Welcome to my Persevere Series. God has been teaching me that perseverance is less about how strong I am and more about how faithful He is. Through these posts, I want to encourage you to keep going, trust His timing, and remember that even small steps count. Perseverance isn’t about perfection: it’s about leaning on God’s strength in every season, whether you’re walking, crawling, or rising again.
Reflection
Don’t take someone’s showing up for granted because you don’t know what it took for them to be there. If God wasn’t in the equation, they wouldn’t have made it. Their presence isn’t just them pushing through. It’s God holding them together. It’s His strength in their weakness, His grace covering their broken places, and His love lifting them when they wanted to stay down. Every time they show up, it’s not about perfection; it’s about perseverance through Christ.
Scripture
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9
Prayer
Father God, thank You for being our strength when we have none of our own. May our showing up always point back to Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Many people are eagerly awaiting the holidays with joy. They are excited and preparing for the holidays with cheer. But for some people, the holidays are not a joyous time. Some people dread the holidays and understandably because they have lost loved ones and for some this lost occurred around the holidays. Feelings of grief each year during these times may be inevitable. Other times people dread the holidays because they do not have the things they need or want for the holidays. And sometimes, people experience the holiday or seasonal blues because of mental health struggles, their environment, feeling overwhelmed and burned out from constant stress, or other forms of grief and disappointments.
No matter what the reason is, seasonal blues or holiday blues is real. Many people experience seasonal blues around this time because the days get shorter and there is less sunlight. And many people deal with holiday blues which is sadness, loneliness, or other myriad of emotions duting the holiday season. Healing is a continual process and overcoming the blues does not happen overnight but here are some things to help you get through the holidays and Winter season.
Check out the latest video on holiday/seasonal blues.
I had not seen any promos about the film, so I did not know what to expect, and I didn’t even look up who produced it. I just knew it was a Christian film. I had attended one or two other Christian group film viewings before and have enjoyed it, so I had hopes I would enjoy this one.
Today, my nephew and I joined some of the members of my church and other sisters and brothers in Christ to see TheForge at a neighboring Marcus Theater. We were able to purchase our tickets as a group in advance. Prior to the start of the movie, our group was met with such a kind gesture and blessing: a fellow minister paid for our group’s popcorn and drink. A great kick-off to our afternoon and great group event.
Eight years after War Room, the Kendrick Brothers brought us another powerful movie called The Forge.
And must I add that the Kendrick Brothers once again did not disappoint. Some of the characters from War Room appeared in this film, but this is not a sequel to War Room.
The Kendrick Brothers produced another film with quality production, great acting, laughter, power, and impact. As Mr. Moore, played by Cameron Arnett, mentors Isaiah, I realized that his nuggets and advice about life and becoming a man was not just for Isaiah but for the audience, and I like to think moreso for young men. I was glad that I got a ticket for my nephew, and he was able to hear the same advice Isaiah was hearing. One of the questions Mr. Moore asks Isaiah is what type of man he wants to be.
The Forge is a film in which Isaiah, played by Aspen Kennedy, faces the challenge of steering his life from being irresponsible with a chip on his shoulder due to disappointment and hurt. His mother, played by Priscilla Shirer, doesn’t just challenge him but prays for him and even gets help from more prayer warriors. In The Forge, we are also reminded that the prayers of the righteous availeth much.
This film was embraced with hand claps on victorious moments, laughter, and some tears from me, and I am sure some others.
There are moments in the film that gave a Miss Clara and Elizabeth Jordan moment but also with the men. This film is a must-see for every Christian and also for those who are not. I definitely encourage men to go and see this film, too. I think it really did a good job showing scenes and moments of encouragement, brotherhood, mentorship, and fortitude for men as well as discipling others.
My nephew says he, too, liked the film. He says he even liked it better than WarRoom.
Last Sunday, I went to church in person and was so glad I did.
The presence of the Holy Spirit was definitely present from the sermon to the prayers going forth. We also had a moment when we were directed to pray with one other person personally. As I listened and prayed in the Spirit while my prayer partner prayed for me, I also cried as God confirmed through her prayers what He has been sharing with me.
It was a glorious time in the Lord. God is so amazing.
But what I wanted to share here is a few things that stood out to me as Pastor Guice delivered the sermon. Much of these points are summed up and not verbatim, nonetheless a word from the Holy Spirit. The sermon was titled Receiving Spiritual Direction in Perilous Times. And Pastor taught about the effects when darkness invades our lives.
Darkness is basically all that separates us from God. We also know darkness as destruction, hopelessness, chaos, lack of peace, lack of order, absence of light and joy as well as an increase of violence.
Darkness will not allow you to move. It makes you feel stuck, lethargic spiritually.
Darkness attacks your prayer life. It makes it difficult to stay consistent in prayer, communication with God. It can even make you feel like God is nowhere to be found.
God’s blessings are not always a mark of God’s approval.
The presence of God is crucial to your life.
When you are in darkness, darkness increases in the land.
So, how do we begin to come out of darkness: I believe we must first begin to pray and read God’s Word. And then proceed to the following below.
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.6.10-12.NLT
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.12.2.NLT
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/2ch.7.14.NLT
My mentee just unboxed and reviewed my book. I am so humbled and honored!!!!! Go check it out (video link below) as well as subscribe to her YouTube and check out her jewelry, DesignzbyAriana-2.myshopify.com !!!!!!
Let’s Take This One Day At A Time Planner Available Now with Amazon.
Originally Posted on December 15, 2016 via former Fruitful and Fabulous Blog.
God is not impressed with our extensive vocabulary or how elegant we can sound with our words. Rather, He is looking for undivided hearts and true dependence upon Him, daily communication with Him, and relationship. With that said, we will take Thursdays and post Two-Sentence Prayers to pray. We pray we are sincere, yielded and responsive to the answers, love, and wisdom God gives us as a result of seeking Him wholeheartedly even in the simplest of prayers.
You ever feel like you were drowning in a sea of troubles, discouragement and hopelessness. Current news and the state of our nations even draw more despair. We, for a second or maybe an hour, feel like giving up and that God doesn’t care. Then the Holy Spirit reminds us that God will never leave us nor forsake us. He knows the plans He has for us, and plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and futures. So, let’s cry out to God in our distresses and our messes. We need immediate deliverances and permanent restoration. Enough is enough.
Today’s Prayer
Father, the only thing we can manage to say between globs of tears and discouragement is HELP. Don’t let us give up on trusting in Your Word that cannot return to You void. In Jesus’ name, amen!
Next year, Lord I feel led To go quiet in the land, While my footprints still show up in the sand, Right behind Yours. Next year, Lord I pray I hold Your hand. That is the only way I will be able to stand. Cling to You all 365 days Acknowledge You in all of my ways.
I cried so much this year. Next year, let me remember You have collected every tear. This year was so uncomfortable and I kept going back and forth about giving up. Next year, I won’t throw in the towel, Even when it is soaked and I have had enough. This year, the healing journey continued and felt long. Next year, I’ll still be healing but singing a new song. This year, I leaked emotionally and was scared as hell. Next year, I will release maturely and the will of God over my life will prevail. This year, I was stuck. Next year, I will arise from the enemy’s prison and drink from the overflow of my God-given cup.
This year I felt alone and misunderstood. Next year, I will live confidently and do all that God said I could. This year I felt weak, overwhelmed and drained. Next year, I may have moments I run low but I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me, and I will not strain.
This year, I struggled in every area of my life. One attack after the other. Strife after strife. Next year I will consistently suit up in daily wardrobe of the armor of God and godly wisdom. And doing so will help me fight. This year, I learned some things And set some boundaries. Next year, the fruit of such will sprout. This year had seasons of emotional, financial and spiritual drought. But Next year, I will stay in the presence of God, Receive His love and answers to what I have been trying to figure out.
This year I began to learn to turn down the noise and God’s voice got clearer. Next year, what will happen if I drew nearer To the One Who first loved me, Ancient of Days, Who gave His only begotten Son So that I may be set free? This year I wanted to run away and abandon the mission. Next year, because I developed His wisdom and His courage, I can remain in the kitchen. In which God provides me with an apron and a pot. But the kitchens in which He did not, I’m up and I’m out. Because next year I will be intentional with all that I am and about, Intentional with my time, respectful to my purpose, allowing God to continue bringing things to the surface. So, I can continue to heal. I will be authentic and not just keep it real I will allow myself to feel And acknowledge my flaws. Remembering that I need the Holy Spirit still. Next year, I will laugh more And not please people to death and work so hard to earn love. I will believe that I am enough from the One Above.
Next year, I will love others as I love myself And do what is best for me. As long as God approves and it is clothed in integrity. I have to live with my self 24-7. And stand before the God of Earth and Heavens. Next year, I may be silent. I may be still. What I accepted this year, I may not accept next year. I may change my mind, But I will continue to heal. I will not let the world define me Or those who can only see me from their sight. I will continue to allow the Word of God to renew my mind to transform my life. I will March to the beat of my own drum, cymbals and harp. Thank God for each new day And try not to lose heart. Next year, I will take one day at a time And not rush through the process or journey. Doing life without God and not step by step can give you whiplash and land your soul on a gurney. Next year, I will Keep my eyes fixed on God And get back on the bike of life. Try and make decisions that are not just good, but right.
Next year I will remember that God got me And I will focus more on being and not just doing. Next Year, I will be full of courage and success that God and I will define. Thank God for how far I have come, for everything there is a season, And God is the author of my faith, my story and my time.
I am so proud to introduce my new book, Let’sTake This One Day At A Time Planner! Just in time for Christmas and the new year. And being released in a season where I have been going through a lot as well as feeling up and down. So, we pushing through and looking forward to a new year!
To continue with the theme of my book, Bring It To The Surface: Poetry & Journal, I want to further encourage others with a special planner. I discovered that healing is continuous and living must be intentional.
Take a look!
Let’s Take This One Day At A Time Planner helps you to be intentional in taking one day at a time. This planner helps you to not only plan your week and stay organized, but also continue your healing journey and growth by being intentional in five areas: prayer, goal setting, self-care, gratitude, and reflection.
Tannika Nikeya 