Note: The article is extracted from Joyce Meyer's "Enjoying Everyday Life" magazine. Be a partner with Joyce Meyer's Ministries and receive a copy on a regular basis.
See how Hand of Hope, Joyce Meyer Ministries World Missions, is reaching out to the four corners of the world to help hurting people.
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Women go through a lot of different stages in pregnancy, some more enjoyable than others. And the stage right before the birth when the pain is so intense that a woman thinks she's going to die - that's when the doctor won't say anything to her but push.
Maybe you're pregnant with a dream or vision from God. SOme of you are in the beginning stages and you're really excited about what God's called you to do. Others are in the waiting stage thinking, When is this thing ever going to take shape? And a few of you are in that painful stage when God's getting ready to deliver a blessing and you need somebody to keep yelling, "Push!" Well, I hope that's what my teaching does for you.
I could not begin to tell you all the times in my life when I wanted to give up on God's vision for me because I honestly felt like I cannot take this anymore! But God gave me the grace to keep going. And I want you to know how important it is for you to keep going too.
I want to see more people who are willing to go through the process even though it takes much longer than they'd like it to take. And I want to encourage you that as a Christian you can do it.
What To Expect When You're...Expecting
Get a new mindset. Plan to wait. Expect your vision to take longer and cost more than you ever thought it would in the beginning. Just get it into your head that no matter how long it takes or how hard it gets, you're going to keep going.
"The way we carry children and give birth to them is a great example of how we'll give birth to everything in our life."
A lot of us try to make things happen quickly. We look for the fastest, easiest way to get things done because we just don't want to wait on God. One of the surest ways to know if you're operating in the flesh is if you're frustrated all the time.
The Bible says it's only by faith and patience that we inherit the promises of God. And you can wear yourself out trying to earn those promises or you can receive them as a free gift through Christ. Many of us will learn this lesson simply by going through it ourselves. But I want you to know there's a better way.
Learning to Live in Reliance on God
You know what I pray for now on a regular basis? I pray for a holy ease. I don't expect everything in my life to be easy. But I believe even in the hard stages of life you can be spiritually at rest. That's when you know God's all over it. The work may be hard, but it's good. And you know in your spirit there's going to be a harvest because you're not trying to do something yourself - you're relying on God.
What did Jesus say? Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest (Matthew 11:28). God's power comes to us freely, enabling us to do with ease what we could never do on our own with any amount of struggle and effort.
The Incentive You Need to Keep Pushing
The way we carry children and give birth to them is a great example of how we'll give birth to everything in our life. There's a seed, the stages of preparation, and the transition to a birth - a new thing that's coming. And if you have to go the long, hard way to learn it, which most of us have to do, then so be it.
No matter how long it takes, just know this: God's working with you the way it has to be done, for reasons that only He understands. But God has a good plan in mind. And the last thing you want to do is give up in the middle and miss out on God's reward.
So please, keep on trusting Him. Push!
Recommended Resources:
Fresh Grace for Every Trial
Every trial you face is an opportunity for you to see Jesus and His grace in a new way! In this uplifting message by Joseph Prince, see how the answer to your trouble is not more money or human advice, but a fresh revelation of Jesus in the Word that pertains to your need. See how He reveals different aspects of Himself for every need, and be encouraged by the sheer style by which He provides for and saves you. The more you know Jesus and His heart of love for you, the more you’ll experience grace upon grace to overcome every trial!
Rest! God Is Working Behind the Scenes
Your human body was designed to operate out of rest, not stress! In this 2-DVD album, you’ll learn the significance of biblical rest, and discover how you can rest in Christ despite your negative circumstances. Find out how God has gone before you and is working behind the scenes for your good even when nothing seems to be happening. As you get a fresh revelation of how God’s abundant grace causes you to surmount every difficulty, you’ll arise with renewed strength and a new attitude of thanksgiving and victory. Put an end to worry, fears and restlessness dominating your life today!
This DVD Album contains 2 Sermons with 2 Discs
1. Rest! God Is Working Behind The Scenes (1 DVD: approx. 1hr 22 min)
2. Your Inheritance–All Things Work For Good (1 DVD: approx 1hr 30min)
What Does your Future Hold
Do you have unanswered questions about your future? Are there things that you would really like to know?
Well, a lot of what your future holds is up to you. This inspiring four-part series will prove the significance of not basing your future on your past.
In her straightforward and sometimes humorous style, Joyce will explore questions such as:
- Has your “get up and go” got up and gone?
- Has life gotten confusing?
- Are you prepared for what God has prepared for you?
Never Give Up!: Relentless Determination to Overcome Life's Challenges
Does it ever feel like life is getting the better of you? Maybe you realize you can’t actually do everything you’ve committed yourself to. Well, Joyce wants to encourage you to keep on going in God’s strength.
This book will show you…
- Promises God has given to His people
- Solid, tried-and-true tools to tackle life’s challenges
- Stories of successful people who were tempted to quit
- How to work with your God-given abilities
Don’t let the devil convince you to give up. Stay focused on God’s plans, and He will fulfill His promises and equip you with perseverance.
Remember that with God, nothing is impossible.
It's Your Time: Activate Your Faith, Achieve Your Dreams, and Increase in God's Favor
Your best days are in front of you! Despite challenges, and when it’s hard to see better days ahead, now more than ever, it’s time to believe for favor and restoration. Through God and His strength, you can rise above any circumstance and fulfill God’s best plan for your life. God is already at work making all things work together in your life. Now it’s your time to believe and to walk in the fullness of God’s blessings.
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