I knew someone had spilled something.
I could tell from the sound it made when I walked, as well as that sticky feeling beneath my feet
with each step.
I was instantly sure one of the Hobbs children had made that mess in the kitchen (likely one of
our two sons since they’re the youngest and most accident prone).
Whomever it was, had tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to clean up behind themselves.
At least they tried, right?
When I asked, I learned it was our youngest, Kaleb (Surprise!) who had mistakenly knocked
something over.
His attempt at being responsible, though heartfelt, left a trail of stickiness behind that required
a good mopping.
So I broke out the bucket and the mop.
I know a lot of folks use a “Swiffer” nowadays, but I’m old school. I do it the old fashioned way
and wring that mop out good with my hands. I also still wash dishes by hand. I have a
dishwasher, but I don’t use it.
I guess I can’t shake my old school ways.
But anyway, as I looked over the floor and shook my head at the dried up residue covering it, I
felt proud of our son.
I remember there was a time when he would have made a mess, left a trail of destruction
behind, and vehemently denied his part in it when questioned.
Children will lie quick, fast and in a hurry, won’t they?
As Psalm 51:5 NIV says so well, “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother
conceived me.”
But today, seeing him quickly own up to what he’d done, as well as exert the effort to right the
wrong, was a good thing.
The lessons Kenya and I are teaching him seem to be soaking in—finally.
He and I often tell our little brood, being honest and having integrity is of the utmost
importance.
“Even if you regret what you did, feel ashamed about it, or think you might get in trouble for it,
be honest about it anyway,” we say.
I know if we can ingrain this in them early on, it will help them avoid the pitfalls of compromise
and say no to the temptation to do wrong for selfish gain.
Of course, that is not to say they will be perfect. Each of us has to learn some things the hard
way. My prayer is that, whatever happens, they will always come back to that foundational
teaching and allow those biblical instructions to lead the way.
You and I have to do the same thing, particularly in times of intense desire for positive change,
frustration over stagnancy, and strong urges to do whatever it takes to get what we want right
away.
Friend, in moments of weakness, when compromise seems convenient, the enemy is right
there, pushing those buttons, attempting to activate your triggers.
He will use anything: discouragement, anger, lust, greed, pride and many other tools to
convince you to go against what God has for you.
But don’t do it.
Hold onto your integrity, just as Job did when he was going through a seriously difficult time of
testing. In Job 2:9, with all the stuff this upright man of God was facing, his wife asked, “Are you
still maintaining your integrity?”
She was like, really Job?
You mean to tell me you’re continuing to trust God through all of this?
He had done no wrong. He was living for God all he knew how, but was being tried in the fire.
His spouse was so frustrated that, she told Job to curse God and die. In her mind, all this being
faithful to the Lord stuff wasn’t worth it. Faithfulness wasn’t, at the moment, producing any
positive fruit she could see.
Living righteously, to her, was pointless.
But Job’s resolve to serve the Lord, no matter how difficult things got, was unwavering. His
integrity wasn’t for sale and it certainly didn’t expire because trouble was lasting too long.
In fact, right in the thick of things, Job declared in chapter 13 verse 15, “Though he slay me,
yet will I trust in him…”
The Lord wants us to have that same conviction in the midst of the storm, rain, difficulty and
struggle.
Will you yet trust Him?
Will you: keep on serving God; searching the Scriptures for answers; seeking the Lord in
prayer; believing in what’s possible; worshiping Him with your lifestyle; and praising Him, by
faith, for what is already done?
Will you?
Friend, as you go through life, there will be many temptations to throw in the towel, denounce
integrity and jump ship.
There will be no shortage of roadways leading you on the opposite path away from destiny.
Unless you are fully committed in your mind and fixed in your position, when the storms of life
will blow hard against your claims of integrity, they won’t stand. You’ll relent and join others,
like Job’s wife, who say there’s no use in staying on the Lord’s side.
But if you hold on, just as God did Job, He will give you double!
Job 42:10b NIV, which is what I’m stirring into your cup of inspiration, says, “…the LORD
restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.”
As you drink down the contents of your cup, you will rejoice in knowing that restoration is
coming to you if you don’t faint.
Declare over your life Isaiah 61:7, which says, “Instead of your shame you will receive a double
portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a
double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.”
Just hold onto your integrity and keep trusting.
God is going to elevate you out of this valley and bring you into your land of promise in His
own time.
Now let’s pray together.
I could tell from the sound it made when I walked, as well as that sticky feeling beneath my feet
with each step.
I was instantly sure one of the Hobbs children had made that mess in the kitchen (likely one of
our two sons since they’re the youngest and most accident prone).
Whomever it was, had tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to clean up behind themselves.
At least they tried, right?
When I asked, I learned it was our youngest, Kaleb (Surprise!) who had mistakenly knocked
something over.
His attempt at being responsible, though heartfelt, left a trail of stickiness behind that required
a good mopping.
So I broke out the bucket and the mop.
I know a lot of folks use a “Swiffer” nowadays, but I’m old school. I do it the old fashioned way
and wring that mop out good with my hands. I also still wash dishes by hand. I have a
dishwasher, but I don’t use it.
I guess I can’t shake my old school ways.
But anyway, as I looked over the floor and shook my head at the dried up residue covering it, I
felt proud of our son.
I remember there was a time when he would have made a mess, left a trail of destruction
behind, and vehemently denied his part in it when questioned.
Children will lie quick, fast and in a hurry, won’t they?
As Psalm 51:5 NIV says so well, “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother
conceived me.”
But today, seeing him quickly own up to what he’d done, as well as exert the effort to right the
wrong, was a good thing.
The lessons Kenya and I are teaching him seem to be soaking in—finally.
He and I often tell our little brood, being honest and having integrity is of the utmost
importance.
“Even if you regret what you did, feel ashamed about it, or think you might get in trouble for it,
be honest about it anyway,” we say.
I know if we can ingrain this in them early on, it will help them avoid the pitfalls of compromise
and say no to the temptation to do wrong for selfish gain.
Of course, that is not to say they will be perfect. Each of us has to learn some things the hard
way. My prayer is that, whatever happens, they will always come back to that foundational
teaching and allow those biblical instructions to lead the way.
You and I have to do the same thing, particularly in times of intense desire for positive change,
frustration over stagnancy, and strong urges to do whatever it takes to get what we want right
away.
Friend, in moments of weakness, when compromise seems convenient, the enemy is right
there, pushing those buttons, attempting to activate your triggers.
He will use anything: discouragement, anger, lust, greed, pride and many other tools to
convince you to go against what God has for you.
But don’t do it.
Hold onto your integrity, just as Job did when he was going through a seriously difficult time of
testing. In Job 2:9, with all the stuff this upright man of God was facing, his wife asked, “Are you
still maintaining your integrity?”
She was like, really Job?
You mean to tell me you’re continuing to trust God through all of this?
He had done no wrong. He was living for God all he knew how, but was being tried in the fire.
His spouse was so frustrated that, she told Job to curse God and die. In her mind, all this being
faithful to the Lord stuff wasn’t worth it. Faithfulness wasn’t, at the moment, producing any
positive fruit she could see.
Living righteously, to her, was pointless.
But Job’s resolve to serve the Lord, no matter how difficult things got, was unwavering. His
integrity wasn’t for sale and it certainly didn’t expire because trouble was lasting too long.
In fact, right in the thick of things, Job declared in chapter 13 verse 15, “Though he slay me,
yet will I trust in him…”
The Lord wants us to have that same conviction in the midst of the storm, rain, difficulty and
struggle.
Will you yet trust Him?
Will you: keep on serving God; searching the Scriptures for answers; seeking the Lord in
prayer; believing in what’s possible; worshiping Him with your lifestyle; and praising Him, by
faith, for what is already done?
Will you?
Friend, as you go through life, there will be many temptations to throw in the towel, denounce
integrity and jump ship.
There will be no shortage of roadways leading you on the opposite path away from destiny.
Unless you are fully committed in your mind and fixed in your position, when the storms of life
will blow hard against your claims of integrity, they won’t stand. You’ll relent and join others,
like Job’s wife, who say there’s no use in staying on the Lord’s side.
But if you hold on, just as God did Job, He will give you double!
Job 42:10b NIV, which is what I’m stirring into your cup of inspiration, says, “…the LORD
restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.”
As you drink down the contents of your cup, you will rejoice in knowing that restoration is
coming to you if you don’t faint.
Declare over your life Isaiah 61:7, which says, “Instead of your shame you will receive a double
portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a
double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.”
Just hold onto your integrity and keep trusting.
God is going to elevate you out of this valley and bring you into your land of promise in His
own time.
Now let’s pray together.
Life can leave us parched, but Jesus can quench
our thirst.
Your Daily Cup of Inspiration is a blog designed
to shift your focus from the things that leave you
thirsty and unfulfilled, and redirect you to the
thirst-quencher, Jesus Christ, who can satisfy
every need you have.
Written by Empowering Everyday Women
Ministries Founder, Dianna Hobbs, thousands
of women from across the nation “drink down”
her inspirational posts daily, leaving them
strengthened in their faith, and more confident in
the God of their salvation.
The wife, mom of four, and multi-faceted ministry
leader prayerfully writes simple anecdotal posts,
from which you can always draw useful wisdom,
strongly rooted in biblical principles.
Whenever you’re dealing with discouragement,
hurt, brokenness, difficult struggles, and
numerous life challenges, you're invited to have
a drink from the well that never runs dry.
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Daily Cup of Inspiration
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to empower & strengthen
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| © Copyright 2013-2014 Empowering Everyday Women Ministries |
"The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great
5:16b NLT
If you are struggling, suffering, hurting, and are in
need of a community of Believers in Christ to pray
for you, you're in the right place. Let the
Empowering Everyday Women Intercessory Prayer
Team stand in faith with you.
5:16b NLT
If you are struggling, suffering, hurting, and are in
need of a community of Believers in Christ to pray
for you, you're in the right place. Let the
Empowering Everyday Women Intercessory Prayer
Team stand in faith with you.
God, in the midst of trouble, it can be difficult to hold on, continue walking in faith
and stand upon my convictions. But today, I renew my commitment to serving you
despite what I may be going through. As I walk by faith, I believe that, at the
appointed time, You will shower me with supernatural restoration and increase. In
Jesus’ name, Amen.
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As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift,
encourage, and empower you!
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I
know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
encourage, and empower you!
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I
know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
Will You Yet Trust Him?
JUNE 9, 2014
MOST RECENT BLOG
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your roll and hear from God first.
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Keep Expecting. God Will Do It For You!
Slow Down, Get Clarity
Faith Through Inconvenient Times
Things Will Improve
God Is Strong Enough
This Is A Lesson In Trust
Give It ALL To God
Put It In God's Hands
Refuse To Move!
God Does All Things Well
PHOTO CREDIT: DAYSPRING