The Llivingemerald

Tag: Faith

  • Overcoming Obstacles: A Journey of Faith and Perseverance

    Overcoming Obstacles: A Journey of Faith and Perseverance

    “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but about learning to dance in the rain.”

    This popular saying encapsulates a profound truth about the human experience. Obstacles are an inevitable part of life, but how we respond to them can define our journey. As Christians, we are called to face these challenges with faith, perseverance, and hope, trusting that God is with us every step of the way.

    The Inevitability of Obstacles

    From the moment we take our first breath, our journey through this world is marked by obstacles – challenges that test the depths of our faith, the resilience of our spirits, and the unwavering nature of our trust in God’s divine plan. Whether we face financial hardships, health crises, broken relationships, or the weight of personal failures, these obstacles can feel like insurmountable mountains, casting long shadows of doubt and despair over our paths.

    Yet, it is in these moments of profound trial that we are called to remember the words of the Psalmist: 

    "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1, NKJV).

    For it is through the lens of faith that we can perceive these obstacles not as impenetrable barriers, but as opportunities for spiritual growth, character development, and a deeper understanding of our reliance on the One who holds the universe in His hands.

    Embracing the Power of Perseverance

    To overcome life’s obstacles, we must cultivate the virtue of perseverance – a steadfast determination to press on, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. The apostle Paul, no stranger to adversity, exhorts us to 

    "run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1, NKJV),

    reminding us that the journey of faith is a marathon, not a sprint.

    Perseverance is not merely a matter of gritting our teeth and pushing forward through sheer willpower. Rather, it is a byproduct of our unwavering trust in God’s sovereign plan and His unwavering love for us. When we anchor our souls in the promises of Scripture, we find the strength to endure, the courage to face our fears, and the resilience to rise above the obstacles that once seemed unconquerable.

    Biblical Strategies to Overcome Obstacles

    1. Seek God’s Wisdom and Guidance

    Amid life’s storms, turn to the Lord in prayer, seeking His wisdom and guidance.

    "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5, NKJV).

    Prayer is our direct line of communication with God, and it is through prayer that we can find the peace and clarity needed to navigate our challenges.

    2. Meditate on God’s Promises

    Immerse yourself in the Word of God, allowing its truths to penetrate the depths of your soul. Meditate on promises such as 

    "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5, NKJV)

    and

    "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV).

    The Bible is a treasure trove of wisdom and encouragement, offering guidance and hope in times of trial.

    3. Surround Yourself with a Supportive Community

    Do not isolate yourself in your struggles. Seek out a community of believers who can encourage you, pray for you, and walk alongside you in your journey. 

    "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2, NKJV).

    The support of a faith community can provide strength and comfort, reminding us that we are not alone in our battles.

    4. Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude

    Even in the midst of adversity, make a conscious effort to focus on the blessings in your life. Gratitude has the power to shift our perspective, reminding us of God’s faithfulness and the abundance of His grace. 

    "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV).

    5. Celebrate Small Victories

    Recognize and celebrate the milestones along your journey, no matter how small they may seem. Each victory is a testament to God’s faithfulness and a reminder that He is with you every step of the way. 

    "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him" (James 1:12, NIV).

    Learning from Biblical Examples

    The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who faced tremendous obstacles and overcame them through faith and perseverance. Consider the story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned. Despite these trials, Joseph remained faithful to God, and in the end, he was elevated to a position of great authority in Egypt, saving many lives during a severe famine (Genesis 37-50).

    Similarly, the apostle Paul faced numerous hardships, including imprisonment, beatings, and shipwrecks, yet he continued to preach the gospel with unwavering determination. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul writes, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV), a powerful reminder that our strength comes from the Lord.

    Trusting in God’s Plan

    As we navigate the winding paths of life, encountering obstacles at every turn, let us cling to the unwavering truth that our journey is not one of defeat, but of victory. For in Christ, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37), empowered to overcome every challenge that stands in our way.

    May we embrace the power of perseverance, anchoring our souls in the promises of God’s Word and the strength of His unwavering love. And as we press on, may we find ourselves transformed, our faith refined, our character strengthened, and our trust in the Lord’s sovereign plan deepened.

    For it is in the crucible of adversity that we discover the true depths of our faith, and it is through the lens of faith that we can perceive the obstacles before us not as impenetrable barriers, but as stepping stones to a deeper understanding of our Heavenly Father’s grace, mercy, and unwavering faithfulness.

  • How do I overcome loneliness, when I have to stay at home?

    How do I overcome loneliness, when I have to stay at home?

    Loneliness is a feeling of emptiness, being alone, unloved or neglect. Its an emotional expression that we all feel one time or the other at a point in our lives. Especially now, when the entire world is in panic and confusion. We are kept away from our loved ones, daily economic, social and recreational activities, to stay at home.

    If staying at home is not a part of your life, then, it can be a big trigger for feelings of loneliness.

    Imagine, waking up in the morning, and you can’t step out of your front door. All you hear on TV and read on Facebook is news about the current pandemic facing the entire world. How on Earth do you think you can be happy?

    Whenever you try to be happy, you are bogged down with this feeling of guilt as to not being sure whether you have the right to be happy when the world is in confusion, and the death toll is rising every day because of the pandemic. 

    I am happy to announce to you, that you have every right to be happy, if not for anyone, be happy for yourself.

    You can overcome loneliness even though its one of the hardest things to during this tough times

    You don’t have to get yourself bored and hide in your bed all day. There is a chance for you to be happy and active even though you have to stay at home. Don’t allow the feeling of loneliness to put a pause on your life and social engagement, even though you are observing social distancing.

    Are you wondering about how you can overcome this feeling of loneliness and be yourself again?

    Here are some top 10 activities you can engage in to overcome loneliness while you stay at home.

    1. Practice some workouts.

    You can shake out that feeling of loneliness with some workouts while you stay at home.

    I know you can’t visit the gym now, but don’t worry; you can still get yourself involve in some light exercises. Exercising will help to ease the feelings of loneliness even if you are not used to visiting the gym.  You can download some fitness training online and try them yourself. The workout will make you sweat, and then you can take a warm shower to revise both your body and spirit. Workout that loneliness while you stay at home.

    2. Activate some of your old-time skills.

    When I say old-time skills, I mean things you used to love doing but didn’t have time for again, probably because of your busy daily schedule. Do you love baking, cooking, or gardening? Now that you have to stay at home, you can channel the energy of loneliness into some of these activities. you can overcome loneliness by reviving your inner natural creative energy. Try some of these skills like painting, drawing, baking, playing the guitar you kept in the closet all this while, etc. This is a good time to learn new skills. Learning is fun.

    You should do just anything you can lay your hands on around the house to make yourself happy.

    3. Blogging.

    Do you love writing? You can create a website and start blogging about things that make you happy. Don’t worry if you are not a professional writer, moreover, you can do it for fun. Let people know what’s on your mind and the enjoyable experience you have had through your writing. You will later find out you are helping someone somewhere who will read your blog posts.

    4. Crafting.

    If you have your kids staying at home with you, you can engage in some crafting activities with them. Children love crafting, and they love it more when they do it with their parents. Create some fun time doing craft with your kids. You should use materials within your reach like paper, leaves, paints, old newspapers, cardboard, empty cans, etc.

    5. Practice meditation.

    Meditation is one of the known and proven means of healing both the body and soul. You can overcome loneliness through practicing meditation. Keep your worries away, drive the negative thoughts out, and feed your mind on only the positive ones. Then, think about the good things that had happened recently, the lovely people you’ve met, think about love and family. Meditation will also help you discover who you truly are and how you can improve your life.

    6. Embrace self-love.

    No one can love you more than you love yourself. Although, loneliness is a result of the feelings of neglect, however, loving yourself is a key to happiness even when there is no shoulder for you to lean on. Loving yourself will help you stay happy no matter what. When you are happy, you will love others and even have a positive effect on them. Don’t hate yourself for any reason and don’t accept negative vibes. Love who you are and don’t be anyone talk you down about yourself.

    7. Cultivate the garden.

    This could sound weird. But I think getting involved in activities like cultivating the garden can be healing. Appreciating the works of nature is one of the keys to overcome loneliness. Getting to know the natural environment around your house can be a great idea. Get the flowers trimmed, water the nursery, observe the beautiful blue sky, and listen to the birds sing. You can also plant some veggies if you have the seeds at home or within your reach.

    8. Try swimming.

    If you have a pool at the backyard, whether natural or artificial pool, you can try out some swimming exercise. It will help to rejuvenate both your body and spirit. swimming will bring back to you the sense of refreshment and you’ll see loneliness fly away like a bird.

    9. Spend time with your partner.

    During a time of feelings of loneliness, one of the most important things you can do to heal faster is spending time with your loved ones, especially your partner. If you live with your partner, sharing how you are feeling with them will make things easy on you and help you heal faster. discuss your worries with your partner or your online-friends so that you can receive some encouragements.

    10. Stay active.

    Staying active throughout the day will help you overcome the feelings of loneliness. Don’t hide in your bed, or bury your head in your phone. Try out activities that get your mind engaged, lively, and reviving. Help yourself become a better person while you stay at home.

  • 30 Bible Verses for Trying To Conceive Moms

    30 Bible Verses for Trying To Conceive Moms

    Couples who are trying to conceive always find this period very challenging because waiting is one of the hardest things that is difficult for us to do as humans. However, we have the assurance that we shall receive whatever we ask for in prayer with faith.

    These 30 bible verses will boost your faith when you are trying to conceive. They will provide comfort for your soul and an assurance of God’s love for you and your spouse. Also, they will constantly remind you of God’s promises for your fruitfulness.

    Praying God’s word is an effective way to pray and receive answers, especially when you are trying to conceive. Therefore, I have compiled an accompanying prayer point after each bible verse to make praying God’s word an enjoyable experience for you while you patiently wait on God and your heart is being renewed and strengthened.

    30 bible verses with prayers special collated for trying to conceive mom

    All bible verses are from the new international version (NIV) bible.

    1.    Hebrews 11:11-12 

    11 And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12 And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.

    Prayer 1

    Father in the name of Jesus, by faith I declare that I am enabled by your spirit to conceive and bear children. And I declare that every organ in my husband’s body which are associated with conception is made alive by your spirit in Jesus name. 
    2.    Genesis 25:21
    21 Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.

    Prayer 2

    Father in the name of Jesus, I declare that every one of my husband’s prayers about my conception is speedily answered in Jesus' name and I become a mother of children. I shall conceive and deliver my baby in Jesus' name.

    3.    Psalm 113:9

    9 He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD.

    Prayer 3

    Father in the name of Jesus, I declare that I am settled in my home as a happy mother of children. I will not lose my home to childlessness in Jesus name. I receive power to conceive and bear children in Jesus name.

    4.    Luke 1:13

    13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.

    Prayer 

    Father in the name of Jesus, I declare that every prayers that either I or my husband has offered to you about my conception are answered in Jesus name and I become a mother of children.

    5.    Philippians 4: 6-7

    6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, I thank you for your love towards me and my partner. I overcome every anxiety and fear of barrenness and I decree that the peace of God that transcends all understanding fills and guard my heart continually in Jesus name.

    6     Psalm 130:5

    5 I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, I receive grace to wait patiently on the lord and to trust absolutely on his word. My hope in God will not be shaken in Jesus name.

    7.    Genesis 21:2

    2 Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had
    promised him.

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, just as you have promised that I will not be barren, I declare that I conceive and bear a son to me husband in Jesus name.

    8.    Genesis 18:10

    10 Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him.

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, by faith in declare that, after this time next year the lord will return unto me and I will have a son.

    9.    1 Samuel 2:21

    21 And the LORD was gracious to Hannah; she gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD.

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, by your spirit, I receive grace to conceive and to give birth to children both sons and daughters.

    10.  Genesis 30:22

    22 Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and enabled her to conceive.

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, by your lovingkindness I ask that you remember me, and enable me to conceive by your spirit.

    11.  Luke 1:36-37

    36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to
    be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever
    fail.”

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, I declare that every reproach of barrenness is taken out of my life. Also, every of your word on fruitfulness will never fail in my life In Jesus name

    12.  Genesis 21:1

    1 Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised.

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, I receive your grace upon my life and I ask that you do unto me
    as you have said in your word. Your promise of fruitfulness will not fail in my life.

    13.  Mark 11:24

    24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

    Prayer

    Mark 11:24 Father in the name of Jesus, I ask and I receive my child by faith in Jesus name. I believe that I am now a mother of children in the name of Jesus.

    14.  Deuteronomy 7:14

    14 You will be blessed more than any other people; none of your men or women will be childless, nor will any of your livestock be without young.

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, I declare that I am blessed more than any other people on earth, I will not be childless neither will I cast my young. I receive power to deliver like the Hebrew women.

    15.  Psalm 128:3

    3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, I declare that I am a fruitful vine and my children will surround my table like olive shoots.

    16.  Exodus 23:25-26

    25 Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, 26 and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span.

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, I worship your majesty and for who you are. I declare that my food and water is blessed, no form of sickness will prosper in my body nor in my partner’s body, I will not be barren neither will I cast my young. I shall enjoy a full long life, with peace and prosperity.

    17.  Romans 4:19-20

    19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, I refuse to acknowledge every negative medical report about me or my partner. Rather, I overcome every attack of unbelieve regarding the promise of God for my fruitfulness. I am therefore strengthened in faith by your holy spirit living in me. I ascribe all the glory to you oh lord.

    18.  Genesis 1:28

    28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, according to your word, I declare that I am fruitful, I increase in numbers, fills the earth and subdue it. I begin to exercise my dominion and authority over all that the lord has created. No forces of nature can keep me in bondage any longer.

    19.  Genesis 33:5

    5 Then Esau looked up and saw the women and children. “Who are these with you?” he asked. Jacob answered, “They are the children God has graciously given your servant.”

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, I declare that my home will not lack the voice of children. My children will be a defense on to me when I am challenged at the gate in Jesus name.

    20.  1 Corinthians 3:16

    16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit  wells in your midst?

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, I declare that my body is the temple of the lord and that the spirit of god dwells in me. Therefore, no form unfruitfulness, barrenness, sickness or infirmities is allowed in my body in Jesus name.

    21.  James 1:17

    17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, I receive the gift of beautiful children from my heavenly father, I believe that he will not deny me the gift of children because it’s his will for me to be fruitful in my body.

    22.  Psalm 127:3

    3 Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, I receive my children who are my heritage in Christ and offerings who are my reward from the lord. Thank you Jesus.

    23.  Philippians 4:13

    13 I can do all things through him who gives me strength.

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, I declare that I can do all things even conception and giving birth because Christ gives my strength. I am strengthened in my spirit, soul and body for supernatural conception in Jesus name.

    24.  Job 31:15

    15 Did not he who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form us both within our mothers?

    Prayer 

    Father in the name of Jesus, you who form children in the womb, I declare that godly children
    are formed in my womb, I am empowered for supernatural conception in Jesus
    name.

    25.  Luke 1:35

    35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High
    will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, I ask that the holy ghost come upon me and the power of the most
    high overshadow me for supernatural conception in Jesus name.

    26.  Genesis 29:31

    31 When the LORD saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless.

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, I decree that every shame and reproach that childlessness has brought into my life is reversed by your mighty power. My womb is empowered to bring forth children in Jesus name.

    27.  1 Samuel 1:19

    19 Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the LORD and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her.

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, I ask that you will remember me this month and as my husband make love to me, I am empowered to conceive in Jesus name.

    28.  Psalm 92:12-14

    12 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; 13 planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green,

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, according to your word I declare that: I shall flourish like a palm tree and grow like a cedar of Lebanon. I and my children are planted in the house of the lord and we shall flourish. I will continue to bear fruits even in my old age, I will stay fresh and green and none of my children shall be cut off.

    29.  Isaiah 8:18

    18 Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me. We are signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD Almighty, who dwells on Mount Zion.

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, I dedicate every child that will come forth of my womb to you right now. And I declare that I and my children will continually show forth our signs and wonders throughout the universe so much that the whole world will testify to your mighty power in our lives.

    30.  Psalm 1:3

    3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

    Prayer

    Father in the name of Jesus, I declare that henceforth, I am a tree planted by the streams of water, I shall not know the time of heat or draught, I shall yield my fruits in my season (timely conception), my leave shall not wither (no form of miscarriage) and whatever I do shall prosper (no failure whatsoever) in Jesus name.

    Congratulations!!!
    The yoke of barrenness is lifted off your shoulder. Begin to thank God for an answered prayer and do not allow the devil to use doubt to stop the answers to your prayers. Believe that you have received whatever you have asked for in prayer and it shall be yours in Jesus’ name.

    If you still need a prayer partner to join their faith with you in prayers, you can send an email to this address: shinerosewriter@gmail.com.
    You will receive a reply in which we will book a prayer time with you.

    Check through this website for other powerful verses and prayers

    Thank you and God
    bless you.

    We await your testimony.

    Cheers.

  • Trusting God in the dark season

    Trusting God in the dark season

    Do you find it difficult to trusting God at your dark season? Don’t worry, God still cares for you and his love for you is unchanging. Yes, the dark season is a common experience that most children of God will have to encounter in their Christian journey. However, Christ has made a promise that he will not leave or forsake you even when you find it difficult to trust him or believe any of his promises.

    The dark season of our lives is when we find it difficult to see the glorious future that Christ has promised us. We are overwhelmed with the pains of disappointment, debt, depression, loss, death of a loved one and all forms of grieves that weary our heart. Nevertheless, despite all of our challenges, trusting God, his love and leaning on God’s everlasting arm always provide us strength, support, encouragement. God will also send his light to brighten up our path during our dark season.

    God’s love for us is unchanging no matter how far our situations has drawn us away from him, he is always ready to receive us with an outstretched arm.

    “Though it’s difficult to trust God at the dark season of our lives, yet it’s the best thing to do”. Shine Rose

    #4 tips for trusting God in your dark season

    1.    Trust in God’s perfect love for you.

    Believe that no matter how bad the situation you are in is or how much worse things you’ve done, God still loves you. His love in your heart will keep you going when there is no ray of light through the dark lonely road. Trusting God and his love

    2.    Remind yourself of God’s unfailing promises

    Christ has promised never to leave us as fatherless children just like a good mother will not abandon her sucking child. Reminding yourself of God’s promise to help you and make a way out of your current situation. He will give you strength never to give in to depression or self-pity. Do you feel anxious, sorrowful, depressed or fearful for your life? Claim God’s promise today.

    3.    Keep the word alive in you

    Make sure that the word of God does not depart from your heart, instead, you should meditate on it constantly. Whenever you feel like not reading the bible, that is the time you need God’s word the most. moreover, you should keep your spirit alive and strengthened through God’s word. You can also play some gospel messages on your mobile phone, or watch from your television if you’ve got the time. Listening to worship songs that are Holy Spirit inspired can also help to keep your spirit alive at your dark season. Finding it difficult trusting God? find out what the bible have to say concerning your situation

    4.    Don’t forsake the gathering of the brethren

    One of the signs that you are at your dark season is that you may not have the excitement to gather together with the brethren to worship God. You just want to be alone and groan under your clothes because you feel that nobody cares. Yes, your feelings might be true but the truth is that God cares for you and worshipping with the brethren is a means to stretch out his loving arm towards you. You will have great relieve as you pray and worship with the brethren and Gods word can also reach to you as brethren share about their personal encounters with God.

    Do you still need more counseling on how to trust God at your Dark season? You can contact shine rose now by subscribing to my counseling mail list. You will receive personal counseling that specifically addresses the situation you are in. Always remember that you are never alone. God Bless You.

    learn more on how to trust God when you are struggling. Download here