#It’sYourLife

Through It All, I Reflect on God’s Faithfulness

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

In moments of profound grief and reflection, I find myself leaning into the unwavering faithfulness of God. Life’s seasons often challenge us, stretching us in ways we could not anticipate—times of refining, recalibration, and silent reliance on His grace. Recently, I have walked through such a season. Some days have been marked by uncertainty, where clarity was elusive, and burdens felt especially heavy. Yet, amidst the unknown, God’s presence has remained steadfast and certain.

Time and again, I have witnessed His hand at work in circumstances beyond my control and in places I could not reach. As scripture reminds us, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14). Even when I felt unseen, unheard, or uncertain, He has stood in the gap, offering His grace, protection, and peace. His love is unwavering.

At the same time, I have been strengthened and renewed through the blessings present in my personal life—celebrating meaningful milestones with family, exploring new places that awaken a sense of wonder, and being surrounded by faithful friends whose prayers and presence carry me through difficult times. These moments serve as sacred reminders that God’s goodness often sustains us in the midst of life’s trials.

I have come to understand that God’s benevolence is not dictated by circumstances. Psalm 34:19 declares, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” When the path is steep, He provides the strength we need to continue climbing.

And while challenges certainly arise, I stand firm on His promise in Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” This does not mean life is without battles, but it reinforces that we serve a God who equips us to overcome them.

I ask myself—and invite you—to consider: what season are you facing right now? Are there moments in your life where you need to be reminded that God’s presence remains active, His protection unceasing, and His work behind the scenes ongoing? Perhaps now is a moment to pause and offer gratitude—not solely for victories, but also for the lessons learned within the valleys.

Be encouraged by the everlasting truth in Lamentations 3:22–23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Cling to this truth, for God’s faithfulness endures, here and now, even in our most vulnerable moments.

May we all find comfort and strength in His unchanging love and unwavering grace

Overcoming Offenses: A Path to Healing in Relationships

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

One of the blessings—and sometimes the challenges—of life is that if we live long enough, we’re bound to encounter offenses. Someone might say something untrue, or say something true that we simply don’t like or that rubs us the wrong way. It could be a careless word from someone or a dismissive attitude that sets us off. And when we feel misunderstood or treated insensitively, our reactions can become overwhelming.

Honestly, I believe that being offended itself isn’t the biggest problem. The real challenge is when we hold onto those offenses, refusing to let them go. That’s when we hurt ourselves the most. As believers, we have a divine guide for every area of our lives—including how we handle offenses.

Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV) gives us clear instruction:
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Recently, I observed a situation that had been developing over time. An individual received feedback from colleagues regarding their communication style. The feedback highlighted concerns about tone and approach, including comments related to interactions with others.

This is not the first time I have discussed responses and attitudes with this individual. Previously, it was noted that responses to feedback could sometimes be defensive or withdrawn. The individual often maintains their own perspective, which can impact team dynamics.

In response to recent feedback, the individual chose to share their perspective openly. Their intentions appeared to be genuine, and they expressed a willingness to clarify their position. This situation underscores the importance of how perceptions and responses can influence working relationships and the overall team environment.

As believers, we are called to humility and self-examination. Whether we are right or wrong, we should be mindful of how our words and actions impact others. When someone points out an offense, let’s remember Ephesians 4:31-32—get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, slander, and malice. Instead, be kind, compassionate, and forgiving—just as Christ forgave us.

If we truly value unity and collaboration, our behaviors must reflect our words. Let’s choose humility, address offenses quickly, and demonstrate Christ’s love through our responses. When we do, we foster environments of healing, growth, and trust—becoming true reflections of His grace.

The Gift of Long-Suffering

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

Life is not always easy. In fact, it rarely is. It’s a beautiful, complicated tapestry woven with threads of joy and pain, celebration and sorrow, triumph and setback. And yet, as I sit with all of it-the good and the hard-I’m reminded of a word that often gets overlooked: Long-suffering.

The Bible speaks of long-suffering not as weakness, but as strength. In Galatians 5:22, it is listed among the Fruits of the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith…” (KJV). Other translations use patience, but I’ve come to love the word long-suffering-because it tells the truth. It acknowledges that sometimes we suffer, and sometimes we suffer long. But through the Spirit, we do so with grace.

I recently heard someone say, “If you truly appreciate life, you have to appreciate all of it.” That means not just the mountaintop moments, but also the valleys-the disappointments, the losses, the betrayals. And when I look back, I see it clearly: I’ve been so deeply blessed. I’ve lived a life that far exceeded anything I dreamed of as a child. But that same life has brought me sickness, death, heartbreak, and setbacks I never saw coming. Still, I wouldn’t trade it.

Long-suffering has taught me how to be still when everything inside me wants to fight or flee. It’s taught me how to love people who are hard to love, and how to trust God when I don’t understand His ways. It’s stretched my faith, deepened my compassion, and reminded me that even in the pain, God is present.

Romans 5:3-4 says it best: “We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.” Long-suffering doesn’t just help us survive-it makes room for hope to take root.

So if you’re in a hard season right now, take heart. The suffering isn’t the whole story. It’s a chapter-yes, even a long one-but not the end. And through it all, you are being shaped, strengthened, and prepared for even greater joy.

That is the gift of long-suffering.

Finding Confidence Through Betrayal and Faith

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

Losing confidence is such a human characteristic. Yet, we are shocked when the most confident of us, lose it. As I sit here and write this blog, I can’t help but see parallels to Holy Week. It is a time that encapsulates both betrayal and redemption. There are moments in life when the weight of fear can settle heavily on our hearts. This includes fear of failure, rejection, and even betrayal. It causes us to second-guess our worth and abilities. We often find ourselves spiraling into self-doubt. It’s a place where the mind plays cruel tricks. The mind whispers lies that erode our confidence. This echoes the story of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. His act of betrayal devastated trust within the close circle of disciples. It also revealed the human struggle with insecurity. Furthermore, it showed the desperate need for acceptance.

I have experienced betrayal, not just once, but several times throughout my life. Betrayal is not something we easily get over. In fact, it’s a time when we feel abandoned. We feel as if we are alone in our suffering. We are paralyzed by the fear of what others think.

Psalm 55 reminds us of the pain we can experience by betrayal. It mirrors the feelings of inadequacy that can overwhelm us when we face rejection. Yet, it is precisely in these dark tunnels of despair that Christ calls us back to His light. Through His sacrifice, the cross stands as an enduring symbol of hope. It assures us that our worth is found not in the opinions of others. Instead, it is found in the unchanging love of God. As Philippians 4:13 declares, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” we must remember one important truth. We don’t have to navigate our insecurities alone. We are empowered by His strength, so we are never alone.

Reflecting on Jesus’ response to Judas is particularly illuminating. Even in the act of betrayal, Christ addressed him as “friend” (Luke 22:48), showcasing a grace that transcends human emotions. This is a poignant reminder. Our identity is not diminished by the failures or judgments of others. Instead, it is defined by the love that God has for us. As I ponder these themes, I deeply resonate with 2 Timothy 1:7. It states, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” This offers reassurance that we do not have to stay paralyzed by fear or the shame of perceived failures. 

As we walk through this Holy Week, we learn to embrace confidence. It arises from our relationship with Christ. The journey can be filled with challenges. There are moments of betrayal and the haunting specter of doubt. By surrendering our fears to God, we can uncover a strength that is not our own. Remember, confidence is rooted in the knowledge that we are loved, worthy, and never alone. We can rise above our fears. We anchor ourselves in faith. The path to renewed confidence lies in the steadfast love of our Savior. In Christ, we find our true identity and strength. This empowers us to face betrayal and rejection with hope. We have renewed resolve.

God’s Constant Work in Our Lives

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

In our daily lives, it can often feel as though we are surrounded by chaos and uncertainty. Events unfold that seem to disrupt our progress, and the schemes of others can challenge our peace of mind. Nevertheless, it is essential to remember that God is always at work in the background. He orchestrates events in ways that we may not instantly perceive. His presence is both a comfort and a guiding force, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles.

Each morning, we are met with the promise of God’s mercies. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” This scripture emphasizes that no matter the trials we face, His love and grace are always there. Even when we endure setbacks, His love and grace stay. It reminds us that the difficulties of yesterday do not define our today or tomorrow. This fresh start, often overlooked, invites us to trust in God’s unwavering attention to our lives. He is continuously working things out for our good, weaving together the complexities of our journey with divine purpose.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I remember the obstacles I faced. I aspired to move into management 30 years ago. Many of my peers seemed to effortlessly work their way up the corporate ladder. I realized I needed a degree to be considered for leadership roles. The journey seemed daunting, filled with uncertainty and setbacks. Yet, God opened a significant door by introducing me to a college trainee program—a pathway I could confidently walk through. This opportunity was a testament to God’s provision. It affirmed that He was aware of my struggles. He was guiding me toward my goals.

Another defining moment was during my pursuit of a doctoral degree. The challenges I encountered, particularly from some committee members, felt overwhelming at times. Their critiques and doubts threatened my confidence, and I often found myself contemplating giving up. Yet, in those moments of despair, I leaned into my faith and sought God’s guidance. He reminded me that perseverance is a vital part of growth. I pushed through the obstacles and remained steadfast. As a result, I managed to finish my degree. I also emerged stronger and more resilient.

It’s easy to become discouraged by obstacles and adversities. These challenges arise from the schemes of others, just as I experienced in my journey. Yet, in such moments, we must anchor ourselves in the truth that God’s plans override all human intentions. Individuals pursue their own agendas. Sometimes they act with ill intent. Nonetheless, God has a broader vision for our lives that is rooted in love and wisdom. His plans are far greater than anything we could conceive, beckoning us to dream bigger and hope more fully.

Trusting in God’s providence means acknowledging that His timing does not always align with our desires. There will be moments when we find ourselves waiting or enduring situations that challenge our faith. It is in these times that we often experience the profound depth of God’s faithfulness. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Each challenge becomes an opportunity for growth, shaping us into the individuals He intends us to be.

In reflection, the assurance of God’s continuous work invites us to cultivate a posture of trust. We are called to lean into His understanding. We must seek His guidance. We should rest in the knowledge that He sees the bigger picture. Even as we navigate through the various circumstances of life, we can find peace. We are assured that His love is a constant force working on our behalf. Romans 8:28 encourages us by stating, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Embracing this truth encourages us to move ahead with confidence. We are assured that we are being lovingly guided toward a future filled with promise.

In the end, let us hold tightly to the reality that God is always at work. He is tirelessly weaving His plans in the background of our lives. As we awaken each day, let us embrace His new mercies. We should trust in the incredible journey that He has laid out for us. This journey is free from the limitations of human schemes. With faith in His ultimate goodness, we can approach each day with hope. We know that our future is secure in His loving hands. As 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” This scripture helps us remember that trusting in God’s unseen plans leads us to a deeper relationship with Him. This trust also guides us to a brighter path ahead.

The Bridge of Forgiveness

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

Forgiveness is not easy. It is a road often littered with the debris of past wounds, misunderstandings, and broken trust. I know this well. The past year tested me in ways I never expected. Some of those wounds have followed me into this new season. One relationship, in particular, remains a challenge. It is strained by distrust on both sides. Yet, it is bound together by the necessity of working side by side.

I won’t pretend it’s simple. Every interaction carries the weight of history, and sometimes, I feel the tension before a word is even spoken. I have decided to walk in sincerity. This decision is not just for peace’s sake. It is because I am called to something greater. I can’t control his heart, but I can control mine.

Ephesians 4:31-32 reminds me: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Forgiveness does not mean forgetting. It does not mean pretending the hurt never happened. But it does mean releasing the grip of resentment so that I am free. I am not weighed down by anger. I am not shackled by bitterness. Forgiveness is not a gift I give to him; it is a gift I give to myself.

So I choose to extend grace. This is not because trust has been fully restored. It is because I refuse to let my heart be hardened. I choose to be genuine in my interactions, even if I am met with skepticism. I choose to see him as more than the sum of our conflicts.

For those walking a similar road, know this: Forgiveness is not a moment; it is a journey. It is a bridge we must build with each act of grace. Every prayer for wisdom is a step. Each step away from resentment is a step toward healing.

As I walk this road, I do so with determination. I hold fast to the words of Romans 12:18. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

I will do my part. I will walk in integrity. And I will trust that grace—God’s grace—is enough for the rest.

Meekness is not a Weakness

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

Over the last several months, I have been studying the Fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23. Each week, we’ve taken one fruit, dissecting its meaning and significance. At one point, someone observed that the latter three fruits—faithfulness, meekness, and self-control—require much more intentional effort and conscious focus in our lives.

Of these three, the fruit of meekness has particularly piqued my interest, especially as I recognize my own need for it. I learned about meekness long ago, but only recently have I taken the time to explore its definition and relevance in my life. In my earlier work, “You Call That Love? This is Love,” I focused on 1 Corinthians 13 and Galatians 5. As I reflect on those teachings, the Holy Spirit now invites me to look deeper at meekness, a fruit that demands my attention and intentional focus.

Meekness is so often overlooked. The world teaches us to fight for our rights, to pursue self-assertion, and never to let anyone diminish our worth. However, the Bible presents a counter-narrative. As Matthew 5:5 states, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Someone once described meekness as “a controlled strength that involves trusting in God and submitting to His will.” This humility is indeed a valuable characteristic, yet it is frequently mistaken for weakness. Yet, if being meek was good enough for Jesus—who exemplified strength through His humility—why isn’t it good enough for me?

When I think of Jesus, I see not a weak figure, but the epitome of meekness. He says in Matthew 11:29, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jesus displayed incredible strength in meekness. He rebuked the proud yet offered grace to the humble. In my own life, I find that without the Holy Spirit’s intervention, my human nature struggles against meekness, especially when I feel threatened or disrespected.

So, what can I do? I must rely on the Holy Spirit. Cultivating meekness means recognizing how God sees this valuable trait—not through the distorted lens of society. Meekness reflects characteristics of Christ and holds immense significance in our walk of faith.

In considering the value of meekness, I constantly remind myself that my human instincts will always seek to defend my pride if left unchecked. Will I choose to reflect Jesus and embrace meekness? Do I wish to be conformed to this world, or do I aspire to be transformed by the renewal of my mind through Christ (Romans 12:2)?

Ultimately, the answers to these questions are clear to me. In moments of frustration or pride, I remember the words of James 4:10: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” I see this not as a call to weakness but as an invitation to strength under control, a practice of humility rooted in the conviction that true honor comes from God.

So, how about you? How can you embody the fruit of meekness in your own life? I encourage you to reflect on this passage and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in embracing this powerful trait, for “the meek shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5)

Finding Joy in Adversity: Overcoming Fear with Faith

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

Sometimes, it’s hard to admit that we can feel joy when the pressures of life are pushing us down. You may be generally a happy and optimistic person, but you find yourself worried, preoccupied, frustrated, and suspicious.

faithoverfear

Over the last several weeks, I have had my share of all the above, which frustrates me when I pride myself on being optimistic about everything. Experiencing these emotions only shows that even though we think we are superhuman, we are not; we are simply human. We are not God; only He is.

In times of turmoil, my go-to habit is always the Bible. But doing that sometimes doesn’t bring relief. But there is something to the scripture in Psalm 30:5 that says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy comes in the morning.” As much as I found myself overwhelmed for several weeks, suddenly, one day, I read a devotional that triggered a release in my spirit. It was Romans 8:28, “All things work together for good to those who love God. To those who are called according to His Purpose.”

romans8-28

Like many others, I have known that scripture my entire life, but just as our elders would say, memorize scripture because the Holy Spirit will bring it back to you when needed. And that is precisely what happened.

The writer of that devotional reminded me that life’s journey has twists and turns. No path is always straight. However, at the end of the path, you and I will achieve His purpose. The writer talked about having Faith over fear—something I say a lot, but when it is you in the middle of something if we are not grounded in the joy of the Lord, fear can cripple us and overtake our Faith.

So, my breakthrough came on that Friday with the devotional. On Sunday, the message from my Pastor was loud and clear: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22:
• Be joyful always
• Pray continuously
• Give thanks in all circumstances
• Don’t stifle the Holy Spirit
• Don’t scoff at prophesies
• Test everything that is said
• Hold onto what is good
• Stay away from what is evil

When I heard that message and heard the words Faith over fear, I knew these words were for me. So, I tell you today, when you feel overwhelmed and scared, speak Faith. Philippians 4:7 says, “Be anxious for nothing but in all things by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

So, if worry enters your mind, prayer should fill your mouth.

Overcoming Disappointment: Embracing Grace and Forgiveness

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

I will never ask if you have been disappointed; that question would be ridiculous. Disappointments are as inevitable as breathing. They come with living. And I understand that, although they can be life-changing, they do not have to destroy you.

overcoming

Like me, you can yell from the mountaintop that you have had your share of disappointments. We can agree that the most hurtful comes from those closest to you. Let’s be honest; we expect more from those who know our struggles. Those who we feel know our most intimate and most challenging life experiences. So, when they hurt us, it cuts deep. It takes a long time to heal and bounce back. We also ask ourselves, “why” as we question the occurrence. Wondering not only “why” but “what” did we miss?

Well, you missed nothing, and you missed everything. You missed nothing because you trusted your friends. They were your closet and dearest. You missed everything because there were probably hints that you chose to ignore. And why wouldn’t you? They are your friends, of course.

Do you remember a man that many of us admire and follow? He was humble, gentle, kind, and loving. He shared His innermost thoughts with His closest circle, those He could trust. Yet, even after they walked with Him daily, slept beside Him each night, ate with Him, cried with Him, laughed with Him, and ministered beside Him, not one but all of His closest confidantes betrayed, denied, and abandoned Him. You know as well as I that this person was Jesus, a figure known for his resilience and forgiveness in the face of disappointment. I wouldn’t say I like comparing myself or anyone to Him. However, we can look to Him as our example.

What did He do when He knew Judas Iscariot was about to betray Him? He said, “Hurry, and go do what you need to do.” This response, while seemingly accepting of the betrayal, was actually a demonstration of Jesus’s grace and forgiveness. When Peter boasted about never leaving Jesus, what did Jesus say? “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter was indignant and argued that it would never happen, yet it did. Matthew 26:21-35
“Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” And they began to say to him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?” … Then Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters because of me this night.” Peter said to him, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And so said all the disciples.”

Despite these disappointments, knowing they would happen, Jesus dealt graciously. He even washed their feet! Can I do that? In my younger years, no. Today, I may be able to. What is true to me is that disappointments grow us. They mature us, give us experience, and help us rise higher. There is hope and growth on the other side of disappointment.If you are dealing with disappointment today, know that Jesus dealt with it, too. The Bible tells us that “He was in every way tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:19.

I say, feel hurt, grieve the betrayal, heal, and move on. God has something better waiting for you when you are ready. You are not alone .

Cultivating Meaningful Friendships

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

I must admit that I am not that easy to warm up to. I take my time to feel people out before allowing others to see my vulnerabilities. Also, I am not the kind of person who openly shares my life with someone who hasn’t earned the right to know.

When I was young and my grandfather was alive, I can recall how warm and friendly he was. I guess that goes with the job of Pastor, but he was just a calm, gentle soul that I adored. When I was a girl, he said to me, “If you want friends, show yourself to be friendly.” As I grew and read my Bible, I found what he was saying without saying it in a condemning way was scriptural. The scripture is found in Proverbs 18:24, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: And there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

I didn’t think I needed close friends in my early adult years. If I had one I could call my best friend, that would be enough. I know that there are varying levels of friendship, and I also believe that some relationships are for a season, some seasons being longer or shorter than others. What’s really important, though, is to understand that even the varying levels of friendship are important to our growth.

For example, if you had a friend that you trusted, but they somehow hurt you, you can learn from that relationship. I hope you will not learn to distrust people, however. What I pray you took away from it is that only some people or relationships are as deep as you may perceive them. It may be hard to accept this, but I bet there were warning signs along the way. It could have been something small that you brushed off or something huge that hurt you, but you chose to ignore it. You can see those signs as vividly as you would on a day alone. No worries, it’s over, move on. God is ready to replace that person with someone else. You were never meant to be alone.

Friendship is biblical; just as Genesis 2:18 points out, being alone is not good. God created each of us to be in fellowship with Him. But He also made us have a desire for community. Just think of all the places where you and I can form special friendships: work, home, school, church, and our neighborhoods or communities. I have learned that friendships play a unique role in my life. So, instead of disregarding others, I look to cultivate strong bonds, knowing that some will last a lifetime and others will last for a season.

Whatever God’s purpose is for those you have the honor of befriending, trust that He will help you find the right circle of friends. And when some do not work out as you had hoped, look to the lesson and wait to see who God places in your life next.