God Sees, God Helps

It’s been a while since I have struggled like this with getting to my blog for the week. Maybe I’m not sleeping enough. Maybe it’s the gray, rainy weather we seem to be having nonstop these last couple weeks… who knows (I think I am partly solar powered, so these constant gray skies are no bueno). But here we are, so let’s get to it.

Something to Think About

Let’s start off with some questions I want you to think about:

1. What do you keep from God?
2. What in your life are you lord of vs God?
3. What habits or patterns are you modeling after the world/culture over submitting to God being Lord over them?

These are tough questions, I’m not gonna lie. They’re easy to make justifications… to feel like it’s “just the way life goes,” etc.

But, if you’re really, truly honest with yourself (& with God), are you ALL IN for Him?

Do you live your life primarily for Him? Or for you?

Are You Trying to Do “Just Enough”?

I think of the rich young ruler, as talked about in Matthew 19:16-22 & Mark 10:17-22. He was missing such a crucial part of the picture.

He made sure to obey all of God’s laws, to try to live a pretty GOOD life. But Jesus challenged him with something he couldn’t handle.

Jesus challenged him on whether or not he was really willing to go ALL IN... or if his faith was divided.

Jesus knew the young man’s biggest weakness, his biggest stronghold… his reliance on his wealth.

Money isn’t bad, much like most strongholds in our lives… until it replaces your willingness to trust God ALL IN… until it becomes the thing you trust in more than you trust God.

Can You Answer “Nothing” to These Hard Questions?

What do you refuse to entrust to God?

What do you hold back?

What do you hold on to that isn’t God Himself?

What, if God hinted at taking it away, would wreck you most?

What would it take to compromise your trust in Him above all else?

We won’t always understand. We won’t always get it. He is GOD Who made the world & everything in it… we’re just PART of the created… a mere blip in the timeline. It makes sense that we won’t always get it.

But God is GOD all the same. Regardless of whether you GET IT.

And we must submit all the same.

Not in Part, But in Whole

We can quote the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17) & be like, “I’m pretty good at keeping those,” as that rich young ruler responded to Jesus… but we forget the tall order brought by the first few commandments, to love God above all else, with zero competition. (Matthew 22:36-40)

Do we live like we love Him that way?

All that God does, every single little tiny bit of it is ALWAYS 100% for BOTH His glory AND our good. He is worthy to be praised! He is worthy of our ALL IN.

It All Starts with a Willing Heart & a Big God Who Can Help Change Hearts

And you know what? It starts with that mustard seed of faith. (Mark 9:23-24) A willingness to say to God, “please forgive me, God, that I feel so afraid, so threatened at the idea of ever losing ____________________, if You so chose it. Forgive me for my small faith. For trusting me above You. Please help me loosen my grip. Help me to trust anyway. Help grow my desire & willingness to go ALL IN, knowing I can trust You with the ENTIRETY of my life…. Not in part, but in WHOLE. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Think About It…….

So, let me ask you again, the 3 questions I asked you earlier:

1. What do you keep from God?
2. What in your life are you lord of vs God?
3. What habits or patterns are you modeling after the world/culture over submitting them to God being Lord over your plans?

We fill our lives with so many good things: family, friends, job, hobbies, church even… but do we allow time for God to give it meaning beyond the right now… for eternity… for His glory?

Do we bow it all to Him to be used by Him & for Him?

Do we take the time to ask how He might want to do that in our lives?

Or do we just keep on living it the way we always have?

Shine HOPE by offering your life to God as a LIVING SACRIFICE, being willing to ask God how you can go ALL IN for Him… His glory… your good.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for 7 years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Citrine Cluster Studs (INDIA)

These stunning Citrine Studs from India feature a set of stones and pearl within a gold setting. Perfect to dress up for a special occasion or for everyday wear, these studs create lasting change for families in India.

***Purchase these beautifully handcrafted earrings, using the “Shop Here” link below, to provide safe jobs with fair wages for women in areas of extreme poverty where vulnerable women are often exploited by sweatshops.***

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

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

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

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

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

God Never Contradicts Himself

There are a lot of verses in the Bible that, upon first inspection, can seem to contradict one another, but aside from a point I highlighted in a previous post, where “In the Bible–Audience Matters,” sometimes we just need to take a moment to consider both sides of the same coin.

For example, the Bible warns against vain repetitions in our prayer, because doing so implies that God doesn’t already know…  but it also instructs us to “continue steadfastly in prayer.”

“And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.” (Matthew 6:7) (emphasis mine)

“… continuing steadfastly in prayer.” (Romans 12:12b)

So, what exactly is the Bible getting at here? Our motivation behind what/how we pray.

Vain Repetitions…

Is there a feeling of pressure? As if there is a desperation calling you to “just repeat the prayer as much as you can so that God will listen & hear you?” That would be the vain repetitions God warns against. He doesn’t need us to tell Him multiple times–He knew before you even asked Him. We also don’t need to feel we need to manipulate or strong arm or convince Him. Although He may not answer the way YOU think is best… He DELIGHTS in helping you. (Psalm 147:11)

Think of your absolute best friend, your best friend of a sibling, your spouse, boyfriend, etc. If they were to have a problem they know you could easily help with & they begged & begged & begged repeatedly, as if they feel you wouldn’t care about helping them otherwise… wouldn’t that be kind of offensive? It would show that they doubt whether you care enough to help them & feel they have to REALLY convince you in order for you to care about them. Ouch.

Think of how God feels. He already even knows your heart & your need. He DELIGHTS in helping you. How do you think it feels when you repeatedly plead with Him as if He doesn’t?

Why Do You Pray?

On the other hand, at least for me, I can have a tendency to pray & then act. Pray & then do. Pray & then figure it out myself. Pray & then disregard my need for Him. Basically, praying out of habit versus waiting on Him at all–just doing it myself, my way, with just a little dash of prayer “for good measure.”

That is also offensive, isn’t it?

If I really believed He DELIGHTS in helping me & that He is MORE THAN capable (Ephesians 3:20-21)… why would I treat Him like prayer is just the backup plan or the little bit extra “just in case” cherry on top? Ouch again.

Continued Reliance

No, the staying at it is not to convince Him enough to help me… it’s not to somehow “activate” His power… it’s not a backup/”just in case” measure… it is THE answer.

It is to live in a constant state of “You, God. YOU are where my help comes from. YOU are the answer. YOU are my source of wisdom. YOU ALONE. Nothing else. I need YOU.”

No matter what you need. No matter the distress. No matter what you can’t figure out. No matter what you can’t do on your own. No matter what brick wall you hit. No matter the temptation. No matter the fear. No matter the lack. No matter the obstacle. No matter the worry. No matter the hurt. No matter the confusion. No matter the lack of direction. No matter the trial. No matter the problem. No matter the question. No matter the whatever else you can think of….

He IS THE answer. Not AN answer. Do you pray like that?

Why Do You Pray? Vain Repetitions VS Continued Reliance

Why do you pray? To get your way? To “convince” God to listen to you? To “convince” God to care? As an extra measure, “just in case”? To “get” God to carry out YOUR plan that YOU figured out that YOU think is best?

Why do you pray?

Or do you pray to bow yourself before an ALMIGHTY GOD Who made heaven & earth… & YOU? … to trust He alone is your true source of hope & help & wisdom & strength & power to do what you cannot?

That’s why we KEEP praying, because whenever we doubt, it is a determining to CONTINUE again & again to remind ourselves to always GO BACK to the ONLY One we KNOW we can turn to as our help & our hope in EVERY circumstance—to GOD ALONE.

Why do you pray?

Shine HOPE by putting your continued hope in HIM AS your answer–Him alone…. in continued reliance upon Him.

(*Read these previous posts about prayer & its purpose: 1.)“Intentionality–Making Prayer a Priority,” 2.)“Pray Continually–What Does Prayer Actually Accomplish?”, 3.)“Why Pray When God Already Knows?”*)

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for 6.5 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!!

Enda Necklace (INDIA)

When you shop the beautiful Enda Necklace, you are creating safe jobs with fair wages in areas of extreme poverty where vulnerable women are often exploited by sweatshops.  Enda is an Irish name, meaning “like a bird” and it is a sign of endurance or a reminder of one’s ability to rise to new heights. The Enda Necklace is beautifully beaded with turquoise-colored glass beads, featuring dangling pearl charms throughout. Wear alone or style with other necklaces for a layered look!

***Purchase this beautifully handcrafted Enda Necklace, by clicking the “Shop Here” link below, & help empower women in INDIA out of poverty!***

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

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

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

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

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

Do You Eye Roll When Someone Offers to Pray for You?

I have seen eye rolls in response to people saying they will pray for them—even eye rolls from Christian friends to other Christian friends. This shows me that there are some who simply do not understand the power & purpose of prayer.

I must admit that at times in my life, I have been amongst those doing the eye rolls, which eventually spurned me to pray about & seek to better understand it… & I’ve learned some things along the way.

Vain Repetitions?

For one, prayer has seemed to become seen as the “vain repetitions” that the Bible warns us against so strongly. (Matthew 6:7) Repeating religious sounding prayers or using many words to sound spiritual has absoutely no power.

Listing things & then saying “amen” does nothing, either. We can’t control God’s actions by using the right words or the right amount of words.

I also understand wanting to teach children how to pray, but we ought to be careful that we don’t further promote these empty, vain repetitions, whether it be a quotable children’s prayer before a meal, or one before bed, or even a quick adult prayer before a meal—they are often just spewed off without much thought or heart behind them… just “Christian words” built in as an expected “good Christian” ritual to do before we eat or sleep, neglecting to teach the true power behind prayer—the One to Whom we pray.

What Is Prayer to You?

Saying we’ll pray for someone is even the Christian-learned response to someone’s distress or problems… but how often are those issues actually prayed for?

When you pray, do you just list off your needs like a checklist?

Do you decide what you need or want & then come to God to carry them out for you?

Do you plan your life & ask God to make it  happen?

And if so… do you get mad, feel jaded or neglected when God does not carry it out as such? What is prayer to you?

At the Feet of Jesus

Consider Mary, in the story told of her & her sister hosting Jesus at their home. (Luke 10:38-42) Where was Mary? She was sitting at Jesus’ feet, soaking up His wisdom & teaching, sitting in awe of her LORD.

Or David, & other authors of the Psalms, how their prayers were raw, didn’t hold back in their anger or hurt or fear or emotions… but always made a point to direct their hearts to the faithfulness, love & power of GOD. (Psalm 73)

Moses understood… eventually… that God was the One to supply the power in his obedience to God’s leading… & so trusted God to provide where he could not. (Exodus 4)

These aren’t passive, regurgitated prayers or prayers out of habit or “just in case” prayers, these are prayers of FAITH, understanding that their prayers don’t have power because of the level of their faith or the use of the right words, but because of WHOM they place their faith!

These are prayers of humility, repentance, coming before a Holy ALMIGHTY GOD, imploring of Him as someone who deserves absolutely nothing, but simultaneously understands the absolute generosity, power, & love of their LORD.

Have You Been Praying about It?

When I ask you, “Have you been praying about it?” I am not offering some trite Christianese solution, I am asking if you have been trusting your own personal wisdom, that of others, your efforts, outside solutions… or whether you have trusted GOD Almighty to be the One Who absolutely knows how to help & CAN help you in whatever situation it is you find yourself.

Bowing it before God, humbly imploring Him for a solution & help is THE BEST place you will find the answers to what you are seeking/need.

Coming to me or someone else is not anything close to what God can do!

We Don’t Control God

God is not someone you come to to carry out your plans & give you what you want & make all your dreams come true… He is GOD ALMIGHTY, whom you bow before, humbly offering your requests, trusting boldly that He invites your petitions with open arms.

It is an honor & a privilege. It is an immense blessing. It is not to be taken lightly. We don’t control God.

Because of all this, a single prayer holds more power than an entire planet of people putting their minds, strength, & efforts together to make something happen… more than all the self-will & self-determination & planning & efforts one can even dream to muster.

A single prayer holds more power than your wildest dreams, & God is able to immeasurably more than you can ask or even imagine through a prayer (Ephesians 3:20-21)…. Because prayer is an act of trust, turning to GOD instead of to yourself or to human efforts.

What Prayer Is Not

But prayer doesn’t mean an automatic, guaranteed way to get your way. It is a bowing to His way & trusting His way to be better than yours no matter the appearances or your feelings in the moment… trusting He knows what He is doing best.

Doubting, turning to Him as a “just in case” or “backup” while turning elsewhere as well, will not get you an answer. God wants you to know that you know that you know that it was from HIM. (James 1:6-7) He’s not the backup. He’s the solution.

Also, if you don’t ask, you can’t expect to receive. Because again, you trusted in something other than Him. Or, if you ask for something that dishonors God or to spend on your own pleasures, don’t expect to get anything from God in that. (James 4)

Peace IN the Storm

Prayer doesn’t mean an automatic, guaranteed out for any pain or struggle or hardship, either. It is a bowing to His leading, His strength, His peace in the storms to carry you through whatever may come.

There is a little verse I need to regularly remind myself of—about impossible peace… peace in the midst of situations that would naturally erase any chance of hope. Because God CAN where we CAN’T. (Philippians 4:6-7; Isaiah 26:3)

It’s not easy to do, to bow what we think we have to have or what we think we NEED or what we think we have all figured out… to defer to God & His wisdom instead, relinquishing your imagined sense of “power” & “control” in a situation, to LET Him be GOD, but BOY is it WORTH it.

God knows what He is doing 100% while we only see or think or understand in PART.

Yes, we can certainly ask God for help, for wisdom, for what we wish… while understanding that He ought to have the final say… while trusting that God will take care of you quite sufficiently EVEN IF He chooses not to answer the way you wish… because He knows better.

(*An encouraging song that has helped me understand this is “Sometimes He Calms the Storm [& Other Times He Calms His Child]” by Joshua Bullock.*)

How to Pray & When

When we pray before a meal, it ought not be a ritualistic routine, but also doesn’t need to be a long drawn-out, “more religious” type of prayer… but mirroring Jesus’ habit of a simple voicing of gratitude for God’s provisions. (Luke 22:19; John 6:11)

When we pray for a friend, it’s not about “saying all the right words” or something nice to do to be “a good Christian,” but rather an act of humility & trust & understanding that God is more capable than you or anyone else to help them.

God says to “pray without ceasing,” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) as if, instead of having inner dialogue, you recognize He can hear your thoughts & so direct them to Him as a conversation in your thoughts, recognizing He is ever with you & hears you & cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7; Proverbs 3:5-7)

Who Do We Pray To?

The Bible says that fearing God is the BEGINNING of WISDOM. (Proverbs 9:10) Why? Because it’s an understanding that God is GOD… & I am NOT. Do you pray like that?

Trusting yourself over a God Who knows & sees all & holds all power to create the world & everything in it… well, it’s simply not wise.

We can trust Him. Even when He doesn’t give us any of what we so strongly are convinced that we absolutely cannot live without. He is God & I am not. I can trust Him.

He loves us with an incomprehensible love… a love that compelled Him to send Jesus to pay for the debt we could never come close to paying. God LOVES you… & if He gave His Son to redeem us from the wrath we deserve, how much more can we expect Him to care for us in life? (Romans 8:32)

What Even Is Prayer?

What even is prayer?

If you think your prayers hold no power… is it because your prayers are more about a backup effort to carry out your plans & your will… more about trusting yourself or regurgitating Christian-sounding words… more than they are about submitting your requests to a HOLY ALMIGHTY GOD who loves you & gave so much already for you because of that love?

Let your prayers be a reflection of trust, of hope in Him, of that humble understanding of all He is.

He is worth trusting in every time; & a single prayer to GOD is worth infinite of anything else because He can do what no one else can.

God Can

When life crumbles around me

When life swallows me up like an insurmountable rush of destruction

When life threatens & mocks & rips at me

When I’m not wanted

When I feel alone

When I am criticized & ridiculed

When I feel no one is on my side

When all my efforts fall flat

When everything I try fails miserably

When nothing I work so hard at seems to make a dent

When life strangles me, smacks me, or turns its back on me

When peace seems an extreme impossibility

God can.

God’s peace can swell & overcome

God has a plan & will turn it for my good & His glory

GOD can be TRUSTED.

God is LOVE.

God sent Jesus to die for the sins of the world (including mine)

God sent Jesus to die for the sins I could never repay

God accepts all those who repent of their sins & who accept the payment His Son gave for us

God forgives

God is ENOUGH

God answers prayers

So. Pray.

Do You Need to Adjust How You Pray?

Are you an eye roller toward prayer? Do you maybe need to reassess the purpose or power of prayer? The Power behind prayer being not the words you say, but the God to Whom you say those words to?

Do you need to adjust how you pray?

Shine HOPE, by praying in humility, trusting in the absolute power & overwhelming love of our great God Almighty.

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 SIX 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!!

Fiesta Earrings (INDIA)

Make a summertime fair-trade fashion statement with the Fiesta Earrings! These gorgeous beaded tassel earrings feature a triangular gold-tone frame and colorful beaded fringe in shades of blue, pink, orange, tan, and cream. These unique artisanal earrings are handcrafted in a workshop in India that’s committed to fighting child marriage and helping women become financially independent as fair-trade Artisans.

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!

Church or Christian Country Club?

I noticed this a couple decades ago & now even more so, but in a country that was once known as a Christian nation, it has seemed that, even in my youth, church is oftentimes more about attending because that’s how we grew up or in order to be a “good Christian,” rather than any particular personal investment or much heart surrender on the part of many whose lives I observed outside of church.

It has also seemed, in many churches I witnessed through the years, church has been treated as more of a Christian country club rather than a body of believers submitted to & serving Jesus Christ—a place to feel good rather than a place of humble sacrifice to Him.

Do we get encouragement at church? Yes, of course. But that ought not be its main function… to FEEL good.

This mindset is often evident in arguments within the church about music taste or carpet colors or other inconsequential things.

Church is not about focusing on us & our comfort & our feelings. Church is about coming together to worship the God Whom we serve, He Who made heaven & earth & all that is in it. It is about bowing our lives to Him to be used as He pleases, even if uncomfortable or lacking “fun.” It is to glorify HIM & make HIM known & seen. It is about learning how to know & love Him better.

A Dangerous Shift in Thinking

How does this sort of thing happen? Where church becomes more about an emotional high & a social gathering rather than serving & submitting to God Almighty?

Well, another deficit I have witnessed is the alarming lack of personal discipleship… aka walking alongside each other in life, pointing one another continually to God’s Truth & the hope we have because of Jesus, resetting our compass to always point to Him & His Word (the Bible), living our lives, whether we eat or drink or whatever we do… doing it ALL for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

That is NOT natural.

It is definitely not natural for me! I mean, sure, there are times where it seems to come more effortlessly. But it is far too easy for me to stray & live for myself instead of for God.

We NEED each other in this regard. We should not neglect the importance & great value of discipleship. Discipleship ought to be a heavy focus in every church as we all seek how we may better please & honor God with the entirety of our lives versus just Sunay mornings & praying before meals.

Pour into the Lives of Others!

I think one of the big LIES satan has infused into much western Christian culture thinking is the fact that you must be a Bible scholar or ministry major or church leadership to be involved in discipleship. This is NOT the case.

God is talking to ALL of us when He commands us to “GO & MAKE DISCIPLES of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19-20) The Bible ALSO says that the older women ought to teach the younger women. (Titus 2:3-5)

We need each other. We ought to be growing so that we may invest in the growth of women younger than us—AKA discipleship.

The Bible says that iron sharpens iron… (Proverbs 27:17) that everything we say ought to be for the edification (building up) of those who hear it. (Ephesians 4:29)

We need each other. We need constant reminders to reset course to always be seeking Jesus, to know & love Him more.

We All Need Focus Resets Sometimes, Don’t We?

If you see me wearing shirts with Bible verses or listening to worship music or bringing up spiritual things in “non spiritual conversations,” that’s because I need that constant reset of, “oh yeah, HE is what it is all about… not this… not me… HIM.” I NEED that reminder CONSTANTLY.

We really need each other, guys, because it is way too easy to be fooled by the great deceiver—Satan… to be tempted & distracted away, to live for ourselves & our routines & our habits & our responsibilities & our likes & our problems & the many distractions that surround us everywhere, every day.

We need to be watchful, sober-minded, ready, knowing Satan will forever be trying to lure us away from the God Who gave us everything, through Jesus… to doubt Him & to doubt His love for us & to live for ourselves & our own destruction.

We NEED to be prompting each other toward Jesus.

We Need Each Other—The Desperate Need for Discipleship

Maybe you recognize this & you feel like I am “preaching to the choir.” Maybe you are already living to pour into other women & go alongside them in life to encourage them & continually point them back to truth & the hope we have because of Jesus. YAY! Keep at it. It is the most eternally worthwhile investment you will ever make!

Maybe you recognize this is necessary, but you feel you are far from adequate for the task. Well, you are not alone. I don’t feel adequate! But this isn’t an, “I am better than you,” gig. This is an, “I am a fellow weak one in need of grace wanting to learn to live to point back to Him more & more in all things big or small. Seeking always to know & love Him more.”

You may not be “good at it,” but the good thing is that God doesn’t require you to be good at it. He requires that you trust that He fills in where you lack, & for you to just encourage a constant turning to Him as your help. It takes practice. And in your learning, you will encourage someone else to learn as well. Yay!

How to Do It…

Maybe you recognize it’s importance & WANT to obey in this, but you have ZERO idea where to start…. Well, first, I am going to ask you to pray for it… with a willing heart of obedience, sincerely asking God something like, “God, I want to encourage other women toward You, but have no clue with whom or where to even begin. Please guide me & direct my steps. I desire this. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” If you are hesitating because of perceived inadequacy, “God, please forgive me for avoiding it because of my own lack. Help me better trust Your sufficiency. Lead me as I point others to You. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

THEN, ask someone. Maybe you feel a little nudge toward a younger lady who seems to crave learning about God & His Word… maybe you notice a young woman who seems a little on the outside, disconnected… maybe it’s someone who just got saved. No matter where we are on our faith “journey,” we ALL need growth & encouragement.

Maybe all it looks like is meeting for coffee, reading a chapter in the Bible & discussing it. Maybe it looks like sitting at a kitchen table & talking about life, looking up verses that speak to what you’re facing, reminding each other of truth when satan would rather you drown in lies or discontentment or fear or whatever. Maybe it looks like having a prayer topic sheet list where you take turns praying over each thing, seeking Him together.

Seeking Him Is Our Greatest Reward

(***If you would like an accountability partner guide that you could use for this, I have produced a free printable download in the resource tab of my website. This is something God encouraged me with when I prayed for help in this area. It is not the “holy grail” of guides, because God knows each individual’s specific needs, but it can provide a starting point as you learn & grow. It’s been helpful to me anyway, so feel free to check it out, download it for free (no strings attached), & use it as you get started. You can find that FREE download, here: www.MichelleHydeOnline.com/abiding-in-Him/***)

What holds you back? Repent of fearing that over trusting God, trust Jesus paid for it, & ask for a way forward, trusting He will provide. Because He will.

Shine HOPE by determining to live a life of consistent discipleship, always pointing others to your hope in 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 SIX 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!!

Sicilian Grove Lumbar Pillow Cover (INDIA

Traditionally block printed, this beautiful bright yellow and deep-green floral Sicilian Grove Pillow Cover is the perfect addition to your summer home decor. Blending ancient Artisan traditions with modern function, women in India handcraft this beautiful block-printed design of birds, pomegranates, and florals.

***Purchase the Sicilian Grove Pillow Cover to create necessary jobs for women in India to rise out of the grip of poverty to impact the lives of their families and their communities.***

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!

Just My Thoughts This Afternoon…

I’m getting on here today not really knowing what I’m going to be talking about. I’m just imagining me as tired as I am, sitting cross-legged on the couch having a conversation with a friend.

I really am a selfish person. Do you ever feel that way?

When the Slightest or Heaviest Hard Hits

When things don’t go my way… when I have a nagging headache or when I don’t get nearly enough sleep (like my less than 3 hours last night), or when someone hurts my feelings or says something unkind or misunderstands me completely & builds their whole perception of me based on said misunderstanding….

When I have no friends, no job, no place, no purpose.

When I am sick or in pain & the sleepless nights & miserably uncomfortable days seem to be never-ending.

When depression knocks my world apart & I spend most days crying in secret.

In any season of hard… I just want to quit. I want to give up & say, “God, why do You not love me anymore?!?!?”

It Doesn’t Always Work That Way

I want things to go my way… to be comfortable… to have a quick solution or fix.

And sometimes it just doesn’t work out that way. Right? I can’t be alone in this.

But God is so gracious… so patient… so gentle… so kind… so loving.

I don’t deserve it.

I feel like I have to learn lessons way more times than seems even remotely reasonable… you know… just to be sure.

I idolize comfort & ease & routine.

For God So Loved [Me]

But thank God that I serve a God (& am saved by Jesus) Who loves me unconditionally. My debt is paid in full. I can never hope to repay it, but I will spend every day trying… not because I falsely believe I HAVE to… but because I know He is deserving of it.

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

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

Sin Means “Missing the Mark”

Who gets to determine where the mark or bullseye or standard of life is in order to go to Heaven? The one who made the world & everything & everyone in it–GOD.

We know His standard because of His Word, the Bible, inspired by God through the writing of men. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Even if we do EVERYTHING right & pleasing to God & have only ONE mistake, wrong action, wrong attitude, wrong thought, ANYTHING… guess what… we’ve missed the mark, even if just by a teensy, tiny bit. It’s missed.

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

AKA NO ONE can go to heaven on their own merit, because Heaven is perfect & if imperfect people are allowed into Heaven… it will no longer be perfect. We ALL deserve HELL. That’s our rightful place.

BUT JESUS

But… BUT… JESUS. He, GOD, was born as man, lived a perfectly sinless life (AKA hit the mark 100% because He is GOD) & took OUR deserved wrath & punishment on Himself so that we could be cleansed of our missing the mark… so that we could be counted righteous because of HIS righteousness…. IF we trust on Him as our hope in place of ourselves… IF we confess our sins to God & accept the payment made by Jesus, trusting on HIM as our LORD & SAVIOR.

“But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

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

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

PRAISE GOD!

Even on Your Not-So-Great Days

He is deserving of my all… even the not-so-great parts.

Praise GOD.

Shine HOPE by turning to Him & pointing to Him & leaning into Him in every high AND low, coming to Him with quick repentance every time you know you don’t measure up to all He deserves from you & by striving to live a life that pleases & honors Him… even on your not-so-great days.

He is worth it ALL.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for over 5.5 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!!

Bumblebee Studs (EAST ASIA)

These adorable, dainty Bumblebee Studs represent our tiny but mighty pollinator friends. Through your purchase, women in East Asia are leaving brothels, receiving an education, and earning a dignified wage creating beautiful jewelry.

*****Every purchase creates jobs to support sex-trafficking survivors in East Asia with safe housing, health care, trauma counseling, job skills training, and dignified income.*****

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY.

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!

I Always Wished for “Childlike Faith”

I have always hated how stubborn & prone to doubts I am naturally. I always wished I could have a childlike faith, but always questioned & always doubted.

I am not a “get it right on the first try” type of person.

And while this prideful attitude of questioning God at every turn has made my life so much more difficult than it needed to be, & while I fail so much & am hard on myself because I recognize how many times I just am not good enough….

I cannot share my vulnerabilities of failures, doubts, anxieties, insecurities, hesitation, & pride without also sharing just how much I have seen God grow me throughout the years.

It may take me longer than most people, but when I finally concede to letting God in & letting Him have His way in my life… I see Him do great things in me.

I’d Say I’m a Slow Learner

It took 2 years of depression, thinking about suicide frequently because of how tormenting my brain was to me, for me to realize that even if I felt I had lost everyone’s support &/or belief in me, had lost my reputation, failed at everything I tried, had no strength or energy or will to go on… even then, He was enough & filled where I felt it was impossible for me to be filled: The deep, dark hole in my life that felt more like a black hole sucking joy consistently out of me each day.

I fought Him & He never gave up on me, even after 2 years of trying my own way to “find happiness.” He knew that every time He tried to prove Himself to me, as I asked of Him, I dismissed it & credited something or someone else. No, He knew He had to slowly strip away every security blanket I had in order to show me that even with those things washed away, HE WAS ENOUGH–that THAT is what it would take to finally shut up the torment of my doubts in Him.

God worked a change in me despite my 2 years of resistance. He never gave up on me.

I Thought I Knew “Who I Was,” But I Was Wrong–But GOD KNEW

And then there was my identity fears that I was never enough, that “no one would be able to stand being married to me because I am too much baggage.” That I am “a burden.”

I didn’t go to God with those hurts & fears as my gut response. No, I dressed for attention & flirted my way into friendships, letting innuendos lead the way. And I got hurt–not entirely my fault, but also was not a complete innocent in the equation, either.

Until I finally cried out to God for help with my identity as “The Flirt,” recognizing finally that if He actually made me, then HE would KNOW who I am “supposed to be.” HE would know how to make me feel whole & content & confident being ME versus the superficial persona I had created for attention.

And again, God slowly, gently led me to no longer want to participate in the raunchy jokes for attention. It seemed fake & stupid. I wanted to be genuinely liked, rather than having people like the FAKE me. It was so scary at the thought of losing all of my friends, but slowly I wasn’t so concerned with that anymore if it meant freedom to just be me & have that be enough.

God worked a change in me through my willingness to let Him (vs. me or anyone else, for that matter) determine TRUTH. He never gave up on me.

God Never Gives Up on Me

It may take me longer than most people, with me fighting to try my own way, “I can do it! Let me try!” But God is patient & kind & ready when I am willing to cry out to Him finally as my help.

I may be a mess & I know sometimes I probably talk about it so much that you’re starting to roll your eyes & think to yourself, “we get it, Michelle, you’re a mess.”

But the story doesn’t end there. I may go from one mess to another, but I don’t stay there because God never gives up on me.

He Pursues My Heart

He pursues my heart, offers gentle convictions, beckons me to just stop trying myself & to just turn to Him finally instead, as my help & as my only true source of hope.

He grows me. He strengthens me. He reassures me. He reinforces the many reasons I have to trust Him with everything. He teaches & guides & leads me… when I finally let Him.

I am a mess at times. It’s true. I will probably keep the eye rolls coming on your end because my failures are mostly guaranteed not to end any time soon.

But don’t miss the vein of GRACE & growth from God that weaves through each & every season & story of my many failures.

He Won’t Ever Give Up on You, Either–That’s a Promise

God doesn’t give up on me… WON’T give up on me.

And He will never give up on you either.

Let Him change you from the inside out. Fail forward, with His grace & His help & His strength.

Let Him be your ENOUGH.

Shine HOPE by allowing yourself to admit failure, shortcomings, doubts, etc., & just cry out to Him… showing the world that no matter the mess you (or they) may be, GOD IS ENOUGH.

And God will NEVER give up on them, on you, or on me. THANK YOU, GOD!

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

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 almost 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!!

Silver Medallion Necklace (India)

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. 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 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!

April Special Feature

For this month’s Special Feature post, (offered every last Thursday of the month), I would like to share an answer to a question & a poem for reflection. I hope they point you to Jesus Christ as the source of your hope & love & peace & joy & strength & grace, offered freely through faith in Him.

Only He can fully satisfy that longing in your soul that can’t seem to be quenched. Love you, Lovely!

He Really Is

Is God’s grace really enough?
One Word: Yes.

Your Great Love (How Greatly Jesus Loves Us)

It makes no sense…
Your great love for me.

How can it be…
That a sinner like me
Can be counted worthy
Of a love like Yours?

Not of my own merit
Not of my own goodness
Not of my own efforts
Nothing can earn Your love.

You offer it freely
No strings attached
You loved me before birth
And You will love me forevermore

You found me in the darkness,
Lost, scared, & alone,
But You cleared out the fog
And Your love lit up my life.

When all hope felt lost,
When I had all but given up,
You wrapped me in Your love
And Your love filled up my soul

Each day, a new chance,
Every prayer of faith…
Every breath of praise…
To know Your great love for me.

You saw my past
You knew my sin
And yet Your grace still saved me
Through Your endless love for me

Guilt & shame I deserved
Hell called me to death
But You paid my debt
And Your love, it reconciled

And that same love,
You offer freely to all
That same great love
That You show with Your grace

A prayer away…
You wait to wash our sin away
A simple prayer of faith in You
For infinite grace wrapped up in Your great love for us

Your love for us…
It makes no sense.
But Lord, how grateful I am
For Your great love.

I will sing it from the rooftops.
I will share it with all I know.
The great love You have for me,
You have for all the world around.

Big or small, short or tall,
Every color shade imaginable…
Wealthy or poor, rebellious or kind,
You love us all just the same.

*Grace is waiting for you
Will you accept it in faith?
Jesus is waiting with grace
To show you His great love for you, too!*

-Michelle Hyde

Coming Next Week

Join me on Monday morning EST for some regularly scheduled encouragement!

Love you!

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. These pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Fearless Earrings

Our artisans in Nepal took brass & oxidized it to create this beautiful black hue, forming these gold and black statement earrings.

Artisan Information:

In many areas of Nepal, women are not considered equal to men & are vulnerable to sex trafficking. But the women making this product are earning an income & learning entrepreneurship, giving them confidence to break social norms! With every purchase, these women are provided with education, seminars on health, nutrition & also on women’s rights. Your purchase will create change for generations of women to come!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in Nepal!

(*Also shown: Warrior Cuff, empowering women out of poverty 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!