By Inside Out with Courtnaye

There comes a time in all of our lives, when we need to rely heavily on what God’s Word says over tough circumstances, people, our own emotions, and especially our great enemy, Satan. It’s usually a time when we feel like hope is losing ground, faith is a little shaken, and we feel so broken that we can't seem to find our way through it all…and quite frankly, we wonder where is God in it all? Have you ever been there before? Are you there now?

Sometimes the challenges of marriage, kids (whether young or older) and financial struggles can weigh the heaviest. I would say the next big challenges would be working through the loss of a loved one or the uncertainties of life. And of course, there are the challenges of strained relationships and work or church related issues. The thing is, when you and I are hit with these types of challenges, that’s when we need to stand on the promises of God.

We have to, sis.

Sometimes when times are hard and the trials are beating up against you, it’s hard to pray. It’s hard to understand the meaning of it all. It’s hard to see your way through the tears welling up in your eyes. It’s hard to open up the Bible. It’s hard to wonder if things will ever change or get better. I get it. I’ve totally been there. But that’s also when God’s promises have to override our feelings and renew our mindsets.

Simply because the promises of God were written to help us in our time of need and to encourage us, but also to know God's amazing character. And we are instructed to pray without stopping-even if we can’t see our prayers being answered right away or the way we would like them to be answered. His promises are true regardless to what we see, feel, or think. We’re also called to trust the Lord even when we don’t understand. I know that can be the hardest hurdle, but again, we must, sis.

With all of this being said, I want to share with you some promises written straight from the Bible that you can stand on in your time of need. My only hope for you is that you rely on them no matter where you are today or tomorrow. Here they are...

Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose.”

Isaiah 40:29, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Psalm 31:24, “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”

Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 54:17,“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me, says the Lord.”

1 John 1:9,“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Philippians 4:19,“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Isaiah 26:3,“You will keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”

1 Corinthians 10:13,“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

Psalm 34:4,“I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”

I also highly recommend that you purchase a book on God’s promises or research a list online and begin reading them over and over again. Write them on your heart. Write down the ones that speak loudly to you in this season and let them minister to you. Also, know that the Holy Spirit will be really good about reminding you of those promises. They are there for reassurance, comfort, strength, increased faith, need, and getting to know the God that we serve and who loves us dearly (and cares about all that concerns us).

I pray that this post has encouraged you, sis. I also pray that you will choose to stand on His promises, no matter what you go through in this life. And I will do the same….no matter what. We're in this faith walk together.

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!

~Courtnaye 

QUESTION: Are you needing to hold onto God's promises right now? Are you hurting, struggling, dealing with some uncertainties in your life at the moment? Need prayer? If so, you can email me directly @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you and praying for you.

ALSO, my NEW 8-Week Study Guide and Video Teaching Series from my book, "IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose” is FINALLY available!!! Purchase here.

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