My Story: What I Used To Be

I used to fill empty, walking around on my path of brokenness. Searching endlessly for more, but not knowing where to look. I feared not pleasing others, I feared not being liked, I feared the reality.

My trust was planted in people and possessions. My emotions changed like the wind. And I couldn’t understand or comprehend why life wasn’t perfect. My job wasn’t enough, my relationships were not enough. There was still something missing…

On the outside looking in, the façade looked picture perfect, young, thriving, chasing dreams, the future was bright, but inside I knew things were not sitting right. Something seemed wrong, something was missing and I couldn’t find it. I was hunting; searching for it, but always came up empty.
                                 
Sometimes it’s not until darkness comes completely in, surrounding you to the point it tries to bury you, do you see where the light comes from. It's at this time, it’s at this very moment that you can plant yourself in something that never changes, that never leaves you, that never turns its back on you.

When everything fell apart for me, I was able to understand to comprehend that the only truth, the only solid foundation to plant yourself in, is the relationship you have with one faithful Friend. A Father like no other, a true Counselor, your stability can and only will be found in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

In my darkest hour His light took a hold of me, He comforted me, surrounded me, strengthen me and loved me. I traded conflict for His compassion, I traded fear for His faithfulness, I traded anxiety for His answers.

I used to fill empty, but today everything I need, my Savior gives to me.

I hope that my story encourages you to tap into your personal relationship with the One that created you- what I found was not just for me, but it’s available to all those who choose to believe!

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

Matthew 11:28-29(MSG)

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19(NKJV)

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

Boldness Does Not Occur On The Sidelines

Boldness does not occur on the sidelines, a good word, spreading and sharing the gospel doesn’t happen while home alone.   When we don’t reach out we never get the opportunity to escape our comfort zones.

Being a follower of the Lord requires a certain amount of boldness, a certain amount of passion that at times can put you in situations that stretch, grow and strengthen you. When you get off the sidelines and move in the direction the Holy Spirit is calling you, when you lay down your fears because God is asking you to move, you can’t help but grow.

It has been on my heart to move from the sidelines, to get off the bench, and be obedient to God. When you feel nudged to go talk to someone, when you feel led to go pray with someone, when you feel convicted to give, Go. Move. Act. Don’t let fear, or hesitation creep in, don’t let the enemy win you over with your fears or with the “what-ifs.”

Walking up to a stranger, walking up to a friend to give them words of hope; to give them words of life, is the best gift you can give anyone.  People respond well to genuine love, care and compassion.  There are people you encounter everyday that need the words of life, that need to feel love, that need to be tenderly reminded that someone cares for them.

If God is placing on your heart to share your testimony, to reach out to a particular friend, neighbor, acquaintance or stranger, and you are afraid, or unsure, pray for courage, pray for boldness, pray for the words to speak.  If God is calling you, then He will prepare you.  You have to move your feet in order for Him to speak! It is time to step off the sidelines.

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Matthew 7:7

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

While you are going through it, remember God has a plan for it!

 When adversities come against us, we want to question why it is happening to us?  How could this trial bring good?  Why must I endure?

We ask these questions because we do not know what God has planned.  Our capacity limits us to know, even though our mind strains to understand. Our faith demands that we lay down all our cares to the Lord so that He, in His mighty power and authority, will guide and take care of us.

The Lord has far greater understanding and far greater knowledge than we do, He created the world. He alone knows the plan He has for it and for each one of us individually. In our weakness we will glorify His strength and ability. When we go through trials and praise Him, we glorify His name. When tribulations hit us, He can stretch us, and mold us, and give us a powerful testimony.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV)

No matter what you face: guilt, a broken marriage, anxiety, health problems, financial problems, loneliness- don’t let the devil make you doubt that God isn’t right there with you. If you turn to Him, He will never leave you. You may not know why you have to go through it, but trust that God has a plan for it.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

I Have A Testimony

Oh I have a testimony.

Torn between the depths of darkness and the life of light.

Between the goodness of God and the enemies might.

A spiritual strike for ownership of my soul;

Who would win, seemed out of my control

Oh I have a testimony.

Anxiety, fear, loneliness consumed me.

My eyes would not open, I was unable to see.

The loudest voice is all I could hear,

Contradictions and lies made me go near.

Oh I have a testimony.

I overcame darkness, the devil lost this fight.

Because God is greater, I turned to His light.

Once all my pillars fell, I became free.

The Spirit filled me up, He healed me.

Oh, He healed me.

My God healed me.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa