Category Archives: Perseverance

It’s time to move…

07 Monday Oct 2013

Posted by in Faith, Obedience, Perseverance, Relationship with GOD, Trust

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bird leaving the nestIt came in the form of an email. A 30-day notice that I must vacate the home that Noah and I lived in for 2 years. A home that GOD had abundantly blessed us with. But in thirty days we were expected to find another home, pack, move, and relocate. My initial response was shock. I sat for a moment trying to gather my bearings. I did not immediately respond to the email. I wanted to be certain of what my next step should be. So, I ran to GOD. Oh, and I wrote a blog post about it (Earthquake shift).

My friend, sometimes GOD ruffles our nest to tell us it’s time to fly. The work we have done in that situation, location, ministry or vocation is complete and He has need of us elsewhere. However and whatever form this ruffling takes the initial response is usually shock, fear, disappointment or anger. We may even dig our heels in and say ‘no’ refusing to seek GOD’s heart, thoughts and will on the matter. But, my friend the ruffling is for your good and a necessary step to fulfilling your godly purpose (Romans 8:28).

One thing I’ve learned in my walk with GOD is that He is a God of movement. Even at times when it looks or feels like He’s not moving GOD is definitely on the move (Isaiah 55:8-9). One could never accuse Him of being stagnant. In fact, stagnation is your enemy. According to the dictionary stagnant is defined as ‘showing little or no sign of activity; not developing, advancing or progressing.’ And it causes you to stop when you should be moving, settle when you should be conquering, and relax and drop your guard when you should be focused and vigilant. We are to continually seek to grow closer to GOD; moving from glory to glory, striving to always be within His will and pressing to reach new heights in Him.

My friend, has your nest been ruffled? Was it in the form of a lay-off or foreclosure? Or perhaps it’s changes in ministry, finances, relationships, or location? Change is uncomfortable. Oh, trust me. I know. It is indeed venturing into the unknown where the outcome is uncertain. But what is certain is that GOD has gone before you (Deuteronomy 31:8). Your experiences and life events do not take Him by surprise because His eyes are never off of you (Psalm 139). Our GOD never sleeps or slumbers (Psalm 121:3-5). He promises that where you are heading will work out for your good (Romans 8:28) and He will guide you through the unfamiliar and unknown (Isaiah 42:16, Jeremiah 33:3).

hand_reaching_outSo, let’s welcome the changes and resolve to move forward (Luke 9:62, Isaiah 43:18-19, Philippians 3:12). Let’s make the giant leap of faith from the familiar, comfortable, and safe into the unknown, obscure and uncomfortable knowing that GOD is there. He is standing there with His hand extended, beckoning you forward. I don’t know about you but I’m ready to put my hand in the strong and secure hand of Almighty GOD. Holding tightly to His hand, I am ready to walk confidently, securely, and expectantly with Him into the glorious, extraordinary, and awe-inspiring future He has predestined just for me. And all with my eyes held lovingly and assuredly on Jesus knowing that He will navigate me to where He has need of me next. How about you? Come on, my friend take His hand. It’s time to move…

I hope this message truly blesses you. I see you surrendering all fear and doubt as you take a leap of faith that will surely move you toward the spectacular future GOD has prepared for you. Your faith is pleasing to Him and I am ever so excited for you because you are placing yourself in the perfect position to receive His absolute best.

It will surely come to pass…

26 Monday Aug 2013

Posted by in Faith, Perseverance, Relationship with GOD, Trust

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Waiting is the hard part pictureI knew something wasn’t right, but I didn’t tell anyone. It was my concern and I didn’t want to speak out loud what I felt could possibly be true. I faced my fears and went to the doctor’s office… alone. The doctor confirmed what I knew in my heart. I had miscarried, again. This was the second time in a row. I sat in the doctor’s office and I cried and I cried and I cried. He was a kind man and he comforted me the best way he knew how. As I sat there, my mind was whirling. “How could this happen? I know GOD revealed to me that I would have a daughter. Was it really GOD or did I ‘hear’ what I wanted to hear? Do I give up or try again? If it was truly GOD’s will why would things look so bleak.”

My friend, are you waiting for the manifestation of a GODly vision? Has GOD shown you the end from the beginning and yet your circumstances dictate otherwise? Perhaps, He told you you’d be a millionaire and you are currently in dire financial straits or maybe He promised you a thriving ministry and you have limited funds, resources and members (Jeremiah 29:11). Over the course of my life I’ve learned that GODly vision requires travail; a very painful season of waiting, hoping, wrestling, and trusting. GODly vision will be challenged because it’s impact is far greater than you. And there will be a fierce battle to get you to retreat.

The road to the manifestation of a GODly vision is a very rough one (1 Corinthians 9:26, 2 Timothy 2:3-5). One that requires tremendous faith, tenacious perseverance and true grit (Hebrews 10:23). At times, the way will appear unclear and the future may seem bleak. As you watch your plans unravel and your hopes are dashed you may began to question if you’ve really heard from GOD (Proverbs 16:9). You may grapple with the possibility that your heart’s desires may never manifest. You may even panic allowing yourself to consider entertaining and accepting ‘counterfeits’ to the vision (Genesis 16). And although this should push you to pray, fast, and engage in spiritual warfare every fiber of your being screams to give up and throw in the towel.

My friend, I’ve been there. I’m actually there now. I know all too well of the exhaustion to believe in the impossible. I am now in a season of travail trusting GOD to manifest a vision He gave me in July 2010 and confirmed in February 2013. This blog is actually an act of obedience related to the vision. And we know that obedience leads to miracles. As I look around in the natural I see absolutely nothing that points to the manifestation of this vision. In fact it feels like I’m moving further away from it. But as a child of GOD I am not to place my focus on circumstances, which changes directions like the wind. This is a sure way to experience depression, anxiety, discouragement, and fear. Oh no, I know that this walk with GOD is a faith walk and I am to thrust all of my faith in Him (2 Corinthians 5:7). This is what the great men and women of the Bible knew and they were vastly rewarded (Hebrews 11).

So may I ask, what vision has GOD given you? Is it a GODly family that will serve as a beacon of light and lead others to Christ? Perhaps it’s the deliverance of an addiction or the healing of an illness? Could it be to own your own business, speak before a crowd of thousands, or the reconciliation with a loved one? Whatever vision He has given you still belongs to you. The promises of our LORD are solid for He is not a man that He should lie nor the son of man that He should repent (Numbers 23:19). GOD’s ways are not our ways nor are His thoughts our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8,9). So, the path by which it will manifest may not look the way you envisioned, but it will surely come to pass. You see, there is a need for the strengthening of your faith and the building of your character (Romans 5:3). So, my friend when what you see does not match up with what GOD promised you, you have a choice to either trust your circumstances or trust your GOD. My advice is to always go with GOD! You’ll be batting 1,000 on that one!

Of all the years I’d known my doctor he never appeared to be a man of faith but on that unforgettable day he confidently spoke these powerful words to me: “You will have a baby. And you will deliver it next year.” Intuitively I knew he was right because I believed what GOD revealed to me. And he was absolutely right. A year later I delivered a 7lb, 6oz healthy baby girl, Noah who brings me joy every single day of my life and is a source of inspiration for this GODly blog. My friend when your circumstances make it difficult to foresee the manifestation of GOD’s vision for your life surround yourself with people of vision. People who will reactivate and strengthen your faith. People who will point you to the Giver of the vision and direct you away from the world. If you do not have such people go before GOD and ask Him to send you GODly support. He will answer your heartfelt prayer (1 John 5:14-15, Hebrews 11:6, John 15:16).

The Bible says that the vision aches for the coming and it can hardly wait (Habakkuk 2:2-3 MSG). The vision of having a daughter who would have a heart for the LORD was manifested after a long period of travail. It was certainly an arduous road full of highs and lows, peaks and valleys but in the end the vision came to pass at it’s appointed time. And so will yours my friend. So, though GODly vision may tarry we are to wait. Though it seems impossible we are to believe. And though we have opposition we are to hold fast. Because it will surely, certainly, unequivocally come to pass.

I pray that this message truly blesses you. I see the seeds you’ve sown with tears being harvested in inexplicable joy and you are enjoying the fruits of your labor with great rejoicing. I see it my friend and I stand here excitedly giving GOD glory right alongside of you.

Standing your ground…

10 Monday Jun 2013

Posted by in Perseverance, Relationship with GOD, spiritual warfare

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Rudy movie football practiceDoes anyone remember the movie Rudy, about the small in stature young man who had the heart of a lion? In one scene he is running top speed towards his opponent and constantly getting knocked down. He’d pop up and go at it again, only to get knocked back down. After painfully watching him do this several times over I must admit that I began to question his sanity. I mean, who does that? Who voluntarily places themselves in a situation that guarantees swift opposition and fierce battles? And it was then that I heard that still small voice say, “Those who choose to sincerely follow Me.”

Choosing to sincerely follow GOD is both glorious and painful. It’s beautiful and sweet because you experience extraordinary encounters with GOD. He reveals Himself to you in jaw-dropping ways. You get the immense pleasure of being in His glorious presence and become more sensitive to His voice, thus receiving heavenly guidance and revelation. But you will also encounter fierce and wicked opposition in an effort to get you to retreat. It’s important to realize and accept that you will make countless mistakes and you will fall time and time again. Interestingly enough, falling is part of spiritual growth as you come to realize your dire need for GOD’s grace. If you didn’t fall you wouldn’t need the Holy Spirit. If you didn’t fall you would be sinless like Jesus. You may fall a hundred times a day but it’s important to remember that a hundred times a day you are forgiven (1 John 1:9).

As I’ve gotten older I realize that when I fall I don’t just pop up like I did when I was younger. I mean I sit for a good minute, but I know that I have to get up. With some trials we are able to pop up and quickly move forward but some take the very air out of our chest and we need to sit and be ministered to by GOD for a while; to remind us that we are forgiven, to soothe our sorrows and to regain strength to get back up to fight. There’s a constant, vicious battle for your peace, joy, heart and relationship with GOD. And this battle is not for the faint of heart (1 Corinthians 9:26, 2 Timothy 2:3-5). But ‘greater is He is that in you than he that is in the world’ (1 John 4:4) and so you do not fight alone. In fact, you can not fight this battle alone. Because this battle is not against flesh and blood but occurs in the spiritual realm (Ephesians 6:12). When you became a Christian you signed up to be a warrior. And GOD in all of His glory has provided everything you need to be successful conquerors (Romans 8:37). The weapons of our warfare is prayer, fasting, praise, the Word of GOD, spending time in His presence, and suiting up with the armor of GOD (2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Ephesians 6:11-12). And this is how we, as followers of Christ plant our feet and stand our ground.

The Bible says that we are to consider the cost of following Jesus (Luke 14:25-35). We are no longer our own but have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20, 7:23). Many will fall away and retreat to that which is easy, comfortable and simple; choosing to walk the road of least resistance and satisfying the desires of their flesh (Luke 9:62). If this has happened to you my friend, it’s not too late to dust yourself off and suit back up. I know it’s hard. I do. Just don’t stay down. Get alone with GOD and tell Him how much it hurts. Ask Him to strengthen and forgive you. He will honor your heartfelt prayer. I know He will.

So, my friend what opposition are you facing that’s tempting you to retreat? Is it discouragement, depression, or fear? Could it be an unanswered prayer or deep disappointment? Perhaps, it’s weariness of carrying heavy financial, emotional, or family burdens? Or possibly difficulty with a child, spouse or boss? The Bible says that many are the afflictions of the righteous but the LORD delivers us from them all (Psalm 34:19). Not just some of them but All. Whatever opposition or trial you are facing know that it is no competition for your heavenly Father. He is stronger, wiser, and more powerful than any circumstances thrown your way.

Stand your ground, my friend. Plant your feet solidly on the infallible Word of GOD and refuse to let opposition knock you off your post. Use your faith to speak to that mountain and tell it to move (Mark 11:23). Go before the LORD and ask Him for guidance on how to proceed (Jeremiah 33:3). Anything the enemy throws at you can and will be handled by the Spirit of GOD and not by your power or might (Zechariah 4:6). Put on your armor (Ephesians 6:11-18) and take up your cross (Luke 9:23). Come on my friend you can do this. I promise. Our GOD is omniscient and omnipotent. Nothing can occur without it getting through Him first. So, GOD may not have sent this trial, setback or opposition but He promises that if you trust Him it will be used to work out for your good (Romans 8:28).

You see Rudy stood his ground even when his opponent appeared huge, overbearing and impossible and as a result he has become a part of football history. And with our determination to stand our ground against strong opposition, we too will be rewarded. We will be rewarded with intimacy with GOD, our name written in the Lamb’s book of Life (Revelation 3:5) and the sweetness of hearing the LORD our GOD say, “Well done. My good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21,23 Luke 19:17)

I truly pray that this message blesses you. I see you planting your feet and standing your ground against opposition with a boldness like that of a Lion. I am ever so excited for you because it’s this very fortitude that is bringing you closer to GOD and into the fullness of His purpose.

You do not walk alone…

29 Wednesday May 2013

Posted by in Perseverance, Relationship with GOD, Renewing of your mind, Surrender

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the fogOk, so I must admit that over the course of several months I have struggled with symptoms of PMS or possibly even perimenopause. (Stick with me fellas. I promise this blog post will minister to you as well.) Whatever it is, however you coin it, it is a very difficult time of the month for me. For about 3-5 days I become withdrawn, irritable, weepy and anxious. I feel very overwhelmed and focus on what’s not going right in my life. This was becoming quite bad – to the point where my mother thought I was going crazy and my ob/gyn suggested anti-depressants. But recently I discussed this with a friend and she suggested an herb called Black Cohosh. And although it has worked wonders by significantly decreasing the intensity and duration of the symptoms every month I still ‘walk through a fog’.

In this life we all have moments when we ‘walk through a fog’. These are times when life just doesn’t seem to turn out the way we’d hoped. And we experience periods of loneliness, disappointment, mourning, or heartache. It’s a time when we feel that we are all alone, no one understands us and GOD seems far away. These moments make it difficult for us to see what lies ahead because our view of life is so greatly distorted. And it is wise that we do not make any snap decisions because we are apt to make them based solely on emotion.

As we walk through the fog there’s a tendency to question GOD’s promises, sovereignty, and faithfulness. It may even feel like you’re going a little crazy and what you see around you is contrary to everything you are believing, hoping and trusting GOD for. But inside of these fog walks are opportunities for GOD to build, strengthen and prepare you for the amazing future He predestined just for you. So while walking through the fog rehearse the promises of GOD, recall the times He’s navigated you through previous fog walks and commit to trust Him despite your circumstances. Your circumstances may change but GOD Almighty won’t. These walks are not meant to harm you. I promise. In fact, if you’d let Him have His way He promises to even bless you – bless you with deeper faith, a closer walk with GOD, fresh anointing, a strong testimony, and a chance to experience Him like you never had before. Each walk through the fog promises positive change when we put our faith in His wisdom, power and love.

Where are you right now, my friend? Are you walking in, through or out of a fog? What’s causing you to focus on your circumstances or to become irritable, anxious, and overwhelmed? Is it weariness from waiting on a promise not yet manifested? Is a closed door with no open door in sight? Could it be that you just received some bad news that has shaken your world? Or perhaps it’s that you feel stuck in a season and desperately hoping for change? Whatever your fog represents know that GOD is with you and that He has never, nor will He ever leave. You can put all of your hope in the LORD (Psalm 43:5).

Fog walks can be very painful. Trust me. I know. And many ask during this time, “Where is GOD?” Well, He is right beside you. He’s making sure that you will not be overtaken. He’s ordering your steps (Psalm 37:23). He’s already gone before you to make the crooked way straight (Deuteronomy 31:8). I once heard that ‘when you can’t trace GOD’s hand, trust His heart.’ You see, GOD’s love for you compels Him to protect, provide and guide you, even when it doesn’t look like it (Exodus 14:14, Jeremiah 51:36). It’s a love so strong that it rushes in to be everything you need before you even realize you needed it (Jeremiah 31:3). It’s a love that never takes an eye off of you or loses it’s grip on you (Psalm 21:5, Psalm 121:8). He has a purpose and a plan for every fog walk. And He is always mindful of you. Talk to Him. Tell Him how much it hurts. Let the tears flow. He’s always excited to hear from you. Although it may seem like everything is turning upside down GOD is standing boldly and lovingly beside you. He’s there, my friend and He’s not going anywhere. Be comforted for you do not walk alone.

I truly hope this message blesses you. As you place your trust in GOD, I see blessings and favor raining down on you. You have no idea how excited I am for all that GOD has in store for you when your faith is in Him, and Him alone!