“Toughness doesn’t need to be loud. It can be quiet and strong. It’s choosing hope. It’s believing in yourself when the world doesn’t give you much reason to.” - Fernando Mendoza

God raised Fernando up like he did David from humble beginnings to great achievements. He was a winner of the Heisman Trophy. And became the 2026 1st round draft pick in the NFL. All because of his faith and hope in Lord.

Hope in the Lord is "Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27)". This hope is a promise that the indwelling presence of Jesus guarantees a future sharing in God's divine glory, resurrection, and eternal life.

Part 1 of this series focused on gratitude. Our past is based on memories. And remembrance of the past should bring gratitude to God for his kindness and gracious acts, His love and faithfulness, and His mindfulness to continue to care for us and protect us when we needed it and even when we didn’t deserve it. It is because of God that we are still here. He was there in the midst of everything, every time, helping and guiding us along the way.

As we move into part 2 of this series, we discover that “Now Faith” is an integral part in the next stage of our journey that will allow us to see the importance of the past and have confidence that we need to trust in God presently.

Faith is invisible but tangible. A divine force that produces physical results. Faith is a daily, moment-by-moment active operating system that requires patience, perseverance, and obedience to inherit, claim, and possess God's promises.

Faith is Grounded in the past and steadfast in the present fixing our hearts and minds on God and His spiritual truths right now, producing confidence, righteousness, obedience, and works according to James 2:17. Calling us to action, moving mountains, and establishing the foundation for every prayer to be answered.

Maya Angelou once said, “You can't really know where you are going until you know where you have been” her words were a rendition of an African proverb that says “if you don’t know where you are going, look back to where you came from”

Some people may say that they just want to forget their past and move on. But there is so much value in our past experiences whether they were good or bad that can help us in our present and future times. We just have to know how to use them to generate positive outcomes now and in the future.

About three years ago, a passenger got into my husband’s Uber. He was transporting them to a treatment facility because they were suffering from substance abuse. But during that drive, something miraculous happened. He ministered to them. Told them his testimony and how he had been forgiven. That the love of Jesus Christ saved his life. And could save them too. In the car on what may have been one of the worst nights of their lives, the rider repented and gave their lives to Christ.

There's a saying that if you save a life you're responsible for it. Well, our one, the one lost sheep that almost got away had my husband not opened his mouth on that drive to the rehabilitation center, the one that has been trusted to us by God, will be used by God to save many nations and to change the world.

Physical possessions are temporary. The bible says that there is “A time to keep and a time to throw away" (Ecclesiastes 3:6). Meaning earthy goods like food or drinks have an expiration date making them disposable. But the things that God has deemed eternal like the souls of man are not disposable. They are everlasting and will never perish (John 3:16).

It’s ok to say no when people from the past who may have caused you pain try to reenter your life. They may call it bitterness but in actuality its boundaries and protection for you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Remind yourself and them:

⁃ It’s not bitterness because you’ve already forgiven them.

⁃ It’s not bitterness because you’ve already been healed.

⁃ It’s not bitterness because you still have joy. And the joy of the Lord is your strength.

⁃ It’s not bitterness because you’ve taken God at His word that says as a man soweth that shall he also reap. God not you will repay every evil deed.

⁃ It’s not bitterness. It’s boundaries. It’s faith and trust in God that He is shielding and protecting you from dangers seen and unseen. By not allowing you to re-enter cycles of chaos and destruction.

Hold on to the promises of God. Making a declaration of faith that whatever season you may go through, go with gladness not bitterness setting boundaries that will cause the promises of God to be fulfilled in your life and not hindered by the terrors of the past.

The Word of God keeps us spiritually healthy which brings the joy, peace, and grace of God into our lives. Grace is the divine power of God given by Him to help us to live lives that are pleasing to Him. Does that mean that doing what we feel is right or pleasing to God? No.

We should consult God about everything. And while waiting on Him, resting, trusting, and learning to operate in His strength and power and not our own. WAIT. REST. REPEAT. This process will help us to avoid certain mistakes. And gives us avenues not to fall into sin. Letting the grace of God not guilt and shame abound in our lives daily.

The Word of God gives a jolt to the spirit, kick starting it, then fueling it so that it can function at a higher capacity.

Colossians 3:16 encourages believers to let "The Word of Christ dwell richly...”.

Dwelling "richly" is allowing the Word to take permanent residence in us, filling us to the brim daily, allowing complete influence over our lives.

Think of yourself like a sponge "soaked" in or full of the Word. When life "squeezes" you through pressures or trials, guess what leaks out? THE WORD! Because that’s what you’re soaked in, what you’re full of! No matter how hard life squeezes, you’ll always find scripture flowing out of you.

Learn to enjoy the Word. Let it be satisfying to you like your favorite food or beverage. God’s word is fresh, new, and exciting. It’s an adventure discovering more and more every day. Look forward to spending time with God in His word. Because he surely looks forward to spending time with you.