DEVOTION

I worked in sales in corporate America for 25 years. My body and spirit were stressed out. I knew something had to change.

When God put a business opportunity in my lap with my name written all over it, I knew I was saved! I swallowed a huge spoonful of bravery and quit my job. I gave up a large income, stability, and consistency, but I felt alive again.

After three years, my business failed. Essentially, I failed my business. I found myself lost, unworthy, and broke. I had to start over­–and do what, exactly? I couldn’t fathom the thought of going back into the high-stress arena that almost broke me.

A whole host of devilish things hit me–fear, anxiety, depression, self-hate for failing my family–and I was under attack. Feeling I failed my family was probably the worst. I wanted to teach my three daughters they could do anything­–but I couldn’t. My husband supported me; I let him down. Just like we are told in Isaiah 49:23, “don’t put your trust in man because man can and will fail you.”

And I did fail.

I had to find the self-love and power God’s spirit gave me. I could not be timid; I had to be fierce. Matthew 6:34 reminded me I shouldn’t “worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself,” and my dad’s favorite quote to share is to “worry or pray, but don’t do both!”

After I’ve hit bottom and survived, I’m not scared anymore. I’m not fearful of failure. I already failed­–and I will again. I am rising again. And that is something I can teach my daughters.

Don’t believe the world that fights for you to fail; believe our God who tells us he is with us no matter what.

What do we have to lose?

PRAYER

Dear Lord,

Thank you for giving me a spirit of strength and power to overcome life’s ups and downs. Thank you for being the hope and light in a world that can feel chaotic, lonely, and dark. You are my light, my hope, my savior, and my healer.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Michelle Brock

Special Events Assistant

mbrock@crossings.church