Tag: disappointment

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Down But Not Out

In life, we will all face some kind of disappointment or setback. Maybe bad news concerning your health, job, or a relationship not working out – a setback! It’s easy to get discouraged, lose your enthusiasm, or even be tempted to just settle where you are. But if we’re going to be God’s best, we have to have a “bounce-back” mentality.

That means when you get knocked down, you don’t have to stay down. You get back up again. You have to know that every time adversity comes against you, it’s a setup for a comeback. You may have got knocked down, but you haven’t been knocked out! Remember, as a believer, the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives on the inside of you.

Today, there is no challenge too difficult, no obstacle too high, no sickness, no disappointment, no person, nothing that can keep you from your God-given destiny. If you stay in faith and keep a good attitude, you will rise again. God will turn those stumbling blocks into stepping stones, and you’ll move forward into His victory! Hallelujah!

“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…” (Proverbs 24:16, NIV)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for setting me up for success in everything I do for You this year. Father, I choose to trust and rely on You, knowing that Your plans are for my good. Therefore when life knocks me down, when disappointment comes my way, I won’t stay down, but I will bounce back, knowing my best days are up ahead, and I look forward to the blessings You have in store for me, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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We Will Face Disappointments

In life, we all will face disappointments. Maybe bad news concerning your health, job, or a relationship not working out – a setback! It’s easy to get discouraged, lose your enthusiasm, or even be tempted to just settle where you are. But if we’re going to be God’s best, we must have a “bounce-back” mentality. 

That means when you get knocked down, you don’t have to stay down. You get back up again. You must know that every time adversity comes against you, it’s a setup for a comeback. You may have got knocked down, but you haven’t been knocked out! Remember, as a believer, the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives on inside of you.

Today, there is no challenge too difficult, no obstacle too high, no sickness, no disappointment, no person, nothing that can keep you from your God-given destiny. If you stay in faith and keep a good attitude, you will rise again. God will turn those stumbling blocks into stepping stones, and you’ll move forward into His victory! Hallelujah!

“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…” (Proverbs 24:16, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for setting me up for success in everything I do for You. Father, I choose to trust and rely on You, knowing that Your plans are for my good. Therefore, when life knocks me down, when disappointment comes my way, I won’t stay down, but I will bounce back, knowing my best days are up ahead, and I look forward to the blessings You have in store for me, in Christ’s name! Amen.

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Ridiculous Laughter

Holy Laughter

Has God ever surprised you with the ridiculous? Has He promised you something that seems impossible? Have you ever thought that God is taking too long because there is no time left? You’re not alone Sarah was ninety years old when she became the mother of Isaac. When the Lord visited Abra­ham a year earlier and told him they would have a son she laughed. Sarah thought it was impossible—and perhaps even ridiculous. Shortly after that, she held her newborn son in her arms, understanding that, God had the last laugh. Now she laughed with Him not because the situation was surprising, funny or ridiculous, but because it was so wondrous. She even named her son child Isaac, which means “laughter.”

Today, are you waiting on God for the ridiculous? Is He taking too long? Abraham and Sarah’s long years of disappointment at not having a child and waiting on God to keep His promise ended in the joy of welcoming their beautiful baby boy. God had indeed brought laughter and hope, the beginning of the fulfilment of His promise to make them parents of a great nation. His faithfulness to them is one example of how God is faithful to us. God wants to birth laughter and joy in you right now to end sin, suffering and death.

Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” — Genesis 21:6

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for your promises. Father, please give me patients as I await answers and hold on to the ridiculous and the miraculous. Just like Sarah and Abraham, keep me laughing until my breakthrough comes. Today I celebrate the birth of joy and no more sin, suffering, Sorrow and death in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Emmaus Just Like Boxing Day

Secularizing Christmas

After the crucifixion, the mood of the disciples on the road to Emmaus could describe some of our moods after Christmas. The disciples were downcast. Did you know a time of anticipation is often followed by a time of letdown? In December everybody looks forward to Christmas morning. But once Christmas has come and gone, what is left to look forward to? Gifts need to be returned, the tree disposed of, decorations stored or thrown, and credit cards bills are sky high. We try to put off the letdown for as long as we can. We still have New Year to anticipate, but New Year is soon followed by another long hard year. 

Before the crucifixion the disciples had hoped that Jesus, Mary’s son, was “the one.” In their disappointment they did not pay much attention to the person who came to walk along with them. They were surprised on the road to Emmaus, He did not seem to know what had happened at the cross. They told Him how their hopes had not been met in the way they had expected. Before the crucifixion they didn’t listen when He told them how the Christ had to suffer and then enter His glory.  

Have you been so focused on the the events and the benefits, that you missed that this Christian walk is deeper than a date in December and some gift you want? The mood after Christmas can be a bit muted when we don’t get what we expect. After Christmas, shrug of the disappointment and unmet expectations, and recognise that the one we have been hoping for, the greatest gift to man, has been with us all along. Look beyond your boxing day of disappointment and embrace Christ who is always with you, and will meet all your expectations. 

“We had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.” — Luke 24:21 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh our ever-present God, revealed in the Word and Christian symbols. God, please lift the veil of disappointment from our eyes, that we may see You are with us always, Don’t let us miss You this Christmas season. Help us to simplify our activities and traditions so we can focus our celebrations on You. in Jesus’ Name! Amen. 

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Are We Really Free? Have You Received Your Jabs?

Monday was classed as freedom day in the UK. A day when we stop being in bondage to Covid-19. Night clubs opened, no more compulsory mask-wearing and no social distancing. But are we really free? Is Covid-19 our biggest worry or concern? We cannot get a vaccine for depression or disappointment. So I ask the question again – are we really free? Are there deeper issues than coronavirus that keep us in bondage? These issues need a divine vaccine given by Jehovah Jirah in order to give us total freedom.

We’ve all been burnt by life. Everyone has experienced hurt and disappointment. But God doesn’t want us to sit in the ashes of the past; He wants to trade our brokenness for healing. He wants to give us beauty for our ashes. The key to being free is that we have to be willing to give up the ashes of a burnt life in order to receive the beauty of Christ. You can’t have both because the old has to decrease before the new can increase.

Today, you can be doubled jabbed, no need to wear a mask, and go where you want and still not be free, because you haven’t trusted God with your past ashes of hurt? Are you willing to let go of the pain, to forgive others and yourself so you can move forward into God’s beautiful freedom? Don’t waste another day sitting in the ashes of disappointment and hurt. Today, the past is over, but your future remains. Let God vaccinate you with the double jab of joy instead of mourning, praise instead of heaviness, and let Him make something beautiful out of the ashes of your past life today and always!

“…he will give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness… (Isaiah 61:3, TLB)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your promise of true freedom – not only from Covid-19 but from life’s disappointments and hurts. Father, sweep away the ashes, mourning and heaviness of my past and give me something beautiful and joyful to look forward to. God, I give them up to You and receive Your divine jabs of healing and restoration in my life today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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A NEW YEAR’S LETTER

Dear subscriber,

Happy 2021. 2020 has been full of  hurt and disappointment for many. We’ve all been burnt by life, some have lost loved ones, relationships and jobs. But God doesn’t want us to sit in the ashes of the past; He wants to trade our brokenness for healing. He wants to give us beauty for our ashes. The key is that we have to be willing to give up the ashes in order to receive the beauty. You can’t have both, because the old has to go before the new can reach fulfilment.

As I look back over last year, I’m thankful to God for hundreds of new subscribers to the Ray of Hope devotion. I’m thanking God for lockdown virtual revivals in London, Wolverhampton, Harlow Essex, Kenya, Toronto Canada, Trinidad and many others, where hundreds gave their hearts to God despite the pandemic. I’m thankful for the Ray of Hope radio show each Sunday, and the listenership has grown tremendously. Ray of Hope ministries and God Interest want to thank you for your prayers, donations and continued support, and to ask you to continue to bless our ministry throughout 2021. We would love you to encourage your friends and family to also subscribe for their daily blessing.

Today, let’s move forward, not focusing on yesterday’s blessings, but reaching forward with hope and purpose, as we tackle the projects and challenges this year will bring. Are you willing to trust God with your future? Are you willing to let go of the pain, to forgive others and yourself so you can move forward in freedom? Don’t waste another day sitting in the ashes. The year 2020 is over, but your future remains. Let God give you joy instead of mourning, and let Him make something beautiful out of the ashes of your life in 2021.

…he will give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness…” (Isaiah 61:3, TLB)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for promising to sweep away the ashes of my past and give me something beautiful in their place. Father, thanks for blessing Ray of Hope ministries, God Interest and it’s subscribers, to reach so many for the kingdom in 2020. Almighty God, I choose to give You my 2021 for more ministry endeavours as you give me clear vision. I receive Your healing and restoration in my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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God Will Turn Things Around

I will watch for you, God

Life is full of highs and lows, twists and turns, and ups and downs. But did you know that everything you’ve been through up until now is preparing you for what God is going to do with you and for you? No trial, challenge or difficulty you’ve been through has been wasted. Every disappointment, setback, every person that did you wrong, every lonely night, God is going to turn around and use for your good! Hallelujah! 

Every difficulty helps us grow and mature. When our faith is stretched, our character is developed and made stronger. God didn’t send that hardship, but He’ll use it to get you prepared for your next step. Those adversities will mould you into the person you are called to be. 

Today, you may be experiencing tough times, but remember, God is growing you, maturing you, and stretching your faith. Have the attitude that says, “This is a new day. Things are shifting for my good. This difficulty is not going to stop me. It’s going to elevate me. God is going to use it to lift me up and lead me into victory all the days of my life!” 

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

Let’s Pray Yahweh, thank You for delivering me through some hard trials. Father, I will always dwell in Your presence. I know that with You, no trial will defeat me and all things will work out for my good. God, I thank You for Your peace and protection as You carry me through the difficult places into the place of victory, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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A Solution for Spiritual Constipation

Spiritual Constipation

LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.
Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint;
heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony.
My soul is in deep anguish.
How long, LORD, how long?
Turn, LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.
Among the dead no one proclaims your name.
Who praises you from the grave?

I am worn out from my groaning.

All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.
My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.
Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping.

The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.
All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish;
they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame (Psalm 6, NIV).

?For the director of music. With stringed instruments. According to sheminith. A psalm of David.?

Reflection

The life of a God-follower isn’t all happy days and sunny skies, as some preachers might have you believe. On the contrary, hard times and grief may frequent our way. Does that mean we are out of the will of God? Has God abandoned us during these times of inner turmoil, struggle and hardship? 

Judging by the life and experience of David as expressed through the psalms, the answer is a resounding, “No.” God has not abandoned you. 

David met with God during these times of difficulty. He poured out his complaint before the LORD. He pleaded with God; he held nothing back. Take a look at some of the keywords in this psalm: agony, anguish, groaning, weeping, tears, and sorrow. David experienced all these emotions. He didn’t bottle them up. He poured them out before the LORDin prayer.

Many believers suffer from a form of spiritual constipation. They are filled with anger, hurt and bitter disappointment. Life has been hard, but they are afraid to take their anguish before God. They put on a brave face for the world and the church, but inwardly they are dying.They need a massive dose of the Psalms of David–psalms of self-emptying.

Fear not; God can handle your anguish and anger. He won’t smite you dead for being honest about your feelings. Here is some sound advice. Are you hurt or feeling broken? Take it to the Lord in prayer. Then take heart from what David says in the conclusion to this psalm, “The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.“

Response

Dear God, I pour out my problems, hurts and struggles before you. Hear my prayer. I know you are a God of mercy. I open myself to you. Amen.

Your Turn

Do some Christians suffer from spiritual constipation? Does heartfelt prayer bring relief? Are you bottling up things that should released to the Lord?

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35 Powerful Quotes That Will Inspire You to Be Successful

Being a both a Christian and a leader can be an emotional ride, with ups, downs, joy, and disappointment. Words have power and these inspiring and motivating quotes are guaranteed to challenge the way you think and perhaps even change the way you live.

We  hope they resonate with you as much as they have with us.  Sometimes a little piece of advice or wisdom from a brilliant mind can help you motor through even the most difficult of times.

  1. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. ’- Maya Angelou
  2. It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it. ’- Lou Holtz
  3. What happened, happened, and it wouldn’t have happened any other way. Lewis Carroll
  4. Choose a job that you like, and you will never have to work a day in your life. ’- Confucius
  5. Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. ’-  Proverbs 29:11
  6. Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence. —Vince Lombardi
  7. Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve. ’- Napoleon Hill
  8. Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. ’- Mark Twain
  9. The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers. ’- Ralph Nader
  10. As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. ’- Proverbs 27:17
  11. If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way. ’- Napoleon Hill
  12. What is not started will never get finished. ’- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
  13. When you cease to dream, you cease to live. ’- Malcolm Forbes
  14. Build your own dreams, or someone else will hire you to build theirs. ’- Farrah Gray
  15. Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning. ’- Unknown
  16. Winners never quit, and quitters never win. ’- Vince Lombardi
  17. Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. ’- Unknown
  18. Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. —Charles Swindoll
  19. The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand  and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand. ’- Vince Lombardi
  20. Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes. ’- Maggie Kuhn
  21. It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently. ’- Warren Buffett
  22. Remember no one can make you feel inferior without your consent. —Eleanor Roosevelt
  23. When someone tells me “no,” it doesn’t mean I can’t do it, it simply means I can’t do it with them. ’- Karen E. Quinones Miller
  24. If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. —Booker T. Washington
  25. You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do. ’- Henry Ford
  26. A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new. ’- Unknown
  27. I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions. —Stephen Covey
  28. Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere. ’- Unknown
  29. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck. ’- Unknown
  30. I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination. —Jimmy Dean
  31. If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat! Just get on. —Sheryl Sandberg. —  Proverbs 15:1
  32. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger
  33. Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear. —George Addair
  34. The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. —Amelia Earhart
  35. A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. —  Proverbs 22:1

Bookmark this page and come back to it when you need some inspiration and motivation.

 

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