S5 Episode #1- Michele Holbrook
THE ONE WITH MICHELE HOLBROOK (PART 2)
Welcome to SEASON 5!! This week I am so excited to have Michele Holbrook back on the show! Michele shared her story back in S4E21, so be sure to check that out. In this episode, Michele dives into the tough topic of what to do when you feel like giving up. If you are in a place of exhaustion, heartbreak, or not knowing where to go next, then this episode is for you!
Michele Holbrook lives with a rare form of Neurofibromatosis, Schwannomatosis and will become 2023 NF National Ambassador leading their efforts to raise awareness for all those living with NF. She lost a son in 2020 to an overdose and is an advocate for raising awareness on addiction and mental health. She loves Jesus and is very involved in Sisters in Christ International and her passion is to speak with others about Jesus, forgiveness and putting the past behind you and allowing Jesus to shine in the present. In her spare time she is an active runner, athlete, wife, grandmother and real estate agent.
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READ
Psalm 23:4– “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
We are walking through the valley, but it is not to be our home forever.
We are allowed to ask God, “why?” He can handle our questions and our frustrations.
Cling to God through hardship. The Devil will try to derail you time and time again, but victory is found in The Lord.
This verse also reminds us to “fear no evil”... walking with the Lord doesn’t eliminate evil, but rather our need to fear it.
“How many times do we ask God to take an unpleasant circumstance, and He doesn’t. Seek to honor Him and then remember to look for the ways that He’s honoring you. Not by removing you, but by sending blessings to you in that place.”
What Happens When Women Walk in Faith” Lysa Tyrkhurst
When you feel like giving up, THAT is when you need to lift your hands and heart to God.
God is saying, “I’ve got you. I have this covered.”
The Lord is FOR YOU! He is working on your behalf. He is fighting for you. He is rooting for you. He loves you so much. He will not let you go.
It can be so hard for us to release things to God and trust in Him. It is at times a moment by moment choice that we must make.
Pray: “Lord, teach me to trust You.”
After we pray this, we must allow Him the opportunity to show us His ways. His ways are so much better than anything we could have asked or imagined.
DISCERNING THE VOICE OF GOD
God gives us our gut instinct for a reason. Everyone is different, but Michele feels the peace of God’s presence.
Make sure you are in God’s Word and in prayer about your situation.
Some things are good in life, but they might not be the best for you personally. If you feel unsettled about a situation, then it might not be the right direction for you.
When God puts someone or something on your heart or mind, it is for a reason. You may never fully know the reason, but God is always at work behind the scenes. When someone comes to your mind, take a moment and pray for that person.
CHARACTER OF GOD
We will all have struggles, but God knows and He sees every single detail. You may be walking through that valley right now, God will bring someone up beside you who will hold your hands up.
Jesus loves you! He is a living, breathing person and He is in every part of your life. He cares about every detail.
When we are overwhelmed, we can breathe in and out the name of Yahweh.
Inhale: “Yah”
Exhale: “Weh”
Do this over and over to help you rest in The Lord.
God will never leave you or forsake you. Cling to Him, He will carry you!
SEASON 5 UPDATES: NAMES OF GOD SERIES
It’s Part 2 of our Names of God series! We are highlighting different names and character attributes of The Lord. Understanding who God is and who we are in Him are vital parts of walking in freedom and remaining rooting in who we are created to be! This week we are leaning into JEHOVAH SHAMMAH, The Lord is There. The first time we see this name in the Bible is in the book of Ezekiel, when the prophet receives a vision of God– Jehovah Shammah– in the New Jerusalem.. At this point, the Isrealites have been in captivity in Babylon for 25 years. The temple and city was in ruins, and yet this vision from God was a reminder that God is still there in the city and with His people– even when they are in captivity because of their sin. This name is a powerful reminder to the ancient Israelites that God has NOT forsaken them, He was there with them, and He will be faithful to fulfill His promises. This name is also a powerful reminder to us that wherever we are, whatever our circumstance, God is there. You are not forsaken or forgotten, no matter what you have done!
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