SoCal71 patrick Blevins

Faith,Family,Friends,Flag and Freedom To help people find their way on this journey called Life

[SoCal71 patrick Blevins @patrick10743152]

@RomanAtwood This is your helicopter surprise you bought Cletus’s B105 extended range with AC

[SoCal71 patrick Blevins @patrick10743152]

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: OSMOSIS WORKS IN LIFE TOO

In science, osmosis is the process of gradual transfer through constant exposure.

Life works a lot like that.

Whether we realize it or not, we become like the people we spend the most time around.

We pick up their habits.

We adopt their attitudes.

We mirror their beliefs.

We absorb their standards.

Psychologists call it modeling.

The Bible talks about it too.

If you spend enough time around complainers, you’ll start complaining.

Spend enough time around negative people, and negativity begins to feel normal.

Spend enough time around people who make excuses, and excuses become easier to justify.

But the opposite is true as well.

Spend time around people with integrity, and your character improves.

Spend time around disciplined people, and your standards rise.

Spend time around people who are growing, learning, serving, and pursuing excellence, and you’ll find yourself doing the same.

You don’t have to become every room you walk into.

But every room you walk into is shaping you in some way.

That’s why it’s so important to guard your environment.

Choose friends who challenge you.

Choose mentors who inspire you.

Choose relationships that push you closer to the person God created you to be.

Because excellence is contagious.

So is mediocrity.

The question is:

What are you absorbing?

“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” — Proverbs 13:20

Surround yourself with excellence.

Eventually, through the power of daily influence, excellence becomes part of who you are.

Much love,

Patrick

Remember, you’re one of a kind. You’re a masterpiece.

[SoCal71 patrick Blevins @patrick10743152]

Fuel prices this morning, Richmond Kentucky

[SoCal71 patrick Blevins @patrick10743152]

Have you ever noticed that when you’re growing, you feel alive?

You have purpose.
You have momentum.
You have something to look forward to.

But when you stop growing, something inside of you starts to die.

This isn’t just a human principle—it’s a universal one.

Everything in creation is either growing or declining.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that every person has six basic human needs:

• Certainty
• Uncertainty (Variety)
• Significance
• Love & Connection
• Growth
• Contribution

The first four can be met in countless ways.

You can find certainty by trying to control everything.

You can find variety through endless entertainment.

You can find significance through achievements, titles, likes, followers, or attention.

You can even find a sense of connection online.

Today, many people text instead of having real conversations because it’s easier.

Some spend more time talking to AI than talking to another human being because it always affirms them and never challenges them.

But there is a problem.

The last two needs—growth and contribution—cannot be faked.

If you’re not growing, you won’t feel fulfilled.

If you’re not contributing, you won’t feel fulfilled.

You can have certainty.
You can have variety.
You can have significance.
You can even have connection.

But if you’re not becoming better and helping others become better, something will still feel missing.

That’s because growth is the secret to feeling fully alive.

And contribution is where meaning is found.

Even relationships work this way.

If a relationship is not growing, it’s slowly dying.

Growth is not optional.

It’s part of life itself.

Ask yourself:

• What am I learning right now?
• How am I growing?
• Who am I helping?
• What am I contributing?

Because fulfillment doesn’t come from comfort.

It comes from growth.

And growth almost always requires stepping into uncertainty.

The secret of the spiritual life isn’t just believing.

It’s becoming.

Growing.

Contributing.

Serving.

That’s where fulfillment lives.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

You can survive without growth, but you can’t truly live without it.

SCRIPTURE:

“We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.”
— Colossians 1:28

Much love,
Patrick

Remember, you’re one of a kind. You’re a masterpiece.

[SoCal71 patrick Blevins @patrick10743152]

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: THE STORY BEHIND THE T-SHIRT

Did you know what the “T” in T-shirt stands for?

It’s actually named after its shape. When laid flat, a T-shirt resembles the letter T.

The modern T-shirt became standard issue for U.S. Navy sailors in the early 1900s, serving as a lightweight undershirt that was practical, comfortable, and durable.

But it wasn’t always considered fashionable.

That changed in the 1950s when James Dean wore a simple white T-shirt in Rebel Without a Cause. His effortless style helped transform the T-shirt from military workwear into a symbol of individuality, confidence, and cool that has lasted for generations.

Today, almost everyone owns one, but few people know the story behind it.

Now you do.

Much love, Patrick.

Remember, you’re one of a kind.
You’re a masterpiece.

[SoCal71 patrick Blevins @patrick10743152]

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: THE ONE THING THE ENEMY DOESN’T WANT YOU TO DO

You know, there’s one thing the enemy doesn’t want you to do.

He doesn’t mind if you go to church.

In fact, he’ll ride to church with you.

He doesn’t mind if you pray.

He’ll sit on the edge of the bed and watch you pray.

He doesn’t mind if you give money to a good cause, help the homeless, support a ministry, or bless someone in need.

So what is it?

What is the one thing the enemy doesn’t want you to do?

I’m glad you asked.

The enemy does not want you to learn, believe, and boldly declare the Word of God.

Why?

Because Jesus is the Word.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” — John 1:1

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” — John 1:14

When you declare God’s Word over your life, you’re declaring Jesus into your situation.

You’re speaking faith instead of fear.

Truth instead of lies.

Victory instead of defeat.

Psalm 91 says:

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

Then it says God’s truth is your shield and your buckler.

Those are battle terms.

A shield for protection.

A buckler for close combat.

God’s Word is both.

That’s why the psalmist declares:

“I will not fear the terror by night.”

The unknown.

The things I cannot see.

“I will not fear the arrow that flies by day.”

The attacks I can see coming.

“I will not fear the pestilence that walks in darkness.”

The sicknesses and troubles that surround us.

“A thousand may fall at my side, and ten thousand at my right hand, but it shall not come near me.”

That’s not positive thinking.

That’s faith-filled speaking.

Listen to some of God’s promises:

I am like a tree planted by rivers of water.

I bring forth fruit in my season.

I am the head and not the tail.

I am above and not beneath.

I am blessed coming in and blessed going out.

No weapon formed against me shall prosper.

My enemies may come against me one way, but they will flee seven ways.

The Lord is my refuge and my fortress.

No evil shall befall me.

God has given His angels charge over me.

I have been rescued from the kingdom of darkness and translated into the Kingdom of His dear Son.

I have redemption through His blood and the forgiveness of sins.

Now hear me:

Does that mean you’ll never have problems?

No.

Psalm 34:19 says:

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”

Not some.

All.

The enemy isn’t worried about a silent Bible sitting on a shelf.

He’s worried about a believer who knows God’s Word, believes God’s Word, and declares God’s Word with faith and authority.

So today, stop speaking fear.

Stop speaking defeat.

Stop speaking what the problem says.

Start speaking what God says.

Learn it.

Believe it.

Declare it.

Because when God’s Word comes out of your mouth in faith, darkness has to pay attention.

Much love,

Patrick

Remember, you’re one of a kind. You’re a masterpiece.

[SoCal71 patrick Blevins @patrick10743152]

🇺🇸 THOUGHT OF THE DAY: DON’T TAKE FREEDOM FOR GRANTED 🇺🇸

The American experiment is approaching 250 years old.

Think about that for a moment.

For nearly two and a half centuries, this nation has endured wars, economic hardships, political disagreements, cultural changes, and challenges that could have torn many countries apart. Yet here we are.

Is America perfect?

No.

It never has been.

But one of the things that makes this country great is our ability to learn from our mistakes, grow stronger, and continue moving forward.

What concerns me today is that many of us have become so accustomed to the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy that we’ve started taking them for granted.

People from all over the world risk everything for the chance to come here because they see the opportunities that many Americans no longer recognize.

They see freedom.

They see possibility.

They see a chance to build a better life.

Meanwhile, many of our own citizens have forgotten just how blessed we are.

We don’t have to agree on everything.

In fact, healthy debate is part of what makes America strong.

We should be able to disagree passionately, discuss difficult issues, and defend our viewpoints without resorting to hatred or violence.

One of those difficult issues is immigration.

America has always welcomed people who want to come here, work hard, contribute, and become part of this great nation.

But we are also a nation of laws.

There is a right way and a wrong way to enter any country.

If you want to become an American, come legally, embrace the responsibilities that come with citizenship, and become part of the American story.

You can absolutely celebrate your heritage, culture, and traditions. That’s one of the beautiful things about this country.

But when you become an American, America becomes your home.

You pledge allegiance to this nation, its Constitution, its values, and the freedoms that generations before us fought to preserve.

As we celebrate 250 years of this incredible experiment called America, I hope we remember that freedom is not guaranteed.

It must be protected.

It must be appreciated.

And it must be passed on to the next generation.

I’m proud to be an American.

Not because we’re perfect.

But because we continue striving to become better.

Much love, Patrick.

Remember, you’re one of a kind. You’re a masterpiece

[SoCal71 patrick Blevins @patrick10743152]

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: TELLING THE TRUTH

One of the most underrated advantages in life is telling the truth.

Not because it’s easy.

Not because it always works in your favor.

But because the truth is simple.

Lies are expensive.

You have to remember them.
You have to protect them.
You have to build more lies to support them.

The truth requires no maintenance.

People spend so much energy trying to create an image instead of building character.

They want to look successful instead of becoming successful.
They want to look happy instead of doing the work to become happy.
They want to look strong instead of developing strength.

The truth may cost you something in the short term.

It may cost you an opportunity.
It may cost you a sale.
It may cost you someone’s approval.

But in the long run, the truth builds something far more valuable:

Trust.

And trust is the foundation of every meaningful relationship, business, friendship, and leadership position you’ll ever have.

Tell the truth when it’s uncomfortable.
Tell the truth when it’s inconvenient.
Tell the truth when nobody is watching.

Because your reputation isn’t built by what you say about yourself.

It’s built by whether people believe you when you speak.

Character is who you are when nobody’s looking.

And integrity is telling the truth even when a lie would be easier.

“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” — Ephesians 4:25

Tell the truth.
Live with integrity.
And let your character do the talking.

Much love, Patrick.

Remember, you’re one of a kind. You’re a masterpiece.

[SoCal71 patrick Blevins @patrick10743152]

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: CONSIDER MY SERVANT JOB

There’s a verse in the Bible that has bothered me for years. Honestly, bothered isn’t even the right word. It’s caused me to wrestle with God, question things, and search for understanding.

It’s found in the first chapter of the book of Job.

God and Satan are having a conversation, and God says something that stopped me in my tracks:

“Have you considered My servant Job?” — Job 1:8

For years I asked, “Lord, why would You say that? Why would You allow Job to go through everything that followed?”

I begged God to show me what I was missing.

And over time, I believe He did.

Every valley you walk through is not a curse.

And every mountaintop is not necessarily the victory you think it is.

If Job had never lost everything…

If Job had never suffered…

If Job had never walked through the fire…

He never would have understood the goodness, faithfulness, and provision of God the way he eventually did.

The truth is, depth is often born in suffering.

If you’ve never been through anything difficult, your understanding of God can remain shallow.

Pain has a way of teaching lessons that comfort never could.

I’ve been through some hard things in my life.

Things I never would have chosen.

Things I prayed would pass.

And more than once I’ve asked God, “Why?”

Then I remember God’s response to Job:

“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?” — Job 38:4

In other words, the creation doesn’t fully understand what the Creator is doing.

God sees the beginning, the middle, and the end all at once.

He sees what we cannot see.

When God said, “Consider My servant Job,” He already knew the outcome.

He knew the suffering.

He knew the restoration.

He knew the testimony that would come from the trial.

Today I can honestly thank God for some of the hardest seasons of my life.

Not because they were enjoyable.

Not because I would want to relive them.

But because I wouldn’t be the man I am today without them.

I wanted a smooth road.

I wanted the gravy train.

I wanted easy.

But God had something deeper in mind.

Sometimes He allows us to walk through rough places so that one day we can go back and help someone else find their way through.

If you’re in a valley today, don’t lose heart.

God hasn’t abandoned you.

The same God who walks with you into the storm will walk with you out of it.

There is another side.

And when you get there, you’ll discover that God was faithful every step of the way.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28

Much love,

Patrick

Remember: You’re one of a kind. You’re a masterpiece.

[SoCal71 patrick Blevins @patrick10743152]

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: STOP WAITING FOR PERFECT

Too many people spend their lives waiting.

Waiting for the right opportunity.
Waiting for more money.
Waiting until they know enough.
Waiting until they feel confident.

The problem is that confidence usually comes after you start, not before.

Nobody begins as an expert.

The first video is awkward.
The first business idea isn’t perfect.
The first workout hurts.
The first step feels uncomfortable.

That’s normal.

The people who win aren’t always the smartest, most talented, or most connected.

They’re the ones willing to take imperfect action while everyone else is still planning.

The market rewards execution.

Life rewards movement.

You can spend the next year preparing, or you can spend the next year progressing.

Done beats perfect.

Momentum beats motivation.

Action creates clarity.

So stop asking, “What if I fail?”

Start asking, “What happens if I never try?”

Today is a great day to take one step toward the life you say you want.

One call.
One post.
One workout.
One conversation.
One decision.

Small actions repeated consistently create extraordinary results.

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3

Much love,

Patrick

Remember, you’re one of a kind. You’re a masterpiece.

[SoCal71 patrick Blevins @patrick10743152]

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: TAKE YOUR POWER BACK

Most people think life works like this:

“When I get the job, then I’ll feel successful.”

“When I find love, then I’ll feel worthy.”

“When I make more money, then I’ll feel confident.”

But what if it’s often the other way around?

What if you begin by becoming the person who already carries those qualities?

You don’t wait for confidence to arrive before you act confidently.

You don’t wait for courage before taking the step.

You don’t wait for success before carrying yourself with purpose.

You start now.

You think differently.

You walk differently.

You talk differently.

You show up differently.

Not because you’re pretending to be someone you’re not, but because you’re intentionally becoming who you’re meant to be.

There’s a concept called the Law of Reversibility. It suggests that if a feeling causes an action, then an action can often help create the feeling.

Smile, and your mood improves.

Stand tall, and your confidence rises.

Practice gratitude, and your perspective begins to change.

As a Christian, I see something similar in Scripture.

Before David defeated Goliath, he walked onto the battlefield believing God was bigger than the giant.

Before Joshua saw the walls fall, he marched.

Before Peter walked on water, he stepped out of the boat.

The action came before the evidence.

That’s faith.

Too many people are waiting for life to change before they change.

They’re waiting for motivation before they move.

Waiting for confidence before they act.

Waiting for certainty before they take the first step.

But faith says move anyway.

Trust anyway.

Believe anyway.

You don’t wait for everything in your life to line up before becoming who God created you to be.

You begin walking in it now.

So if you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment, stop waiting.

Take the step.

Make the call.

Apply for the job.

Start the business.

Say the prayer.

Open the Bible.

Forgive the person.

Take your power back.

Because your future may be waiting on the version of you that decides to move before all the evidence shows up.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7

Much love,

Patrick

Remember, you’re one of a kind. You’re a masterpiece. God isn’t finished with you yet.

[SoCal71 patrick Blevins @patrick10743152]

NO QUID PRO QUO — UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

One of the most beautiful things about the Gospel is that God’s love is not a transaction.

The world often operates on a quid pro quo system:

“I’ll do this for you if you do that for me.”

“You’re valuable as long as you perform.”

“You’re loved as long as you meet expectations.”

But Jesus didn’t come with conditions attached.

He didn’t go to the cross because we earned it.

He didn’t die for us because we deserved it.

He loved us while we were still sinners.

That’s what makes grace so amazing.

God’s love is not based on your performance, your past, your failures, or your successes.

You don’t have to clean yourself up before coming to Him.

You come to Him because He already loves you.

The cross wasn’t a business deal.

It was a rescue mission.

Jesus gave everything knowing many would reject Him, yet He loved anyway.

That’s not quid pro quo.

That’s unconditional love.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8

Today, stop trying to earn what God freely gives.

Receive His grace.

Walk in His love.

And then extend that same kind of love to others.

Much love, Patrick. Remember you’re one of a kind, you’re a masterpiece.

[SoCal71 patrick Blevins @patrick10743152]

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

ONE DAY AT A TIME

How much time do we spend worrying about things that haven’t even happened yet?

Tomorrow’s problems.
Next week’s bills.
Next month’s decisions.
The “what ifs” that keep us awake at night.

But Jesus gave us a simple reminder:

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” — Matthew 6:34

Think about that for a moment.

Most of our anxiety comes from trying to live in a day we haven’t reached yet.

We replay scenarios that may never happen.
We fight battles that haven’t arrived.
We carry burdens God never asked us to carry.

God doesn’t give us tomorrow’s grace today.

He gives us today’s grace for today’s challenges.

Jesus wasn’t telling us not to plan for the future. He was teaching us not to be consumed by fear of it.

So focus on today.

Be faithful today.
Pray today.
Love your family today.
Encourage someone today.
Take the next step today.

Tomorrow will come soon enough, and when it does, God will already be there.

One of the greatest acts of faith is trusting God with a future you cannot see while being obedient in the moment you’re living.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” — Matthew 6:33

One day at a time.
One step at a time.
One prayer at a time.

That’s how faith walks forward.

Much love,
Patrick

Remember, you’re one of a kind. You’re a masterpiece.

[SoCal71 patrick Blevins @patrick10743152]

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: WHO’S IN THE BOAT WITH YOU?

Sometimes when the storms of life hit, we forget who’s in the boat with us.

I understand the disciples a little better than I used to.

Several of them were experienced fishermen. These weren’t amateurs. They had spent their lives on the water. They had seen rough seas, violent storms, and dangerous conditions before.

So when Scripture tells us they were terrified, this wasn’t a small storm.

This was the kind of storm that made seasoned fishermen believe they might not survive.

The waves were crashing over the boat.

The wind was howling.

Water was pouring in.

Fear was taking over.

But there was one detail they almost forgot.

Jesus was in the boat.

While the disciples were panicking, Jesus was asleep in the back of the boat.

Think about that.

The storm that terrified the disciples didn’t bother Jesus one bit.

Finally, they woke Him and cried out, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

Jesus stood up, rebuked the wind and the waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.

The storm obeyed the One who created the sea.

Maybe that’s the reminder some of us need today.

The storm you’re facing may be bigger than your experience.

It may be bigger than your strength.

It may be bigger than your ability to control.

But it is not bigger than Jesus.

When fear starts telling you the boat is going down, remember who’s in the boat with you.

The same God who calmed the sea is still in control today.

The presence of a storm does not mean the absence of God.

Sometimes the greatest peace doesn’t come from the storm ending. Sometimes it comes from knowing who is beside you while it rages.

No storm can sink a boat that carries the Master of the wind and the waves.

“He got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.” — Matthew 8:26

Much love,
Patrick

Remember, you’re one of a kind. You’re a masterpiece.

[SoCal71 patrick Blevins @patrick10743152]

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: WHEN THE STORMS COME, RUN TO GOD — NOT FROM HIM

When the storms of life hit and everything around you feels like it’s falling apart, your faith will be tested.

I know because I’ve been there.

Nearly two decades ago, my world was turned upside down.

My father passed away.

My 13-year marriage ended.

Everything I thought I knew changed.

The foundation I had built my life on suddenly felt shaken.

Instead of running to God, I ran from Him.

I climbed into a bottle.

At first, it was just something to help me escape for a little while. Just a temporary break from the pain, confusion, and heartbreak.

But what started as an escape slowly became a prison.

One day turned into another.

Months turned into years.

And before I knew it, seven years had gone by, and alcohol had a grip on my life.

Looking back now, I can tell you this:

I don’t recommend that path.

The bottle never fixed anything.

It only delayed the healing.

It numbed the pain for a moment, but it couldn’t restore what was broken.

What I should have done—and what I encourage you to do when your storms come—is lean into God.

Lean into His Word.

Lean into prayer.

Lean into the people He places around you.

God never promised we wouldn’t face storms.

He promised we wouldn’t face them alone.

Isaiah 41:10 says:

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

If you’re walking through a storm right now, don’t run from God.

Run to Him.

The same God who carried me through loss, heartbreak, addiction, and restoration is the same God who can carry you.

The storm may be bigger than you.

But it’s not bigger than Him.

Sometimes God doesn’t calm the storm immediately.

Sometimes He calms His child while they walk through it.

Hold on.

Keep praying.

Keep trusting.

Keep taking the next step.

God is not finished with your story.

Much love,
Patrick

Remember, you’re one of a kind. You’re a masterpiece.

[SoCal71 patrick Blevins @patrick10743152]

LIFE HITS DIFFERENT WHEN…

…you’ve lived through enough to know that songs aren’t just songs.

They’re timestamps.

They’re memories.

They’re lifelines.

When you’re young, you hear the music.

As you get older, you hear the story.

For 11 years, I spent my life behind a steering wheel.

Long highways.

Early mornings.

Late nights.

Thousands of miles and countless hours with nothing but the road ahead and a radio beside me.

Before smartphones and streaming services, the radio was a companion.

It kept you awake.

It kept you company.

Sometimes it felt like it understood exactly where you were in life.

Then XM Satellite Radio came along and changed everything.

Suddenly, every genre, every decade, every song was available wherever the road took you.

And the older I get, the more I realize those songs weren’t just entertainment.

They became part of the journey.

Some were worship songs.

Some were hymns.

Some were secular songs that carried a message you didn’t fully understand until years later.

When I hear Free Bird, I don’t just hear a guitar solo.

I hear freedom.

I hear youth.

I hear the open road.

When I hear Desperado, I don’t just hear a song.

I hear lessons about pride, loneliness, regret, and the walls we build around our hearts.

But here’s what fascinates me about music…

A song can transport you through time.

One lyric.

One guitar riff.

One melody.

And suddenly you’re back at your first dance.

Your first kiss.

The day you got married.

The day your child was born.

The road trip with friends you haven’t seen in years.

The summer that seemed like it would never end.

Or maybe the day you stood at a graveside and had to say goodbye to someone you loved.

Music has a way of attaching itself to moments.

Not just the sounds.

The smells.

The emotions.

The people.

The places.

You can hear a song from 30 years ago and, for a few seconds, you’re right back there again.

You remember the car.

The weather.

The room.

The conversation.

The feeling.

It’s almost like time folds in on itself.

The older I get, I understand one thing:

Gray hair and wisdom often arrive together.

Gray hair isn’t just evidence of age.

It’s evidence of miles traveled.

Of prayers prayed.

Of mistakes survived.

Of lessons learned.

Of people loved.

Of tears shed.

Of grace received.

Life has a way of turning lyrics into testimonies.

The songs that once sounded good eventually start sounding true.

And whether it’s a hymn sung on Sunday morning or a song playing through the speakers on a lonely stretch of highway, music has a way of reminding us where we’ve been, what we’ve overcome, and just how precious this journey really is.

“The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray hair.” — Proverbs 20:29

Much love,

Patrick

Remember, you’re one of a kind. You’re a masterpiece.

Question: What song instantly takes you back to a specific moment in your life? What memory does it bring back?

[SoCal71 patrick Blevins @patrick10743152]

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: DOUBT DOESN’T DISQUALIFY FAITH

One of the most interesting things about Christianity is that even after Jesus was resurrected, some people still doubted.

Think about that for a moment.

These weren’t people reading about Jesus 2,000 years later.

These were people who saw Him.

They heard Him teach.

They watched Him perform miracles.

They saw Him crucified.

And after He rose from the dead, some still struggled with doubt.

Matthew 28:17 says:

“When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.”

That verse has always fascinated me.

Jesus is standing right in front of them, alive after the resurrection, and yet some still wrestled with doubt.

But doubt wasn’t limited to the disciples after the resurrection.

Even before the cross, John the Baptist experienced a season of questioning.

Think about who John was.

He was the forerunner of Christ.

He was uniquely filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb.

He pointed to Jesus and declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God.”

He baptized Jesus.

He witnessed the Spirit descend upon Him.

Yet while sitting in prison, facing suffering and uncertainty, John sent messengers to Jesus asking:

“Are You the One who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Luke 7:19)

If a man like John could wrestle with questions in a dark season, perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised when we do too.

John questioned before the crucifixion.

Thomas questioned after the resurrection.

Some doubted even when the risen Christ stood before them.

Different circumstances. Same lesson.

God is not intimidated by honest questions.

The issue was never that they had questions.

The issue was what they did with them.

John took his questions to Jesus.

Thomas took his questions to Jesus.

And Jesus met both of them where they were.

Faith has never been about having every question answered.

Faith is trust.

Faith is surrender.

Faith is choosing to believe even when you don’t fully understand.

Knowing the facts about Jesus doesn’t make someone a Christian.

Knowing Bible history doesn’t make someone a Christian.

Even believing that Jesus existed doesn’t make someone a Christian.

The devil knows who Jesus is.

The difference is trust.

The difference is surrender.

The difference is placing your faith in Him.

As Christians, we sometimes think doubt means we’re failing.

I don’t think that’s true.

Doubt isn’t the opposite of faith.

Unbelief is.

Doubt is often what happens when faith collides with pain, disappointment, unanswered prayers, suffering, loss, or circumstances we don’t understand.

The question isn’t whether you’ll ever doubt.

The question is what you’ll do with those doubts.

Will you run from God?

Or will you bring your questions to Him?

The older I get, the more I realize faith isn’t the absence of questions.

Faith is continuing to trust God when you don’t have all the answers.

Sometimes faith sounds like this:

“God, I don’t understand this.”

“God, this hurts.”

“God, I have questions.”

“But I still trust You.”

Maybe you’re not losing faith.

Maybe God is teaching you how to trust Him deeper.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” — Hebrews 11:1

Much love,

Patrick

Remember, you’re one of a kind. You’re a masterpiece.

Has there ever been a season in your life when doubt actually strengthened your faith?

Share your story below.

[SoCal71 patrick Blevins @patrick10743152]

🐻 Bear spotted on the Streets of , Mount Vernon. Stay safe and stay aware. 🐻

[SoCal71 patrick Blevins @patrick10743152]

Sometimes we look at the world and wonder why evil people seem to prosper, why some get away with terrible things, or why God allows certain things to continue.

The truth is, God sees what we cannot.

He sees the beginning and the end.

He knows every heart, every choice, every opportunity a person will have, and where those choices ultimately lead.

That doesn’t mean God approves of evil. Scripture is clear that He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but wanting all to come to repentance.

Every person is given a choice.

Every person is offered grace.

Every person has an opportunity to turn to God.

The fact that someone appears to be getting away with something today does not mean they have escaped accountability tomorrow.

God’s patience should never be mistaken for God’s absence.

Sometimes God allows people time because He is merciful.

Sometimes He allows time because He knows every opportunity they will receive.

And sometimes what looks like winning on earth may be a tragic loss in eternity.

That’s why we should be careful comparing our lives to others.

We only see a chapter.

God sees the entire book.

As believers, our focus shouldn’t be on why someone else appears to prosper. Our focus should be on remaining faithful to the One who holds eternity in His hands.

“The Lord is not slow concerning His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” — 2 Peter 3:9

Remember, God’s justice may not always be immediate, but it is always perfect.

Much love, Patrick.

Remember, you’re one of a kind. You’re a masterpiece. ❤️

[SoCal71 patrick Blevins @patrick10743152]

Time is going to pass anyway.

The days are going to turn into weeks, the weeks into months, and the months into years whether you do something with them or not.

The question is, when you look back, will you be glad you spent your time pursuing what matters, or will you be left wondering where it all went?

People will always have something to say about your choices.

Some opinions come from people who genuinely care about you. Others are just noise. Wisdom is learning the difference.

Not everybody gets a vote in your life.

The moment you allow someone else’s negativity, criticism, or expectations to control your day, you’re handing them power they never earned.

Your energy belongs to you.

Your peace belongs to you.

Protect both.

I’ve learned that if you have to force yourself to fit somewhere, force a relationship, force a friendship, or force an opportunity, it probably wasn’t meant for you in the first place.

The right people, the right opportunities, and the right season won’t require you to become someone you’re not.

And don’t feel guilty when your life starts getting better.

Sometimes growth requires letting go.

Letting go of old habits.

Letting go of old mindsets.

Letting go of people who are committed to keeping you where you used to be.

You are not missing out on anything God intended for you.

What is meant for you will arrive in His timing.

What wasn’t meant for you was never yours to carry.

Scripture:

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12

Time is your most valuable asset. Spend it wisely.

Much love,
Patrick

Remember, you’re one of a kind. You’re a masterpiece.