Give Yourself A Break!

In my Pilates classes, I noticed the class instructor always gives us the option of three levels of intensities to choose from. There was always an easy, medium or hard option and we were to choose the right level for us.

You Prayed. You Hoped. You Waited. Now What? Part II

Developing extraordinary hope in difficult times

In difficult times, many experience diminishing strength and hope especially when it seems God is taking His time in answering our prayers and/or we don’t get what we expect. In such times, we tend to feel abandoned, confused and disappointed. Deep within, a crisis of faith brews that throws up questions like, ‘Where is God?, Does He care? or Why is this happening to me?’. When care is not taken, we find ourselves stuck in one of the three phases of discouragement I highlight in my new book, Healing A Discouraged Heart: Getting Back On Track When Life Lets You Down (ISBN: 978-0-9562606-3-5), namely the ‘S.A.D.’, ‘Dormant’ and ‘Hopeful’ Phase. We cover up with our ‘religious’ masks; whilst the real state of our hearts betray us.

Consistency Is The Name Of The Game

Recently, I took a break from my desk and looked outside my office window to get rid of mental cobwebs and refresh myself. I find the view of the meadow, nature, etc works wonders. Then something caught my attention in the distance - a modern wind turbine. I was intrigued because it kept ticking along though the air felt still and no wind could be felt. Yet, it kept going.

Kneeling Tall

We tend to think we ought to be superhero like when adversity strikes. Many of us have preconceived ideas on how we should think and behave which, by the way, are easy to say when things are rosy. One strategy I have adopted is to endeavour to kneel (not necessarily stand) tall. By this I mean:

Why Does Waiting On God Take So Long?

I wish I can tell you a simple, deep, spiritual answer. I too have pondered on this especially as I believe anything is possible with God. But when I feel the urge to pose this question heavenwards, my mind drifts to Ecclesiastes 3 which talks about a time for everything. I think verse 11 sums it up beautifully by saying,

“God made everything beautiful in itself and in its time—but he's left us in the dark, so we can never know what God is up to, whether he's coming or going.” (The Message Bible)

This is our real challenge i.e. maintaining a stance of continued hope without seeing the details of the plan. But just because we can't see it does not mean nothing is happening. Just wait and see. God always has a plan.

Is Discouragement Wrong?

Many of us see it as a sign of weakness or sin. Rather, I like to see it as a sign of our humanness. Our journeys in life can take us through sharp or bumpy turns that can make those who consider themselves spiritually ‘strong’ experience discouragement.

Stay In The Race - Excerpt from Healing A Discouraged Heart: Getting Back On Track When Life Lets You Down

‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.’ - Hebrews 12:1, NLT

Whenever I read this scripture, I immediately picture myself running a race with crowds cheering me on. When my legs start to get tired and as I start to slow down, I look across and see some of my Biblical heroes cheering me on.

All Will Be Well

During difficult times, it’s great to have people tell us ‘All will be well’ or such. However, if the truth be told, many of us just want the moment of difficulty to end. Therefore, receiving encouraging words can be challenging when you are in the thick of it. I could think of some occasions in my life I just did not want to hear it. I know this moment will pass but why not now?

All Trials Have An Expiry Date

Something I learnt on my journey was the fact that, just like food, all trials have an expiry date. By this I mean, one day, the situation you are facing will come to an end. So bear this in mind as you make you way through you day. It shall surely come to past.

You Prayed, Hoped, Waited...Now What?

Is this where you are at? You have done all you know to do and it seems like God has gone on vacation and all you are getting is His voicemail to which you have left umpteen messages. So what's next?