I am THRILLED to have my "Bestie" Shelly as my guest writer for today!

Shelly is the one who taught me to get my feet wet at this thing called "blogging" by allowing me to write posts on her website, "Renewed Daily"!  

She's a very special friend, an inspiration, an encouragement, not to mention, a superb writer!

So without further ado, let's see what Shelly has to share with us today! 

Sometimes it feels like we should keep silent... those of us whose stories aren't flowery and full of rainbows. Those of us who needed Jesus with a desperation that most will never know. Those of us whose struggles don't magically disappear with the wave of a magic wand and a whisper of the mysterious word, “Belief”.

The world wants to hear of miracles. There are even churches full of people who tell us that unless our story has a happy ending, it isn't worth telling.

May I encourage you with the truth today?

"For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
I Corinthians 1:26-31

God chooses the weak, the powerless, the broken. He chooses us because it's the opposite of what the world would boast. He chooses us because His brilliant glory is showcased best on the black backdrop of our cracked and messy places.

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."
II Corinthians 4:6-7

Please don't let anyone convince you that your story is too dark to tell. Never believe that God doesn't need your voice until you have a miracle to proclaim.

Instead, shout from the rooftops what the Lord has done for you. Speak Jesus. Grant others permission to grieve by showing them they are not alone. Lend them your hope.

"But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."
I Peter 3:14-15

Your troubles are your calling. Don't hide them away as if they are something to be ashamed of, but instead drag them kicking and screaming into the light of God.

Then watch Him work. He will astound you.

Please don't be silent. Keep on telling it. Shout it out into the seemingly empty space. I promise you, it will not come back empty.

Holy Father, speak through us. Show each special soul reading this that they have been created for this time. Give us courage to showcase You. In Jesus' Name, Amen...

Shelly Hendricks is a wife and mother
of 2 amazing kids.
They live the good life
in South Louisiana.
She is a writer for God's glory.
She depends on God for all strength
and hopes to encourage others
on this journey,
through her writing and her books.
You can find her blogging at
http://reneweddaily.com

Twitter: @Renewed_Daily
Facebook: Renewed Daily
Pinterest: Shelly Renewed Daily