Confrontation. Who are you? What is inside you? What fruits of the Spirit do you hope to bear? What traits would you like to emulate?

We can take comfort in knowing that, no matter what challenges arise, nothing can separate us from the One who loves us unconditionally and deeply.

Change is intimidating and demands adjustments that we might not believe we can handle. But, change is often necessary for the future and hope that we aspire to.

Let’s try to focus on what’s important and place things outside our control in God’s hands.

Sometimes downpours can be both blessings and burdens but when the flood ends and you see no one left standing with you, remember that you asked God to remove your enemies and He doesn’t do partial payments. We won’t always understand the assignment but obedience is better than sacrifice.

Our perception matters; sometimes it’s not about what is happening but about how we view and react to it. What is our state of mind? Are we reacting like victors or victims?

It’s not in our power to work to become deserving of God’s grace and mercy. But in our “as seen in real life” state, He saw us and chose us. So whether it’s physical, emotional or spiritual pain that we have, and or will experience, this isn’t a reflection of God disregard for us. It’s actually more likely the opposite.

I hope we take a few meaningful moments to reflect on the showers of blessings we sometimes take for granted all year round, and give thanks.

He is an unfailing God with a spotless record, and that is what He brings to the table. If He has brought us to this point, then there is nowhere else we are meant to be. His ways are the highest, His thoughts the clearest, His love the deepest, and His plans the best.

Nothing is new under the sun, as harsh as that may sound. Nothing we go through is unique to any of us. We are the unique element in our situations.