If Only by Michael Luckman

If only, if only, if only - the whine of the powerless! ~Michael Luckman in Luckman's Laws

Have you ever caught yourself saying "if only?" Was it to justify why something did not turn out for you as you wanted? As in, "the meal would have turned out better if only I had a new stove." Or, "I wouldn't be late with the report if only the other departments would get me their numbers on time." And how about, "I could be a lot more successful if only I had gone to a better college."

"If only" and its cousin "I could be" are excuses. Nothing more. When I hear them being spoken they sound like a whine. Oh, poor me, poor me, poor me, life would be so much better if only, if only, if only.  

If you're a movie fan you may remember this famous line by Marlin Brando, "I coulda been a contender!" in On the Waterfront. Yes, you could have if life worked out differently for you. But you threw the fight (cause) and now you're a bum (effects).  

People who consistently use these terms are proclaiming to anyone who will listen that they are powerless. Nothing more than a leaf blowing in the wind with no control over their life or their fate.

But is that really true? No, it isn't. In fact, you are powerful beyond measure. You are only powerless as long as you believe you are powerless. The moment you decide to change. The moment you decide to take control over your life. That is when all the power of the Universe is at your command.

Learn to ask your higher power, God or the Universe for exactly what you want. Be patient, and never lose faith that what you have asked for will indeed be coming to you. And the Universe will bring you what you have asked for, and shower you with more gifts than you could ever imagine.

With Love, 

Michael 

Purchase Michael's best selling book, Overpowering Fear - Defeating the #1 Challenge in Sales and Life:

To contact Michael:

Michael@OverpoweringFear.com or call 408.404.6764

Read More of Michael's Blogs at:  www.OverpoweringFear.com/blog.html

Sermon Sunday - Vision + Mission = Change

Emmett G. Price III from Community of Love Christian Fellowship in the Allston neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts preaches the powerful word of God.

Jesus Set Me Free by Amber Leggette-Aldrich Testimony Tuesday

I Am B.A.D. (Blessed And Delivered) 

Our church youth group returned from Youth Camp this past weekend. I had been reading some of their posts on Facebook about their experiences, and I could feel the excitement and joy in their hearts. It has always been a tremendous blessing to me to see our young people so full of fire and enthusiasm for Jesus! And their willingness to openly share what God is doing in their lives is something that I deeply admire. These young people are not just talking about God, but they are walking the walk as well.

At the Wednesday night service several of the youths gave testimonies about what they had experienced at the camp. As each one shared, I found myself crying inexplicably. It wasn’t out of sadness, but more from a deep sense of thankfulness. Before long I began to realize that I was remembering what my life had been like before Jesus set me free. There was so much bondage in my life, mostly from my own doing. I can’t even begin to explain the deepness of the gratitude I feel for what Jesus did for me. But when I think about it, and how I have been changed by His love, there is a joy that just explodes inside of me, and I want to share it with the whole world! 

Each new day is another opportunity to let that joy shine into the world. I don’t have to wait for something to stir me up. I only have to think about what the Lord saved me from, and how much He loves me. I can find His goodness in the promises of His Word, and I know where I am going when my race is finished here. My God is more than enough for me! He is bigger than any storm I face! And I am no longer a slave to sin!

I am not perfect, yet. But God is working in my heart, changing me day by day, moment by moment. And I will be made perfect when I enter His gates! Knowing that gives me an assurance and contentment, as well as excitement. I no longer live in condemnation, but in liberation. 

“Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:” (Galatians 4:3 KJV) Things like anger, unforgiveness, doubt, fear, drugs, rebellion, hate, hypocrisy, enviousness and more, were all chains of bondage to me. No matter how many times I tried to change, no matter how hard I tried, I could not do it. Maybe for a day or two in one or two areas, but it never lasted. 

But then I began to learn about Jesus. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32 KJV) “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6 KJV) Through learning the truth about His pure and unconditional love for me, I began to trust in Him. I called out to Him for help, to set me free. The chains that had held me hostage for so long were broken. I repented and was baptized in Jesus’ name. My sins were forgiven and washed away. As I opened up my heart to Him, He filled me with His Holy Spirit and great love, and my life began to change.

My journey since then has not always been easy. Many trials and temptations have come my way. But the freedom I have in Jesus replaces the fear I once had with peace and comfort. He is always with me, and He gives me strength and courage to continue on. I remember what my life was like before He saved me, and I won’t go back. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1 KJV) I may fall down and scrape my knees, but He helps me to get back up and keep fighting. He gives me the heart to love others, and to forgive as He has forgiven me. I put my life in His hands, and there’s no better place to be! He has shown me the wonders of His love, and profound miracles too. I AM SO B.A.D. (Blessed And Delivered) Jesus has set me free!

Loius Giglio"s How Great is our God - Inspirational Video Moment

Mondays are Inspirational Video Moment days at 

New Life Today Blog.  

Visit us every Monday to view the 

new Video of the Week.


Video Credit: Louis Giglio, "How Great is Our God", Youtube

(This week's video was recommended thanks to  Sister Charmaine Valentine of the Church of the Living Water in Round Rock, Texas.
If you have a video that you would like posted on NewLifeTodayBlog.com, please feel free to email the link to chelle@newlifetodayblog.com.)

Inspirational Video Moment: He Has His Hands on You

Mondays are Inspirational Video Moment days at 

New Life Today Blog.  

Visit us every Monday to view the 

new Video of the Week.

Video Credit: ARAND Video Services

Inspirational Video Moment: Near to God

Mondays are Inspirational Video Moment days at 

New Life Today Blog.  

Visit us every Monday to view the 

new Video of the Week.

Video Credit: ARAND Video Services

My Daily Prayers: Help Me to Believe...

Publisher's Note: Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Joyce E. Adejumo, author of My Daily Prayers: Spiritual Words of Wisdom, Volume I, owner of Mitchie's Gallery in Austin, Texas and Executive Director of the Mitchie Mitchell Foundation.  

Please support Ms. Adejumo and all the work she has been doing over the years to help survivors of drunk driving accidents and prevent DWI. Buy her book, or purchase something from her store, or send a donation to her Foundation. 

Mitchie's Art Gallery, Austin, TX

Her story is a compelling one.  Her son, "Mitchie" Mitchell, was paralyzed from the waist  down at the age of 3 as a result of an automobile accident. His biological father was driving - drunk! "Mitchie" passed away at the age of 21 in January 2008.

Starting today, February 7, and for the first Tuesday of the month for the remainder of 2012, New Life Today Blog publishes a prayer for Ms. Adejumo's book.  

I am certain that all who read 

Ms. Adejumo's prayers will be blessed:

Father in Heaven, 
thank You for being the positive force in my life that gives me strength and faith to keep moving forward. 

Graphic Credit: 

Help me to believe and receive the blessings You have in store for me.

Graphic Credit

I trust Your plans for me and ask that You continue to give me the strength to overcome any obstacle that may obstruct my path.  
In Jesus' Name. 
Amen.

I Want A Do Over, or Do I? by Bob Valleau

Is your life like a roller coaster -- a never ending ride of ups and downs with a few sharp turns now and then? When you left home to embark on living your own life, were you prepared for such a tumultuous experience? Yet, if you could go back in time and had the ability to change your destiny, would you?

How many of us wish we had a life "do over"? Oh, some of you would say you are happy at this point in your life, and, as believers, you may quote how we are commanded to be content in whatsoever state we find ourselves.

Still, haven't you ever wondered where you would be if you had the ability to choose your own destiny? I have, and, I must admit, it's scary. I have often wondered, "What if?" And then there are the "could've, should've, would've" possibilities that run through my mind. I know. I live dangerously because entertaining such thoughts border on the edge of plain fiction or total lunacy.

Well, call me crazy for being human and nonsensical. But my wandering mind has never steered me wrong. It has always led me back to the most sensible and logical conclusion: my destiny is not a destination but a person, Jesus Christ. My rambling thoughts have helped me to see how God does not live in our "what ifs." Nor does He live in our "could'ves, would'ves, should'ves." He lives in our here and now, always drawing us closer so we can experience a more intimate relationship with Him.

You see, I'm glad God never gave us the power to chart our own course. I'm glad He wraps our life's journey in a mystery which forces us to place our trust in Him. I'm glad He knows the end from the beginning and only reveals what He has to at just the right moment.

So no, I don't want a life "do over." The only power God has given me is what I do with each day and whom I will serve. In reality, isn't that what our destiny is all about anyway?

Copyright 2012 by Bob Valleau. Bob has over 25 years of writing experience for the Christian market. He was once named Christian Writer of the Year by the American Christian Writers Association. Currently, he freelances and lives in Texas.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

Live One Day at a Time by Susan Ferguson

"I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened." ~Mark Twain

Regardless of age, marital status, or stage in life, we all have our own set of concerns. Parents have a long list of worries ranging from potty training to paying off college debt. Singles worry about traveling life's journey alone. Senior citizens worry about declining health issues. Financial concerns rank high on the worry list, and some families struggle to keep afloat. Teenagers worry about peer acceptance, grades, and choosing a career. The list is endless for every age group.

 Worry is rooted in fear and is usually related to a deep concern of what will or will not happen in the future. Worry can keep us up at night and send anxiety levels soaring. Like a thief in the night, worry robs us of our peace and joy.

So much of what we worry about never happens. Worry does nothing to better the outcome of a situation or change the course of action. The distress that accompanies worry may do more harm than the actual thing which we worry.

Some of us are living way below par of what God desires for us. God understands our struggles with worry, and He does not condemn us. Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow and live one day at a time.

 

"Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34 NIV)

We are not promised tomorrow. It is important to make the most of every day God gives us. Worry is a waste of valuable time -- precious moments, sunny days, and productive hours -- that we will never get back.

Excessive worry may be a sign that we are moving away from our dependence on God. Prayer and Bible study help quiet our minds and diminish our fears. A daily walk with Jesus is essential in helping to minimize worry. Trust Jesus, for He is trustworthy.

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in You." (Psalm 56:3 NIV)

God makes provision for our future. He walks alongside us, hand in hand, as we make our journey ahead. We are in capable hands. He promises to be with us always, and to strengthen and sustain us during times of adversity.

"The 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." (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV)

Prayer
Father, many of us are plagued by worry and fear. Replace worry with joy and peace. Replace fear with faith and love. Help meet the needs of families who have college debt and financial concerns. Stretch forth your healing hand to senior citizens and those with health concerns. Bring Godly relationships into the lives of singles. Provide guidance to teenagers and parents alike. In Jesus name. Amen.

Susan Ferguson
Jackson, Mississippi

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

Pain Along the Journey by Elizabeth Marks

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. 5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 NKJV

It’s all about the Lord, isn’t it? Everything is the Lord’s. He rules over it all. He is the one guiding our hearts toward Him. He gives us our very breathe. He provides for our every need. He guards us against the evil one. We do none of this on our own.

God is faithful. He will establish you. This section of scripture reminds me of 1 Peter 5:10: “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” After you have suffered a while it says. We can conclude suffering is part of growth journey. There are some things we can never learn without suffering.

In my own journey, I had to suffer the consequences of poor choices. I had many expectations in life, none of which came out the way I envisioned. I was disappointed most of the time. Then, again, I believe most perfectionists are disappointed constantly. It’s a sad condition to live in. As I became more critical of others and cynical about life, I resented everyone and I allowed bitterness to take up residence in my heart. I didn’t handle things well before and it brought me more pain, than I ever imagined.

During times of suffering, God is there, eager to show himself faithful, loving and kind. All He asks is for us to turn to Him, trust Him and He will lead us out of the difficulty, whatever it may be. I can say He was there for me. When I finally could stand no more of my life, sobbing in the shower one morning, I prayed “Jesus, I’ve messed up my life! Help me! The bible says You died for my sins and rose again to give me a new life. Please come into my life and give me a new life. Amen.” I didn’t know how my life could ever be good again, but a wonderful peace came over me anyway. He was there waiting for me to turn to Him. He was faithful to answer my prayer.

Lord, thank you for wanting to come into our lives and heal us from our poor choices. Thank you for your faithfulness to answer our prayers. Thank you for dying for our sins and rising again to give us a new life in Christ Jesus. Amen.

God will perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you. The Bible teaches us this, but the Spirit of God living in us, confirms it in our own lives. He did for me. He will for you. Are you trusting God today? If not, ask Him to convince you how good He is. He will not disappoint!

Copyright Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions, has a heart for encouraging believers with God's Word. Please visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com for more devotions, bible studies, book reviews and more!

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

Joy During Times of Tribulation by Michelle Goodwine

 When we are going through trials and tribulations, often times it is difficult to have joy in our hearts.  Even as believers, when we are going through those "valley moments",  many of us find it difficult to be happy.  But, unlike those in the world, Christians have a reason to rejoice while we are going through tough times.  We have God on our side.  We have the Lord to count on.  And we can depend on the promises of God to never leave us or forsake us to give us strength.  

James 1:2-3 says:

Consider it pure joy, 

my brothers and sisters, 

whenever you face trials of many kinds, 

because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

I am so grateful to God for showing me that no matter what my current circumstances, I have no reason to be sad.  God is always in control.  God is always on the throne.  So, even when we feel out of control, we can feel assured that God is concerned about our well-being. As the song goes, "Trouble don't last always." No matter what struggles we are experiencing, joy does come in the morning.  

In order to feel joy during hard times, we just need to remember that God will work everything out for His good in the end.  If we pray for His will to be done (and not ours), have faith in God, and patiently wait for His response, God will answer our prayers.  Now He may not give us want we want, but He will give us what we need if we trust Him.

As someone who prayed for a particular outcome, and was blessed with God granting me what I wanted, I have learned to pray for God's will.  When I received what I wanted, I soon learned that what I wanted, was not what God would have wanted for me.  Over the years, because of this prayer, I have experienced a great deal of hurt and pain.  So for those of you who have a desire in their heart, whether it is for a certain job, love interest, or material good, ask and you shall receive, says                    .

So for those Christians who are going through trials, let us remember that a New Life Today is possible.  Having the confidence that God will answer your prayers is the reason why you can praise God in advance, and why we can be filled with joy and peace on the inside, even when the wold around us may seem chaotic and out of control.

Below are a few Bible verses that will inspire you 

during times of trials and tribulations:

 

1 Peter 5:10 

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Romans 12:12 

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Philippians 4:6-7 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Joshua 1:9 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Psalm 34:17-18 

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Living in Her Car - Finding a New Home with God (Source: CBN.com)

Living in Her Car - Finding a New Home with God (Source: CBN.com)

10 Inspirational Quotes about Faith

10 Inspirational Quotes about Faith

Source:  http://inspirationalblogs.com/quotes/faith/inspirational-quotes-faith.html

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
-Hebrews 11:1



Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that I am with you, therefore no harm can befall you; all is very, very well. Do this in complete faith and confidence.
-Pope John Paul II


Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
-Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. 
-Mother Teresa

A little faith will bring your soul to heaven, but a lot of faith will bring heaven to your soul. 
-Dwight Lyman Moody


Faith moves mountains, but you have to keep pushing while you are praying. 
-Mason Cooley


Faith is a reasoning trust, a trust which reckons thoughtfully and confidently upon the trustworthiness of God
-John R. Stott


The smallest seed of faith is better than the largest fruit of happiness. 
-Henry David Thoreau

The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith. 
-Franklin D. Roosevelt


Miracles happen to those who believe in them.
-Bernhard Berenson

The Solution to Being Sick & Tired

by Michelle Lawson 

In the past I was the type of person who believed that I was responsible for my life.  I accepted Christ at the age of 7 and should have learned to lean on the Lord for all things. However, I went through life believing that as long as I tried my best to do the right thing and make the right decisions, I would have a good life.  But looking back, I now know that no matter how much I tried to do the right thing, I am a sinner and will always fall short of His grace.

I thank God for giving me the revelation through life's trials and tribulations - losing my job, an abusive marriage, an emotionally troubled child - that the only way I could be victorious was through Him.  God has taught me not to feel ashamed that I need His help, as well as the help of others, to survive. And I am blessed to say that today I live a victorious life.  I have a job, I left my abusive husband, and my child is so much better now.  This article is for those of you out there who feel like there is no way out of your depressed existence.

Have you ever woken up after tossing and turning in bed all night long and thought to yourself "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired?"  Don't feel depressed and defeated about your current situation.  No matter what you are going through, God is the answer.

Have you been unemployed for more than 6 months and it seems like you are never going to get another job?  Or are you in an abusive relationship and are afraid of leaving?  Or maybe you are an alcoholic, drug or food addict who feels overpowered by your addiction?  Whatever your current crisis, I am glad to tell you that I know the solution - God.  It is just that simple.  Only through God can we overcome our trials and tribulations.  No matter how much we try on our own to make positive life changes, the only way to be truly victorious is with God's help.  Don't feel ashamed or mad at yourself that you cannot overcome life's crisis without His help.God wants us to depend on Him.  In fact, that is what God intended.

Tired of being sick and tired?  Here are a few verses that may help you:
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. Psalm 18:32

Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:4

I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world. John 16:33



In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don't lean on your own understanding. In all things acknowledge him, and he shall direct your way. Proverbs 3:9

Looking for other inspirational verses.  Click here for other Bible Verses for Encouragement.

New Life Today
How can you have a New Life Today when you are sick and tired of being sick and tired? It may not be easy, but  through God we can begin to start a new life of victory, rather than defeat. What God has told me to tell you is that the change begins with Prayer.  Praying is the one time when you speak directly to God, and He speaks to you.  

Looking for change in your life?  Stop reading this article right now, and Pray.  Pray for God's grace and mercy.  Pray that God gives you the strength you need to make a change.  Pray that God will give you guidance about what you need to do to change your life.  

Don't just stop with prayer, though.  You must take action after prayer before anything will happen.  In order for God to bless you, you have to give God something to work with.  Unemployed?  When was the last time you updated your resume or asked someone if they could help you find a job?  Or maybe you're unemployed because God has a purpose for your life that you have been refused to fulfill?  Are you being abused?  Even if you decide not to leave right now, you can take action - call a domestic violence hotline or seek out domestic violence counseling.  For those of you with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, consider calling a treatment center.  Addicted to food?  Why not take a 20 minute walk today or eat 1 -2 more servings of fruits or vegetables today.  

The journey of change starts with the first step.  In order to get a New Life Today, we must have faith in God and believe that God will bless us in our mess if we Pray, Receive His guidance and then take Positive Action. As Psalm 37:3-5 proclaims, "Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."

Nothing's Too Hard For God by Michelle Lawson

Yesterday morning I noticed that someone I know very well was looking sad. I asked her what was wrong, and she did not reply.  I asked her again.  And she still would not reply.  Then I said to her, "Whatever you are going through, remember that nothing is too hard for God."

And as I said it aloud, I had an epiphany - a realization of how true that statement is.  We will all go through trials and tribulations.  Whether it is sickness, grief, lack of finances, marital problems, what should keep us going is that God is in control of this world.  Through God, as Mark 10:27 proclaims, all things are possible.

When I look back over my life, I am amazed at how I made it through some really tough times.  But I know the answer is through God's grace and mercy.  Even during the times when I had lost my faith in God, He still watched over me and protected me.  And during those times in my life when I was so mad with God and myself that I just could not bring myself to pray, I know that my mother, grandmother, and others had me in their prayers.

When we look over our lives and remember all the times when God made a way out of no way, we all realize that Nothing, and I mean Nothing, is too hard for God! Don't get flustered by your current situation.  Remember that no matter what is happening around you,  God is in control. If we have faith, pray, believe that God  is able and willing to help you, and you step out on faith and take action toward a solution,Maybe it a time when you were unemployed, or when you were in an abusive relationship and you just couldn't see a way out, or maybe it was a time when your body was sick and you didn't have insurance to get the medical attention you needed?  Well, let me tell you, all three of those situations happened to me.  And I am so glad to say that thanks to God, I made it through.

So how do we know that nothing is too hard for God?  Because The Word says so.  If you are going through some trials and tribulations right now, the following are a few verses that might bring you comfort:

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (NIV)

1 Peter 1:6-7
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (NIV)
 
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (KJV) 

2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV)

James 1:2-4
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (NASB)
 
A website that might help you is http://nothingstoohardforgod.org

New Life Today
What can you do to have a new life today?  Just take 5 minutes out of your day and think of a time in your past when you just didn't know how you were going to make it, but you did. Remember that God created the heavens and the earth.  So whatever problem we have, no matter big it seems for us, it is not too hard for God.Use those past experiences to give you hope for a current challenge.  And as Romans 15:13 says, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (NIV)