Let’s talk about a time when life felt like it was crashing down around me. It was October 2008, and I found myself in the darkest pit of despair. Job loss, bills piling up, and a sense of hopelessness hanging over me like a heavy cloud. Ever been there? Have you felt the weight of circumstances pressing in, leaving you breathless and wondering if tomorrow was even worth hoping for?
In that season, I hit rock bottom. I mean, there was no lower to go. It was a moment when even getting out of bed felt like an insurmountable task. Depression wrapped its chains around my heart, and I found myself lying lifeless on the floor, crying out to God in desperation. ‘Lord, where are you? Can you hear me? Do you even care?’
And then, in the midst of that darkness, something incredible happened. It wasn’t a lightning bolt or a grand spectacle. It was a cup of soup—yes, you heard that right—a simple, humble cup of soup brought to me by my son. In that moment, as I sipped that warm broth, tears streaming down my face, I felt a flicker of hope ignite within me. It was as if God was saying, ‘I see you, Miriam. I hear you. And I’m right here with you.’
Out of the depths of despair, I screamed a prayer of gratitude—’Thank you, Lord, for this cup of soup!’ It sounds funny now, but in that moment, it was a lifeline. It was a reminder that even in the darkest moments, God can bring a glimmer of light. He can turn our mourning into dancing, our despair into hope, and our brokenness into beauty.
But let me be real with you—this journey hasn’t been easy street since that cup of soup. It’s been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, victories and setbacks, laughter and tears. There have been times when I’ve wondered how the next bill would be paid or where the next meal would come from. There have been moments of disappointment and uncertainty, where I’ve questioned what’s next and if I have what it takes to face it.
Yet, through it all, God has been faithful. He’s been my rock, my provider, and my source of strength. He’s taught me to trust Him fully, even when I can’t see the way forward. And you know what? He’s never failed me. Not once.
Proverbs 3:5-8 (The Message):
“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give Him the first and the best.”
Proverbs 3:5-8 (The Voice):
“Place your trust in the Eternal; rely on Him completely; never depend upon your own ideas and inventions. Give Him the credit for everything you accomplish, and He will smooth out and straighten the road that lies ahead. And don’t think you can decide on your own what is right and what is wrong; respect the Eternal; turn and run from evil. Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Show respect to the Eternal by being generous, humble, and kind; you will find wealth, honor, and true life.”
These verses have been my lifeline—they remind me daily to trust in God’s plan, to lean not on my own understanding, and to acknowledge Him in all my ways.
God’s Message: Insulated, Impacted, Influencer
Recently, God has been speaking to me about these three themes—Insulated, Impacted, and Influencer.
Insulated: God is showing me that He insulates us from harm, shielding us in His protection like Daniel in the lions’ den (Daniel 6), where His presence defied the laws of nature to save His faithful servant.
Impacted: Through encounters with His truth, like Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19), God transforms lives, impacting hearts with His grace and power.
Influencer: As we embrace God’s truth and allow it to transform us, we become influencers for His kingdom, like Esther’s courageous influence (Esther 4-9), where her bold faith saved an entire nation.
Prayer for God’s Provision and Trust:
Heavenly Father,
In this moment of uncertainty and need, I come before You with a heart full of trust and dependence. Your Word assures me that You are my Provider, my Protector, and my Guide. I declare Your promises over my life:
Psalm 23:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalm 91:
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.”
Jeremiah 29:11:
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Romans 8:28:
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”
Philippians 4:13:
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Nehemiah 8:10:
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Philippians 3:13-14:
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Lord, I surrender my worries, fears, and uncertainties to You. You are my way-maker, and I trust that You will create a way where there seems to be no way. Help me to lean on Your promises, to walk in faith, and to experience Your provision in every area of my life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
These verses encourage us to trust in God wholeheartedly, seek His guidance in all things, and honor Him with our lives.
Chapter Summaries and Individual Bible Stories:
Chapter 1: Insulated in God’s Protection
In this chapter, we explored the stories of individuals who were insulated by God’s protection amidst their trials:
Daniel in the Lions’ Den (Daniel 6): Daniel’s faith in God led him to be thrown into the lions’ den, yet God protected him, showcasing divine intervention and faithfulness.
Jonah and the Big Fish (Jonah 1-4): Jonah, fleeing from God’s command, was swallowed by a big fish. In his distress, he repented, and God mercifully delivered him, demonstrating God’s sovereignty over all circumstances.
Noah and the Ark (Genesis 6-9): Noah obediently built the ark amidst ridicule and doubt, and God spared his family and the animals from the flood, illustrating God’s faithfulness to those who trust Him.
C.P.R. + N.O.W. Message: Reflect on how each character faced their crisis, pivoted towards God, experienced rebirth or renewal, and became a witness of God’s faithfulness.
Chapter 2: Impacted by God’s Truth
This chapter highlighted individuals who were deeply impacted by God’s truth and revelation:
Saul (Paul) on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19): Saul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, experiencing a transformative revelation that turned him from a persecutor of Christians into a fervent follower of Christ.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3): These three friends faced the fiery furnace for their faith, and God protected them, revealing His power and faithfulness even in the midst of trials.
Jabez’s Prayer (1 Chronicles 4:9-10): Jabez prayed for God’s blessing and protection, and God granted his request, illustrating how prayer can lead to divine favor and transformation.
C.P.R. + N.O.W. Message: Reflect on how each individual encountered a crisis, pivoted towards God’s truth, experienced a rebirth or transformation, and became a witness of God’s power and providence.
Chapter 3: Becoming an Influencer for God
This chapter focused on individuals who became influencers for God’s kingdom through their faith and actions:
Esther’s Courageous Influence (Esther 4-9): Esther risked her life to save her people, demonstrating courage and faith in God’s providence, which led to their deliverance.
Abigail’s Wisdom and Diplomacy (1 Samuel 25): Abigail intervened to prevent conflict, exhibiting wisdom and diplomacy, and God honored her actions, showcasing His guidance in difficult situations.
Ruth’s Faithfulness and Influence (Ruth 1-4): Ruth’s loyalty and faith in God’s provision through Boaz led to her redemption and influence in Israel, illustrating how faithfulness can lead to blessings and honor.
C.P.R. + N.O.W. Message: Reflect on how each character faced their crisis, pivoted towards influencing others for God’s kingdom, experienced a rebirth or transformation, and became a powerful witness of God’s grace and favor.
But through it all, the overarching theme remains—God’s faithfulness endures through all circumstances. My journey is a testament to His mercy and grace, turning brokenness into beauty and despair into hope. I invite you to join me in embracing new beginnings through faith in Christ, applying the lessons learned from these stories in your own life.
So, my friends, let us subscribe to hope, bookmark our faith, comment on the promise, like the truth, and share the joy of walking this journey together. Your presence here is a gift, and together, we can step boldly into the next-level living where our BEST LIFE is not just a dream but a reality in Christ.
Thank you for joining me on this journey of faith, hope, and transformation. May you find encouragement and inspiration to step boldly into your own new beginnings, where God’s abundant life awaits.
With love and blessings,
Miriam Smith Stevens Founder of The Thankful Revolution Proverbs 3:5-8″
P.S. In conclusion, embracing this message is essential for our daily lives because it anchors us in God’s unwavering love, faithfulness, and promises. It empowers us to face adversity with hope, trust, and courage, knowing that God is with us and working all things for our good. By internalizing these truths and living them out, we can experience a transformed life that glorifies God and impacts others for His kingdom.
Additional reflections on why I am compelled to proclaim,
I want to share with you why this message, this journey of faith and transformation, is so crucial for each of us, especially amid life’s challenges. I’ve walked through deep valleys of despair and uncertainty, where hope seemed elusive, and fear threatened to overwhelm me. Maybe you’ve been there too—facing moments where it feels like everything is falling apart, and you’re left wondering where God is in all of it.
In those times, God has taught me profound truths about His character and His unwavering faithfulness. The story of how He intervened in my life through something as simple as a cup of soup is not just about a personal miracle—it’s a testament to His love and provision in the midst of our darkest hours.
Hope in Despair: When despair tries to grip our hearts, this message reminds us that God sees us, He hears our cries, and He is with us in every circumstance. He doesn’t leave us to navigate life’s storms alone but provides a pathway of hope and restoration, even when we can’t see it.
Trust and Dependency: Learning to trust and depend on God completely has been a journey of surrender and faith for me. Psalm 23 and Psalm 91 have been lifelines, reminding me that God is my Shepherd who guides, protects, and provides. When we lean on His promises, we find peace in knowing that His plans for us are good, filled with hope and a future.
Transformation through God’s Word: The Scriptures, like Romans 8:28, reassure us that God works all things together for our good. This truth transforms our perspective on challenges, turning them into opportunities for growth and testimony. It’s through God’s Word that we discover His purpose for our lives and find strength to overcome obstacles.
Becoming Influencers for God: As we experience God’s faithfulness firsthand, we become influencers for His kingdom. Our testimonies of His grace and deliverance can bring hope and encouragement to those around us who are facing similar trials. We are called to shine His light and share His love with a world in need of His peace and hope.
Pressing Forward with Purpose: Like the apostle Paul in Philippians 3:13-14, I am committed to pressing forward toward the prize of God’s calling in Christ Jesus. This mindset encourages us to let go of past failures and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who strengthens us to persevere through every season.
So, my friends, I invite you to embrace this message with me. Let’s lean into God’s promises, trust in His unfailing love, and allow His Word to transform our hearts and minds. Together, let’s be lights in the darkness, influencers for His kingdom, and witnesses to His faithfulness. No matter what challenges we face, God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
Let’s walk this journey together, knowing that God is making a way where there seems to be no way. May His peace and joy fill your hearts as you trust Him more deeply each day.
With love and encouragement,
Miriam
Also, to live a life of abundance, intention, impact, provision, and purpose we need to realize a personal relationship with Jesus as our Lord and Savior is needed. Go beyond the skeptics and negativity may have felt previously and just try it and let me know about the best decision you can ever make for your soul today.
As we journey through the ups and downs of life together, one thing remains constant: God’s unwavering love for each of us. If you’re feeling a tug in your heart today, longing to experience the peace and hope that only God can provide, I want to share with you the incredible gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Salvation Message and Prayer:
God loves us so deeply that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus offers us forgiveness and eternal life. If you’re ready to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, let’s pray together:
“Dear Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and in need of Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I invite You to come into my heart and life. I trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me and giving me eternal life. Amen.”
Scriptures:
Romans 10:9-10 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Next Steps:
Read the Bible Daily: Start with the Gospel of John to learn more about Jesus and His teachings.
The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to us, dwelling within every believer to guide, comfort, and empower us in our daily lives (John 14:16-17). As we surrender to His leading, He helps us grow in grace, navigate challenges, and live out God’s purpose for our lives.
God’s Unconditional Love:
Finally, remember that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Romans 8:38-39 assures us, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Embrace God’s love, trust in His promises, and know that He is with you every step of the way. May His peace and joy fill your heart abundantly.
With love and blessings,
Miriam”
How to Stay Connected with The Thankful Revolution:
🌟 Please DO Share this: Message, Bookmark the site, Comment on the POST, Like the information, and subscribe to continue to get updates. Thank you for stopping by as I am a work in progress walking out / typing out my purpose along my life’s journey. Selah and Shalom ~ Miriam aka Essence of Myrrh Proverbs 3:5-8 🌟
Everyone:
If you want to dive deeper into the themes we’ve been exploring—being insulated, impacted, and an influencer—I invite you to check out our blog posts where I share more insights and reflections on these topics:
Part Two: Insulated, Impacted, Influencer
In this post, we delve into how God’s protection shields us (insulated), His truth transforms us (impacted), and how we can influence others for His kingdom. Read more here.
Original Post Message: Insulated, Impacted, Influencer
Explore the foundational message where we discuss how God’s intervention in our lives leads to transformation and our role in influencing others positively. Original message here.
These posts expand on the concepts we’ve been discussing today, showing how God’s love and presence can profoundly impact our lives and empower us to make a difference in the world around us.
As we continue on this journey together, let’s keep seeking God’s wisdom and guidance in all we do. Feel free to explore these resources and share your thoughts or questions—I’d love to hear from you!
The Thankful Revolution rejoices with you and looks forward to continuing to encourage, edify, educate, and inspire as we traverse along our life’s pathway and choices. Enjoy the journey! Shalom to all!
Let’s start living our best life N.O.W. = New-Beginnings is OUR Witness!TRUST God to help you navigate through your life’s journey into a vitalized and healthy destination!
Continue to stay tuned for more on the meaning of LIFE as we explore Biblical Truths one word at a time, one scripture at a time, one moment in time, …let’s eat that daily bread! Selah, Shalom, Amen Indeed Miriam a.k.a. Essence of Myrrh Proverbs 3:5-8 (TIME for a next-level New-Beginning)! We would be honored if you do Subscribe, Bookmark, Save, Share, Comment, Like, and Enjoy how N.O.W. = New-Beginnings is our Witness can be yours today through one daily Myrrhism Word/Message at a time.
Psalm 37:23, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighted in his way.”
P.S. Remember, to help us navigate through this life and enjoy a new life that one being eternal with God our Father; we have to make a decision N.O.W. = New Beginnings is our Witness. Above provides a prayer that you can ask the Lord to become your Redeemer, Healer, Savior, your everything to help you on your personal life’s journey – even though it may be bitter sometimes with God He always sweetens your steps. Love you always! Miriam aka Essence of Myrrh Proverbs 3:5-8.
With gratitude and blessings,
Miriam
John 10:10 The Message Version
6-10 Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again. “I’ll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good—sheep rustlers, every one of them. But the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for—will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.
The Thankful Revolution N.O.W. Speaks! 
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