God is great. I want to encourage someone on today with my testimony. I know this will bless. For six months I’ve been struggling with situations that test my character. Circumstances where I have been lied to , lied on , laughed at , picked on , talked about. You name it I’ve been going through it. Before this testing season my prayer was “God give me the fruits of the spirit , God build my character through trials and tribulations. So that the end result will be me walking in my destiny as a Godly person”. BOOM! God honored that prayer. He began to test my character. It started as minor , short test. As i grew, my test became more complex. I found myself emotional many nights. For instance, Wednesday night I wept reminiscing on my testing’s both past and current . I felt tired. I felt like continuing to let my light shine and reacting in a Godly way wasn’t paying off quick enough. I recited “i have to remember it’s all to shape me”. Driving home that night with tears in my eyes I asked God to continue to strengthen me for every situation. I kept reminding myself to remember it’s all for God’s glory to be revealed. I had to remember being anointed & appointed comes with being talked about ,persecuted , and making sacrifices. I got home and sat in my drive way for 5 minutes trying to decide between bible study or bed. I told myself “last time God proved himself to me was during service so ima go tonight in expectation”. And Bible study was a blessing. The moment i sat down God spoke to me concerning the exact same thing i had been dealing with for months. The exact same thing that put me in tears occasionally. My pastor taught from Matthew 16:24 and 2 Corinthians 9:27. She encouraged to keep following Christ and carrying the cross. She talked about how just as Jesus carried a cross so do we. The cross represents the trials and burdens that come because of us being a Christian. She acknowledged that we as Christians will be put in situations that will cause us to deny ourselves. This means to deny our fleshy desires. She reassured everyone that denying ourselves means honoring God. The more we deny ourselves it puts us steps closer to divine alignment & acceleration. Take up your cross just as God takes us up. She advised everyone to pray “God be glorified in me”. She then quoted “your light shines the brightest in your darkest hour”. I shared at the end of bible study how i was so thankful to have went and sat among the testimonies and encouragement.

It can be hard not reacting the way your flesh wants you to react but whenever you feel that energy rising up immediately go into pray, worship, or meditation. Do whatever it takes to calm yourself and prevent yourself from regretting anything. Every test passed brings a new blessing. Amen. 

Whether someone is a Christian or not we all find ourselves in situations where we have to decide between irrational reactions or more responsible ones. Choose the reaction that shines your light the brightest. 

Keep reading below. Remember: 1 Timothy 6:6 Godliness with contentment is great gain Deuteronomy 31:6&8 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” 8The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” 1 Peter 4:12-14 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God restith upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. Prayer: God help me to glorify you in all situations. Increase in me so my flesh man will decrease. Create in me godly characteristics. Let my light shine in my darkest moments. Use me as a vessel. Teach me to be content in my righteousness. Teach me to trust in your plan for my life more and more every day. Amen.