A few weeks back, hubby and I got busy preparing our trip from Orlando to Lexington. “Honey,” he said, “I’m concerned we won’t make it to our connecting flight. We only have 30 minutes and the gates are in opposite sides of Charlotte’s airport.”
I gave him a silly grin. “No worries, God’s got this.”
We boarded the plane, but the flight was late in departing. That meant we only had 20 minutes to meet our next flight.
The minute we landed, we jumped to our feet, squeezed among the passengers, and once the path was clear, we took off. Yes, we began to run, oh no, not a light jog, but a sprint. Hubby held one suitcase in the air with one hand, pulled the other suitcase with the other and I gripped his arm as we took off. We dashed, zig zagging between people in the crowded airport.
After 15 minutes of non-stop running, our hearts were beating furiously. But no time to worry about that. We could not miss the flight!
Finally, huffing and puffing, we arrived at the gate. But the gate was empty. The plane left us.
That meant only one thing—I also had something to leave behind and that was any and all traces of stress, sadness, or worry. These three invaders would have drained my joy. That wasn’t happening!
Maybe not because you missed a flight, but because after you worked and worked, no results appear. You tried and tried to overcome, but the pain was still there. You ran and ran to meet your goal, but never reached it.
Your passion has vanished. You have been tempted to give up, and stress, sadness and worry are about to join you at the dinner table. But before you let them, consider this:
Sometimes disappointment is the driver of the vehicle of discouragement. We ride in it asking question after question: where was God while I tried so hard? Do I have what it takes? Do I even want to keep trying?
This psalmist might have ridden in that same vehicle and prompted him to ask similar questions.
Will the Lord reject forever?
Will he never show his favor again?
Has his unfailing love vanished forever?
Has his promise failed for all time?
Has God forgotten to be merciful?
Has he in anger withheld his compassion? (Psalm 77:7-9)
I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will meditate on all your works
and consider all your mighty deeds. (Psalm 77:11-12)
God sent Jesus to set us free (John 3:16), gave us power not fear (2 Timothy 1:7), God fights our battles (Exodus 14:14), and Gpd promises His protection (Psalm 91:1-2).
No stress, sadness or worry can ever overtake us when we remember God is cheering us on as we run under the banner of His grace. He holds up the flag of victory every time.
Without stress, sadness or worry, we can think clearer, we can walk in confidence and call upon the Lord’s power at work.
Happy to report that for hubby and me, His power was indeed at work. After we missed our flight, we dragged our feet to the customer service counter. Though exhausted, we still smiled. To our joy, the friendly agent put us in first class on the next flight. She even added dinner vouchers to use as we waited.
Father, I praise You for the way You clear the way, removing sadness, stress or worry. No matter what goal I’m after, I vow that negative emotions will be replaced by the reassurance You have the outcome prepared. In Jesus’ name.
What fills your heart as you run to meet your goals these days?
Bonus article on today’s topic.
Janet
You and I are only a click away. You can use this CONTACT FORM to leave your prayer request, make a comment, ask a question, or invite me to speak to your group. Or simply reply to this email.
I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.
What to do while we wait for the answer.
Janet Perez Eckles
8/16/2024
Five reasons why you must never be discouraged.
Janet Perez Eckles
8/2/2024
How the 4th of July reminds us that we can have freedom from worry.
Janet Perez Eckles
7/19/2024
Is this what you're missing?
Janet Perez Eckles
6/21/2024
When my problems are too deep.
Janet Perez Eckles
6/7/2024
What does God say about immigration?
Janet Perez Eckles
6/2/2024
When will God heal me?
Janet Perez Eckles
5/24/2024
Your secret to become the best mom.
Janet Perez Eckles
5/10/2024
A free event to empower you.
Janet Perez Eckles
4/24/2024
How to prepare for the end times.
Janet Perez Eckles
4/12/2024
How do I know I'll go to heaven?
Janet Perez Eckles
3/22/2024
Six choices that make you a victor.
Janet Perez Eckles
3/8/2024
A surprise is tucked inside.
Janet Perez Eckles
2/27/2024
How long before the heartache stops?
Janet Perez Eckles
2/23/2024
Does God see my loneliness?
Janet Perez Eckles
2/9/2024
When bad situations turn to victory.
Janet Perez Eckles
1/27/2024
5 ways you can have a victorious new year.
Janet Perez Eckles
1/5/2024
Good news in the midst of fear and loneliness.
Janet Perez Eckles
12/22/2023
What to do when facing a war.
Janet Perez Eckles
12/8/2023
The secret to a real celebration of Christ.
Janet Perez Eckles
12/6/2023
A Message of Appreciation
Janet Perez Eckles
11/24/2023
What is the purpose for my life?
Janet Perez Eckles
11/10/2023
Happy birthday to...me!
Janet Perez Eckles
10/27/2023
Three lies that can rob your security.
Janet Perez Eckles
10/13/2023
This is how you overcome stress, sadness, and worry.
Janet Perez Eckles
9/29/2023
Avoid pitfalls and pain with these three steps.
Janet Perez Eckles
9/15/2023
What kind of prayers does God really answer?
Janet Perez Eckles
9/1/2023
How to calm your emotional turmoil.
Janet Perez Eckles
8/18/2023
Five promises to live free from fear.
Janet Perez Eckles
8/4/2023
This is the way to a rich life.
Janet Perez Eckles
7/21/2023
Saying goodbye.
Janet Perez Eckles
7/4/2023
It's a hot summer, but timely inspiration is so cool!
Janet Perez Eckles
7/3/2023
Is that blind woman dancing?
Janet Perez Eckles
7/2/2023
Free...For You!
Janet Perez Eckles
7/1/2023
No eyesight, no limbs, but enjoying the fullness of life.
Janet Perez Eckles
6/30/2023
The best way to celebrate our Father...our Heavenly Father.
Janet Perez Eckles
6/16/2023
Your joy is closer than you think.
Janet Perez Eckles
6/9/2023
Five reasons why loneliness cannot enter your heart.
Janet Perez Eckles
5/26/2023
Five weapons for mothers to overcome stress.
Janet Perez Eckles
5/12/2023
Three steps to contentment during chaos.
Janet Perez Eckles
5/5/2023
This is what you need to remove to have a happier and peaceful life.
Janet Perez Eckles
4/21/2023
Because the tomb is empty, your loneliness, fear, and anxiety can end.
Janet Perez Eckles
4/7/2023
Your pet might be speaking the love that no human can.
Janet Perez Eckles
3/31/2023
3 ways to know if God will find you strong and committed or find you lukewarm instead.
Janet Perez Eckles
3/17/2023
Three questions to determine how prepared you are to face life's troubles.
Janet Perez Eckles
3/3/2023
Three ways to prepare for the end times.
Janet Perez Eckles
2/17/2023
Overcoming Loneliness on Valentine's Day
Janet Perez Eckles
2/14/2023
Something just for you.
Janet Perez Eckles
2/10/2023
Four decisions to turn anxiety to peace.
Janet Perez Eckles
2/3/2023
God is with us...always!
Janet Perez Eckles
1/27/2023
12 questions to determine the success of your new year.
Janet Perez Eckles
1/20/2023
Five steps to keep depression out.
Janet Perez Eckles
1/6/2023
This is where you find comfort this Christmas.
Janet Perez Eckles
12/23/2022
This is how stress turns to peace this Christmas.
Janet Perez Eckles
12/18/2022
How to end your worry.
Janet Perez Eckles
12/5/2022
Big Announcement ... Read On
Janet Perez Eckles
11/19/2022
How to get rid of loneliness.
Janet Perez Eckles
9/2/2022
How to get rid of anxiety.
Janet Perez Eckles
8/12/2022
Your battle belongs to the Lord.
Janet Perez Eckles
7/29/2022
The only connection you need to feel safe and secure.
Janet Perez Eckles
7/15/2022
10 steps to help you never, never fear
Janent Perez Eckles
4/1/2022
How to overcome this hot summer of loneliness
Janent Perez Eckles
8/21/2020
How to see God’s way out of our troubles
Janent Perez Eckles
7/10/2020
With these four promises, we can dare to expect a brand new, beautiful, tomorrow
Janent Perez Eckles
6/19/2020
When God Meets our Greatest Needs
Janent Perez Eckles
4/24/2020
Trust in the Real Source
Janent Perez Eckles
4/10/2020
6 ways to know God is watching your anxious moments
Janent Perez Eckles
3/7/2020
12 ways to transform your life
Janent Perez Eckles
1/17/2020
Avoid these three traps when facing impossibilities.
Janent Perez Eckles
12/20/2019
Consider these three steps before getting angry.
Janent Perez Eckles
11/8/2019
Three steps to have your prayers answered.
Janent Perez Eckles
11/1/2019
The secret to live a happy life.
Janent Perez Eckles
10/4/2019
Three secrets of a real winner.
Janent Perez Eckles
9/6/2019
So, what’s another disaster?
Janent Perez Eckles
8/2/2019
One thing you need to remove in order to live with confidence.
Janent Perez Eckles
6/7/2019
What to do when life becomes too much.
Janent Perez Eckles
2/22/2019
Five questions to see if you’re a people pleaser.
Janet Perez Eckles
11/23/2018
How to achieve the best of life.
Janent Perez Eckles
11/9/2018
I need encouragement.
Janent Perez Eckles
11/9/2018
6 Steps to Bring Back Peace
Janent Perez Eckles
6/8/2018