Good Afternoon!

Because of my chains [seeing that I am doing well and that God is accomplishing great things], most of the brothers have renewed confidence in the Lord, and have far more courage to speak the word of God [concerning salvation] without fear [of the consequences, seeing that God can work His good in all circumstances].  -Philippians 1:14

We are all faced with hard decisions at some point or other to where we have opportunities to do what we know God wants us to do but we know it will stretch us. Almost always there is a chance to say no and stay in our comfort zone, or we can say yes to what we know will be hard. Doing what we know God wants us to do, no matter how hard it is or what the consequences might be, will always bring growth in our faith. We will draw closer to God and we will grow as a person, we will become stronger as a person and realize how much we need to lean into God when things get hard. The other benefit from this is that it, as the verse above spells out, encourages those around you to do the hard things as well. It shows them what it looks like and gives them the confidence to say yes to the hard things. What is that hard thing that God wants you to do right now that you have been pushing off? 

“God has allowed hard things in your life so you can show the world that your God is great and that knowing Him brings peace and joy, even when life is hard.”  -Francis Chan

“Only hard things are worth doing. If what you are doing is not hard, rethink what you are doing.” 

Dad Joke of the Day:

I’ve never understood why I didn’t consider cottage cheese to really be a “cheese.”

But it’s just a curd to me.

Have a great Thursday!