Depression Isn’t A Sign Of Weakness January 26, 2014 by cherylz1961 | Leave a comment I suffered from clinical depression for ten years. I know that black pit and I want to lift up any who are suffering from depression right now. You are not alone and God will help you. My brain tumor was on my frontal … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Facing Trials
God Speaks Of Perseverance
James 1:2-4 speaks about the importance and value of perseverance. We can learn from this little squirrel! I speak from personal experience, recovering from a brain tumor is not easy! Overcoming ANY adveristy is a challenge. However, we are given trials to bring about our refinement and sanctification. Endure and persevere for, like this squirrel … Continue reading
A Bible Study By Cheryl Zelenka
Hi! My second book will be available on Amazon the first week of February. It is called Divine Interruptions: A Bible Study Through The Book Of Job. I share my story recovering from a brain tumor and align it with the lessons in Job. Please send me your email if you would like to join … Continue reading
New Beginnings
We have many new beginnings. Every day is a fresh start! Some of us have faced incredible adversity only to recover, rise through the grace of God, and serve our Lord in a new and challenging way. Don’t let a brain tumor,illness or any adversity stop you! God will faithfully equip you to accomplish the … Continue reading
Brain Tumor, Illness? God is Still Close By!!
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galations 6:2 (NKJV) If you have had a brain tumor, brain cancer, or suffer from some other illness please remember God is still in the picture. He has a reason for sending each trial our way. For me, my faith grew as I continue to … Continue reading
The Humility Of Our Savior’s Birth
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (NKJV) “And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then … Continue reading
New Seeds From God
A devotion by Cheryl Zelenka http://facingtrials.com “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” Philippians 4:11 (NKJV) “So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33 (NKJV) “For I consider that the sufferings of this … Continue reading
What Is Contentment Spelled Backwards?
A devotion by Cheryl Zelenka “The happiest people don’t have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything.” Unknown “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be … Continue reading
There is Beauty in Every Spiritual Season
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV) Fall is a wonderful time for harvesting spiritual fruit. Yes, fruit now ripe and sweet in the eyes of God. Fruit grown from the seeds He sowed during your spiritual Springtime. Just as God created physical seasons on earth, there are also … Continue reading
How Does the Fruit of the Spirit Grow?
A short devotion by Cheryl Zelenka But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) “GOODNESS and KINDNESS live in the hearts of those who have suffered greatly, as the wounded tend to learn compassion through their misery. GENTLENESS is born … Continue reading
How Often Do You Pray?
A short devotion by Cheryl Zelenka“Pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV) We make the mistake of calling out to God only when we are in despair, instead of talking to Him EVERY DAY. We need His help and guidance all the time, not just when tragedy strikes. Building a RELIANCE on God is a … Continue reading
Changing Seasons and an Unchanging God
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NKJV) “For I am the Lord, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.” Malachi 3:6 (NKJV) “When times are good, … Continue reading
Hope Shines In The Dark
“Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work: You don’t give up.” ~Anne Lamott “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so … Continue reading
Doubts Are Shades Of Gray
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that … Continue reading
God Knows Your Frame
“For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” Psalm 103:14 (NKJV) “Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, as do stripes the inner depths of the heart.” Proverbs 20:30 (NKJV) When we are in the midst of a trial, it is easy to fall into self- pity. We may even find ourselves angry with … Continue reading
Make Room! The Holy Spirit Wants To Fill You Up
“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5 (NKJV) “And … Continue reading
Thankfully Use Each Day For God
“To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything He has given us — and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him.” – … Continue reading
Are You God’s Compassionate Watering Can?
“He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and full of compassion. “ Psalm 111:4 (NKJV) “But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting; and my prayer would return to my own heart. I paced about as though he were my … Continue reading
Are You Much Afraid?
“The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.” Habakkuk 3:19 (NKJV) I love the book, Hinds Feet in High Places by Hannah Hurnard. I so identify with the main character, Much-Afraid. When facing past trials, I always fell prey to panic and … Continue reading
Are You Focused on the Good or the Bad?
“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalm 145:9 (NKJV) I have been blessed with many good things. I CHOOSE not to focus on the pains and sorrows. I will learn from them, but the blessings of God are wondrous. I know there are many more to … Continue reading
Why Are You Afraid?
I pray that these words will encourage you to trust in the POWER and the LOVE of GOD. Blessings to you, dear one! Cheryl . Continue reading
God Prunes Us With Love
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:1-2 (NKJV) Loving with action is not always easy. Love does not constantly take the form of … Continue reading
Faithful Are The Wounds Of A Friend
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Proverbs 27:6 (NKJV) “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” … Continue reading
A Prayer: Take Their Hand, God!
Blessed Savior, I thank You for Your never-ending love. Today, I offer up a prayer for those in need of Your help. Bless them with words of encouragement and grant them strength. Please hold their hand and guide them. Let them feel Your presence. Walk with them throughout their day and grant each one the … Continue reading
Battle Bitterness with a Content Heart
“For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” Acts 8:23 (ESV) I am learning that when I compare my life to others…. a spirit of discontent, insecurity, or even a root of bitterness and jealousy will rise up and attack me. But when I look around … Continue reading
Let God Paint
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” Psalm 19:1 (NIV) The colors God decides to use in your life today are beautiful, even if they are dark blues, grays, or even black. However, He loves to paint with all the colors of the universe and will surely … Continue reading
The Prince Of Peace
Hold Me Jesus by Rich Mullins “Sometimes my life don’t make sense at all When the mountains look so big And my faith seems so small So hold me Jesus Cuz I’m shaking like a leaf You have been King of my glory Won’t you be my Prince of peace.” There are times when weariness … Continue reading
May God’s Grace Fall Like Rain
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) Grace means to get something that you do not deserve; unmerited favor. May the grace of God rain down upon you today! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcGJb-mPMmg “Just as the sinner’s despair … Continue reading
Trust In His Name
“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.’” Psalm 91:2 (NKJV) There is beauty in the name of Jesus. He is the Author of Eternal Salvation, the Consolation of Israel, the Great High Priest, Holy One Of God, and The Door. I can’t … Continue reading
God, Rain Down Your Blessings
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:10 … Continue reading