Life-Giving Words of Hope & Encouragement

When a dream comes true—like receiving a promotion, moving into a new house, or meeting the right person—we see it as God’s favor. However, each blessing in life also comes with a burden. For instance, a bigger house means more cleaning, or having a baby means late-night wakeups. While I am grateful for my ministry, life’s opportunities, and the influence God has given me, these blessings also come with increased criticism, opposition, and responsibility.

We wish for burden-free blessings, but they coexist. It is vital to learn to value the blessing while embracing the burden. Praying away burdens only leads to frustration. God grants blessings, knowing you can handle the burden. Focus on the positives, like enjoying your child’s diaper phase, as many would cherish having a child. Criticism reflects your influence; where there are blessings, there’s opposition. Don’t desire greater blessings if you plan to complain about the associated burdens.

Try to focus less on the burdens and more on the positives. Embrace your current situation and live with a positive mindset. Don’t let the journey to your goals prevent you from enjoying the present. Life presents ongoing challenges; after one goal, another follows. Stay mindful to treasure each moment. If we rush, we may overlook the joys of our youth, each decade filled with its pressures. Remind yourself to value today. Every burden highlights your blessings, and God remains faithful through them all. You might be in a wonderful season without realizing it because you are focused on the negatives or others’ shortcomings. Instead of enjoying these blessings, you’ve let your burdens weigh you down. It may sound crazy, but there will come a time when you miss the season you are currently in.

If you are rushing through a season or focusing on what upsets you, I want you to know there is a hidden blessing: God placed you there for a reason. Our minds must shift from burdens to blessings and from negatives to positives. Embrace the mindset: “Lord, I’m thankful for my job. Many are without work. Thank you for this opportunity.” Rather than complaining about your spouse, say, “Lord, I appreciate my spouse. They have flaws, like I do, but I’m grateful to love someone.” “Lord, my kids might be driving me crazy, but I thank You for trusting me with their purpose and destiny.”

Focusing on burdens ruins relationships. Don’t wait for perfection to be happy; be your best now, especially during difficulties. Life is momentary, with no guarantee of tomorrow. Make the most of today despite worries and troubles. If you fixate on the burdens, you’ll miss the blessings. Challenges are often signs of favor and blessing. Handling blessings is easy; the actual test is managing burdens. Keep a positive attitude and stay encouraged through the process.

We talk a lot about trusting God and believing He’s in control, which is essential, but can God trust you? Can He count on you to endure discomfort for a season, face the unknown, and maintain your faith despite delays? Will you still wear a smile, attend church, and treat others well? You may be hurting, but will you still show up? Difficulties are always hard, but remember that God trusts you, and only extraordinary people face extraordinary challenges. The weight of your burden reflects your greatness.

Over the years, I have learned to trust God and believe He’s in control, and I want you to know that God chose you because He knows you have what it takes. He knows you’re not average. He passed over people with less faith, strength, and tenacity. He chose you on purpose. He knew when it was all said and done, you’d still stand firm.

Our attitude should reflect God’s faithfulness: trusting and remaining faithful even when we don’t want to, doing the right thing amidst wrongdoing, singing praises at midnight like Paul and Silas, standing firm like Esther, facing challenges without fear like David against Goliath, and believing in the impossible like Abraham and Sarah. God hand-picked you, providing grace for every season and strength for every battle. You have what it takes. The bigger the burden, the bigger the blessing.

The burdens you endure now will soon reflect days when you’ll say, “I wouldn’t change a thing.” It was uncomfortable, but God used it to push me towards my destiny. Though heavy burdens came, they led to significant blessings. Samuel anointed David as Israel’s greatest king, and he became a hero after defeating Goliath. Despite his favor, blessings came with burdens. King Saul was jealous of him and chased David into the desert, intent on killing him.

God chose David because He trusted him. Others might have felt bitter and sought revenge, but not David—he accepted grace for every season. He consistently did right, and when the time was right, God removed Saul, allowing David to take the throne. Handling blessings is easy, but God seeks those who can bear burdens. He wants people who won’t give up during setbacks or illness. If you face opposition, you’re highly favored and destined for greatness—the enemy often attacks when you are closest to your victory.

Don’t be discouraged by burdens; keep doing the next right thing. Blessings, health, and victory are coming. I know God trusts you with the blessing; ensure He can trust you with the burden. In I Corinthians 16:9, Paul said, “There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me.” Every opportunity brings opposition, so be encouraged; it signals that breakthroughs are coming. Our attitude should be, “I won’t be discouraged by delays or opposition. I’ve faced tough times, but I am equipped with strength for every battle. The forces for me outweigh those against me.”

Remember, God trusts you, so maintain the right perspective: you are blessed and highly favored. Your time is coming. The burdens you endure are smaller than the blessings about to be released. You are about to fulfill promises that will take you further than you ever imagined. God will propel you to places you cannot reach alone. Like David, you will outlast your opposition, claim your throne, and become everything God created you to be. I hope this speaks to you, and I pray you have a blessed day!