[Widget_Twitter id=”1″]
Sometimes we need to just take a minute and breathe in Jesus and exhale worry, anxiety, frustration and fear. Opposition is going to come if we are pursuing Gods plans, so just breathe in the very peace and presence of Jesus, and stay focused on Him. Join me on the V-log today as I share more about learning to breathe.
Tweet ThisMy Pastor once said, “if you don’t have opposition in your life, then you may be going the wrong direction.” I didn’t very much care for his way of thinking, and yet, I knew exactly he meant.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: whom RESIST steadfast in the faith…” [1Peter 5:8-9]
When we are doing Kingdom work, we should expect to experience opposition. Why? Because we are advancing God’s purposes for our life here on earth and the enemy doesn’t want that to happen. In fact, in Scripture, we are told to expect opposition.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” [John 10:10 NIV]
None of us like opposition, but it is a fact of life. It would be nice if everyone liked us, every thing went smoothly all the time, and there were never any problems. However, that isn’t the case, but we can choose how we respond in the face of opposition.
For me, I am choosing to breathe in deeply. As I do, I am breathing in the peace and presence of Jesus and laugh without fear at what is to come.
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future Proverbs 31:25 NLT
If Just Breathe is a topic you want to read more about, or are having a difficult time finding time to breathe, then you really need to hop on over to Lyli Dunbar’s page 3-D Lessons for Life and read her 31 posts on Just Breathe. It is a series she did for Write31 days in October. Lyli’s words have challenged me, inspired me, and motivated me, and I know she will do the same for you!
Before, I go, I have some exciting news to share with you. I am so proud of my friend Mary Geisen who has published her first book. It is a 31 day devotional journey about having Brave Faith. Here in Mary’s own words is what the book is about.
If hearing the word “brave” sends your stomach into a tizzy or causes your palms to sweat profusely, then this book is for you. If you believe other people are brave, but would never use that word to describe yourself, this book is for you. If you are ready to step out of your comfort zone and say “yes” to God’s call, then you are ready to explore brave faith. Together we will journey for 31 days to learn, explore and embrace God’s truth by drawing closer to Him. My prayer for you is that this book leads you to courageous “yeses” when you step out of the boat and walk toward Jesus. YOU are braver than you know! Come step out with me today.
I had the honor to read an advance copy, and can tell you that it is fantastic.
Mary’s devotional is now available on Amazon. I encourage you to order yours today, I promise, you will be glad you did.
[Widget_Twitter id=”1″]
My Post “Climb Every Mountain” was featured in the August monthly link-up at : Life on Intention Link-up Party
My Post: “The Journey through Change” was featured here:
I have been know to link to the following Inspirational Parties:
Sunday’s
Monday’s
What Joy is Mine/Monday Musings
Tuesday’s
Wednesday’s
Thursday’s
Friday’s:
Saturday’s:
I enjoyed your vlog Debbie with such an important message to us all. Just breathe – I love it. The lake looks so beautiful and peaceful just looking at that would make you feel relaxed. First time at your blog through Women With Intention.
Sue, thank you so much for stopping by today, I am so glad you enjoyed the vlog and yes the lake is so peaceful… My husband I and refer to it as a stress reliever… just looking at the water makes things better and much more at peace.
I believe it is very important to continue stand firmly on the Words of our Lord especially in those times when our hearts are full of worry.
Tona – I couldn’t agree with you more. I often refer to the Word as our compass, True North! thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts
Love this Debbie! I can relate to those days when everything does not go as planned. God has so much to teach us during this moments. Thank you for sharing about my book! Love you!
Thank you Mary! I am more than happy to share about your book. It is such an accomplishment an I want to celebrate you and share it with everyone 🙂 You are so right, God has much to teach us in the seasons when things don’t go as planned…. Love you much my friend!
Amen Debbie! What you experienced is a reminder that we are in spiritual warfare. So glad to hear that you persevered in God’s strength to do your videos. Satan does not want you to encourage and lift others up in the faith. Our God is faithful. Let us rest in Him and breathe as you said. May He continue to bless you and yours as you seek to live for Him.
Thank you Horace! Yes, it is absolutely a reminder of that we are in a spiritual battle. Amen, I couldn’t agree more, our God is most definitely faithful. Thank you for your blessing, I receive it!
Yet in the opposition, God is ahead of it and will use for our good because we love him. Today, what felt like opposition in a dearly loved life of a man and pastor at a church we went to in our hometown, passed away while on a youth trip. Right there on the trail. Heart attack. I sit here right now, supposed to be writing more posts and all I could do was cry and clutch the Psalms. Today has made me think many things, mainly that life is short, that God’s ways are high (as your last post said), that the enemy does want to hurt us (but he can’t unless God allows him the freedom to so anyways which is another thing beyond my understanding), and that all things work together for the good of us who love him. When we are doing Kingdom work, we can trust Him in the bad and in the good times. I think the hard times, the stretching of the faith -are what grows us as Paul talks about…though it is painful. In some of the hardest time I know He pulls the body of Christ together. I pray you continue to listen to Him and you find comfort and peace in knowing He is ahead of the enemy, no matter what the enemy tries to make us think. Praying for you sweet, friend. Keep walking forward. Your vlogs are great too by the way. Always blessed here.
Oh Meg, that is indeed a sad difficult moment. Wow, I am praying for the church family, kids and the pastors family as well. I sure don’t understand God’s ways either sometimes and yet, when I come back to Scripture, I find the same things you mentioned. God’s ways defeintely are not ours and even though things look bleak and are at times painful, we still must trust and have faith in God. Thank you so much, for your blessings and prayers for me to move forward. I finished all my video teachings last Friday, it was a rough haul, but it is finished and now I wait and pray they all turned out well, and the video editor can get them finished to launch my website in December !!! Thanks for your prayers, keep them coming and I so appreciate your encouragement!
LOL! The last 5 years have felt like all “hell” has been unleashed on us. That is one way that I know that I am going in the right direction. My word of the year last year was “breathe” I was so anxious about things, I couldn’t breathe for the elephant sitting on my chest. God led me to the word Breathe and I am so thankful for it. I have learned to handle things better and to think more of Him than of the “hell” we are going through. Stand fast and keep the faith. Thanks for the message, I needed to hear it! Prayers for you and your journey!
Thank you for linking up your vlog with Literacy Musing Mondays!
thanks Leah