It seems every day it’s a struggle to maneuver through the darkness of this world. I say that as a person who knows Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. So I can’t imagine how one does it without Jesus at the center of their life. How I get through is to shine God’s light on it. His light is brighter than the darkness! When the darkness of this world tries to envelope me, His Word gives me light. When I am exhausted, His light renews my strength. When nothing makes sense, His light gives me understanding. If I feel lonely, His light lets me know I am not alone. Whatever you are searching for, God’s light will help You find it.

“This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5)

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)”  

As believers we can experience God’s light because we have the Holy Spirit living within us. We have the power through Christ to overcome darkness by shining our light on it. In the physical you can’t see in the dark, and in the spiritual you can’t see in the dark either. However when we shine God’s light on the situation or person, God will open our spiritual eyes and we get discernment. It doesn’t matter how bad the situation is, what report we receive from the doctor, how bad our finances are, whatever the struggle is, we should shine our light on it. The light overpowers darkness and enables us to see God at work. The light helps us to read and understand His Word. The Bible tells us that darkness cannot overcome the light. When we shine out light on it, the darkness has to go! But what if the darkness is internal? The darkness inside you and me contributes to the troubles of this world. The Bible tells us that the heart is deceitful. (Jeremiah 17:9) It is easier to see the darkness around us instead of inside us. The light of Christ exposes our darkness, but first we have to admit our inner darkness. Then we must make a conscious effort to walk in the light daily. Walking in the light isn’t just being good, it’s bringing our darkness to Jesus over and over, and to one another, to experience his cleansing, purifying light.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7)

Let me be clear, the light within us is different from the world’s light shining on us. Author Christine Caine wrote,

“If the light that is ON you is brighter than the light that is IN you, the light that is ON you will destroy you.”

Our main focus should not be on how bright the world’s light shines on us, but how bright the light shines within us for others to see. We should be walking in the light. That is what shows our spiritual maturity and where we are in Christ. You can see the difference in believers who consistently walk in the light and let their light shine on others. The world’s light may not be shining ON them but you can see God’s light shining all THROUGH them. They may be serving behind the scenes, visiting someone in the hospital, or offering their time by just being with a friend in need. Their contribution to building up believers and God’s kingdom may not be flashy, but their character is deep because they have chosen to deny their fleshly darkness and walk in the light. Walking in the light requires obedience to our Lord Jesus. Walking in the light involves the difficult task of dying to self every day. But be encouraged because the light is not only winning, but it has already won. Whenever darkness tries to surround you or enter you, shine your light on it! Love and Blessings…

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (Galatians 5: 16-18)

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Someone asked how I face my challenges without giving up. Giving up is not an option when you believe God’s promises. Faith begins with believing God’s promise that He will work everything for our good. W. Phillip Keller wrote, “I know of nothing which so stimulates my faith in my heavenly Father as to look back and reflect on His faithfulness to me in every crisis and every chilling circumstance of life.”  That part! I believe all of God’s promises are Yes and Amen.

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so, through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” (2 Corinthians 1:20) NIV

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) NIV

If you feel you are ready to give up because your faith has wavered. If your belief in God’s promises has come to a slow burn, maybe what will reignite your passion is a decision to believe what God said is true for you and about you. We can read and study the Scriptures inside and out, however if we don’t believe, we are lost. Believing God’s Word is what sets us free and gives us eternal life. To have faith we must first let go of the unbelief.  

Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:23-24) NKJ

Let me be clear, I don’t rejoice because I go through, I rejoice because of Who gets me through. I rejoice because I believe no matter what it feels or looks like, God is faithful. Jesus tells us to anticipate trials and tribulations in this world (John 16:33), However, He also makes these promises; He will be with us to the end (Matthew 28:10), He will supply all of our needs (Philippians 4:19), we are healed by His stripes (1 Peter 2:24), He promises that He will fight for us, and we do not have to be afraid (2 Chronicles 20:17). As believers we know that Jesus is our Savior. (Acts 4:12) In these challenging times, it is crucial that we believe what Jesus, our Savior has promised us.  “He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)

“He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” (John 3:36)

God’s promises may not happen when we think they should, but we must remember that His timing is perfect. God is faithful to fulfill all His promises. This is where belief comes in, against all odds, against circumstances or situations, and especially against time, we must let go of unbelief and take hold of the power of belief to achieve the promises of God. Believing God’s promises is having a firm and unshakable conviction that His promises are true. We have great power when we believe that God is Who He says He is, and that we are who God says we are. When we believe the promises of God, the power of God, and the provisions of God, we are set free in this life and for eternity! Love and Blessings…

If you are reading this, you made it through the first week of 2023. That is something to be grateful for. Praise God! If you watched the news this past week, there were deadly shootings, road rage, missing children, suicides, etc. All of this in the first week of 2023! It can be depressing to say the least. However, I want to encourage you to not get weak from this first week. Stay focused! Stay strong! If we keep our gaze on God and His Word, the troubles of this world cannot distract us from God’s purpose for our life. God has brought us through 2022 because He has a purpose for us in 2023. Psalms 33:11 tells us; “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”  

In spite of all that is going on around us, we do not have to be afraid. The Lord is with us at all times. He already knows what is going on in this fallen world, none of it has caught Him by surprise. This includes our personal trials and tribulations, family problems, health issues, and financial problems. God is faithful and He will turn it all around for our good if we seek and trust Him. He is our light in these times of darkness. God’s power is limitless, and He promised that He would work all things together for the good of those who love him and are called according to His purpose. We know all of God’s promises are Yes and Amen!

“The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)  

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)  

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)  

“In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.” (Psalm 56:11)  

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so, through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” (2 Corinthians 1:20) 

How do we begin to navigate through this dark world and the attacks of the enemy? We certainly cannot do it in our own strength. The goal of the Christian life is to become more like Christ, who always took time to pray. Prayer should be our first reaction to any situation life throws our way. We should strive to make prayer a necessary part of our daily lives, like breathing. Father God wants us to communicate with Him through prayer. Praying daily will bring peace in your life. It will help you to understand more about God’s plan for you and also bring blessings to you, your family, and those you pray for. We must intentionally seek God and spend time in His presence daily.

 “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

I encourage you to pray at all times without ceasing. Prayer is how we communicate with God. And in these trying times, we need to stay in tune with Him daily. Prayer is the best place to reveal our true feelings, even fear. Unlike humans, God is not fooled by our attempts to disguise our true feelings, to put on a false smile, or to cover our suffering and heartache. We can bring Him our hopes, fears, doubts, and even our anger. Jesus already knows us better than we know ourselves. In our Father we will find comfort and a peace beyond understanding. Prayer is our safeguard against acting on our feelings. When we hear about senseless killings, and violence, especially if it hits close to home, our emotions kick in and we may want to react but if we pray and wait until our feelings are in line with God’s will, He will strengthen and comfort us. We can be confident that no matter the hurt that needs healing or the chaos that needs calming, Jesus can and will fix it!  

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,” (Ephesians 3:20)

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)  

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

“For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

“If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.” (1 John 3:20)

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

This year I pray that we stay focused on God and His promises, I pray that we walk by faith instead of sight, and I pray that we stay connected to God daily who will bring the infinite hope of Jesus! Love and Blessings…🙏🙏🙏

Going into 2023 I pray we are intentional about our goals and our life purpose. Once we know our purpose, our life journey can be joyful and fulfilling. How we know our purpose is by spending time with our creator. I pray this coming year we are more intentional about spending time with Jesus. The more time we spend in His presence, the more we are energized by His anointing and equipped by His grace. No matter where we are or what we are going through, He is with us. Scripture says He is near to all who call His name. His presence is only a prayer away. It is up to us to stop the hustle and flow and give Him our undivided attention. We must take out time everyday to spend time with the one who gives us life. Five minutes or five hours, that’s between you and God. This coming year, make your relationship with Jesus your number one priority and be empowered by Him each and everyday! Here’s to a blessed and prosperous New Year! Love and blessings…

“The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will.” (Isaiah 50:14)

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)

“Call  to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

I remember as a child I would ask my mama why when she told me to do something. She would often answer with because I said so. I did not like that answer! I would not be honest if I said I never cried out to God, why Lord why? Sometimes the answer is because He is God and He said so! Is that supposed to make you feel better when you have lost a loved one, when you are struggling, or in pain? The answer is yes it should. Why should it you ask? Because what I have learned is the why doesn’t matter, it is the Who. We know the God Who knows everything, the God Who loved us enough to sacrifice His only son, the God Who has plans to work everything out for our good, this is the God Who we can trust and be obedient even when we don’t know the why.

“For  I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) ESV

“For  God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) KJV

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) KJV

Scripture tells us there are some things we will never know because His ways are higher than our ways. Sometimes God will reveal things to us but the scripture tells us that some things He keeps sealed until the end of time. God knows what we can or cannot handle. The Lord uses all things to accomplish His purpose for our lives. HE will even use evil things that come from the evil one and turn them around for our good. Understanding that we may not get an answer does not make the hurt or the pain any less. And of course understanding does not make us not miss our love ones. But God Who is always wise, always good, always trustworthy, and is always with us will give us peace through it all.

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9) NIV

“And  when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.” (Revelations 10:4) KJV

“The Lord works out everything to its proper end even the wicked for a day of disaster.” (Proverbs 16:4) NIV

“You  intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20) NIV

“The  Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) NIV

“When  you pass through the waters,
I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” (Isaiah 43:2) NIV

Even though we might not get an answer or the answer we want, we can always go to God with our questions. He does not get angry when we have questions, however there is a blessing when you choose blind faith. It leads to full surrender and peace. Love and Blessings…

TODAY’S INSPIRATION: NOT TODAY SATAN! (NOT EVER!)

“And I knew that any words and actions in this moment, like all moments, spoke powerfully of the God within me”____Unknown Author

Some people will purposely try to snatch you out of character. They will allow the enemy to use them to come for you. Sometimes the best response is no response. We have to be careful how we respond to people or situations. I will admit this is not always easy. Some people believe that because you are a follower of Christ, you are weak. This is not true, it actually makes you strong. Strong enough to say not today Satan! You will not steal my joy. Not ever!

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; ” (James 1:19) ESV

“Be  sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) ESV

Do not let the enemy deprive you of your joy, peace of mind, confidence, hope or spirit. Do not let satan distract you by making you waste your time and energy on things that really don’t matter in the grand scheme of things! Stay focused and keep pressing on. Continually fix your eyes on God who will give you wisdom to handle any situation. Seek God’s word! Refresh and refill your mind and spirit with the truth!

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2) BSB

“let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” (Ephesians 4:23) NLT”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23) NIV

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23) NIV”

“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3) NIV

“In  the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) ESV

Emmanuel, God is with us, not sometimes but at all times. He is our strength for today and our hope for tomorrow. And with that promise, God is asking us to proclaim His goodness to the world. Everyday we must strive to be Christlike, imitating His character. We want others to be drawn to the Good News of the Gospel because they see the light of God in us. Refuse to allow anyone to put out your light or even dim it, keep shining! Love and Blessings…

I am no longer ashamed to admit that sometimes I get weak. I know God’s power is displayed through our weaknesses. There are times I am able to stand up in pain and weakness and still do what I have to do, not because I am strong, but because it is God who strengthens me, especially to do what He has […]

TODAY’S INSPIRATION: I AM WEAK…

I am no longer ashamed to admit that sometimes I get weak. I know God’s power is displayed through our weaknesses. There are times I am able to stand up in pain and weakness and still do what I have to do, not because I am strong, but because it is God who strengthens me, especially to do what He has called me to do for Christ’s name. Sometimes we tend to use our weaknesses as excuses for disobedience instead of accepting them for what they really are, opportunities for God to show up and show off in our lives. The truth is we are not meant to depend on our own strength. Scripture tells us not to resist our weakness but to boast about it. Sometimes because of our weaknesses, we may make choices that are not pleasing to God. The good news is that it is never too late to repent and correct our choice as long as there is breath in our body. The thing is we do not know when we may take that last breath. And when we take our last breath, it is not our weakness that will matter, but our choice to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior!

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) NIV

“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10) KJV

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10) KJV

God’s grace is sufficient for every believer. We often want to feel independent and self-sufficient. Who likes to feel weak? I personally don’t. But I am learning not to go by how I feel but by the Word of God. When we attempt to depend on ourselves, we miss out on seeing God’s power at work. Jesus said without Him we can do nothing. (John 15:5) Sometimes life with all of its challenges can leave us feeling weak and powerless, lacking the strength we need to persevere through difficult times and doubting our trust in God. When we have a relationship with Christ, His strength overrides our weakness. When we are shattered, He will restore us. When it seems all is lost, He gives us hope.  

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) NIV

“Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live; And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.” (Psalm 119:115) NASB

When we are weak or scared, we have to trust God enough that our faith is bigger than our fear. God is aware of who we are and what we can and cannot do. When God calls us, He equips and empowers us to obey that calling. Our strength is never enough. That’s what faith is all about. Faith is a willingness to step out and trust God.

“so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:17) NIV

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ( Philippians 4:6-7) NIV

A new year is coming. Do not go into a new year hoping for change when you are trying to bring what don’t belong! Trust me, if you do so, you will have the same problems you had last year! God wanted to bless Abraham (then Abram), so He sent Abraham to a new land from his family and his father’s house. Now he told him specifically that he wanted him to depart from his family (Genesis 12:1). Abraham took his wife, his father and Lot went with him. If you read all of Genesis 12, you will see the problems Abram encountered by bringing Lot and Sarah along. Yes, God still blessed him, but it created serious problems and delayed blessings for five years! We can avoid confusion and missed blessings by not taking baggage with us that God told us to leave behind. This year trust God, let it go so He can give you your blessing! This year we will embrace change. Clear away what needs to be cleared away and toss out what needs to be tossed out. I’m not claiming it is easy because we all are a work in progress; we are spiritual beings living in fleshly physical bodies. But God! When we are weak, He is strong!

“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” (1 John 5:14) KJV

“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) NIV

“But without faith it is impossible to please him, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) KJV

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) NIV
 

Sisters and brothers, do you want a joyful new year? I say joyful and not happy because joy comes from the Lord, and happiness depends on what is happening. I declare and decree that 2023 will be the year we will start walking it out, not just talking it out! We will make our lives a testimony to our new awareness of the glory of God! And when we get weak, He will strengthen us! Love and Blessings….
 

This morning while in my prayer closet I said to God, “God, I choose to thank you and rejoice today even though some things don’t appear to be good right now. And He reminded me that He is in control and what He has done in other challenging situations. Then I started rejoicing because God is on the throne, and He has a plan and purpose for my life even when I don’t understand it. I begin to rejoice because of the grace He gives me to endure and persevere in challenging times. I rejoiced for Salvation daily and God’s forgiveness of my sins and shortcomings. I rejoiced for the things that my eyes have not seen, nor have my ears heard that God has planned for me. When I exited the closet, I felt like dancing like David, and I did!

Choosing to rejoice in the midst of stressful circumstances is not a normal reaction in our world. But as Christians it should be our first response because we know the One who reigns over all the earth. When we tap into the wisdom of the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, we do not have to let our circumstance or situations hold us captive. We can rejoice even in difficult times because we know God is in control and working things out for our good. He orders all things and upholds their purpose. We may not always understand why God allows for things to happen in our lives that cause pain, fear, and worry. However, we can trust that He has a purpose, and we can rejoice in the fact that it will work out for the good of those who love Him. We do not have to be victims to a dark and sinful world. Instead, we can choose to be the light God needs us to be and a living testimony of joy and peace when the world is falling apart. We are more than conquerors because of Christ’s great love for us. In every season we must be committed to being as Christlike as we can be. When we come to realize that our life is not about us or what we may go through here on earth, it is about serving God and revealing His character to the world, especially when we are going through. Brothers and sisters let us rejoice in the Lord always. Rejoice today no matter what comes your way! Love and blessings…

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)  

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)  

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)  

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9)  

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

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

“You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36)  

‘Rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,” (Romans 12:12)

I am a living witness that often God calls us to follow in paths we would not have chosen for ourselves, especially when it takes us out of our comfort zone. It is not easy going from familiar to unfamiliar. Walking into unknown territory is scary. However, when it is God that is leading us, we can rest assured He has given us everything we need inside of us to make the journey. God does the planning; we do the preparing. Without change there is no growth. The truth is we cannot fulfill our calling in our comfort zone. Be ready for the next level that God takes you to. He will clear the path for you, removing obstacles and placing divine connections to help you along the way. If we keep our focus on Christ, we will be victorious. He is with us every step of the way!

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13) NIV

“And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.” (Isaiah 42:16) KJV

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) NIV

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6) NIV

You may ask why is it scary when God is with us? Why are there so many problems when we are being led by God? The answer is the enemy also knows we are being led by God. He knows that God’s plan is for us to prosper and grow spiritually in Christ. God’s plan is to give us hope and everlasting life. The enemy is intent on stopping all God has for us by any means necessary! Scripture tells us how satan tried to tempt Jesus so he could destroy God’s plan for us to be delivered from sin and death. Christ does not have a sin nature as we do. Christ’s temptation was an outward exposure to satan’s ploys. (Mathew 4:1-11) This is nothing new, he started with Adam and Eve. (Genesis 3:1-5). Scripture also tells us how Jesus himself suffered and died for us. We are called and given the privilege to suffer for His name sake. In 2 Timothy 3:13, Paul tells Timothy that everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Jesus also said that those who follow Him will be persecuted for his name sake. (Matthew 10:2) He said in this world we will have trials and tribulations. The good news is no matter how hard he tries, the enemy cannot win. Weapons will form, but they will not prosper!  

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) ESV

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) NIV

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the LORD.” (Isaiah 54:17) NKJV

Isaiah 54:17 should reassure us that we can leave our comfort zone knowing that God has our back. When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, His sacrifice at the cross gives us the victory over any circumstance or situation the enemy may throw at us. Yes, it can be scary leaving our comfort zone but if we keep our focus on Christ we will be victorious. We must walk by faith and not by sight. God will do the rest. We can look forward to a future full 0f His promises, blessings, and protection. When God is with us we can be comfortable in every zone! Love and Blessings…

“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23:6)