“Even when things don’t go your way, you’ve got to hold onto your faith. Just remember that you’re not made to be defeated.”
“Don’t Quit” by Smokie Norful

The year of 2017 has already been chock-full of transitional periods. While I’ve walked through some seamlessly, I’ve crawled and cried through many more. What has always helped me get through those periods, easy or difficult, has been my personal faith and the faith of others pushing me forward. If you’ve been reading my posts for a while, you’d know that faith can be a tricky thing with me. While in my heart of hearts I KNOW that God is for me, that doesn’t always stop me from doubting and worrying. While it’s natural for us to stress and worry, it’s in those moments that the opportunity for growth comes. When we choose to fight with faith instead, we will always come out on top.

I’ve been in a lot of prayer lately regarding God’s path and purpose for me. I’ve been reflecting on His promises and trying to speak them over my life. The devil is a hater though. As soon as I begin to believe what God has said about me, the devil comes in ready to shoot those words down. While I’m thanking God in advance for the next opportunity or relationship, I’m also battling stress from work, from family, from adulting, from life! While I’m trying to pray the hurt and disappointment away, another issue pops up in my life. It’s so tempting, in those moments, for me to give in and give up. It’s almost easier to sulk than it is to keep the faith. I’ve learned and am still learning, however, to look for and appreciate the miracles in the mess.

In the midst of struggle, if you look for Him, God will show Himself. He will show you miracles to inspire you, uplift you, and comfort you. Though it may seem like you’re down on your luck, that you’ve failed more than you’ve succeeded, or that others may have given up on you, God still has your back. You’ve got to remember that God already destined your victory.

Look up! Look around!

What miracles, big or small, have you witnessed today? What things clearly point to God regardless of how simple they may be? Whatever the miracles are, they serve to remind you that God is at work. The same way God can bless someone around you, He can do that and more for you. The same way God can shower someone with favor is the same way He is and will continue to shower you, even if you think you’re struggling right now. The challenge: keep faithing even when it feels the hardest to do so. God honors your prayers, your faithfulness, and your trust. All you have to do is believe and rest. Let God blow your mind. Don’t let life’s troubles keep you down. Your miracle is already in transit!

Smokie ends the song like this :

“You’re one hallelujah away from your breakthrough! Don’t quit!

You’re one thank you Jesus away from your promotion! Don’t quit!

You’re one glory to God away from your next level! Don’t quit!”

I challenge you to walk in expectation for that miracle and to hold on tightly to your faith, regardless of your current situation.

Don’t quit, twentysomethings!