To The Dreamers

Hang in there. You aren't done yet. Though your strength may have fled, and your resolve faded, you shouldn't give up. You can still push through adversity. 

"Beat up, but won't be broken!"
Maybe you've faced hardship. Whether physically or emotionally, those around you just beat on you, and press into you, and you have slowly been bruised and battered. You ache and hurt, but you refuse to break. Hang in there. Help is on it's way. Gather your courage, and resolve your fortitude; wait for the dawn to arise. There is One who was beaten far greater than you, and He reigns victorious.

"Lonesome, but always searching!"
Maybe you've faced isolation. No one seems to care about the cries that resound in your hollow chest. People pass by, unknowing and frankly, uncaring, of the past scars and the present wounds that afflict you. No one shares your pain, and your burden is carried alone. Remain strong. There is One who weeps with you. There is One who sees your tears. He is coming soon. 

"Homesick, but nobody's heading home soon!"
Maybe you're anxious to be done. This life has given you nothing to live for, and the only place you desire to be is in Jesus's arms. Your heart is not in the right place. Jesus lives within you; your home follows you where you go. Forget your worry and care, and join Jesus in His work. The longer you sit and wish to be with Jesus, the longer you put off actually joining Him. He invites you to work alongside Him, and all you see is the benefits of heaven. Change your perspective.

"Long days, too many short nights!"
Maybe you're the provider for the family. You work and strive and work extra hours. People trust you because you always get the work done. Often, they place their responsibilities on your shoulders knowing full well you'll follow through. Stop your striving. There is a Provider who knows your needs. Rest. Have peace. Do what you can, and rest when you must. But don't neglect the rest that Jesus intends you to have; build some margin.

"Wrong ways that almost felt right!"
Maybe you've tried it all. Dieting, exercise, even surgery. You just want people to love you, and you'll do anything to mold yourself into what others want. Stop. Do you realize how beautiful you are? Can you look in the mirror and say that you love yourself? Every time you try a new solution, it ALMOST fulfills you, and keeps you looking for the next answer. No answer will come. Find your identity in Christ, and find your fulfillment.

"Lovesick, but no one you're holding onto!"
Maybe you just need someone to care. To love. To trust, and to cherish. An actual human, not the facades and lies that the world sells us, to comfort you in your time of need. You search for love, and yet, it never finds you. Look within yourself. The love is there. First, love your God, for He loves you most. You can hold onto Him; He is secure. Then love those around you, and watch the world become beautiful because of the love you show.

"Keep on, keeping on, keeping on! 
Sing along, sing along, sing along!"
Whatever situation you find yourself in, don't stop pressing forward. Do what you must to bring your focus to Jesus. Use your weaknesses for His glory; if you can't run, walk for Jesus. If you can't walk, crawl. Do what you can, and He'll do the rest. He doesn't call you to be perfect, or wonderful, or beautiful. He made you wonderful and beautiful, and has declared you perfect under Christ's righteousness. He just calls you to be the way you were made to be. If you are to speak life and encouragement into those around you, don't seek a pulpit or the mission field. God will put you where He needs you most; this way, you are always on the front lines.

You'll be attacked. You will be hunted down by the enemy. Trust the Lord your God, for He will sustain. He is enough. Don't lose hope, and don't move your focus. Remain strong in adversity. He will supply your strength.

"They are inside your head,
you've got a voice that says:
'You won't get past this one! 
You won't win your freedom!'"
Blatant lies and subtle lies will be thrown at you. Don't hide away and cower. They just want you to stop your service to your God. Rather, face the storm, stand in the rain, and keep your focus on Jesus. Those lies mean nothing. You are found in Jesus Christ, and He bought you, so no one can steal you away. You are rightfully His, and no one can pay the price He has paid for you: a perfect life sacrificed for yours. Even death cannot seperate you, for even in death, you still live. His life is now yours, and nothing can stop you except for you. Don't stop; rely on Jesus alone.

"Love like I'm not scared, give when it's not fair!
live life for another, take time for a brother!
Fight for the weak ones, speak out for freedom!
Find faith in the battle, stand tall, and above it all:
fix my eyes on You!"
May this be your prayer tonight. Find encouragement in these words, and focus your eyes on Jesus. Don't lose focus. Forget your ailments at the cross, and embrace the life He's given for you; the one He desires for you to have. Let your faith come to fruition, and may the world see your fortitude and glorify God because of the testimony of your life. Always seek to #LiveItLikeJesus.

(All quotations taken from for KING & COUNTRY songs: "To the Dreamers," "It's Not Over Yet," and "Fix My Eyes," respectively. Look them up. It's worth it.)