Empowered To Prosper!

Stay Out of It

Do you realize that even the rocky road can be a road chosen by God for you to travel? Oh yes it can.  Sometimes, that rocky path is what it takes to refine you, strengthen you, and fortify your spirit. So don't be deterred by some bumps along the way. Just remember that  God is on your side. You don't have to toil. You don't have to fight. All you need to do is trust God to bring forth a speedy resolution.

When God is working in your life, sometimes controversies and obstacles will pop up seemingly from nowhere. Have you ever had that happen to you? You may have been making some headway in a particular area of your life when all of a sudden, unexpected setbacks and problems arose.

If you're enduring something like that right now, I want  to admonish you not to go into "fix-it-mode." Do only what God has assigned you to do and leave the rest up to Him. Otherwise, you'll get side-tracked by countless little distractions and before you know it, you'll be caught up in things that have nothing at all to do with your purpose.

I know it can  be tough to overlook and ignore distractions--particularly when you sincerely desire to address certain issues. But don't fall into the "Distraction Trap." That simply means, don't start relying on worldly wisdom and knowledge to handle those irrelevant side issues that come up from time-to-time. You'll get in trouble  that way. You see, when we think we have an inside track and begin making decisions rooted in our own understanding, we mess up what God is doing on our behalf.

He always sees and knows things we aren't privy to. We need to allow Him to be our adviser, and only move when He says move. It's of utmost importance for you to "stay in your lane." Focus on what He's called you to do. As for the rest of it... stay out of it. Of course, naturally, you'll want to resolve issues and make things flow smoothly. But that's not always the path God has you on.

Will it be difficult to stay neutral when controversy and trouble is all around you? Yes, sometimes it will. But you can never stop believing that God will work everything out in His perfect timing.

In the meantime, you've got to remember to: Stay on your knees; stay in your word; and stay out of the way so God can have His way. When you allow Him to be your defense, your shield, and your protection, you don't have to worry about being overtaken; no matter what the problem or  situation is, the Lord will fight for you, and you need only hold your peace.

As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs

He'll Show You How

When traveling along an unknown stretch of highway, a road map always helps you see exactly where you are in proximity to where you want to be. You can also find out what direction you need to take in order to  arrive at your destination...under ordinary circumstances at least. But what happens when you're traveling through a new place with areas that aren't  recorded on the traditional map? That's when things get tricky.

In situations like this, it helps to be connected to someone who's already been down that path, so they can help you figure out the lay of the land. They can show you shortcuts, alternate routes, and unconventional ways to arrive at your final destination.

I wonder if you've ever been caught up in a particular situation that required special assistance... a time when you needed a knowledgeable and concerned individual to show you exactly what steps to take in order for you to  get what you needed. Have you ever been on a path and felt completely lost? Have you ever been shut out from traditional and conventional methods of arriving at  the place you wanted to go, and didn't know what to do next?

I have.

And I can tell you that God has CONSISTENTLY made ways out of no way each and every time. You see, when you seek Him diligently, God will show you how to resolve the issues you're facing in divinely inspired, unorthodox ways. But you've got to see  beyond the ordinary, so God can step in and reveal to you methods, opportunities, and avenues that you wouldn't typically pursue. He'll show you how to navigate your way through life's many mazes and come away with exactly what you need. That's called having your steps ordered by the Lord.

I don't know exactly where you're trying to get to, but one thing I do know is that, God has the inside information you need to make things come together. He understands the ins and outs of your situation, and if you call on Him, He'll show you some unconventional methods of achieving some goals you have in mind. But you've got to stop focusing on that traditional map. Instead, look to Jesus... the Way, the Truth, and the Light.

He'll get you where you're going utilizing a route you could have never discovered or navigated on your own. Just follow His lead.

As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may you be empowered to  prosper!

Dianna Hobbs

Don't Worry. Be Happy.

Before I get started, I just want to say that this post--though entitled "Don't worry. Be Happy."-- is NOT based upon the 1980's acapella song by Bobby McFerrin that we all heard ad nauseam... bet you can hear the melody playing in your head right now. This blog post, on the other hand, is rooted in one of my favorite passages of scripture found in Matthew chapter 6, verses 25-34. In it, Jesus teaches us not to become worried or bogged down with how things will work together to produce a harvest in our lives. He admonishes us not to get  sidetracked by the acquisition of things... but rather, seek Him first, and all the things will be added.

But even though we have a good understanding of God's position on worry, many of us still succumb to both worry and fear on a regular basis. We want to know every little detail about our future. We want to see the practicality in every situation before we'll trust that God is, in fact, in control. When we don't see a clear path, we have a tendency to get frustrated, antsy, and impatient.

But listen. Nowhere in the word of God does He promise to reveal everything to us merely to put us at ease. His word does assure us that He will order our steps, but never once does He ensure that we'll always know what the next steps will be. God never instructed us to get all in a tizzy and lose our joy when we're walking through uncharted territory with no clue regarding how we'll get from Point A to Point B. No. God's desire is for us to be happy and content in whatever state we're in.

Whatever you're going through; whatever is out of whack in your life; whatever seems vague and uncertain... just know that the Spirit of the Lord is with you, directing you, and leading you. Don't look for anyone or anything else to fall back on. Only believe His word and anticipate a move of God.

So what if it looks bleak. Don't worry. Be happy. And even if you should have to cry from time-to-time, cry  out to God for strength. He's a present help in trouble. As I often say, He already knows what you need even before you ask.

So again I say, stop worrying. Trust Him consistently and implicitly. He won't disappoint.

As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs

The Wrong Choice

Some things we want aren't right for us. God has a way of letting us know when we don't need to go down a particular path. But then, it's up to us to stay off that road once we see the "Keep Out" sign posted. God won't MAKE you reject an opportunity; he will, however, advise you against choosing a certain course. If you forge ahead against God's leading, then you have to deal with the negative residual effects of your choice.

I wonder, have you ever made the wrong choice although you may have known in your heart you shouldn't have gone that way? Have you ever wanted something so badly that you ignored that tugging in your spirit, and pushed forward with YOUR plan anway? If so, you know how tough it can be to deal with the consequences of wrong choices. So let me admonish you today.

Don't ever get so caught up in what you want that you willingly choose not to heed God's voice. Don't make the mistake of jumping into something that is rooted in selfish desires, instead of carrying out the will of the Lord.

I understand how difficult it can be to wait on God when everything in you wants to go your own way. But still, it's easier to do things right than to do them over.

Say yes to the Lord the first time.

When you do, you'll see that He'll bring things together better than you could have ever hoped for.

As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs

You Should Be Thanking...

Ever find yourself focusing on the negative and complaining when you should be thanking? Ever slip into a the doldrums of despair over what's NOT going well instead of seeing all the good things that ARE happening right before your eyes? It's easy to get distracted by what's out of balance and what might not be working out so well in your life, and as a result, overlook the small miracles that are occurring all around you; we've all made that mistake at least once before. Probably lots of times if we're honest. But we've got to remember to stop and thank God for the areas of abundance, favor, and productivity in our lives, even though there may be other areas of famine, struggle, and difficulty.

You see, our attitude of praise and thanksgiving can't be reserved exclusively for days when everything is going  our way. Oh no. We've got to be like David and say, "I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth" (Psalm 34:1 KJV). Not  only when things are going great... but at ALL TIMES.

I'll bless Him when I'm hurting.
I'll bless Him when I'm disappointed
I'll bless Him when I'm being mistreated...

No matter what the situation might look like, you've go to make up in your mind that you're going to give the Lord thanks anyhow. I know things might not  be coming together according to YOUR plans, but God is still in control, and He's yet worthy to be praised.

The next time you feel like complaining, take a moment to think back on where He brought you from. Consider where you COULD HAVE BEEN had it not been for the Lord on your side. Take a stroll down memory lane and call to mind those times when God delivered you in the midst of impossible circumstances. Then remind yourself that, "You may not know how, you may not know when, but He'll do it again!"

When you stop complaining and start thanking, your perspective changes...and once your perspective changes, then and only then, can your situation change.

So today I want to admonish you to thank God through the good and the bad, knowing that everything will be all right!

As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs

You're Equipped!

If you're facing controversy and confusion at the hands of your enemies and detractors today, by the time you finish reading this post, you will be sure that it was ordained by God for you to read it! As you may already know, I'm a boxing aficionado. I love, love, love the sport of boxing! I'll watch both amateur and professional matches with equal interest and enthusiasm. Of  course, the majority of boxing fans love a good knock-out ... I'm definitely among them. My favorite fighter right now? Miguel Cotto... his relentless body punches are brutal.

As much as I love a knock-out, however, there's something else that intrigues me even more. That is, watching a skilled fighter wear down his opponent with precision. It's a thing of beauty. You see, the most skilled fighters know that brute force alone is not enough to consistently win fights. Technique and precision, coupled with strength and tenacity, trumps mere strength any day.

Keep reading... I'm going somewhere with this... (and no, I'm not telling you to knock out the folks who are coming against you... even if you feel like it sometimes).

Back to what I was saying... if you have a strong fighter that hasn't gone through the physical and mental conditioning necessary to endure those long grueling 10-12 rounds--no matter how talented they are-- they won't be able to perform well, once they get into the later rounds. As a result, they'll end up losing  fights to weaker opponents... all because they weren't conditioned.

What a shame.

But that's the way it is. Conditioning and preparation separates the good from the great.

The same is true in your walk with the Lord; it's a fight. You're absolutely going to face adversity and opposition from time-to-time. You'll come up against some strong, carnal opponents too... and they'll be looking to hit you with that knock-out blow. It might be a co-worker, a boss, a member of your church, or even a relative or so-called friend. Oh, like it or not, you're gonna deal with detractors, enemies, and foes on occasion.  But that's all right. As long as you've gone through the essential spiritual conditioning, you'll be fortified for the fight. While they're exploring angles, methods, and strategies to defeat you, you can be confident in the God of your salvation. You'll be able to say what David said to Goliath: "Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied..." (I Samuel 17:45 KJV).

While they're wearing themselves out, plotting, scheming, conniving, and backstabbing; God will show you exactly how to win out every time without even breaking a sweat. If the Lord is on your side, you don't need to worry about the plans they're devising. They won't work anyhow. Quit losing sleep and being preoccupied about things like: What they're saying, who they're saying it to, what all that false gossip will do to your reputation, what they're planning, whether or not it will work...

Let me save you the suspense... it won't work. "No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their vindication is from Me," declares the Lord" (Isaiah 54:17 NAS).

"When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell" (Psalm 27:2 KJV).

As for how you'll handle the controversy... you'll breeze through it, because you've been equipped. You've been conditioned for this. What used to make you cry won't bother you this time. What used to send you retreating into a corner won't intimidate you this time. You're a trained fighter. That's why you don't  have to stoop to their level. You understand something fundamental: "(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)" (I Corinthians 10:4 KJV)

All that purging, pruning, and refining you had to go through (and still are going through) was only to ensure that you would have the strength to complete your assignment and come through the battle in tact.

I know you might feel like you're being thrust into the mouth of the lion today, but don't worry. You'll coast through this intense battle. Your opponents won't last... but you'll be victorious when the fight is over.

Just you wait and see.

As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs

Not This Time...

Once you go through a storm and come out on the other side victoriously, it changes you. Suffering has a way of strengthening and refining you. "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you" (I Peter 5:10 KJV). After you've successfully weathered the storm, the next time you encounter similar circumstances  and situations, they won't affect you the same way.

You'll handle them altogether differently. Even though the torrential rains may pour again in the future, you'll still be able to draw from what you overcame before and say to yourself: "If God delivered me once, I know He can do it again!"

Perhaps, the enemy is riding you today, trying to make you feel like you won't make it through. I want you to rebuke him and confidently say, "Not this time... I'm not succumbing to worry and fear. I've been here once before. I already know how the story ends. I win."

I just want to encourage you to hold on to God's unchanging hand. Know that your trials aren't in vain. God allows the storm to arise to make you stronger so that you'll realize all the power you truly possess. Don't you already know that you've been endued with supernatural power from on high to overcome every obstacle and setback? Oh yes you have.

You're strong enough to handle what you're going through today. You don't have to drown in a sea of problems. You don't have to slip into depression. You don't have to throw in the towel and give up before the fight is finished. No... not this time.

This time, you'll walk with your head held high, with unwavering assurance that everything will work out for  your  good!

As always, thanks for reading, and until next time...may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs

www.eewmagazine.com

He'll Cover You

I was talking to someone today; they were sharing with me a testimony of deliverance from a terrible personal  crisis. I was so in shock to hear the testimony, because I never even knew they were going through anything at all. One thing this person said that stuck with me is this: "I've learned how to talk to Jesus, because  He knows  how to keep my secrets. Not only that, only He knows how to work the situation out. He covered me through the whole thing!"

That's what I love about God. He's a confidant and a deliverer. He'll hide you in the time of trouble and then turn around and bring you out with a mighty hand.

Perhaps you're going through an intensely difficult trial; maybe it's a broken relationship, financial struggle, or even some kind of emotional distress. Only you and God know exactly what it is; but if you'll take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there, He'll cover you. He'll sustain you through your storm, just like He  did the children of Israel in the wilderness. He'll rain manna from heaven to feed you and give you water from a rock if has to!

He's an awesome provider, a fortress, and a true sustainer. He's a safe place, a refuge, and a shield. You don't ever have to worry about Him abandoning you and "leaving you hanging". Oh no. He'll never  do that. He'll take you under His wing and nurture you. He'll care for you. He'll provide for you. This afternoon, my Pastor talked about Jesus, the Good Shepherd and how we, the sheep, can be confident in His protection, provision, and providence. He's always looking after us and caring for us, to the point of laying down His own life so that you and I might live. "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep" (John 10:11 KJV).

Oh how I love Him! No matter how  rough the  road, or how  dark the day, God is there to comfort and  sustain you. He'll take you under His wing and cover you.

Just run to Him.

Over the years I've found out that it's better and wiser to confide in God than in any other source. After all, He's the only one I know who has the power to turn everything around. "The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe" (Proverbs 18:10 KJV).

As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs
www.eewmagazine.com

Where You're Headed...

Don't concentrate so much on where you are until you forget where you're headed. Don't think for a moment that the struggle you may be facing today will necessarily carry over into your tomorrow. God has a plan for your life despite the circumstance and opposition.

His purpose will be fulfilled through you. No doubt about it.

Even in the midst of your storm, God has a plan already set in motion, and at the right time... the set time... the appointed time, you'll get your release. I want you to remember that God is never unclear about the path you take. He's never out of control. He knows, He sees, and He cares about everything you're facing. He's also fully aware of where you're headed... to a place of purpose, promise, and provision; so don't be discouraged by the way things look and feel at this very moment. Rather, see through the  eyes of faith. Envision your deliverance. Praise God in advance for His favor.

Focus on where you're headed.

He's not forgotten you. He won't  fail you. His word is always true and ever sure, even when you're unsure about what the outcome will be. God's word is your refuge; it provides a solid foundation for you and me, although we might feel like  we're on shaky ground from time-to-time. When all else fails you've got to learn to stand on  it. Speak the word. Grab hold to it and don't let go.

Will the enemy attempt to come in and choke out that very same word? Sure will. But that's all right. As long  as you hold to God's unchanging hand and stay in an attitude of faith and thanksgiving, the enemy can't win. If you're not quite sure where you're headed or what God has in store for you, I'll leave you with these two scriptures as reminders:

"But as it is written: 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him'" (1 Corinthians 2:9 NKJV).

"For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us"  (Romans 8:15-18 NKJV).

As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may you be empowered  to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs

www.eewmagazine.com

It's Been a Long Time...

Going through a famine in a particular area of your life that seems impossible to get through?  Waiting on the Lord and trusting Him, seemingly to no avail? Feel yourself getting discouraged no matter how hard you try to remain optimistic and upbeat? If so, I want you  to know that even though your breakthrough may be taking "forever" to come, don't lose sight of what God said to you.

Granted, it's not easy to remain encouraged when you're in dire straits and things aren't panning out the way you need them to. I'll give you that much... I know personally how difficult that can be, particularly when you feel like you have far too many problems, and far too few solutions; but don't worry about it. The answers will emerge. God will bring you through.

I know, I know... I say that all the time.  But I'm not just saying it. I'm a living witness. The God I serve is more than able. I've seen Him make too many ways; I can't hep but trust Him.

You might be feeling like, "Dianna, you can't know what I'm going through. You don't understand how long it's been. I've been struggling with this same issue for so long now...you don't see  what I'm dealing with..." Well, I suppose you're right. Although I encourage you often by telling you to continue to trust and believe even in the midst of adversity and impossible odds, I  don't have the intimate details of your struggle.

Sure, I might not  know your specific issues, or how long you've been dealing with them, but I do know a true and living God who is more than able to bring you out.

Imagine how the woman who struggled with the issue of blood for twelve years felt. (See Luke 8:43-48) She had  been toiling with the same issue for a long time. She had spent all of her money, she had fruitlessly gone from doctor to doctor looking for help. You know, she could've easily thrown her hands up and said, "It's been too long now. I'm never gonna get free." She could've slipped into depression and lost all hope of ever  being healed, but that's not what she did. Remarkably, this woman--though considered  unclean  and  an  outcast in society-- by faith, pressed her way through the crowd in a relentless pursuit of Jesus, which ultimately led to her healing.

I wonder, do you have the faith, fortitude, and tenacity to still believe and press through to your breakthrough even though it's been a long time coming? Or are you gonna slip into depression and begin thinking, "I'm never coming out of this. I'll always be stuck right where I am?"

Don't you dare stop trusting... no matter how long it's been. God can turn things around when you least expect it, but you've got to keep pursuing Him. You've got to keep pressing. I don't care how many doors have closed, and how many plans have failed. As long as you put your trust in the only one who holds your future, everything... everything... will be all right!

As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may you be  empowered to prosper!

Dianna Hobbs

www.eewmagazine.com