by Tracy | Inspirational, Tuesdays With Tracy
“You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth.” Psalm 71:20, NLT
Let me share with you what God has done in my own life:
- I know what its like to be abused, but I also know its like to forgive my abuser and be set free.
- I know what its like to have thoughts of killing yourself, but I also know what it’s like to carry life inside my womb.
- I know what its like to be full of fear to the point of rocking back and forth with my Bible just to make it through the night, but I also know what it’s like to see God’s angels moving on my behalf.
- I know what its like to feel all alone in this world, but I also know to have the honor of Jesus as my EVERYTHING.
- I know what its like to live in depression and despair, but I also know what it’s like to be pulled out of the pit for God’s Gory.
- I know what its like to worry to the point of almost losing my mind, but I also know what it’s like to be renewed in my mind with God’s Word.
- I know what its like to have fame within my grasp only to have it taken away, but I also know what it’s like to have perfect peace in that Nothing or No one can rob my destiny in Christ.
- I know what its like to put my hope in man and be disappointed every single time, but I also know it’s like to put my hope in God and watch Him make streams in the desert for me.
- I know what its like to barely get out of bed, but I also know what it’s like to experience God’s joy that comes in the morning.
- I know what its like to wonder if my dreams will every come to pass, but I also know what it’s like to have faith in Jesus and know that He never withholds anything good from me, He only sets me up to be blessed.
- I know what its like to be diagnosed with liver-failure, but I also know what it’s like to have Jesus miraculously heal me.
- I know what its like to only have oatmeal in my pantry to eat, but I also know what it’s like to have all of my needs met.
- I know what its like to run for my life to an abuse shelter, but I also know what it’s like to have God make purpose out of my pain and that my best days are yet ahead.
- I know what its like to be told that I am stupid and invaluable, but I also know what it’s like to read that Jesus died on the Cross-for me and I am the apple of His eye.
- I know what its like to lose something precious, but I also know what it is like to have it restored back to me 20 years later!
I believe 2012 is our year to flourish. I have a great anticipation for 2012! Let us declare and believe that our mighty God is not only willing BUT ABLE to restore us to life again and lift us up from the depths of the earth and may this restoration bring great glory and honor to God Almighty!!
Happy New Year!
Tracy
by Tracy | Inspirational, Tuesdays With Tracy
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works!”
Psalm 105, 1-2,
NKJ Version
I don’t know about you, but the past few weeks have been extremely difficult for me and my family. I cannot recount how many phone calls I have received of late from family members, friends and clients that are experiencing tremendous pain at this time. As a Christian Counselor, I am well aware that although many of us are “decking the halls” and preparing for Thanksgiving, others are struggling to simply make it through another day. The Holiday’s can be a time of great sadness, anxiety and fear and that is why today’s message is so vital. It is imperative in the dark times to remember to give thanks. You may be thinking to yourself, “I don’t have anything to be thankful for today,” but let me just state that if you are reading this blog then you can be thankful for God’s breathe that is flowing through your lungs. To those of you who are struggling, hold on and know that God is moving on your behalf. God loves you and has not forgotten you.
Please join me in a message I wrote many years ago but still rings true to this day:
I am thankful:
For the baby that wakes up
In the middle of the night,
Because it means I am
Blessed to be a parent.
For all the unanswered prayers
Which were never fulfilled,
Because it means that God had something better.
For the wife who serves leftover
Meatloaf for the third time this week,
Because it means she is feeding me and
Not someone else.
For the lonely times
When God feels far away,
Because it sharpens my ears
To hear God’s voice.
For the floors that need vacuuming,
The tables that need dusting and the
Bathrooms that need cleaning,
Because it means I have a home.
For the car that continually breaks down
And the rising gas prices,
Because it means I have transportation.
For all the angry and bitter
People in my life,
Because it gives me
A chance to love them unconditionally.
For the sink of dirty dishes,
Because it means I have two hands
And I was able to prepare a meal.
For the husband who constantly
Watches sports in the living room,
Because it means that he is
At home and not out with another woman.
For the list of phone calls to return,
Emails to be read and thank you notes to be mailed,
Because it means I have friends.
For the children who fuss
Over doing their homework,
Because it means they are safe
And at home with me.
For the boss and co-workers
That drive me crazy,
Because it means I have a job.
For the disagreement between
myself and another person,
Because it means we are
Working through an issue.
For the times when my prayers
Seem to go nowhere,
Because the prayer offered by a friend
Was exactly what I needed.
For the clothes that no longer fit,
Because it means I have plenty to eat.
For the wrinkles around my mouth,
Because it means I have had a reason to smile.
To live in America
Because it means that I can
Own a Bible and read it in public.
For the difficult days
Because it makes my good days
Even better!
In all things…Give thanks!
Pass it on!
Blessings,
Tracy Hurst
tracyhurst.com
by Tracy | Bad Day Blues, Inspirational
“Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received the promise.” Hebrews 6:15
“For you have need of endurance so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.” Hebrews 10:36
Patience…it’s a word that most of us do not like. But, today I want to show you how vital the fruit of patience is to receive the promises of God in your life. Did you know that patience is also defined as endurance and perseverance? The Greek word for endurance is “hupomone.” (Please stay with me for a moment as we define the Greek word, “hupomone” and get a clearer picture of why patience is so imperative to our spiritual life). “Hupomone” means, “constancy, perseverance, continuance, bearing up, steadfastness, holding out and patient endurance”. “Hupo” literally means, “under,” and “mone” literally means, “to remain.”
Therefore, we can define patience as: “The ability to bear up under difficult circumstances, not with a passive complacency, but with a hopeful staying power that actively resists weariness and defeat.”
This is good news, because most of us give up too soon. Once we receive a promise from the Word of God we want an immediate manifestation of that promise – like NOW! But it usually does not work that way. Just as Abraham had to wait patiently before he received his promise – so do we. There is a slice of time between the PROMISE and the PROVISION where the POWER of PATIENCE is vital. You see, during this in-between time is when the enemy attacks you the most. The devil will do everything within his power to distract, discourage and pull you off track. When the attack comes – you will need the power of patience. You need the supernatural power of endurance to bear up under the trials of this life and ACTIVELY resist weariness and defeat. The truth is YOU WIN – if you do not lose hope!
I encourage you today to ask God for the power of patience to manifest in your life. Whether you need it now or sometime in the near future – the “hupomone” power of God will help you to wait patiently and receive your promise!
Prayer:
Lord, I need the power of patience in my life. Help me to bear up under difficult circumstances with a hopeful resilience that actively resists weariness and defeat. When the enemy comes like a roaring lion, I declare the supernatural power of endurance is manifested in my life. I will not give up. I will not lose sight. I will be victorious and receive ALL the promises of God in my life. Amen.
by Tracy | Bad Day Blues, Tuesdays With Tracy
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5
“If God is for you, who can be againtst you? “
Romans 8:31
Have you ever felt utterly alone in this world and wondered if anyone out there was on your side? I have experienced this. The truth is, we can be smiling on the outside and standing in the middle of a huge crowd, yet on the inside suffer the depths of loneliness. When loneliness knocks on our door, we can either open the door to self-pity and despair or run to God and His Word.
The only thing that gets me through times of feeling alone (real or perceived) is knowing that God is ALWAYS with me. Each of us at one time or another will feel misunderstood and lonesome, but there is great comfort awaiting us through our relationship with Jesus. The question is: to what or whom will run to?
No matter what you are going through at this time you can rest in the truth that God will never leave you nor forsake you. God is always for you. Your career maybe falling apart or a friend may have just let you down, but Jesus is always for you. He is the only One who can fill every void in your soul. He can be your husband, mother, father, friend, healer, friend and His love is unconditional. In earthly relationships there are often conditions put upon us, but with God there are no strings attached!
So run to God today. Tell Him how you feel and thank Him for always being there for you. Let us remember that God is only a prayer away.
Prayer:
“Lord, thank You for Your unconditional love. No matter what is going on I can always count on You. You are for me and not against me and Your love is amazing. May I rest today in the fact that You are always with me. Amen.”
by Tracy | Inspirational, Tuesdays With Tracy
“You’ve (God has) always given me breathing room, a place to get away from it all, a lifetime pass to your safe-house, an open invitation as your guest. You’ve always taken me seriously, God, made me welcome among those who know and love you.” Psalm 61:3-5, The Message
Our scripture today makes me want to say, “Ahhh….Jesus take me away!” There are times when all we simply need is some breathing room; a place to escape the business and stress of life and to know that God provides such a place for us is awesome!
A few weeks ago I had the privilege to attend a women’s retreat. Notice I said, “attend” and this alone was breathing room. I knew a few people, but I was overwhelmed with the warmth I received from these women. God knew that I needed refreshment and these Godly women made me feel welcome. I left the retreat energized and filled with God’s peace and joy.
Maybe you are in need of some refreshment in your life today? I realize that you may not be able to attend a women’s conference such as I did, but our scripture today tells us that God always gives us breathing room and in spending time with Him we can have a “mini-retreat” in His presence. It is my belief that one moment with God can change our lives. God takes our concerns and needs seriously and He welcomes us to run to Him because God alone is the One who will meet all of our needs.
My daughter recently taught some children at an abuse shelter Philippians 4:19, which states, “My God will meet all your needs.” You should have seen these kids shouting from the top of their lungs this truth and jumping with all of their might to choreographed dance moves! It was powerful. Now to say that I was proud of my four-year-old daughter for teaching these kids God’s Word would be an understatement! My question for us today is, do we believe this truth? Do we believe that God will supply all of our needs? Whether we need refreshment, peace, joy or financial provision – He is faithful and His Word is true.
If you need anything today, run to God. He will heal you everywhere you hurt and provide for you exceedingly, abundantly, above all you could ask think or imagine. God’s guest room is always available to us. Are you in need of some breathing room? If so, then run to the safe house of God – His Word
Prayer: “Lord, thank you for giving me breathing room, a place to get away from it all to be refreshed in Your presence. For in Your presence is the fullness of joy. During this Holiday season, keep me from being distracted and to focus on the real meaning of the season. No matter what is going on around me, I can be confident that You will supply all of my needs. Amen.”
