{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"4082 Hope in the Ashes","description":"When the struggles and troubles jump out on the page more than the small acts of kindness and compassion, your emotions can become entangled with what has happened, instead of what this makes possible. Life will not be easy, but you can find refreshment in the CRAP (challenges, rejections, adversities, and problems) of life; it's hope in the ashes. And not just foggy, warm, fuzzy feelings that you think all will be okay. But the real deal of hope that something better is around the corner. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https:\/\/createyournow.com And here\u2019s the kicker: true hope doesn\u2019t come from what you can control. It\u2019s bigger, deeper, and often beyond our understanding. In my experience and belief, it\u2019s a hope that only God can give. When you\u2019re in the thick of hard times, you must dig deep within your faith. You have to remind yourself there is more hope than despair. Because where you place your focus can either sink you or set you free. LIFE QUESTIONS: Where are you right now? What are you running from? What are you trying to dig yourself out of? Believe what God sees in you and cling to His promises and process, ready to face what He assigns with courage. The K.I.S.S. ~ Find hope in the ashes! So, what can you actually do to find hope in the ashes? Here are three practical steps, rooted in scripture, with real-life examples of how they look in action: 1. Fix Your Eyes on God's Promises \u201cFor I know the plans I have for you,\u201d declares the Lord, \u201cplans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.\u201d \u2014 Jeremiah 29:11 When everything around you feels broken, fix your eyes on the promises God has made. This means not just skimming over verses but holding on to them like a lifeline. For example, consider Joseph from the Bible\u2014sold into slavery and thrown in prison, yet he didn\u2019t stop believing in God\u2019s presence and purpose for his life. Despite his circumstances, he trusted that God had a plan way beyond his suffering. In your own life, this might mean writing down promises from Scripture and reading them aloud when despair creeps in. It\u2019s about consciously choosing to believe God\u2019s word over your feelings or the chaos around you. 2. Practice Gratitude in the Midst of Pain Scripture: \u201cGive thanks in all circumstances; for this is God\u2019s will for you in Christ Jesus.\u201d \u2014 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Hope grows when gratitude takes root. This feels almost impossible when you\u2019re surrounded by wreckage, but it\u2019s a radical act of faith. Remember the story of Paul and Silas, who, even while imprisoned and beaten, prayed and sang hymns to God. Their gratitude transformed their despair and eventually led to their breakthrough. In real life, this could look like starting a gratitude journal, where you jot down even the smallest kindnesses, moments of peace, or signs of God\u2019s care each day. It trains your mind to see sparks of hope rather than just ashes. 3. Take One Step Forward in Obedience Scripture: \u201cTrust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths.\u201d \u2014 Proverbs 3:5-6 Hope becomes real when you move\u2014even if it\u2019s just one small step\u2014toward what God is calling you to do. Waiting passively can leave you stuck in despair, but obedience brings movement and momentum. Take the example of Noah. Building an ark when no flood was in sight was a massive act of faith and obedience. Yet, that obedience was directly connected to hope and salvation. In your life, maybe that step is reaching out for help, taking care of your health, or simply getting through one more day trusting God\u2019s process. Whatever it is, action fueled by faith invites hope to grow stronger. Hope in the ashes doesn\u2019t deny the pain or the struggles. It acknowledges them fully yet chooses to believe something better is coming. It leans hard on God\u2019s promises, cultivates gratitude, and moves forward in trust. This is the hope that carries us through the darkest nights and brings new dawns. When you feel like the ashes will be all you ever know, dig deep. Believe what God sees. And watch how hope, quietly but powerfully, rises again. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!"   #WellspringWednesday #CreateYourNow #HealthAndWellness \ud83d\udd14 Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https:\/\/createyournow.com TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation  - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will discuss your specific situation while gaining tools and strategies to move you forward. (https:\/\/form.jotform.com\/62988215824163) \ud83d\ude4f  Create Your Now TV on Pray.com (https:\/\/pray.com) \ud83c\udfa5  Create Your Now on YouTube (https:\/\/youtube.com\/createyournow) \ud83c\udfa7 Create Your Now on Spotify, Pandora, and Audible. \ud83c\udfb6  Create Your Now on iHeart Radio (http:\/\/www.iheart.com\/show\/263-Create-Your-Now-Your-Best\/) \u270d\ufe0f  YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com  Instagram @CreateYourNow @KristianneWargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com\/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com\/CreateYourNow   Cover Art by Jenny Hamson Photo by Canva.com   Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http:\/\/www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright \u00a9 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music -  Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission. ","author_name":"Create Your Now with Kristianne Wargo","author_url":"http:\/\/createyournow.com","html":"