Tag: Gospel

The Election is Over…Now What?

Today’s a new day! The election is over…now what? ~OC

Our nation has spent the last few years tearing each other apart. Now, as the 2024 election results have been tabulated and Donald Trump will become the 47th president of the United States of America, we have a tough task staring us in the face. We must pull ourselves together as one nation. We must make the choice to reach across the aisle and find a way to work together.

That family member, friend or neighbor that you exchanged unflattering names with is still in your life today. Nobody is moving out of the country. Or the house. So will we continue to flip them “the bird” or will we extend a hand and find a way to carry on in a loving and respectful way?

As I write this blog post, the American people have spoken. Half of America will wake up celebrating this morning and the other half will want to stay under the covers. So this Wednesday morning we have a new President-Elect, many laws and amendments have been passed or rejected.

So the political commercials are over, no more political phone calls /text or political rallies. So, now what?

During times like this we tend to turn to music to soothe our souls and help us through the uncertain times of life. Here is the chorus to the 1985 classic That’s What Friends Are For:

Keep smilin’, keep shinin’

Knowing you can always count on me for sure

That’s what friends are for

For good times and bad times

I’ll be on your side forever more

That’s what friends are for

One of the challenges of relationships is disagreement. Yesterday, those disagreements were not settled in a voting booth. But today, it’s time to move forward and return to being civilized neighbors and friends. If we cannot manage that, we will have lost the ability to be caring and respectful human beings.

Today, I will continue to pray for America. Today, I will continue to stand up and speak out for what’s right. Today, I will continue to respect those I disagree with. Today, I will continue to look at what unites us over what divides us. Today, I will continue to choose love over hate. I will probably not be perfect in that area. But I will surely try.

Do I have concerns about the future of America? Yes, I do. But I will continue to use the power of the written word to share my concerns and challenge others to speak out. I will not be silent.

But today, as I turn to my family, friends and neighbors the words of singer/songwriter Randy Newman come to mind:

“When the road looks rough ahead

And you’re miles and miles

From your nice warm bed

You just remember what your old pal said

Boy, you’ve got a friend in me

Yeah, you’ve got a friend in me.”

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The “Hypothetical Game”

Today’s a new day! A few weeks ago, I wrote about the “What If” game (10/22/24). Today as our nation votes for a new president, I want to write about the “Hypothetical Game.”

As most of you know, the abortion issue will be a major factor for many as they head to the polls today. That is the only reason some people are voting for former President Trump and against Vice-President Harris. But let’s play the “Hypothetical Game.”

But before we play this game, I have to share I believe life matters from the womb to the grave. But I am also concerned about the women who have to make one of the toughest decisions they’ll ever have to make in life. Their lives matter too. And as a man, I will never have to make that tough decision.

I also want to speak to the Christian community about our part in this abortion debate. As I heard many of my Christian friends celebrating the overturning of Roe v. Wade, this question came to my mind. “How many babies are you going to adopt, since Roe has been overturned?” Pretty much complete silence and as of 11/5/24, still mostly crickets.

Then we have the foster care system in the United States. It continues to grow. I believe those number will only get bigger in the coming years. I have a few friends who have stepped up and fostered or adopted children out of the foster care system. They are true heroes to me. But I have to be honest. I have more friends and acquaintances, who continue to complain about the evils of abortion and how sad the foster care system is, but have not stepped up to foster or adopt one of those precious children they love to talk about.

But let’s get back to the “Hypothetical Game.”

If the former president wins, a national abortion ban could follow (I do not believe Trump is being honest when he says he won’t sign it). The ban could establish criminal penalties for women who get abortions. And that’s not all.

It’s not a stretch to see each state begin to add language or emphasis to mandatory reporter laws – which require people in certain professions to report to authorities reasonable suspicions of child abuse and neglect – to include reporting women who have had abortions or who are contemplating having an abortion.

Pastors are mandatory reporters, so anything that falls under that statute is exempt from confidentiality.

So, let’s say a woman comes into a pastor’s office and she’s grieving over recently having an abortion. She doesn’t know if God will forgive her, and she’s seeking counsel on how to move forward in her faith. In this scenario, instead of ministering to her, the pastor would have to notify the authorities and report the woman as a criminal. If a pastor chooses their calling over the legal mandate, they could face civil or criminal penalties.

If that’s not government overreach into the role of a church, I don’t know what is.

Likewise, health care workers are mandatory reporters.

So, let’s say a woman walks into a faith-based pregnancy care center, an act that by its very nature indicates she is open to keeping her baby or discussing adoption. During her visit, she tells a nurse she has seriously consulted someone about having an abortion. By law, in this scenario, the nurse might have to report that.

As a consequence, it would be easy to see how illegal, and unsafe, abortions would rise as faith-based pregnancy care centers shutter and churches become less effective as a refuge.

So a vote for someone other than Trump looks pretty “pro-life” by comparison.

When the fate of the Constitution is on the ballot, nothing else should matter. A vote for the so called “pro-life” candidate could tremendously jeopardize the legitimate faith community’s ability to function – not to mention upend everyone else’s basic civil rights. A win for Vice-President Harris, even if she is pro-choice will uphold the Constitution and work within the strictures of our institutions.

In short, Vice-President Harris keeps Christians in the ballgame to minister to the poor, needy and heavy-laden without fear of government interference, not riding the bench as so many in America continue to suffer. ~OC

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Embracing Our Differences

Today’s a new day!

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” ~1 Corinthians 12:12 

I love hearing people’s stories. I love hearing what God is stirring in their hearts, and talking to them about God’s beautifully thought-out and purposeful design for them as individuals. I love the realization people have when God reveals this to them. We are all unique and different. How exciting is that! However, lately I have really been thinking more about this as it pertains to those in the Christian community.

How many Christians really take the time to think about diversity? Just for a moment, I want you to take some time, look around and asked yourself is my life full of diversity or not? If so, great. If not, ask yourself why not? Because a world filled with diversity is truly beautiful. A life full of diversity is a beautiful mosaic of amazing colors, gifts and talents. Throughout 1 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul talks about the many spiritual gifts that we have been given by the Holy Spirit. These gifts all vary person to person. My gifts and personality are not the exact same as yours. We are all different and we were made like this on purpose for a purpose. God did not create us all to be the same old boring carbon copies of each other. Praise God! Nor should we strive to be like each other. We should be living out who God called us to be and strive to be like Jesus. Together, we have unity in Jesus Christ.

Even so, our flawed human nature wants things our own way. A lot of times we see our differences, and they cause pain and dissension. But, is that really what God intended? Did God design us to be different and then fight one another to make the other fall in line behind us? No! We should not be calling for everyone else to be like us, we should be calling on Jesus to show us, together in unity, the way we should move forward. Together we can find a better way. Two minds are greater than one. Our differences make us stronger. Not weaker.

As Believers, we have a great opportunity to approach our differences and conflicts in a God-honoring way. Here are some lessons I have learned over the years. 1). To recognize that people are invaluable. They are children of God. He created them with love and intentionality. 2) To recognize that people might see things differently than I do, so I want to understand and see how they see. 3). To look to God and pray for wisdom. How do we move forward towards a common good for all? What is God’s best for this situation? 

There will be times that we’re in a tough spot and can’t see eye to eye, that might be a bigger discussion for another time. We cannot take control or responsibility for other people’s actions. However, we can control and take responsibility for how we approach the differences. 

Reflection:

Think about your current circumstances: What conflicts are currently in front of you?  Are you approaching them in a Godly way?  If not, what steps can you take to change your perspective, conversations, and actions?

Prayer:

God, we are incredibly thankful that you have created each of us uniquely and perfectly in your own image. We praise you today, that we have brothers and sisters who think and see the world differently, because together we are stronger. Help us to see this truth in every situation and conversation. We pray for your wisdom, your guidance, and your grace – that our words and actions are a reflection of who you are and what you have already done for us in Christ Jesus. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. ~OC

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Game Plan

Today’s a new day! As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, I thought I would share my game plan with you. Hopefully you will find some takeaways to apply to your own journey.

1. Recognizing that so many of our battles are waged in the mind, I chose to focus on God who is all-powerful and compassionate. The Bible tells me that God’s Name is El Elyon, God Most High, and that nothing can come into my life that is not first filtered through the fingers of God’s love. God knew before the foundation of the world that I would be here in this moment dealing with multiple life threatening health issues and he already provided the resources I would need to face it. God’s plan for me in every trial of every size is that I experience peace and victory, never defeat.

2. I chose to view this journey as a gift. Granted, it’s like expecting the newest and hottest new toy for Christmas and getting a pair of socks, but it’s still a gift. This is the time to draw near to God, to experience God more fully, to enjoy the simple joys of life, to focus on those things that are truly important. I will thank God every day for the gift of my health journey.

3. Although my health battle wants to be an all-encompassing issue in my life, I refuse to sink within myself. I will continue to reach out to people each day with a text, word of encouragement, act of service or prayer.

4. I will not ignore my emotions, which can be all over the place. I will allow myself to reflect as necessary in order to express my feelings, but I will not be ruled by them.

5. I will share what is happening to me with others and enlist their support and prayers. I cannot run this journey alone, and I will not rob others of the blessing they can receive by running with me.

6. I will make both short-term and long-term goals in order to have something in the future to look forward to. For example, I plan on continuing to make beautiful memories with my bride. I will continue to share my journey on this blog. I will continue to learn and experience new things in life.

7. I will find a reason to laugh and make my bride laugh every day. Laura and I have used humor (sometimes dark) to get us through the toughest moments of this journey.

8. I will remind myself that, in some inexplicable way, the manner in which I conduct myself during this crazy beautiful health journey, does indeed impact the lives around me. The book of Job tells us that humans sometimes get caught up in the battle between God and the enemy. Jesus Himself told His disciples upon their completion of a missionary journey, that God had seen Satan fall from heaven as a result of their actions.

9. I will endeavor to keep my life as “normal” as possible. I will continue my every-day activities as long as I am physically and mentally able. This will afford me the comfort of the predictable and common aspects of life as well as helping me not to slide into introspection and self-pity.

10. I will continue to praise, serve and thank Jesus for every moment of this journey. It has not been an easy one, but it has been filled with amazing lessons, experiences and memories.

Dear friends, I am praying for you. I am asking that you will be “sincere and blameless” (Philippians 1:10). The word “sincere” is a Greek word that grew out of a poor practice in the marketplace of the day. Everyone in that day used pottery for many tasks like we use plastic today. It was important that the pots be well made. Most were, but there were some unscrupulous pottery makers who would find a pot with cracks in it. Rather than discarding it, they would fill the crack with wax to cover it up. This would work as long as the pot sold early in the day. But after a longer time of sitting out in the hot Middle Eastern sun, the wax would melt and the cracks would show. The Apostle Paul prayed that the Philippians would avoid this by being sincere or “sun-tested.” May you, as you face the heat and pressures of this world, find yourself to be, by His grace, without wax. Blessings. ~OC

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A Trip Back to 2016…Never Again

Today’s a new day! Let’s take a trip back to the election season of 2016. It’s an election season that changed America and the world forever. And I believe personally for the worst. In 2016, I saw so many white pastors, white Christian leaders and many white Christian’s trash their moral compass to gain political power.

There are many issues I could point to, but one area I want to address is loving everyone. There are many scriptures that discuss the importance of “Loving your neighbors.” All of our neighbors! Below are some scriptures I think many Christians, including myself need to review.

“‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Matthew 12:31

“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” Matthew 5:44

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

As a longtime white Christian, I have been heartbroken to see so many white Christians focused not on loving all of their neighbors, but rather having an enemy that must be hated. Fear of these enemies is the ultimate motivator, not love. I have witnessed some white Christians create, fabricate and inflame hate for those they disagree with. Sadly, so many white Christians have chosen fear and hate over the love of a Savior they claim to serve. Here are some examples of how so many “White Christian Nationalists”are choosing to live their hate filled lives…

If they love minorities as themselves they fear the minorities will take over the church and society, and they’ll lose their white way of life. Their white privilege.

If they love African-Americans as themselves, they might have to take a real look at racism, true equality, true police accountability, true legal fairness, true economic justice, and true opportunity.

If they love the LGBTQ+ community as themselves, they’ll have to look past their hate and see a real human being. They will find people who love their families and only want to live a peaceful and better life.

If they love the least-of-these as themselves with economic equality, affordable health care, a real living wage, social security, long-term care, educational fairness and the removal of poverty they will have to come to terms with a thriving economy where everyone has a chance at the “American Dream.”

“Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least among you, you did not do for me.’” -Matthew 25:41-45

“He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and he who gives gifts to the rich–both come to poverty.” -Proverbs 22:16

“Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.” -Ezekiel 16:49

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.” James 2:8-9

In these scriptures, we see where God admonishes that our highest motivation should be the unconditional love and care for all of humanity equally. In contrast, there is truly no other fuel that drives White Christian Nationalism than having enemies to fear, hate, marginalize, fight, and treat unequally.

This is why the former president has the addictive support and allegiance of this UnChristian group of White Christian Nationalist. For the only thing they understand is fear, and the former president speaks their language like no other. He mocks special needs people, bullies his perceived enemies, embraces racism, fosters white supremacy, mistreats women, ignites division, worships greed, and loves himself above all things.

Biblically, this is the ultimate blaspheme of the Spirit.

To see love as the enemy.

To see fear as the friend.

To see enemies as the goal.

To fight at all cost, with lies, violence, duplicity, and sin.

To see a white, conservative, Republican, American Jesus as the way, truth, and life.

To see white, conservative Evangelicalism as the Kingdom.

Sorry, I want a President with whom love is greater than fear. I want a country where to love all people equally is a friend and not an enemy. I want see character in a flawed leader, a great society, a great economy, and a great nation to be defined by its love for all people equally, not fear nor hate. 

I choose this way of life because the Bible commands me to. ~OC

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“Evangelicals”

Today’s a new day! We see the word “evangelical” all over social media and the news these days. But what does this word really mean? The word “Evangelical” comes from the Greek word “euanggelion” which means “Gospel” or “Good News.” The aim of Christians, including myself, is to spread the Good News of love, forgiveness and salvation in the name of Jesus Christ.

Sadly today, the word “evangelical” has taken on a negative meaning to many around the world, because people recognized as “evangelical” have supported a man for president who clearly does not represent the teachings of Jesus Christ. This man is known for his lies about winning the last election, when he was shown many times that he did not win. He is known for his lack of respect and demeaning language for others, both opponents and previous supporters.

The most dangerous aspect of this man’s words is his threats to take revenge on his opponents and concentrate power in himself. He is certainly not the kind of person we want as an example for young people or anyone to follow as leader of our beautiful and imperfect nation. It is very difficult to think of him as a person who represents America to the world. I am very familiar with the argument that God chooses imperfect leaders to aid God’s people, like Cyrus of Persia, who released the Israelites from captivity. This is used as an excuse for supporting the former president who lacks integrity and poses a great threat to American democracy. He shows his love of power by his admiration of autocrats and supposed “strong men.”

Christians may vote for whomever they like, but it certainly does not reflect well on “Evangelicals” that they have become a key part of the voting block for the former President. This man has been described as a defender of Christianity, just as many authority figures and rulers in the past have been. The connection of Christianity to governmental power has been one of the historical hindrances to the spread of the Gospel. In contrast, the founder of Christianity, Jesus Christ, walked away from claiming such power and did not urge his followers to seek such power.

Christians who carry the label “evangelical” discredit their witness to the world by their association with the former president with his great desire for personal power and his revengeful attitude. This may appeal to some “evangelicals” who feel disdain for today’s society, for those in the media, for those in science, in higher education, and especially by those they consider liberal Christians in churches. These “Evangelicals” like that the former president talks down those he considers an enemy. The main purpose of Christians in relation to those seeking office in the government should be to create and support a government that cares for the disadvantaged and marginal people in the nation and gives opportunities to the poor to receive a helping hand, so they can work through the tough times and have a better life. Sadly, so many “evangelicals” have spoken out against any programs or laws that would extend a helping hand. These “Evangelicals” have supported this guy in his isolationism as he opposes aiding our allies in maintaining their democracies.    

In the end, any message conveyed to the world, including the message of Christians, whether known as Evangelicals or not, must stand on its inherent power to change lives, not on the backing of any political power. The challenge for us carriers of this good news is to show its genuine spiritual transformative power by demonstrating that power in our own imperfect and flawed lives to benefit all people, communities and the world, especially those in need of lifting out of misery to a life of peace and joy. Our democracy gives freedom to all faiths to proclaim and demonstrate their messages. In today’s world, the challenge is to make the message truly Good News for all. ~OC

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The “What If” Game

Dear Christians Brothers and Sisters, who still support former President Trump let’s play the “What If” game. It’s pretty easy. Here we go….

What if Vice-President Harris, President Biden or former President Obama spoke about or said the following:

The Vice-President is a piece of #%*€< to a crowd with children in attendance

The Vice-President is stupid and retarded

Described a former golfer’s genitalia at a rally with children in attendance

Lying about hurricane relief

Claimed to be the Father of IVF

Threatening political opponents with arrest

Claiming with no proof that Haitian immigrants are stealing and eating cats and dogs

Continues to talk negatively towards veterans and those who gave their life for America

Suggested Abraham Lincoln could have avoided the Civil War by cutting a deal with the South—which, as a reminder, wanted slavery to remain legal.

I could go on and on, but I think you get the point of the “What If” game.

If VP Harris, President Biden or Obama would have said the above things, you would have declared them unfit for any political office, let alone the office of President. But you seem to find it very easy to explain away these words and comments of former President Trump. Why is that? Are you more concerned about political power than you are the Gospel? Does truth and character only come into play for those candidates you do not support politically? Every word that comes out of a President or former Presidents mouth matters. Or at least it should.

I know most of you will claim Todd you’re being political, you’re attacking the former President, you’re being divisive and negative. You’re a hater. You are welcome to your opinion, but all I am doing is asking some questions. Because truth and character still matter to me. ~OC

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Worthy

Today’s a new day!

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.. ~Romans 8:38-39

A lot of things can try and separate us from God. Not feeling good enough, the business of life, the upcoming election and a host of other distractions. But we have to remember that these thoughts and distractions are only temporary and we do not have to give into them. If we let them consume us, we will easily become overwhelmed. But we can choose to open our heart’s to God’s truth. That is, we are enough, just by being us. We are not our past, nor do we have to return to our past in order to be loved, accepted, etc. we are enough – right here, right now – because our identity is in God, not in our weaknesses, and certainly not in the things of this world.

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. ~John 8:32

I read a story where a group of students were asked how much they thought they were worth. “A million dollars,” some of them said. “Infinity plus infinity,” called out another. But the truth is, we are worth more than we can possibly comprehend. We are way more than a number. God loves us so much that He sent His only son to die for us so that we will not die but have everlasting life with Him in Heaven.

So, I am going to pose a challenge for everyone – myself included: When those thoughts of not being good enough rise within you and you feel like you’re drowning in their lies, seek God. Remember His truth – YOU ARE ENOUGH. You were created in His image (Genesis 1:27), and He loves you. You do not have to change what you look like to be loved, and you may as well stop trying to earn grace because it has already been given to you. Find strength in God, and know He is with you wherever you go.

Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. ~Psalm 27:3

We can find confidence in God today. We can treat ourselves with love and self respect because we’re God’s beautiful masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). We can trust that we are enough. We can find peace, hope, love and confidence in God. I pray we will all lean into that truth today. ~OC

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Transformed Nonconformist

Today’s a new day! Did you know there are 1,430 hate groups in the United States alone. Sadly, those numbers are growing. While many tend to be small, they have political power and want to see unrest across America.

Hate groups will continue to poison hearts, stir up violence, and polarize people in 2024 and beyond. So to gear up for these challenges, I reflected back on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s book Strength to Love. I encourage you to check it out.

The book is a fascinating read, but one of the phrases Dr. King used truly grabbed my attention. Dr. King calls us to be “Transformed Nonconformist” Here is the scripture that Dr. King used to come up with this beautiful term.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

Transformed nonconformists reject racism, discrimination, hatred and anything that tears our society apart and tries to divide us.

Transformed nonconformists break the chain reaction of evil by refusing to “fight fire with fire.”

Why? Because as Dr. King explains, “Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence… in a descending spiral of destruction” This is one of the main reasons for not responding in kind to evil. In the powerful words of Mahatma Ghandi, “An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”

The second part of Romans 12 describes the divine reason we break the chain reaction of evil. The Scriptures command us to conquer hate through the power of love:

*Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse (v. 14).

*Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone (v. 17).

*If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (v. 18).

*Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath (v. 19).

*If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink… (v. 20).

*Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (v. 21).

These commands indicate that a transformed nonconformist is in fact a peacemaker. And these peacemakers break the chain reaction of evil – through suffering, absorbing pain and responding in love.  

Peacemaking is not for the faint of heart. Peacemaking demands an uncompromising rejection of the unloving ways of the world and a radical embrace of the enemy-loving way of Jesus.

I read an article once where a civil rights worker was asked how he was able to endure racial hatred and violence while working for justice. “The hatred coming at me in those fists and clubs was bouncing right off me back into the air, and it could just continue to spread like electricity. I decided not to fight back. I would let my body absorb that hatred, so that some of it would die in my body and not bounce back into the world. I now see that my job in the midst of evil is to make my body a grave for hate.”

Did you catch that last sentence? “Making my body a grave for hate.” That sounds scary. It is! That is why I chose to follow Jesus – the one who made his body a grave for hate, the one who rose from the grave, and the one who said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (John 20:21).

I pray you will join me on this journey of Love over hate. ~OC

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Keep Soaring

Today’s a new day! I write this as another hurricane comes through Florida. A good majority of the state is still recovering from another hurricane that hit us just a few weeks ago. These back-to-back hurricanes got me to thinking.

One thing about the storms of life is they do not last forever. They come and go. It is the size of our faith in God that determines how we will make it through each storm we face. Overcoming the storms of life can be overwhelming at times. When going through the storms of life, our faith and focus should be on God, the author and the finisher of our faith, not our problems. Sometimes that is easier said than done. It is during the storms of life when our faith is tested.

The only way to overcome the storm is to face and confront it. Overcomers cannot afford to play hide and seek with challenges, but instead must choose to face and deal with them head on. The challenges we are facing are just for a short time. We can never allow them to rob us of our destiny. We can never give up on life, on our faith, on our family/friends, and on the important things in life. We must face the storms of life and trust God for a brighter future. God did not bring us this far to leave us. He has a purpose for our lives. The word of God says- But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. ~Isaiah 43:31. I do not know about you, but that gives me hope.

While all the other birds fly away from the storm with fear, an eagle spreads its mighty wings and uses the current to soar to greater heights. An eagle doesn’t run for safety during the storms, but rather, it takes advantage of it to soar to some higher spot. Storms need somebody who will not give up no matter how hard it is. During the storms, take advantage to pray harder and worship like never before. There are times when the storms of life hit us so hard, when the storms threaten to sweep away all that we have. I am talking about times when the storms take away our loved ones, when the storms take away our possessions. Those are the very times we need to stand up and face the storms head on. God is bigger than any storm we will ever face in life. To overcome the storms of life, we have to have faith which is bigger than the storms. Our life is not over until God says it is.

If we are going to overcome the storms of life, we must let go of certain things surrounding our lives. We have to let go of some people who are holding us back. We have to let go of all of our fears and doubts. We have to let go of everything that is weighing us down and soar to a higher spot. Leave gossipers to gossip, leave haters to hate. Overcomers do not have time to confront everyone who speaks against them. Those living without purpose have limited vision, but overcomers see beyond the storms. Your storm will not last forever. Keep soaring! ~OC

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