How Do You Stay Encouraged in this Pivotal Season? (Start With This)
Putting your faith first and listening to encouraging messages will make all the difference.
In these volatile and scary times, staying upbeat and positive is challenging. I don’t know about you, but I need all the help I can get. I have some great podcasts and YouTubers that help me immensely. I’m happy to share them with you, hoping you will find encouragement, too.
One of my favorite preachers is Pastor Allen Jackson of the World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This morning, he said something so profound that I had to stop and write it down in my Notes to share it with you. It inspired today’s newsletter.
“I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know the one who holds the future.”
This statement is one I will often reflect on to keep up my faith. Christians are supposed to know who is in charge. Do you have faith in God? If so, you shouldn't worry. Did you know the Bible says to “Fear Not” 365 times? That’s one for each day of the year.
If you think that’s a coincidence, you and I are not singing out of the same songbook. Speaking of songs, this one echoes that God always makes a way for His people. Way Maker by Leeland touches my soul. I hope it does the same for you.
The lyrics “way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness” fill me with hope and faith. Even when we don’t see or feel it, God’s working. Sadly, many Christians take the words to mean we aren’t supposed to do anything but pray and leave everything in God’s hands. We are to do those things but are also called to our part. His instructions from Romans 12:6-8 are clear that we are to use our God-given talents to affect the world.
Another favorite preacher, speaker, and podcaster I subscribe to is Lance Wallnau. This excellent quote speaks to the Church about being involved in God’s work and not waiting for Him to do everything for us without our efforts. The quote may not be his exact words, but the gist is there.
We are called to occupy until He comes, not sit on the sidelines waiting for His arrival.
To be an effective Christian, we need to do more than pray and wait for the Rapture. I love his message about the seven mountains of influence Christians need to be a part of. You can find one of his messages here. If Christians want to see things change, we must be the change. We bought into the lie that we should be tolerant and keep our mouths shut about politics because it wasn’t our place to talk about the subject. It’s the reason our country is such a mess.
We are instructed to be in the world, not of the world. Being in it means being an influencer, not a Sunday morning pew warmer. I took a lot of flak when I embarked on my journey as a Christ-follower after years of neglecting my faith. It was hard for people to believe that I could go from a drinking-cussing bar owner to a Christian woman of faith who just happened to own a bar.
My journey gave me my memoir, and it helped many codependents like me to change with God’s help. My husband got sober and helped many alcoholics through his involvement with Alcoholics Anonymous and the Celebrate Recovery programs. Trust me when I say He will use you right where you are. Was it easy? Heck NO! Was it worth it? You better believe it. If you want to read our story, my book Born Again in a Biker Bar is available on Amazon.
A wonderful pastor from California, of all places, Jack Hibbs, has done his part to wake up the church. He’s one of the few pastors who refused to keep his church closed during COVID. He fought fines and harassment to keep his doors open. Here’s a great interview where he explains why he fought the battle. Pastor Jack Hibbs on keeping his church open.
He’s very vocal about the importance of Christians voting to make a change, and his messages are always encouraging and enlightening. Here’s the link to his podcast. I listen to him almost daily.
I can’t finish this post without telling you about Mario Murillo. He’s an awesome evangelist who spreads God’s love and shares the gospel to bring non-believers into a relationship with Christ. His tent meetings are packed with lost souls looking for a better way. He’s had to upsize his tents at least four times. I believe the newest one seats over 5,000 people, and he always has people sitting outside who couldn’t fit inside.
His Living Proof Tent Crusades rival the ones in the 70s during the Jesus Revolution. He needs more volunteers to minister to the new believers than attended meetings back then. He’s calling on all Christians to take a stand for Biblical truths, vote and pray. He often refers to what’s happening as not just a revival but a reformation. The Church is waking up, and we are making a difference.
Mario has teamed up with Lance Wallnau for the Courage Tour, which inspires Christians to become civically active and is a harvest for Christ-followers like no other. He co-hosts a podcast called Fire Power with Todd Coconato. They are straight-talkers who share God’s truth with abandon. Wimpy Christians will not enjoy the show. True believers who want to make a difference and be fishers of men will enjoy their show regularly. Here’s a sample of one of their podcasts, A Social Undercurrent In America.
Please join me in being active in your faith. We need change-makers. Let’s get busy doing God’s work, folks.
Thanks for giving me your time. I would love to hear your thoughts. Please let me know if any of these videos have helped you.
Charisse Tyson is a retired biker bar owner, author, blogger, and full-time RVer. You can follow her on Medium, Facebook, Linkedin, X(Twitter)