You are Forever Royal: Speak Like it with Consistency

Posted on by Evangeline

You are royalSometimes I need to ponder my royal status in Christ more often and maybe you do too. Revelation 5:10 assures us of our royal status in this life on earth through Jesus: “And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.”

I need you to put on your math cap for a moment. Remember “If-Then” statements? They show us that if one thing is true and it says/demonstrates the same thing as another, then they are equal. For instance, “If 4+1 =5 and 3+2 =5, then 4+1=3+2.”

The Word of a Royal King

In Ecclesiastes 8:4, we’re told, “Where the word of a king is, there is power…” So here’s the “If-Then” statement I’m proposing: IF we are kings/queens in Christ (and we are, whether we live like it or not), and the word of a king/queen has power, THEN our words must have power! In our natural lives, our words have the power to bind us in an agreement/contract, to involve us in a covenant such as marriage, and to change our circumstances, for better or worse.

Your words act as seeds that will grow and be fruitful. But beware, the soil of your life WILL produce what you plant in it. Stay away from the weed seeds, those words that are nothing but negativity.

As a king/queen, you get to choose what kind of word-seed you will speak into your future and then live with its harvest.

Will you consistently speak word-seeds that yield a harvest of Life and Blessing?

God’s Big Shoulders Can Bear the Weight of Your Burden

Posted on by Evangeline

God's big shoulders - no anxietySometimes we think that we can plan and control every facet of our lives and then realize that it’s too much for us to handle. Are you anxious and feeling the heaviness of the challenge you’re facing? You might be in a financial crisis, or feeling like a relationship has lost its zing, or maybe you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one.

No matter the circumstance, it can begin to feel like it is overwhelming. Is it because you have yet to place that burden on God’s big shoulders?

God’s Big Shoulders

Throughout the Bible, God implores us to believe that He loves us so much that He wants to handle every difficulty that we face. No matter how small or how large the issue is, He is always present to deal with it. But sometimes we forget.

We forget that He’s there– walking through life with us to give us guidance.

Your own ears will hear Him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. ~ Isaiah 30:21 NLT

We forget that He loves us with a no-matter-what kind of love.

[Jesus said], “You love them as much as you love me.” ~ John 17:23 NLT

We forget that He does not condemn us.

For I will be merciful to their wrongdoing, and I will never again remember their sins. ~ Hebrews 8:12 HCSB

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. ~ Romans 8:1 NLT

We forget that He never runs out of good gifts to give us after we’ve seen how He has already abundantly supplied for others.

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. ~ Ephesians 3:20

Our forgetfulness can get us in over our heads, causing us to feel overloaded with despair!

The Simple Solution

The solution is simple yet not always easy to implement:

God's big shoulders - rest

Remember He wants you to rely on Him, to rest in Him, and not rely only on your self-efforts to change your circumstances.

For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works. ~ Hebrews 4:10 NASB

Remember He is right there with you, loving you , not condemning you. And then, make a decision to throw your problems onto God’s big shoulders.

Throw your burden upon the LORD, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the godly to be upended. ~ Psalm 55:22 NET

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ~ 1 Peter 5:7 NIV

Be sure not to let your struggle be the thing you talk about the most. What you frequently think about and talk about will the thing that expands and manifests in your life.

For as he thinks within himself, so he is. Proverbs 23:7 NASB

Be sure not to let your struggle be the thing you talk about the most. Speak life! Share on X

Most importantly, don’t let your struggle become an idol– the thing that gets your frequent focus and attention. That’s God’s place!

Little children, keep yourselves from idols (false gods)—[from anything and everything that would occupy the place in your heart due to God, from any sort of substitute for Him that would take first place in your life]. Amen (so let it be). ~ 1 John 5:21 AMPC

Offering those shoulders is just one way He shows you that He loves you. No matter what struggle you’re embroiled in, rest assured, God’s big shoulders are strong and broad enough for it.

Will you throw your burden onto Him?

 

 

Battling Infertility? Here’s an Effective Scripture-Based Prayer

Posted on by Evangeline

If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you have already been given the victory over everything the devil can throw at you… even if you’re battling infertility. In Him, you’ve been redeemed and made a partner to the biggest winner of all time! Prayer is a means of accessing the victory.

How do you pray? Have your prayers been filled with words of defeat, self-pity, and unbelief? Or do you pray with confidence that God’s promises of victory are for YOU?

Battling Infertility with Prayer

Here’s a prayer that can galvanize you in the belief that you are a victor and not a victim:

Prayer - Battling InfertilityFather, I’m Your child and I stand in the truth of your Word. I am in covenant with You and an heir to all your blessings. My spouse and I desire to have a baby. I stand on Your Word, with expectancy and thanksgiving, that  I receive that special gift from You. In the authority I have in Jesus, I speak to the “mountain” of infertility, “Be dried up at the root, never to affect our bodies again.”

We are redeemed from the curse. I believe that my womb is blessed and is a safe environment for our baby to grow. We look to experience a beautiful pregnancy, with no suffering during it.  Our expectation is a safe delivery that goes smoothly and quickly.

Thank You Father, for loving me.

Thanks for answering this prayer for the precious child you have created specifically for us.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

[Scripture references: Galatians 3:26, 29; Ephesians 2:4-6; Philippians 4:6; Mark 11:12-14, 20-24]

Coach’s Corner:

Here are a 3 questions to ponder. I encourage you to write the answers in your journal (or start one if you don’t have one!) .

  • How satisfied am I about my current level of expectancy and joy?
  • What does God’s Word say about expecting Him to come through on His promises?
  • How can I more effectively “speak to the mountain” of infertility using God’s Word?

If you’d like more encouragement and insight so that you more fully address the spiritual aspect of infertility, contact me to see if personal coaching might be of benefit to you. I’d love to talk with you about it!  🙂  #iHopeCoaching

 

 

Image courtesy of Nuchylee / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Real Love

God’s Love for You is REAL Love and He Wants You Well

Posted on by Evangeline

Every human being is searching for REAL love. When you look to Jesus, you will find it. His love is a certainty. God loves you and He wants you to always be well. There is nothing that can separate you from His love or His healing power.

Jesus was the epitome of love. He never turned anyone away that asked for healing. Everyone who came believing in His willingness to heal them got healed–without exception. Jesus never said, “I won’t heal you because this illness/disease has been put on you so God can teach you a lesson and work something out in your life.” If He didn’t say it then, He doesn’t say it now because He’s the same today as He was back then and He won’t change in the future (Hebrews 13:8). If it was His will back then for ALL to be healed, it’s His will for ALL to be healed now, and that includes you.

REAL Love

Real love heals, it doesn’t cause pain. God is love and only desires to see us enjoy life!

“And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16

If you know His love, you know there is no pain or sickness caused by love.

If you believe in His love, you are not fearful that He won’t keep His word and uphold His promises.

When you keep His love at the top of your mind, doubt has a tough time infiltrating your thoughts and making you think that God has brought sickness and failure your way.

REAL love heals, forgives, sets your heart free, and desires to only do good.

Jesus’ love is the only real love. Your search for real love can stop right now as you allow yourself to be the object of His affection, blessing, and power. When you tap into His love, nothing can separate you from it (Romans 8:35,39).

What You Say

Tap into His love by seeing what God says in His Word about your circumstances and then start saying the same thing that He says about them.

What YOU say matters. Use the authority of God’s Word to bring about the good He desires for your life. As you speak His words of love over your life, you’ll see how REAL love works.

If you believe in His love, you are not fearful that He won't keep His word and uphold His promises. Share on X

Did You Know There’s a SPIRITUAL Aspect of Infertility? #NIAW

Posted on by Evangeline

It’s National Infertility Awareness Week. Are you aware that there’s a spiritual experience associated with infertility?

Many people ignore the spiritual aspect of infertility.

It is so easy to lose focus on the spiritual nature of infertility when the physical aspect consumes your thought life and begins to overtake your daily life. You and your spouse can become so obsessed with finding the cause and the cure for your situation that it can rob you of your peace. When you’re not experiencing peace, you’re likely to ignore the one thing that can bring about the solution you’re looking for.

Spiritual Unrest

Some studies have shown that the degree of severity of a physical disease is often related to the degree of emotional and spiritual unrest being experienced by the patient. That unrest must be addressed. This is why it is important to strengthen yourself spiritually while dealing with infertility. Acknowledge the need to ask God for wisdom when faced with overcoming the enemy called “Infertility.” It may seem like a Goliath-sized enemy to you, but for God, “Infertility” is already a defeated foe because of what Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection.

Infertility is not too hard for God to break or destroy. God said so when he defeated infertility in Sarah’s life:

“Is anything too hard for the Lord?” ~Genesis 18:14

The story of each woman in the Bible that struggled with infertility ended with her becoming an overcomer and giving birth, no matter her age, socio-economic status, or how long she had been infertile.

Stay WITH God

Luke 18:27 shows that Jesus said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible WITH God” (emphasis mine). That preposition, “with,” is an important word because it means “in close proximity to”.  You can come close and join yourself WITH Him by asking Him for help and for wisdom in the decisions you make, by reading His word, and by speaking and meditating His Word.

Even if you feel as if God has turned his back on you and no longer hears your prayers, look to Him. When is seems like God is ignoring you (He’s not), look to Him. Even though things haven’t changed after you’ve begged, cried, and pleaded in your prayers, look to Him. And yes, when you find yourself thinking, “I’ve had enough of this. Let’s just throw in the towel and give up,” look to Him. Why? Because the bottom line is, He has never left your side. He loves you immensely and wants His best to be demonstrated in your life. You have an enemy but it is not God, it’s Satan. Jesus is the One who has the power to eradicate this issue and He desires to do so. He needs you to know that He is there with you, standing with you in the face of this enemy. Then you can have faith that He always keeps His promises.

Make a Decision

Make a decision to consistently address the spiritual aspect of infertility.  It will make a positive difference! Trust that God’s Word is true for you. Keep your focus on His promises of fertility. Ask for a fresh revelation of His love for you. It will bring you guidance, comfort, and ultimately, greater peace.

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

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: but not as the world gives… Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” ~ John 14:27

Find more direction about how to spiritually address infertility… check out my fertility devotional, A Seed of Hope: God’s Promises of Fertility.

spiritual aspect of infertility-A Seed of Hope

The Struggle of Infertility is REAL but So Is His Grace–Don’t Give Up!

Posted on by Evangeline

The struggle of infertility may seem insurmountable but God’s grace is bigger AND more powerful. Here’s help so you don’t give up.

Many times during infertility, you feel like you’re about to fall apart (usually monthly). There is probably no one else in your life who truly understands what you’re going through, so talking to others about it can be difficult, unproductive, and very frustrating. That frustration can make you choose to just suffer silently. THAT is not a good choice! When you’re trying to hold all that emotion inside of you, it’s only a matter of time before you start to feel like you’ll explode. That explosion is sometimes expressed in anger, self-pity, sadness, bitterness, self-condemnation, depression, and many other destructive ways.

BUT, there is One who can help!

The struggle of infertility is NOT too big for Jesus.

In the midst of the all the pain and asking, “Why me?”, Jesus is the One who is capable of understanding this situation and helping you to get through it without falling apart. Colossians 1:17 [NIV] says, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ” His love and grace are available everyday to comfort and guide you through the struggle so the negative emotions don’t overtake you and make you feel like everything is falling apart.

Look to Him today and on a daily basis. Trust His hands to hold you and to keep things in your life held together.

Let Him hold your whole world in His hands.

You can find more encouragement, comfort, and peace in my book, A Seed of Hope: God’s Promise of Fertility.

In the struggle of infertility He holds your world in His hands
Photo courtesy of Microsoft / Image by © Royalty-Free/Corbis
hope - a healthy habit

She Got Through It By Living On Borrowed Hope — You Can Too

Posted on by Evangeline

Have you ever borrowed anything from a friend because you had completely run out of that item? It’s nice to know that when you’re in a pinch, someone is kind enough to share what they have to make up for what you don’t.

Amazingly, if you feel like you have completely run out of hope, you can borrow some of it too! That’s what a friend did as she struggled with infertility. You can read a portion of her story of victory here.

What I’d like to share about her story that you won’t read in her blog is something she recently said to me while we attended an event. She told me that before she met me, she had been reading my Bible reading plan about fertility on YouVersion. It had been a source of hope for her during a dark time in her life. She considered it a source of “borrowed hope” because she had simply run out it. She didn’t want desperation and bitterness to overtake her. As a believer in Christ, she knew she had to keep hope alive within her… somehow. Borrowing hope from the Biblical accounts of those 8 women in my reading plan helped her maintain hope until she eventually experienced victory and gave birth to a son.

Seeing how others experience victory should prompt us to feel hopeful, not envious or pitiful. When we make a decision to celebrate the victory of others…when we remain determined to have a positive mindset…when we choose to believe that what God has done for others He will do for us… we can live life hope-filled.

Borrowed hope from the victorious experiences of others may be what you need in order to get through the struggle. Or maybe their experiences can serve to boost the hope you’ve forced yourself to maintain.

Either way, today, make the choice to rest in knowing that God loves you and ALWAYS keep His promises.

It’ll make the struggle easier.

God Did it Again — Another Victory Over Infertility!

Posted on by Evangeline

overcoming infertilityVictory over infertility is not too hard for God (Genesis 18:14)!

This is a letter that testifies of God’s goodness and His willingness to work on our behalf. It is from Camille, a reader of my blog. I pray it encourages you to not give up on God’s promises of fertility. Her story starts back in 2014.

An Overcomer

Back in November my husband and I decided to start the process for IVF.  This was after trying 3 unsuccessful IUIs before I ever read your book. So we thought we would go for it and if it was God’s will, it would happen for us.

We both believe that God is the giver of all life and we found a wonderful fertility specialist. What was so special about him is that when we met with him, he was very open and passionate about his belief in God being the orchestrator and creator of life and that his role was “helping setting the scene” from a medical standpoint for God to do his work. This was very important to me as sometimes these doctors do get the notion that they are in control and see themselves as God.

We went through the process of taking a lot of drugs and ended up having 9 eggs retrieved. There were 4 that survived. They implanted two and that is how we got our little boy and we have two more frozen embryos that we plan to have implanted in another 1.5-2 years.

My pregnancy was amazing. I had very little nausea and vomiting. I worked up until last my 39th week.  We have been blessed beyond measure. Our friends and family who have prayed for us this entire journey had 3 different baby showers for us. We have been provided with more than we could ever need for this baby and things keep coming. When God blesses you, he always go above and  beyond!

Reading A Seed of Hope

My husband and I read your book and it was so encouraging.  I would re-read certain passages over and over again when doubt and fear crept in. When I purchased your book, I posted something on your website/blog I believe only one time (I cannot remember what I posted). However, the day that you contacted me via email was a very interesting day. I was talking with my best friend about my struggle with infertility.  She and her husband had just given birth to my god-daughter through IVF and while I was extremely happy for her. However, I thought, “Why isn’t God not making it happen for me?” You see, I felt I had done things the “right way.” Coming from a family of teenage mothers, including my own who had me at 15, I waited. I went to college, found a God-fearing and loving husband, and we purchased our dream home. I went back to school to get a second Bachelor’s degree and we traveled the world. We certainly were ready!

However, on this particular day of talking with my best friend, I was so down and depressed. Usually she knew the things to say to keep me encouraged because she had gone through the same thing, but on this day, nothing was working. I think it made me more upset because I had gotten to a point where I felt she could no longer relate because she  had her baby. That’s another story.

Fighting Anger and Depression

I remember going to Wal-Mart to get some household supplies after getting off the phone with her and when I came out it was pouring down raining. With no umbrella and getting completely soaking wet, I looked up to the sky and said to God, “Come on… are you serious?” I was so full of anger and depression. However, when I got home, I had an email from you! Now I had never spoken to you and am sure that I had only posted on your blog just one time. This was a sign to me that the Lord hears us and He sends people our way (sometimes even strangers) to show us that He is still with us even when we think He is not. I have used this story as a testimony.

I’m sorry I wrote so much, but I really wanted to let you know how much you and your book has meant to our lives. You following up with me is another reminder of the importance of telling our story of God’s greatness and continued blessings. Please know that you are making a difference and that the Lord is truly using you to change lives.

If God did it before, He’ll do it again. He’s no respecter of persons. Keep your hope alive!

Hope is Having Only Positive Expectations. It is powerful and has an eternal purpose (1 Corinthians 13:13). The purpose of hope is to give you greater inner strength. It serves you no matter what you’re feeling or experiencing.

I pray that Camille’s story of victory over infertility will give you hope!

The Ways God’s Love Works in Your Life

Posted on by Evangeline

What do you do to tap into God’s love for you in the midst of seemingly hopeless circumstances? Find encouragement in my free handout, “Hope in Hard Places.” Request it today, using the blue arrow form to the right of this post.

God’s Love

Scripture assures us that God loves us in so many different ways. Here are a few of them to remind you that the Father loves you the same way He loves Jesus (John 17:23).

Scripture assures us that God loves us the same way He loves Jesus. (John 17:23) Share on X

God’s love is strong and He gladly protects us!

LOVE Psalm 5-12

God’s love brings joyful satisfaction! 

Background image by Vectorgirl |Fotolia

Background image by Vectorgirl |Fotolia

God IS love. Allow His love to be an ever-flowing river, with cascades of the highest level to bring joy in your life.

Background image by photointopainting
Background image by photointopainting

Nothing– no problem, no trouble, no struggle in your life — is too hard for God’s powerful love to solve or change.
Not even INFERTILITY!

Here’s What REAL LOVE Looks Like

Posted on by Evangeline

real love

Sometimes we need a reminder of what REAL love is.

How can you know what real love is? If you listen to popular music, no matter if it’s R&B, country, hip-hop, rock, or pop, you’re likely to hear lyrics about how love let someone down:

  • “thank you for the love, thank you for the heartaches, thank you for the tears I’ve cried, thank you for all those lies”
  • “can’t believe that love would hurt again”
  • “she’s my love gone wrong”
  • “love done gone”
  • “good lovin’ gone bad”

A lot of times, people will label something as being “love” when it’s really not. As we celebrate Valentine’s Day today, I want to give you a different perspective about love (this will be the theme of my posts over the next few days). Knowing what God’s love is really like is important in being able to see Him as willing to provide the healing, material supply, relationships, etc. that you may need. Make a decision today to gain a fresh revelation of His love for you.

“The Lord your God is with you. He is a hero, the Mighty Warrior who saves you. In his love, He will no longer punish you.He will take great delight in you. He happily rejoices over you, renews you with his love, and celebrates over you with shouts of joy.”
 ~Zephaniah 3:17 (NIRV and GW)

After all, if God is love (1 John 4:16), how can there be anything bad or hurtful about REAL love? 

Please spread the love! Share these images with others via social media.

Sometimes we need a reminder of what REAL love is. Share on X

Love is demonstrative and takes action on behalf of others.

Background by Stuart Miles| FreeDigitalPhotos

Love seeks to refresh and restore.

LOVE -PS 23

Love gives…always.

LOVE John 3-16

 

Certain images courtesy of David Castillo Dominici and Stuart Miles| FreeDigitalPhotos.net