayed a majority of my youth, found in Mark 9:23-24, where Jesus says, “If you can believe [in Him & in God’s power], all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out & said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

But, don’t take my word for it, basically EVER, go ask God yourself & solidify those answers in your heart by asking for His help in sorting through your doubts & showing you TRUTH in the midst of your fog or unsteadiness. He is standing ready with open arms to answer you because He cares for you.

Shine HOPE by not leaning on yourself & your understanding in your doubts, but by turning to God in all things. He’s got you, girl.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

Weekly Special Spotlight:

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

Sea Glass Necklace

Many Jordanian women have their lives controlled by their closest male relative. They balance many customs at home, creating a lack of independence. Some of these women are divorced, widowed, or married to a man who may already have many wives. But amid struggles, these women we work with arrive to a family-like workplace. They can be heard singing, laughing, & drinking tea while creating our unique jewelry made from upcycled glass bottles. The glass is tumbled with water & sand from the Red Sea. Your purchase empowers them with boldness & financial independence for the first time!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in Jordan!

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

Through the Good Times & the Bad

God has walked me through some tough times in my life, to include depression in high school (& after) & my severe stress in Hokkaido more recently.

I figured since we talked about trusting God in the midst of our doubts through pain & suffering last week (read more, here) that we should also talk about a powerful, God-given way to protect/defend ourselves when faced with harsh difficulties. (Hint: It has more to do with what GOD can do, than what WE can do.)

Now Stop Right There

Satan doesn’t quit once you feel secure in your eternal salvation. He wants to isolate you, make you freeze up, keep you fruitless, & keep your life set to mediocre, preventing you from seeing God’s hand in your life as much as possible, because Satan’s goal is that your testimony of God’s work remains silent, unseen, & unheard (to you AND to those around you).

There are a lot of passages in the Bible talking about Satan’s goals to destroy us & also the importance of taking a stand against him, armed with God’s Truth & a faith in God’s power & all of that is in the Bible for a reason—It’s NEEDED.

And usually when life feels great, we may not see that Truth as necessary, but it is important that we arm ourselves always so that 1)We are less likely to fall into Satan’s traps or fall for his tricks, & 2)When we are faced with a struggle or trial we will already be prepared & trained on how to combat it.

God-Given Advice AKA Truth We Can Count On

So, we are going to walk through some God-given advice that is based on the sure hope of His Truth.

When we approach God’s Word, the Bible, it is easy to think of it as one opinion or some advice that might help. BUT, this is THE God who created the universe & everything in it. This all-powerful God is not just guessing or supposing something COULD help, He is telling us because He KNOWS what WILL help.

Make sure to keep that in mind as we move forward, also keeping in mind that I am not a learned Bible teacher, but am coming from the perspective of experience with God’s Truth & knowing it CAN be trusted, even if I don’t always understand how.

Also, it’s important to take God at His word when He speaks & instead of tossing what we don’t understand, to ask instead for His wisdom to understand or to help you trust Him in your lack of understanding, even simply by beginning (& continuing with) the prayer spoken in Mark 9:24 where it said, “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief!”

EPHESIANS 6: Armor OF God

I have seen this set of verses quoted so many times that it seems almost like, “Yeah, yeah, I get it… Do these things to maybe make trials easier to handle….” But never from the perspective that this is the armor OF God. HE supplies it. He makes it. HE is the power & strength behind it!

“Finally, be strong in the Lord & in His mighty power. Put on the full armor OF GOD, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh & blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world & against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor OF GOD, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, & after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth [God’s Word] buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, & with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith [in God’s POWER], with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation & the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” (Ephesians 6:10-17, emphasis & brackets mine)

Some Highlights to Remember

I am not going to walk through each of the pieces of the armor of God with you, as some Bible studies can help walk you through those, but I am going to point out some helpful things to keep in mind when we read that section of Ephesians.

1. The power behind that armor is not based on how much you believe but in how strong our God is. Trust HIM, not in how well you feel you trust Him.
2. Faith in God is not proving you believe Him enough to do it in your own strength, but in knowing you need HIS. Lean into Him & call out to Him for help in all things.
3. Memorize, don’t just read, God’s Word. Tuck His Truth in your heart & be ready to use it when Satan tries to kick you when you’re already down. It will help keep you steady when the world begins to shake.
4. Realize that you have an eternal HOPE in Christ Jesus & NOTHING Satan can throw at you on our temporary earthly home can EVER take away that hope. Stand firm in that secure hope that we have if we have put our trust in Jesus.
5. If you don’t know Jesus yourself, or aren’t sure if or whether you feel you can trust Him, visit my Hope is Found personal testimony & the link I have provided at the end of that page for any further questions you may have. You are lacking the defenses mentioned in this passage if you haven’t started by turning your life over to Him for His hope, forgiveness, & grace.

And Don’t Forget to PRAY

Oh, & while I am on the subject of putting on the full armor OF GOD, let’s be reminded that this passage is followed with a call to turn to God & talk to Him through all things… & it keeps emphasizing it.

We can’t do this life on our own & we were never meant to because the King of all kings offers His grace & hope & strength & peace & courage & POWER as we seek to live for Him.

And pray for your leaders & those who are striving to live their lives as a shining light for Him & for fellow believers. This life is not easy & turning to God on each other’s behalf is such a huge help & encouragement. So, please pray!

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers & requests. With this in mind, be alert & always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” (Ephesians 6:18-19, emphasis mine)

Goodbye Doubts, Hello Truth

Don’t let doubts rule you. Don’t hide from them in shame, hoping to wish them away.

Face them bravely, by accepting their presence & turning them over to God Who already knows your heart, asking for His help as you wade through uncomfortable waters.

He is able, He is patient, He is gentle. He is kind. He is ready & willing & able to walk you through every one. So, don’t turn away from Him in them, turn TO Him every time.

Shine light by trusting in the Armor OF God in every struggle & hurt, leaning into Him & turning to Him with your pain & cares… because He CARES for You.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

Weekly Special Spotlight:

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

Petal Necklace

This cubic zirconia floral pendant hangs from an antique golden chain and pairs perfectly with the Petal Stud Earrings.

Artisan Information:

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

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!

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