Tag: #walkbyfaith

Bruised by Life

Published on by Shakera Williams, Author, BloggerLeave a comment

We all come to a point in life where we feel bruised by the struggles of our past. It can make us feel overwhelmed and stuck. We can feel like we are too broken or damaged to ever be whole. The healing process can seem impossible.

I must admit that the struggles of my past often have a hold on me. It’s like fighting to shed skin or an open wound that just won’t heal. As I blog week after week it helps me just as much as I hope it helps my readers. The truth is God is always refining us. He works on us through the pains of life.

There are some other truths about the things in life that bruise or hurt us. You can’t always spend life wondering how you could have made different choices. There is no fixing the past.

Starting over can seem impossible, but it’s a part of life. Doing the same thing and expecting a different result is like a rat running on a wheel going nowhere. Our failures don’t define us they mature us if we let them.

It may feel like, life has been so hard, but you should not accept the state you are in. Though you may feel that way, it is not true. I lost a lot a few years ago. If I had thought that was it for me, you would not be reading my blog. You have to keep working on yourself. Never give up. When you think it’s over God has a way of turning things around.

Life can hurt but you get stronger in the push and pull of life. Remember to keep God at the center of your life no matter what is going on. I am sure Jesus knew it would be the greatest pain to endure the cross. Despite the pain and bruises, He knew it was a part of the call on His life.

The things we go through are a part of our journey and the call on our lives. We all have our crosses to bear but just like Jesus, we are not bound by them. We will rise with all power.

There was a time when taking my life seemed like the answer to the pain I felt. I am so glad today I lived to let someone know the bruises of life hurt, but God redeems. It still gets hard. Life doesn’t stop.

There were even times when I thought my dreams were washed up. God showed me I will use what you have left (2 Kings 4:1-7). He said when you feel like it’s over that’s when I use you to do my best work.

The bruises of life can seem like they are wounds that won’t heal, but with time they do. God is an ever-present help and He does not need you to have it all together (Psalm 46:1).

Remember the bruises of life do heal. 💜🙏🏾

Live to Heal from Brokenness

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The brokenness some of us feel from the tragedies of life can feel like an elephant sitting on our chest. We can find ourselves wondering if we will ever heal. Healing is not something that happens overnight. It takes years of working to be free from so many broken areas.

Some people believe they will just snap out of the hurt. The reality is that it takes time. It can take years to fully heal. You really have to work on yourself. One part of the healing process is recognizing that there are areas of brokenness in your life.

Brokenness is not a bad thing or something to be ashamed of. We all get broken by life. We all have been broken in some area or another. Some of us live our lives not healing. We are often are so broken that we self-sabotage the things in our lives that matter.

We may hurt the very people that want to love us. We also can be in survival mode all the time. Sometimes we have walls built up around us and live in fear of being hurt again.

You can begin your healing process in therapy. Counseling is one way to uncover the areas that need healing. Finding the right therapist can be a challenge but once you have found your match it can be a blessing.

Healing with people who have had similar experiences is also healthy. You can find these groups in your community.

If you have had issues with domestic violence, for example, you can reach out to a local agency and see if they offer a support group. Sometimes healing can be easier when you realize you are not alone in your hurt.

It is also a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Some of us can find support groups in our local church. I always believe the church is a spiritual hospital and often helps a lot of us get through life.

When you are hurt and need to heal, try not to make decisions based on brokenness. We have all done it. I have not arrived but I strive to be better one day at a time.

Healing from brokenness is not an easy feat. It takes time, patience, and a willingness to heal and not remain stuck. As life takes its course we can easily find ourselves broken and struggling to heal. No one is exempt from these struggles. Over time healing does happen.

You need a safe space to heal. You need people in your life that do not continue to keep you bound. Freedom is found in God. No matter what Jesus’ Resurrection is liberty and freedom from anything we face. Brokenness does not have to remain a constant reminder of the pain we felt from being hurt.

Live to heal, one day and step at a time.

Life Hurts Sometimes

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The troubles of life hurt

The decisions we make don’t always work

Depending on God is the source of our strength

When life seems unbearable pull from God’s fortress

Life hurts sometimes

No matter what life brings press through the rain

Work with God to get through the pain

The etched memory of our past hurts but trouble doesn’t last

Our eternal resting place is worth more than issues of our past

No matter what with God all things are possible to work

Even though life hurts

Press Toward the Higher Mark

Published on by Shakera Williams, Author, BloggerLeave a comment

We often pray for better and wish for better, but our pressing should include a strong foundation in a relationship with God. We should also be concerned about our eternal resting place. It is important to know that there is a place far greater than the troubles we face day to day.

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward and to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:12-14)”.

Paul teaches us that as anointed as he was, he had not arrived. Though Paul had not arrived he kept on pressing. Paul endured a lot. Before his encounter with God he persecuted Christians. He also went on a journey during his encounter with God on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9) These things did not stop Him from striving to do what God called him to do. He was preparing to be with God eternally.

Pressing higher and seeking God’s purpose can be hard. God orders our steps when we seek Him and allow Him to work in our lives. There is more to life than what we want. What God wants for us is more important.

Life throws many curves and road blocks. It can feel like we will never reach what we know God has called us to. We can began to feel we are too broken to do what God is asking of us. When we look at Paul we are looking at an anointed man who faced many moments of brokenness and hardships. Eventhough this is true he continued to teach and write God’s word for who he was called to.

Pressing through life is a challenge for all of us. Life does not stop for anyone. No matter how much money you have or how spiritual you might be hard times will come. As things happen to us we can begin to feel like pressing through life is worthless.

Paul did not allow his past or his current situation to determine his walk with God. No matter what we go through we must keep our eyes on God. Paul was not saying pressing was easy. He was saying he pressed no matter the circumstances.

No matter the struggle press toward the higher mark God is calling you to. God has greater on the other side.

Black History

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Black history is a history to be honored by society. It is true that when we forget or don’t know our history we are doomed to repeat it. We have struggled to keep the puzzle of our history intact. Many other culture have a different view of their history. Also, it wasn’t trampled on and attempted to be destroyed throughout societal history.

No matter whether society acknowledges it or not black history has been being dismantled across generation after generation. I would like to hope we can sustain a puzzle with so many missing puzzle pieces.

The power of putting the missing pieces of black history together is education. We must not let the legacy of black trail blazers die. This generation and the generations behind us are the legacy of black history.

Telling the stories of black culture is always a sensitive narrative to tell. We grow as a society when we acknowledge that it is a broken narrative. Black history will always be important to our society no matter how broken our stories may be.

The more we celebrate black history the more it keeps our history alive. Remember the generations now and after us are our legacy.

Black History Month 🖤🤎

God Opens Doors

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When doors close in our lives we may wonder when God will open the door He promised. There is a desire for God to work in our lives how we see fit. The problem with that is we limit God or put Him in a box. God is limitless. It can seem like the door He promised us will never open. That’s the time He pushes us into what He had in mind.

Time after time God shows us through His word that He opens doors. He gave Abraham the ram in the bush (Genesis 22:13). He rose Joseph to power after a trail of unfortunate circumstances rooted in the jealousy of Joseph’s brothers (Genesis 41:39-41). He made David king when many felt David was just a little shepherd boy (1 Samuel 16:13). Jesus was crucified and now He is our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16).

God’s will in our lives is about Him closing doors that hinder where He is trying to take us. The doors that remain open may keep us from the path He has for us. His goal is to position us into the purpose He has for us.

Waiting is another important piece of the puzzle. We do not want to get ahead of God and wander aimlessly around. There is a need to be patient enough for God to move.

There are no popcorn answers with God. Which is something today’s generation is hindered by. Getting fruit out of season doesn’t have the seasoned taste we love. With this said getting things out of God’s timing can be a hindrance and we can fail to maintain the things we acquire.

It’s not just about opening doors, but allowing God to close doors that no longer benefit us spiritually. In order for doors to open some doors must close. We want to move forward but fear God closing doors. It is a part of the process.

Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you”.

It’s important to want God to open doors in His timing. It may take a while but like fruit picked in season oh how good will things work out for us (Romans 8:28).

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Embrace God This Year

Published on by Shakera Williams, Author, BloggerLeave a comment

Embrace is defined as; to take in or include as part, item, or element of a more inclusive whole (Merriam-Webster, 2022). We need to partner with God and include him in all that we do. God should be our anchor. This does not mean we won’t face challenges this year. When we face them we will be grounded by God.

How much better would a year be; if we started it allowing God’s will to manifest? We should put down our carnal wants and desires. Each year is an opportunity to allow God to move in our lives.

No one wants to struggle, but the reality is that in the struggle there is growth. It never feels good but it works out for our good. In the mist of going through things God has His way and He moves us into position for what He has in mind.

I must talk about struggle because people on social media talk about I want a blessed year. I want a year without going through things. The truth is that your not being realistic when you say that or believe that is possible.

God grows us through unfortunate circumstances. We need to stop allowing these so called influencers paint a perfect picture of their lives. It ain’t all unicorns and roses for them. They just have mastered hiding behind a mask of perfection.

Stop believing challenges should stop. There is no perfect life nor perfect people so stop looking for a perfect year. Embrace what God wants to do in your life and be open to growth and change. You can have a blessed year even with obstacles.

Life comes with challenges. God made life that way so we would grow. Through our struggles we would have a testimony so other people could grow or be encouraged.

You embrace God in a new year when you let Him lead. You surrender what you want and had in mind and allow him to order your steps.

Believe as a believer God has a plan for your life because He does. Believe that you have been redeemed and there are no chains holding you down. You are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). Greater is he that is in you than he that is the world (1 John 4:4).

Embrace God this year. Trust that God has a plan greater than you. Let God be your solid foundation. Surrender this year to God. It’s not easy, but give Him a little day by day.

Happy New Year 2023.🎉🥳🎆🎊

Jesus Is the Reason for the Season

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Christmas time is more than all the presents, gifts, and money spent. These things are okay, but the reason for the season is Jesus. Let us remember He paid it all so we would not have to. It’s about His coming in, but also knowing He is a risen Savior.

His birth bought an eternal life we really don’t deserve. It’s ours because He came into the world not to condemn it, but to save it (John 3:17). He laid His life down.

Are you the light Jesus was (John 8:12)? I know it’s hard shoes to fill. He doesn’t need perfection. He needs the willingness to be the difference the world needs.

I could never do what Jesus did. No one can. He finished it so there won’t be another. He gave the great commission to go out and spread the gospel to all who will listen, even those stubborn in their ways (Matthew 28:16-20). Planting God’s word in someone leaves a seed.

As we prepare to break bread, give gifts, and enjoy this season remember Jesus. He was perfect so we don’t have to be, but we become complete in Him (Matthew 5:48). He is our example. Do you show people light or darkness? We all miss it. I sure know I do but even in the struggle, there should be some evidence of your walk with God.

Remember this season is about Jesus. He is the light of the world. Let your life be a reminder of the light of Jesus.

To all my blog readers I make these posts for you and to glorify God. I have not arrived, but I fight to be the difference.

Merry Christmas 🎄

Finish Your Race

Published on by Shakera Williams, Author, BloggerLeave a comment

“being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).

In this thing called life, our journey does not end until we leave this world. God has a plan and work that He will complete in us if He has called us to be His children.

The road gets hard, but God is faithful to moving us into position for His glory. No matter what comes your way strive to finish your race. Obstacles are in our lives to make us more refined even though it may not feel good. Over the course of life, you realize it worked out for the good (Romans 8:38). You understand that the doors that closed should have closed.

Sometimes you may lose friends on the journey. You may lose them because you changed and they wanted to remain the same. They may leave you because offenses came and tore the relationship apart. No matter who leaves you on the journey keep moving.

You may lose close friends and loved ones to death, but remember God is close to the brokenhearted. Don’t get stuck in the maze of grief. Stop and remember you are not to blame we all are not here to stay. When it’s our time well it’s our time.

As this year comes to a close remember we all have not arrived. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else. The road we are traveling is all unique. Lean not on your own understanding (proverbs 3:5). Remember nothing is for sure. As soon as you think it’s all figured here comes God refining your path. Next year will have its own lessons and circumstances. May we all approach with caution but trust that whatever it brings God is in control.

May the new year bring blessings and of course lessons. In this thing called life run your race with God at the forefront and finish it. Complete your assignment so your eternal rewards are great.

There is Greater on the Other Side

Published on by Shakera Williams, Author, Blogger1 Comment

Sometimes we wonder what God is doing in our lives. I wrote a message earlier this year entitled “He is pruning you for better”. We may not understand what God is doing, but it will work out for our good. Remember God’s timing is not our timing (Habakkuk 2:3).

This year has been a roller coaster for many of us. A lot of the world is still picking up the pieces from the pandemic. This may be making you question God; which is understandable.

Trusting God can be hard when there seems no way out (Proverbs 3:5-6). You may wonder if things will ever change. The good news is that trouble doesn’t last always. The sun does come out after the rain.

God’s ways are so much higher than our ways as it says in His word (Isaiah 55:8-9). You can make it with God on your side. There is greater on the other side.

Two years ago I felt God had deserted me. I felt lost and abandoned. It was scary picking up the pieces after losing the things I worked hard to establish. I learned that God had so much more in store for me. I realize now it didn’t feel good, but it worked out for the good.

Living in this unpredictable world where unfortunate things happen can be stressful. We can be at the end of our rope looking for better. I’ve been there and wondered how would I make it. I thought how could I live for God and endure so much. God reminded me that my suffering was setting me up for greater.

You are bigger than what you are going through. You can win each and every battle you face. There is more on the other side of the pain. Climb your mountain and run your race. Leave no stone unturned.

Stop looking back and go forward. God said to Moses “why do you cry to me tell the Israelites to go forward” (Exodus 14:15-16). Go forward. There is greater on the other side.