Yes! You are in. Some of you need some encouragement today. If not you, then you know somebody that does. If worthy, please share. You matter. You absolutely matter. Doubt me? Here is your 'Play of the Day'...
Thank you Pastor Rick Warren for that epic play of the day. He has been crushing the ball lately out of the park with the recent Daily Hope series. If you liked that play of the day, there is a lot more there. That one came from "Unwrapping Your Spiritual Gifts - Part 2", published on 4/23/2021. Just search Daily Hope and you'll find it. You will also find a treasure trove of inspirational content before and after that episode on why God shaped you the way he did and following your heart and using your abilities.
For the avid listener to FriDudes, you know that we are in the Hope and encouragement business. We build each other up in this dojo. 1 Thes 5:11.
You also know that we have had a wave of depression, anxiety, especially with our youth. If that is you, you are absolutely not alone. You matter. You absolutely do. Don't believe the lies by others or those in your head. You matter. The sooner you realize that. The sooner you will see the Light and Hope.
Now, you have heard me often say, depression and related illnesses are as real as cancer. Some of you, even after you realize you matter, need therapy and possibly medication. Wherever you are at, I'm going to encourage you to make a major step for yourself and your loved ones. Assessment time, listen and answer these questions...
Do you know your strengths? Have you read the book Strength Finders and taken the quiz? That will help reveal how God wired you.
Are you part of a small group that encourages you?
If so, does your small group have an accountability tool, such as GtSurf.org, that holds you and them accountable? Do they know all your struggles and do you know theirs? Do you all know each other's strengths, goals, wishes and dreams? Have you written them down and shared them?
If you are not sure of any above, hit us up at FriDudes.com and we'll get you set up and matched with a group. Legit.
If you are not sure about this God thing, then I'll encourage you to take the challenge. Try above. I'm convinced that many that struggle are not living their true purpose via their strengths. If we did, we would have more people thriving, not just living, hopelessly. Hope is fuel. We all depend upon it.
BTW, stay tuned, more on this subject. We are not done yet. More secular and Faith sources confirming above.
Ending on a prayer note, "Heavenly Father, thank you for this listener. They are not hearing this by accident. Either you directed them here or another loved one did via your encouragement. It's mind boggling to think that you knew us before we were even born. You wired this listener with strengths. If they are not sure about you, you will show them more. For others that are further along, then may they know they need to move. Tuning into you daily and asking you, am I doing what you want me to do today? What am I missing? May they have clarity to do what you are blessing vs. just asking that you bless what they're doing. May they see that paradigm shift. As much as this world hurts, may they be free knowing that the more resistance they feel is merely an opportunity to be that much stronger. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
