When life turns upside down

Today the world we were used to is on hold. Our activities, work-life, and family life, were forced to change because of an invisible enemy: Covid19. Today the world is shaking, and I come here to remind you that you will not be shaken. 

Circumstances shift unexpectedly, and life can quickly turn upside down without warning you. It is almost as if when life becomes comfortable; something happens to disturb you. It can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t have a stronghold. 

Well, difficult situations don’t necessarily have to bring unhappiness or anxiety. Hard times can push you to become stronger and mold you into someone new. I am not saying you won’t ever be crushed or feel broken, but I am telling you that after that tough period will come something better. I am saying that from brokenness, from pain, from darkness, beauty can arise. Just like crushed grapes give delicious wine, or like an ugly cocoon brings life to a beautiful butterfly, unpleasant circumstances can lead to a better version of you. A new life.

Unpleasant circumstances can lead to a better version of you

Here is the key: The way you can live through challenges and grow from it is to remember the truth. Everything changes, but one thing remains true in every circumstance: Our loving God is with us.

God brings light into the darkness. 

While everything was dark and unformed, God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. (Genesis 1:3). He spoke, and the world went from darkness, ugliness to light and beauty. When things turn upside down, God brings us light. 

God looks for us.

After they ate the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve were hiding because they were afraid, but God went looking for them. “Where are you?” He said in Genesis 3:9. 

He looks for us even when we are ashamed and afraid, even when we think we don’t deserve Him. Even in death, God brings life. Even in the chaos, God brings beauty.

God is our refuge.

In Psalm 18:2, it reads: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

We can hold on to Him in every situation, and He delivers us from any prison we might be in. He protects us, keep us steady and free.

God is our rock.

God is a good father
Today we are reminded that we have a good father looking for us

Let me finish by reminding you of this verse from Philippians 4:6:

“6 Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. 7 And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.”

Today we are reminded that we have a good father looking for us. He is offering his hand to whoever is willing to hold on to Him. We don’t have to worry because whatever we ask with a faithful heart, He will give. He is a strong foundation in which we won’t be shaken. He is a firmly rooted tree that won’t bend under the wind. Let us all be the branches to this tree, connected together through Him: strong and trusting. 

Peace

I want to remind you about peace. Times are difficult right now, and it is easy to get overwhelmed by all the bad news concerning the COVID19 virus. It is spreading, and hospitals lack resources… I don’t know about you, but as soon as I turn on the news, I get my share of anxiety.
So I go for a walk near the lake in the morning, and I am instantly blessed to see another version of today’s reality. The sun is shining, birds sing, the wind gently blows, and flowers are blooming. There is still life out there! Getting closer to nature reminds me that life is stronger than death.
In every situation, we have the choice between listening to the noise of fear, panic, anger or disappointment, and the sweet sound of peace, quiet, resilience, or forgiveness. Let’s choose peace. Life goes on, even when it gets harder. The pandemic is a battle we have to fight, so let’s pick our most powerful weapon: Love. We can help one another, comfort those in need, reassure our children and elders and share peace.
Peace is in you. Share it, spread it all around you.


When you start to feel overwhelmed, you can always turn to God’s word. Let’s look at some scriptures about peace:

John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Jesus gave us peace. When we trust Him, we experience a peace more exceptional than any peace the world can provide us with. He tells us not to be afraid and not to let our hearts be troubled during difficult times.

Psalm 4:8
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

You can rest in peace because God keeps you safe.

Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

Jesus calls us to search for peace and spread it.

Psalm 119:165
“Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.”

When we follow God’s principles, we remain steady. No matter what happens, we will remain peaceful.

Romans 5: 1-2
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him, we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.”

Through the faith we put in Jesus, we receive God’s peace.

Corinthians 13:11
“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”

Seek peace, help, and comfort others, and you will find more peace, joy, and love as God will be with you.

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.”

Pray, ask God anything, and He will cover you with His peace. There is no need to be anxious.

The sweet spirit

There is something that you are good at, something that makes your heart beat faster, your smile grow wider every time you do it. Whether it is just a thought, a dream or a project you just started, you can do it. Every one of us has a purpose on this Earth, and I came to remind you that you have what it takes to fulfill it.

A few years ago, I left everything I had and moved to another country to pursue a dream. This journey made me grow in a way I would not have imagined. I realize today that anything you wish for is available to you if you believe it is. No matter where you come from or where you want to go, there is a unique path drawn for your footsteps only. A unique journey that God designed for your personal development and happiness. Before this adventure started, I sometimes thought I was a strong woman because I had attained my professional objectives. I had a good life, children, and husband. I thought I was where I wanted to, but deep inside, I knew I was not who I wanted to be.

Women can accomplish so many things they don’t even imagine. They are role models, mentors, and protectors, but somehow, sometimes, women think they are not enough. Weaknesses, insecurities, doubts, we all have them. But there is something stronger in us that nothing can beat, a sweet spirit. Some say you need to be tough to fight. I think it is time to give back power to your sweetness. There is something in you, ready to propel you where you need to go. A royal legacy available for you, a counselor who knows exactly which steps you need to take and when, if only you let him.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” The scriptures tell us in 1 Corinthians 6:19 that the Holy Spirit is in us, yet we often forget how blessed we are to have this incredible gift of love, right there. God created you with a unique plan and equipped you to achieve it. There is a promise in your heart, a dream so beautiful that you are willing to fight for.

It is time to live with purpose. If you don’t live your life with purpose, what is the point? If you don’t try every day to get a little closer to happiness, what is driving you? Do you want to wake up, go to work, obey to somebody, get just enough to pay your bills and start over wondering why? Or do you want your life to make sense? You are gifted.

Everybody has a gift and an invitation to use it to elevate not only your life but others’ lives. People are waiting for what you have to offer. The good news is that it is never too late; every day is a new chance. I want to encourage you today to wake up that sweet spirit and feel it warm up your senses. Let Him guide you on your path to a new life.