Call Sin, Sin

Okay, this lesson hurt me a little bit if I am quite honest with you.

As you might have been following, God has been encouraging me to call sin out as sin in my life… NOT sugar-coating it or laughing it off as a weakness of mine… NOT saying “oh, I was DEFEATED by that sin today,” but rather, “I disobeyed God today because I wanted to sin more than I wanted to ask for His help.”

It’s been rough, challenging, but oh so good for me.

Slothfulness

One of those sins is SLOTHFULNESS. Or, as it is more commonly labeled: Laziness.

This is a tough one for me for many different reasons.

The first & most commonly seen error, is that it is often misconstrued as a character flaw or a human weakness, rather than disobedience. “I’m such a lazy person.”

The second is that you might very well have legitimate circumstances that make it seem like you HAVE to be lazy because you just CAN’T.

Now, don’t get this confused with very much needed REST. We NEED rest.

But, when rest becomes more frequent than productivity, becoming an idol in your life that negatively affects the rest of your life & your responsibilities… there might be a problem.

My Limitations & Trying to Justify Lazy Choices

For me, I get a foggy brain. Some days I feel like there is so much fog in my head that everything feels like I am trudging uphill through quicksand to get anything done that day.

I also struggle with anxiety. When I have too many stressors affecting my life, I shut down, overcome by overwhelm.

And for those two legitimate reasons, it can become very difficult to distinguish between my decision to disobey God by dishonoring Him with the consistent neglecting of my personal responsibilities that God has asked of me… & just needing some rest.

And so, the pendulum often swings between one & the other for myself & many others whom I observe. We either exhaust ourselves when we really need to REST, or we indulge in & dishonor God with lazy decisions often in the name of “rest.”

Seeking Comforts (Vs. God) Became My Coping Mechanism

But, as I mentioned, I have two very legitimate areas of concern, where I became a little too comfortable choosing comfort over obedience, all in the name of “rest.”

I chose the “easy” way of videos, games, tv, etc. & anything else to avoid having to face my brain fog &/or anxiety in being productive & God-honoring with my time, redeeming the time as God instructs of us. (Ephesians 5:15-16)

How to Discern the Difference

So how do we tell the difference between needing rest & indulging in laziness?

The obvious & most effective, life-changing answer is to PRAY.

And no, I do NOT mean saying empty, supposedly magical words to God that will fix all of your problems & that you should just go on doing it how you always have UNTIL He indeed fixes it.

I mean LEAN INTO HIM. Pray, not just to cover your bases, but with an understanding that if ANYONE knows a solution, a balance, discernment to tell the difference… it’s HIM. And that you are turning to Him AS your solution.

Because no one knows the lies you tell yourself better than God does. So, ask Him. And OBEY where He guides you.

Learn to Get Honest with Yourself

The second suggestion in growing a discerning heart in this area is just plainly being honest with yourself, & maybe asking yourself questions when confronted with an opportunity to avoid responsibility:

1. Is this genuinely too difficult for you to handle right now? Take a break or ask for help.
2. Are you just wanting to QUIT? Lean into God’s help & DON’T let Satan win!

I also made a list of things to accomplish each separate day of the week, to help me stay on task.

Fail Forward… Progress Over Perfection

Do I always choose rightly? Nope.

This sinful, selfish craving for & sometimes over-indulgence in comfort has been a long-time habit woven into my response mechanisms whenever I face struggles that overwhelm me or when my brain fog closes in around me. Re-writing my habits will take time & God’s help.

This requires the renewing of my mind with GOD’S TRUTH to help me weed out & recognize the lies I so easily fall for & of which I often WANT to fall for (& repentance for the times I WANT to fall for it & when I disobey.)

This requires PRAYER for the Holy Spirit to help me recognize when I am compromising & going from REST to DISOBEDIENCE.

Slothfulness: There Is No Such Thing As a Lazy Person

The pull to be lazy & just quit for something easier & more comfortable is something I DAILY struggle with, but is something I know now to be laziness disguised as rest.

It’s a lie I tell myself so I can have an easier, more me-focused life, vs. an obedient, FULL life, with God’s help & guidance.

It’s trading God’s will & way, for MINE.

It’s a sin.

And so, I encourage you to also recognize, as I overheard a psychologist mention: “There is actually no such thing as a lazy person. It just simply doesn’t exist. What DOES exist are people who make lazy decisions.”

God Is All-Wise. He Is Our OVERCOMER.

If you struggle with this sin, fess up to it. Confess it to God. Repent & ask God to help you have a discerning heart to know when you ought to slow down & rest… & when you are using that as an excuse to avoid responsibility &/or what honors God in the moment—even if you have a very legitimate-seeming excuse to do so!

God can help you overcome ANY obstacle, so don’t let Satan convince you to STOP at your own limitations!

Call your sin SIN. Repent. Allow your mind to BE RENEWED through reading & thinking on God’s TRUTH. PRAY for HELP along every step & for awareness to recognize between a need for a rest & a need to rely on God over your limitations.

Shine HOPE by not allowing slothfulness or an addiction to comfort steal your time & joy.

Coming Next Week

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

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:

(***Check out the newly updated Resources & Recommendations page!***)

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 (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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Northern Lights Studs

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

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, and receive education & healthcare. These women are now able to give their family a promising future because of your purchase!

Purchase these studs & empower a woman in India!

How You Can Help:

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

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

The Subtlety of Sin

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

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

But it is.

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

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

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

The Dangers of Refraining from Praise

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

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

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

Praise Him in the Storm

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

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

How Can We Praise Him When It Hurts?

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

Prayer. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you trust Him?

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

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

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Northern Lights Studs (India)

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

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

Purchase these studs & empower a woman in India!

How You Can Help:

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

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

Keep Your “WHY” in Life Fresh

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

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

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

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

Don’t Leave Your First Love

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

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

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

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

His Great Love for Me (& You)

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

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

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

What God Wants

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Wandering Heart

I have begun to choose ME a little more often.

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

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

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

He Is Our VINE

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

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

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

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

He feeds my soul. He gives me life.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Even KNOWING it was for my GOOD!

Break Up That Fallow Ground!

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

“Sow for yourselves righteousness;

Reap in mercy;

Break up your fallow ground,

For it is time to seek the Lord,

Till He comes & rains righteousness on you.

You have plowed wickedness;

You have reaped iniquity.

You have eaten the fruit of lies,

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

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

Let’s Break It Down

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

1-Return to righteousness & obey God

2-Accept God’s mercy & forgive others

3-Allow God to plow up your hardened heart

4-Grieve over your sins

5-Ponder the consequences of disobedience you’re experiencing

6-Accept responsibility for those consequences

7-Seek God & His kingdom as priority

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

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

I Want HIM–Jesus Christ as #1

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

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

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

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

It’s Time to Desire Revival

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

It’s time for revival.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Luminous Studs (North Asia)

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

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

Purchase these earrings & empower a woman in North Asia!

How You Can Help:

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

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

A Dangerous Misunderstanding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Listen to the Bible

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Does What He Says He Will. Period.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not More Faith, But Faith More Often

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

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

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

Shine HOPE by having faith more often.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Andean Drop Earrings (Peru)

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

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

How You Can Help:

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

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

I Am a Weak Human

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Knew Better & I Ignored Him–On Purpose

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

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

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

I wanted the instant gratification.

The Patience of God

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

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

God is so patient with me.

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

I Am a Weak Human

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YES!… But First…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stop & Pray

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

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

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

The Right Response

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

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

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

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

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

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

Even When It’s Hard

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

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

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

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

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

He sees me.

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

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

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

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

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

Where It All Began

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

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

He knows you. He made you. ASK Him.

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

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Radiant Necklace Set (only middle of 3 necklaces shown)

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

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

Purchase this set & empower an Artisan in India!

How You Can Help:

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

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

Being Intentional in How We Represent God

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

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

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

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

Why God Commands Our Obedience

He commands our obedience because:

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

2. He has authority over literally everything.

3. He knows literally everything.

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

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

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

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

He Alone Is Perfect in All Things

He has:

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

God Can Handle Our Doubts

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

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

He is a Good, Good Father.

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

Want “More” Faith? Obey Him

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

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

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

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

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

His judgments are ALWAYS perfect.

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

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

Pray Without Ceasing

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

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

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

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

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

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

We should pray for direction, guidance, or wisdom.

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

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

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

We should pray for our leaders.

We should pray for our enemies.

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

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

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

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

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

Teach God’s Word

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

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

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

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

We NEED it!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Teach Obedience to God

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

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

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

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

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

Shine HOPE.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Bold Link Necklace (India)

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

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

Purchase this necklace & empower an Artisan in India!

How You Can Help:

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

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

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!

Sometimes

To be honest, as I sit here to write, I feel out of words. My mind is blank & every topic idea I have written down just seems flat to me… no inspiration is sparking & no encouraging thought is sprouting to mind.

So, I am deciding to just show up. This blog isn’t about me anyway… it’s about Someone MUCH greater than me.

I am not saying all of this to try to sound pompously puffed up & “super spiritual,” but rather as a demonstration that I am just a person like you.

A Vessel of HIS

I desire to be a vessel to share HIS grace & HIS hope.

Without Him, I am & would be nothing. Literally. Without Him, I wouldn’t even exist.

And sometimes, I have learned that when He shuts my mouth of words & my mind off from inspiration, it’s because He has something He wants to say to me, too, even if just to teach me that when I feel I have “run out,” He is still at work even without my “help.”

So, I am deciding to just show up & let Him do what He will with my typing fingers.

Just a Prayer

“God, I know so little. And even when I let myself believe that I know so much, I am humbled again to see how little it is in light of all You know & see & understand. Please forgive me for trying to run my life, even if “just” in the “little” ways. Help me redeem my time. Give me words of grace & love & hope for others. Help me to edify those You put in my path. Help me not to waste opportunities to shine Your light of hope to those around me. You see the hidden hurts & questions & doubts & chains that people have. Help me to have compassion & patience & to remember to pray for them. Help me to live a life of obedience with You as my KING, because You ARE. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Not Perfect, But Subject to the One Who Is

You don’t have to have the perfect words to say. You don’t have to “feel inspired.” There is no perfect formula.

You don’t even have to feel you are “perfect” because you aren’t… none of us are… but HE IS.

You just have to be willing to show up & be used BY God, THROUGH His perfect plan & His perfect power & love, FOR Him.

Just show up.

And let God.

And shine HOPE by doing just that & not an ounce more than that.

He is ENOUGH. He knows. He sees. He is able. 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 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!!

Northern Lights Studs (India)

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

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

Purchase these studs & empower a woman in India!

How You Can Help:

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

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me 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!

1 Corinthians 3:10-15

“By the grace God has given me, I [Paul] laid a foundation as a wise builder, & someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, & the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.” (1 Corinthians 3:10-15) (emphasis mine)

Am I Living Like 1 Corinthians 3 Is True?

It is frustrating for me looking at a large majority of American Christianity.

… Until I realize I am a part of it.

There is a little phrase in a verse that I never really understood & so just breezed by in the past, until recently.

“… the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.” (1 Corinthians 3:15) (emphasis mine)

How Often?

How many of us just live our lives, letting whole days or weeks go by without asking for insight from God into God’s plans?

Filling the time with jobs, hobbies, errands, chores, responsibilities, busy auto-pilot living….

And how often do we recognize that God has good works that HE has planned in advance for us to do? (Ephesians 2:10) … That He has an agenda that is not just “get through this day, get through this week, get through this year, the end.”

God Has Even Better Plans

Have you ever heard of the term, “Divine Appointment”?

The idea behind this is that God sees every heart & every need & hears every cry & sees every tear.

He also has a planned way to serve those needs & bless those hearts.

And oftentimes, we get to be a part of it, if we are willing to be a vessel of HOPE for Him.

Are you willing to trust HIS plan over your own?

What Are We Modeling? What Beliefs Do Our Choices Reflect?

And how often do we feel we “know enough” from church or maybe a Bible Study we go to, that we don’t really take time to bother with personal reading, studying, or praying? Because we “just don’t have the time”?

What are we modeling for children? For other believers? For those who are still lost?

In whom do our actions say we have our faith? Others? God? Ourselves?

Who?

Getting Honest with Yourself

Reflecting on your current priorities, do you think your lifestyle will be described as being ”a good & faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23) trusting God’s lead?

Or… “saved as if by fire” (1 Corinthians 3:15) aka barely making it by the skin of your teeth, doing the bare minimum to live for God?

I want my life to represent a life of joy & faith, trusting & obeying God, letting Him use my life to bless those around me, letting Him have the lead of my life. I want His abundance!

Redeeming the Time, for the Days Are Evil

I want to be a part of the plans HE has for my life…

… a life as SALT & LIGHT in this world.

… redeeming the time because evil will keep on happening (Ephesians 5:14-16) even if I don’t.

… letting God’s goodness shine hope into it!

What Will Our Legacy Say?

What do you want your legacy to say about you? About God? About JESUS?

And if, like much of my routine, you have everything out of order or feel you just “don’t have the time for anything else,” remember that for that reason, the verse says to REDEEM your time. Give all of your schedule to God & say, “God, I know this is all out of whack, but I am too busy & I don’t know what needs to go or how it needs to shift or how to create the energy I will need to do what honors You….

… But You are God. And You can help me know what to cut or move & how to do it. You can give me more energy to do what honors You….

… Your capacity & power, dear God, far exceeds my own. So, take my time. Redeem it for a better way. AMEN.”

Saved As If by Fire?

I have had to pray something similar throughout the years for my scheduling in general, but I need to learn to pray this way every moment… to be willing to let Him take the reins of my life moment-by-moment.

Because I want to honor Him.

I want to be His vessel of Hope.

I don’t want to just live & then die… I want to LIVE FOR HIM, through Him.

I want my life to point to Him & give Him glory.

I want to add His light more into this evil-filled world.

I want to be His light, edifying, building up, & making this life fuller & richer, by our Victor’s design.

I want to make the most of the days I have, no matter how many or how few. My life is a vapor, here today & gone tomorrow.

Shine HOPE by living as an intentional legacy of HIS GRACE & LOVE & HOPE in this world.

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!!

Truth Earrings

These incredibly light earrings are made with genuine local capiz shell.

In the Philippines, finding employment as a woman in poverty can be extremely difficult. Poor working conditions, lack of job security, & unfair pay are often the realities. Through your purchase, these women are receiving an income, health care, & social development programs. This allows these women to realize their potential & pursue their dreams in a safe environment. You have the opportunity to change lives! 

Purchase these earrings & empower a woman in the Philippines!

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 Story of Moses

Have you heard of the story of Moses?

A long time ago, all children of a certain age were ordered to be killed by the Pharaoh, but Moses’ mother hid her son & eventually placed him on the river, in a basket (sealed to keep out the water) as a last effort to keep her son alive. (Starting in Exodus 1-Exodus 15, you can find the story of Moses & the Passover.)

As the basket floated down the river, followed by the watching eyes of Moses’ older sister, Pharaoh’s daughter found him, & having compassion for the small child, took him in as her own.

Moses’ sister boldly stepped out of hiding & offered their mother as a potential nurse maid for him, allowing him to stay near to his birth mother in his early years.

But Moses grew up in the palace, surrounded by wealth, watching his own people enslaved by his adopted grandfather.

Some Context to the Story

But Moses’ native people, the Israelites, were not always enslaved to Egypt… they had once been invited in amicably & given lush farmland to call their new home. They were welcomed in because of their ancestor Joseph’s good works, led by God’s plan. (Starting in Genesis 37, with the offering of the land in Genesis 47)

In a time of great famine, Joseph (with God’s help & guidance) helped to allocate resources to keep the Egyptians & neighboring lands from a harsh death & as a reward of gratitude, the pharaoh at that time welcomed Moses’ people (before Moses’ time) & much farmland became their new homes.

But, when that pharaoh passed away, a newer pharaoh began to feel threatened by their growing numbers, & in order to prevent an eventual perceived takeover (ie paranoia & fear), he enslaved the people of Israel (Moses’ people).

A Torn Heart

And so, Moses grew up in luxury watching his people being harshly mistreated, whom he no doubt knew about because of his mother who had helped serve as his nursemaid.

He loathed the situation & his heart undoubtedly felt in constant battle between his comfort & their turmoil.

But he eventually ran away from home, after killing a guard that he witnessed mistreating one of his fellow people… he could no longer ignore their pain.

And while on the run, God got a hold of his heart, directing him not to run away, but to head right back to the Pharaoh & tell Him to “let my people go!”

After Moses expressed insecurity of his weakness in speech, God offered Aaron to accompany him.

So That God May be Glorified

This began the dance of Moses presenting to the Pharaoh his plea to “let his people go!” only to be met with a firm, “NO” from the Pharaoh.

Following each “NO,” from the Pharaoh, God would present a plague of some sort, from grasshoppers that ate the crops, to locusts that invaded even the palace, to frogs, to rivers & water turned to blood. But still, the Pharaoh’s heart was hardened & although he seemed to waiver in his resolve occasionally, he always went back on his word & ended with another firm, “NO.”

Until the final response from God: the angel of death who would kill off every firstborn male among man & beast… Otherwise known as “the Passover,” because God added a way out with this one.

God Provided a Way Out

Whoever killed a lamb & placed its blood on their doorposts, everyone within its walls would be spared… aka Passed Over.

It didn’t matter their merit. The angel didn’t go in each house to see the people prove something first.

The blood of the lamb was all-sufficient.

God Doesn’t Look at the Merit within Us—With Jesus

But what I want to focus on right here & now is the blood of the lamb, symbolic of the blood shed by Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, on our behalf.

We will all face judgement before God at our death.

… In other words, the angel of death is coming.

… But the blood of this Lamb of God (AKA Jesus Christ) is also ALL-sufficient.

And if we ACCEPT His blood offered on OUR behalf, covering our life with His sacrifice, then the same goes for us that there is no “looking inside us to see if there is merit” or “checking for proof that we’re deserving.”

His shed blood is sufficient.

His innocence covers our guilt.

… If we accept His blood to cover us.

We All Deserve Hell… But JESUS

The consequences we will face upon death, as we face the judgement of God, is no respecter of persons… in other words, it doesn’t look at whether we’re a good person or whether we’re well-liked by our peers… whether we’ve “done a lot of good” or whether we haven’t even bothered to try… whether we’re a success or perceived failure.

We all deserve the guilty verdict.

We all deserve to face the angel of death.

We all deserve Hell.

But.

But, JESUS CHRIST, the LAMB of GOD died on our behalf so that HIS blood could cover us, telling that judgement & deserved punishment to PASS OVER us.

Don’t Wait… Don’t Be Fooled… Don’t Forget the Blood of Jesus

So, the question is not whether you feel you have done “enough”, but whether you have been obedient in taking seriously God’s “way out” as He offered during the Passover in Moses’ time. AKA, the blood of the Lamb to cover YOU.

Don’t wait until tomorrow, for you to sin “one more time,” as you may not be offered a tomorrow to do so.

Don’t let Satan continue to lure you in with sin that seems shiny, appealing, & fun, but is littered with fine print consequences that keep you trapped & imprisoned by lusts of your heart.

Don’t let your deceitful heart fool you into thinking it knows better than God Almighty.

Don’t give room for missing out on a chance to have Jesus’ blood cover your life, because I promise you that the judgement day will come whether you wait or not.

Be prepared.

Let His Blood Cover You

Accept Jesus as Lord of your life.

Ask Him to forgive you & make you whole.

Turn from you sins (even the “not-so-bad” ones that are easy for you to justify or excuse).

Be set free.

Be PASSED OVER when judgement day arrives.

And be welcomed into Heaven, where there is no more sorrow or pain, no more tears… only rejoicing & wholeness & complete, pure contentment & peace.

This earth is our temporary home. Where will your permanent home be?

Shine HOPE by accepting the blood of Jesus & telling others about this “way out” that God offers to EVERY single person who will accept it!

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 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!