Like it or not… growth comes through hard times.
When you’ve been knocked down it takes courage to get up and start over again.
And then there is that thing called fear. It’s paralyzing… it kills your hope and dreams.
Whether you’ve been knocked down, overcome with fear, or are in the midst of a hard journey… you need encouragement.
You need to know the secret for getting back up… having the courage to stand strong… and the confidence to believe for tomorrow.
So what’s the secret?
My husband and I have been going through some big challenges again.
I have no doubt that God is allowing them so that our faith will be increased and He will be glorified through them. But, as good as it is knowing that… growing pains hurt whether you’re 5, 15, or 50. Physical growth, emotional growth, and spiritual growth can be completely unnoticeable or overwhelmingly painful.
So what’s the secret for overcoming the pain?
It’s knowing you’re not alone.
It really helps to have friends who listen, pray, and encourage.
Last week I had several friends text me, call me, message me, and email me, and another invite me to coffee… it was so encouraging.
It helps even more when one or more of those friends reminds you of God’s truth and scripture. And few of mine did just that.
As wonderful as those friends are (They are pretty special me and I love and need each one.)… there’s one friend who tops them all.
You see… the best friend you could ever have is Jesus.
“I call you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from My Father.” John 15:15
When fear creeps in, when the growing pains seem to be more than you can bear, when you are down for the count… THIS bit of knowledge changes everything….
God is with you everywhere you go!
The psalmist writes in Psalm 139…
If I rise with the sun in the east
and settle in the west beyond the sea,
even there you would guide me.
With your right hand you would hold me.
Psalm 139:9-10
According to the psalmist, there isn’t a place God isn’t guiding us and hanging on to us.
Here’s another verse that’s been a favorite verse of mine for a long time…
“Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
This verse has a command for us. It’s not a suggestion.
God tells us what HE is commanding us to do…. be DETERMINED and be CONFIDENT!
He’s also commanding us what NOT to do… be afraid or discouraged.
He’s also telling us WHY.
For I, the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go.
You and I aren’t the only ones who needed this reminder.
The Israelites also needed this reminder when they were finally able to cross the Jordan and enter the land flowing with milk and honey…
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
You absolutely can be strong!
You must be courageous!
You have nothing to fear!
Why?
Because the Lord your God is always with you and He will never leave you!
I hope that was just the encouragement you needed.
Here’s a little more….
Write these verses on cards to remember when you’re feeling weak or fearful:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Ephesians 6:10
Keep alert. Be firm in your faith. Stay brave and strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13
You can do it!
You can be the come-back kid…
You can thrive through the hard times…
You can get up… stomp on fear… and stand strong in your faith…
For the Lord your God is with you anywhere you go.
This is the secret to getting up when you’re down.
This is one secret you don’t want to keep to yourself.
Share it!
Let others know where you get your strength.
Remember friends don’t let friends stumble and fall. Take this encouragement and not only use it… but share it with your friends.
Whatever you face this week… don’t forget!
The Lord your God is with you anywhere you go.
It’s JoyDay!
And time to get our joy meters soaring!
Please join me in thinking back over the past week and counting seven things for which you are thankful. This simple exercise of counting and giving thanks is something we do each week to reset our compasses and put our eyes back on the Lord.
I’ll start…
Thank you, God for…
- bringing us rain.
- a coffee date with a dear friend and “battle buddy.”
- being able to lean on you in prayer and helping me persevere until I got the answer I needed.
- just enough.
- your love, mercy, and grace.
- the future you have planned for us.
- reminding me that you are always with me… I never go it alone.
Now…it’s YOUR turn!
List your ‘seven’ in the ‘share your extraordinary thoughts’ section below. You’ll be glad you did.
Thank you for stopping by and leaving your sweet thoughts.
Receive FREE inspiration like this in your inbox!
Sign up Now.
If you found this post helpful….please pass it on to your friends.
Click any of the sharing buttons at the bottom.
Thank You God for…..
1. using me to serve and help 2 neighbors and a stranger yesterday…..
2. for your grace, Love and infinite patience…
3. for a wonderful evening spent with friends at an “End of Summer ” gathering! before we all head back to school on Thursday…
4. the quiet mornings spent with you in reflection,prayers and devotions….
5. for my little gardens… that the butterflies have been visiting!
6. for receiving a message in a sermon that I felt you sent to give me hope and encouragement1
7. Your provision over the summer….
Debbi… my heart is warmed knowing that you were able to serve your neighbors and one another person yesterday. You have such a lovely spirit, I can only imagine what a blessing you were to them. I can’t believe your summer is nearly over and our good God has provided for you. Yay God! I praise Him for His loving care. He is so worthy of our trust. Praying you have a wonderful start to the new school year and may God’s peace reign over you, the staff, and the students. {{hugs}}
Thank you God for:
1. Reminders that You are in charge
2. Sweet moments with my husband
3. A wonderful deacon at my church whose sermon hit the spot!
4. Earl Grey tea
5. Good friends
6. My dear uncle (please pray for him, he’s got cancer)
7. Knowing my mom and dad are watching over us
Thanks for stopping by Teresa and for taking the time to share your ‘seven.’ God is good. I rejoice with you over His blessings and I’m lifting your uncle up in prayer right now. Have a blessed and joy-filled week!
Dear Diane,
I hate that you and your husband are facing big challenges once again. There have been times in my life when the only place I could find comfort and hope was in the book of Job. We have a most caring, watchful and perfect God who loves us with a love that is beyond our comprehension! All good things come from Him and many times the good things are hard things. Even when we don’t feel like doing it, we must praise God continually for He is good! He will be beside you in the storm and in the sunshine. I’ll be praying with you!
Judy… I hate it too… and then I remember that God is using these times to mold us to be more like Him. All the more reason to trust. Yes?
Thanks for your kind words and prayers. You have richly blessed me today. May the blessing return to you pressed down and overflowing.
Hope your week is filled with many unexpected God moments. [[hugs]]
Diane…..thank you for today’s post….the post jumped right into my heart! I was feeling so down cast and sad….
your post gave me courage to look at my situation in a way that….I’m not alone….my friend Jesus is with me every minute of the day/night! I know that my storm will pass….God never gives us more than we can handle. I deal with a disability 24/7 and I feel so alone at times! Because of my disability….my world is very small. I have what is called
CRPS/RSD…I have a husband that is so supportive and I thank God for him everyday. Because of this disability I no
longer have many friends and my two grown sons are no longer a part of my life! Until I read your post today….my daily pain would be constantly at my side. But now I look forward to many Joy Days! Thank you….I am now going to read through your Joy and Inspiration posts and keep your blog close at hand! Maybe God Bless you and your family. Thank you for making my day brighter?
Robin… I am so humbled and blessed to know that God used this page to speak into your heart today. Lifting you up in prayer… praying healing, joy, hope, and peace over you. May you sense God’s presence in overwhelming measure and know His constant companionship in the days ahead. And may your days be filled with JOY! {{hugs}}
I too share Judy’s desire for you to have a season of reprieve from the heavy burdens you’ve been dealing with for years and years. I searched for pop up ads. None. Day spring. Zulilly. No. And I could see a bit of despair enter my heart when I find so much Godly learning in your writing.
This day Lord, I give financial needs to You our MIGHTY God and Savior. I know several people in despair and Curt sees medical bills of this year mount up and mount up. But You see the end and now all at once. You are perfect in Your ways. Diane’s writing is deep. Encouraging. And her photo skills add to the message. Answer her prayers. Her dear uncle who is sick Lord. Be there to do what You need to do. In Jesus’ name
Amen
1. After her stroke a week ago Saturday Mom can slightly move her left hand. I deeply sorrow over her physical struggles but you brought her out of death to life again on the fifth day so we know You have a plan. I miss talking to her. Calling her. Being there. But for this time in life I’m to be held back. Help me
2. I’m glad and keep turning to Your Wird to fight fear too as Curt goes in for third surgery. Steady hands. Give them wise moves. Restore it all. That this of his many many great pains go away. Keep him from evil but bless Him Fill his heart with peace this day
3. Thank you for Romans 15 which came at just the right time. You know. Thank you. Free my thoughts of that evil poured out on me. Focus my heart on blessings of time with friends, daughters, food made for us that tasted so gourmet!!
4. I saw a hummingbird
5. Pastor Gary is willing to bring me a copy of a lost CD. I lose things. Often. Heal him at 82 of these hic ups. He grows tired. Get his AC fixed quickly on these days and nights of high heat. 111 for days and days.
Dear Gwen… your prayer touched me and I know it what heard by the ONE who sits on the throne. I’m so sorry to learn your mom had a stroke… praying now for her and you. I’m also praying for Curt’s surgery and all those medical bills.
I love your heart and pray you’ll be overwhelmed with joy and peace this week. {{hugs}}
Hi Diane
Thank you so very much for your words of encouragement that verse from Joshua is one I have read many times over. I have just recently moved to a place I have never lived before I don’t know anyone except my son and his fiancée whom I live with. I can say that I started attending a church and this past Sunday I met some ladies and cried a little explaining that I just got divorced and moved there and felt alone. So I want to say I am thankful one for the ladies that took the time to hug and pray for me. Two for my son letting me cry and hug me. Three starting to draw again. Four being reminded of how God is with me by your blog. Five having my little dog Cindy to hug and talk to. Six learning to trust in God that He will provide a job for me. Seven that each day I wake up knowing it’s a gift from God. Thank you again Diane and may God encourage and comfort you as you go through your journey. Hugs Babette
My dear sweet friend… my heart hurts with yours as you navigate so many new things in your journey to create a new life. Isn’t God good to place a sweet woman at the church to comfort you? I’m praying for you to find that perfect job and quickly. Keep me posted. And thank you for your kind words of encouragement and for taking the time to share your joys. {{hugs}}