Do you run and hide in fear? No. ” For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). Do you look at your past and determine because of it, you have no future?
Do you look into a mirror and believe the negativity your eyes have learned to believe? Do you live by wrong thinking and act on pessimistic feelings? NO! You surrender and submit to God; ask Him to renew your mind and reveal truth.
God says, “For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). It’s time to press past the discouragement, pain and insecurity you feel.
You have to press past the lies of the devil and the criticism of others. You have to press into the future, press into God and press through the darkness, to get to the light! Hold your head up. Be confident knowing you are a child of the Most High God.
You are called by name, loved, cherished, protected, and highly favored. “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). I have gone through some desert time. I have seen only mirages of hope and tasted tiny droplets of water to quench my thirst.
Times have been difficult. I knew God was with me but felt a lacking of His presence. I encourage you, if this is you right now to keep on keeping on.
Press into God. Pray and pray hard. It’s during these times the enemy fights for our souls, and for the souls of our loved ones and family.
There is so much going on spiritually we can’t see. But we are called to trust God, pray and believe in Him. I am now seeing answers to my prayers, gaining wisdom, insight and revelation I need.
God’s power and strength is surging in many areas of my life and in our family. I believe for only better things to come. I have hope in the faithful God we serve!
I know with God all things are possible. I pray God touches you in supernatural ways with divine love and the outpouring of His spirit. Hold fast, stand strong, don’t give up. It is worth the fight. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1 Corinthians 15:57).
I invite and encourage you to read my newly released book called, Raised by Strangers. There is hope, freedom, love, courage and healing waiting for you. “Therefore, as it is written, ‘Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord'” (1 Corinthians 1:31). Here is my story: When I was just five years old, I was kidnapped and forced to live a life burdened with cruel and bizarre physical and emotional abuse. My will to survive, inspired by an invisible hope, helped me fight the demons and stay alive as I endured haunting experiences.
Through this gripping story, I share ways I have learned to overcome my horrendous past and rise above the ugliness of humanity with faith and forgiveness.
Learn the power of hope. Find the courage and strength for healing, how to face your fears, forgive offenses, and live a life of freedom. You will learn your past doesn’t have to define you or forecast your future.
Raised by Strangers is available in all digital formats and in paperback on Amazon.com and at Barnes and Noble.
Janet Perez Eckles 
Shawn Akers 
Abby Trivett 
