Sanctification is the lifelong spiritual process of Spiritual Growth and Character Transformation necessary to receive our reward of Eternal Life.
The difference between unbelievers and believers is that we love God. And we demonstrate it by surrendering ourselves every day in prayer, asking for His Divine Plans to be revealed, and for the spiritual strength to obey and fulfill His plans.
Peace and Blessings
Today, I started reading a Devotional entitled, God Is With Us, but I could never get past the introductory Scripture [Job 19:25-27], which is Job’s proclamation of steadfast faith and hope during his worst suffering.
As I read the Scripture again, Job’s faith made me reflect deeply on the status of my wavering faith. What were the obstacles preventing me from having steadfast faith?
“Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; But the righteous will live by his faith [in God].” (Habakkuk 2:4, LSB).
The only way for our faith to grow is to let go of our pride and self-will. Unfortunately, the thought of redirecting our faith from ourselves to being totally dependent on God, usually results in feelings of ambivalence.
But, what if we started asking God to resolve our minor interruptions instead of using our thoughts to quickly resolve them? It is our habit of excluding God from the minor challenges that reinforces the unrighteous characteristic of self-reliance.
The flat tire, the call from the school nurse that your child is sick and you need to come now, and the unexpected living expenses are just routine matters of life that we can easily resolve, but they are also faith-builders that provide the perfect opportunity to whisper a prayer, asking God for His Divine Help and Strength.
Best Spiritual Practice: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5).
“…Great is Your faithfulness. The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.” (Lamentations 3:23, 25).
The decision to redirect our focus and faith from ourselves to God reveals our desire to surrender our will completely to God’s Sovereign Authority, and to trust His Faithfulness. Take the leap of faith, and just do it!
“The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17). As our faith grows, we begin to live with the conviction that God is always faithful, and we freely exchange self-reliance for dependency on God.
Whether we are facing the routine matters of life, or major challenges, we respond with a prayer of faith, which eliminates all frustration, fears, and worries.
Because Steadfast Faith believes that God is who He says He is, we proclaim a sincere, Thank you, God, knowing that our Heavenly Father will give us an outcome that glorifies His Holy Name. Yes and Amen!
Lord God, in faith, we approach the Throne of Grace asking for Your Divine Help in our time of need. We believe in Your promises to intervene and give us a complete resolution, and thank You in advance for giving us the victory. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.
© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry
Sabbath Peace and Blessings to All!
When we surrender ourselves to God, we can rest in the Loving Arms of Jesus, our Savior, Redeemer, and Shepherd who promises to never leave us.
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” (John 10:14-16).
Follow Jesus, and He will guide you on the Path of Righteousness in your spiritual journey from Earth to Heaven.
Lord God, as we rest from our secular responsibilities and labors, we ask for a blessing of renewal and restoration spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. We thank you for answering our prayers that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus, Amen.
© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry
“Do not be wise in your own eyes.” (Proverbs 3:7).
The best decision I made in 2025 was to stop thinking my own thoughts and go to God in Prayer regarding every aspect of my life. At first, I experienced ambivalent feelings that I really had to pray through, but as I started studying the Bible more, and verbalized every day, “God loves me, and I began really trusting Him with my life!” Yes and Amen!
Because we face so many distractions, we may not take the time to engage daily in personal worship with God. But praying and studying the Bible invites the Holy Spirit to strengthen us. Not only does our knowledge increase, we also learn God’s Loving Character and Sovereign Power, and Christ showers us with his comfort and peace.
We will never regret becoming fully dependent on God who tells us, I have loved you with an everlasting love. Give God the opportunity to reveal His love as your Heavenly Father. Peace and Blessings
Bible Study: The Book of Exodus, which reveals God Ultimate Authority, and Miraculous Power.
“But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps…”
“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 1:20-23).
The Incident In the Synagogue on Sabbath: Anger Incites the Congregation to Become a Mob
Luke 4:14-30 records Jesus’ Rejection in Nazareth: “He went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him.” (Luke 4:16-17, NIV).
“…And they said, ‘Is this not Joseph’s son?’ ” (Luke 4:22, NIV).
The Outcome of Unleashed Anger
“All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove Him out of the town, and took Him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw Him off the cliff.” (Luke 4:28-29, NIV).
It’s hard to believe that religious men who proclaim to serve God would transition from worshiping God to an angry mob [in the Synagogue] from hearing the spoken words of God’s Truth.
Truthfully, Jesus endured much suffering including the constant barrage of angry, hostile words from those who refused to accept Him as anything other than Joseph’s, the poor carpenter’s, son.
Understanding Spiritual Warfare [Ephesians 6]
Satan’s most effective tool is to use people, especially familiar people to antagonize us with the goal of enticing us to commit grievous sins against God by speaking, or messaging sinful words of retaliation.
” ‘In your anger do not sin:’ Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold [a stronghold].” (Luke 4:26-27, NIV).
Yes, anger is a God-given emotion that prevents us from accepting injustices, corruption, and heinous crimes that plague our world. However, the problem is that many believers cannot control their anger, easily responding with harsh words against the offender.
Righteous Anger only applies to God who tells us, “…There is none righteous, no, not one…”(Romans 3:10). We are sinners saved by Grace who must guard our words [and thoughts] to remain covered by the Righteousness of Christ.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline [self control].” (2 Timothy 1:7, NLT).
From embracing the Spirit of Offense, we place ourselves in extreme danger spiritually; uncontrolled anger crosses all righteous boundaries, separating us from God, and prevents the Holy Spirit from dwelling within us.
We desperately need spiritual reinforcement everyday. To rise above offensive words is only possible when we surrender daily to live a Faith-based, Christ-centered life reflected by the daily personal worship of prayer and Bible Study.
Jesus did not attempt to use His personal strength to overcome aggression, but prayed continuously for God’s strength and wisdom, receiving the Divine Power to overcome, and remain victorious when facing adversity.
From studying the life of Christ, we learn how He responded to hostility with the Holy Scriptures: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52, NIV).
Jesus possessed godly wisdom and discernment, answering direct questions with Holy Writ. Still, He also used silence when facing His accusers. If our goal is to be like Christ then we will pray and control our emotional responses when facing the War of Words.
Reflection: Are you willing to suffer the necessary hardships and challenges required of every believer?
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18).
The Apostle Paul also teaches us that the believer’s life is one of continuous suffering for Christ, yet, if we remain faithful, and cooperate with the Holy Spirit through daily surrender, we will receive the reward of Eternal Life.
The Struggle to Control Our Anger Is Real: The Reasons We Are Easily Offended
None of us are perfect. Every human being possesses character weaknesses, still, God knows the true condition of our hearts.
If we hear, or read words defaming our character, and the accusations are not true in the sight of God then we have the assurance that we are facing spiritual warfare, pray, and God will intervene.
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Through daily personal worship, we commit ourselves to a life of humility, surrender, and faithful obedience, which invites the power of the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, giving us the strength to remain silent when interacting with angry individuals.
“Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.” (Proverbs 18:2, NIV).
The person who delivers angry words is not interested in maintaining peace, or participating in conflict resolution, but waiting for a response that will always result in escalation.
When facing conflict, if we control our anger, the Holy Spirit will speak to us, “Remain silent.” If we obey then He empowers us to use our gift of self-control. We must decide if we will obey the commands of the Holy Spirit, or to rant, and sin against God.
Excerpt from ” In Contact With Others” Devotional, EGW
“We cannot afford to let our spirits chafe over any real or supposed wrong done to ourselves…”
“Self is the enemy we most need to fear. No form of vice has a more [devastating] effect upon the character than has human passion not under the control of the Holy Spirit. No other victory we can gain will be so precious as the victory gained over self…”
“We should not allow our feelings to be easily wounded. We are to live, not to guard our feelings or our reputation, but to save souls. As we become interested in the salvation of souls we cease to mind the little differences that so often arise in our association with one another.”
Jesus’ Disciples Reveal Their Lack of Self-control
Two of Jesus’ disciples, the brothers, James, and John were called “the Sons of Thunder” because of their fiery tempers. When the people of Samaria sent a messenger to Jesus telling Him not to come to their town, the brothers responded with this question to Jesus:
“And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, ‘Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?’ ” (Luke 9:54).
Jesus’ Response: “But He turned and rebuked them, and said, ‘You do not know what manner of spirit you are of.’ ” (Luke 9:55).
Christ’s Righteous Character: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23, KJV).
“It takes the right situation to reveal our real character.” When Christians become offended by harsh, hateful words, the true [unconverted] condition of our hearts is revealed.
“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:24-25, KJV).
Jesus Christ is our Perfect Role Model
Sanctification is the lifelong spiritual journey of growth and transformation of our sinful hearts into the Righteous Character of Christ. The Christian Journey is the toughest one we will ever face!
“But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.” (2 Timothy 2:23).
A Christian believer should never become involved in arguments, or debates. Even when discussing the Bible, if dissension begins, we should pray, and end the conversation with, “God, bless you.”
With humility, we must strive every day to be a faithful and disciplined follower of Christ. From cooperating with the Holy Spirit, we receive the spiritual discernment to recognize the enemy’s spiritual warfare of covert attacks.
When a situation includes emotional escalation, we implement the Best Spiritual Practice, Prayer. If we form the habit of whispering prayers throughout our day when facing opposition, our immediate response is a prayer for Divine help!
Our True Identity Is Found in Christ: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9).
We are chosen by God to be a representative of Christ. Our responsibility is to always represent the humility of Christ, even when offensive, undeserving words are unleashed against us.
” ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay’ is found in Romans 12:19 and is also quoted in Deuteronomy 32:35. “This verse is a command for believers not to seek their own revenge but to leave retribution to God who alone has the authority to judge and repay.”
Our Response to Offensive Words: Whether face to face, or text messaging, we whisper a prayer for Divine strength and remain silent. Do not respond!
Workplace Conflict: We should not tolerate conflict in the workplace. Follow the company’s policies for reporting incidents to your Supervisor and Human Resources.
Abuse in the Home: God does not require us to stay in abusive marriages and relationships, which impair our ability to worship God in Spirit and in Truth.
Living in an environment of aggression and conflict prevents us from enjoying God’s gift of spiritual peace, which is needed for the spiritual growth and transformation required to receive Eternal Life.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” (Ephesians 4:31, NIV).
Yes, like Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, at some point in our lives, most believers will face hostile words cutting like a sword, but we must never forget that our goal is Heavenly.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32, NIV).
We are sojourners, temporary travelers living on a temporary Earth. Included in our Life Journey are many trials and hardships including Satan’s Spiritual Warfare designed to make us react using our inherited sinful tendencies.
Our lives will not always be like this! Whatever adversities we face, we should memorize and remind ourselves daily of Jesus’ promise in John 14: 1-3.
We are sons and daughters of the Most-High God, preparing every day to receive our reward of the Crown of Life in the New Heaven and New Earth where the atmosphere will be saturated with eternal love, peace, joy, and happiness. Yes and Amen!
“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on His throne.” (Revelation 3:21, NIV).
Bible Study: Luke 4:14-30
Lord God, we thank you for speaking to our hearts and reminding us of our spiritual status as a royal priesthood who will receive our Crown of Life, if we are faithful and obedient to Your Righteous Precepts and Commands. Lord, we ask for forgiveness for the times that we have failed to represent You by responding with anger and sinful words of retaliation. We ask for the Divine Strength, Wisdom, and the Discernment to recognize and overcome spiritual warfare. We look forward to the day when we will live in a world of love, peace, and harmony, and Jesus, we thank You for the gift of Your life that makes it possible for us to live forever with You. We ask this prayer in the Powerful Name of our Triumphant King, Jesus Christ, Amen.
© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry
“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33, CSB).
One of the worst kept secrets in the Christian Community is that no one tells us this, “Once you accept Christ as your personal Savior, you will begin a journey of hardships.
“The Christian life can be marked by seasons of excruciating difficulty and hardships of many kinds.”
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6, NIV).
Faith requires Active Participation: Despite our extenuating circumstances, we must believe in the Unlimited Power of God.
The growth of our faith and relationship with Christ depends on our willingness to consistently communicate with God through prayer, and studying the Bible to learn God’s Character, and His promises to help us.
At least one hour a day should be dedicated to having personal worship, in the morning and in the evening. Intentional time spent with God builds our faith, trust, and confidence in our Heavenly Father.
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27).
The believer who diligently studies the Word of God, learning His promises can live a Christ-centered, Faith-based, courageous life, knowing they can always depend on God’s Faithfulness. Yes and Amen!
God’s Steadfast Promise to Always Be With Us
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9).
We can be confident that every hardship has two spiritual purposes, to develop our faith, and transform our character into the righteousness of Christ’s Character [Galatians 5:22-23].
Jesus Christ, Our Shepherd will never allow Satan to crush us with adversity. Our proof of God setting boundaries on our greatest enemy is documented in the Book of Job.
When Facing Unexpected Hardships, Immediately Pray for Divine Help!
“Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].” (Hebrews 4:16, Amplified Bible).
Redirect Your Faith and Focus From Your Circumstances to Believing In the Power of God!
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ ” (Hebrews 13:5).
Fact: God’s Timing Will Never Align With Our Speedy Expectations
“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14, NLT).
Since God views time from an Eternal perspective, and knows the end from the beginning, He has no need to hurry up. To receive victory, do not attempt to resolve your challenge. Be patient, and wait, God is always on time!
Lord God, we come to You asking for Your Divine Help. We confess that our faith is weak, still, we believe that You are faithful, always keeping Your promises to give us a perfect outcome. We ask for the strength to endure our trials and hardships, and persevere, as we navigate through this journey of life. We ask this prayer in the Worthy and Powerful Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Bible Study: Matthew 6:25-34
© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry
“I have loved you with an everlasting love…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I’ve called you by your name you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; for I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you…” (Jeremiah31:3; Isaiah 43:1-4).
Righteous believers have many benefits from placing ourr faith and trust in God whose Ruach breath is flowing through our bodies. God is bigger than every challenge we face in our journey of life. Our Loving God is always Faithful. Even in our weakest times, if we pray in faith, He promises to intervene. Only trust Him. Yes and Amen!
“I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1).
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12).
Why has God delayed the Second Coming of Jesus for so long?
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9-10, NIV).
From studying the Scriptures, one thing is certain: God always keeps His promises. We know the promise of His Triumphant Son, Jesus Christ Coming Soon is Yes and Amen!
“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” (Revelation 22:14).
The Bible teaches that we need to stay on the Path of Righteousness. Yes, the Bible is our Spiritual Roadmap, teaching and guiding our lives according to God’s Precepts and Commandments, so we can inherit Jesus’ promise to give us our Crown of Life.
Despite the many hours we spend studying the Scriptures, we cannot overcome our hearts’ desires and temptations without asking for Divine wisdom and strength.
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7). Daily Surrender is our winning move! Every Christian requires daily guidance and spiritual strength from God, the Holy Spirit, to live as Overcomers.
Using only human effort places us in a lose-lose cycle of failure, producing discouragement and disappointment. God never expects us to navigate this tough journey alone; He knows that without His Divine strength, we will continuously fall into temptation. Why is it so hard to be a Christian?
“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9, NIV).
We think that because we live in 2025 that our challenges are more taxing than the Christians who lived in Biblical times. Why did the emancipated Israelites travel 40 years in the wilderness, when the Promised Land was only an eleven-day journey from Egypt?
From studying the books of Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, God reveals that their lack of heartfelt love, loyalty, and obedience to God, and their love of pagan practices, were their chosen obstacles. And sadly, only two faithful men of God, Joshua and Caleb, from that generation, and those 20 years of age and under, entered the Promised Land.
Most countries have Religious Liberty laws, which give us the freedom and the right to choose to become Christians and serve God. But sadly, Religious history reveals the massacre of countless Christians who suffered physical harm, torture, and most often execution for not renouncing God.
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 1:13, ESV).
No one can force us to engage in the world’s pleasures; if we sin, it is a willful choice. Historically, we learn that it is easier for today’s Christian Community to be loyal to God by simply saying no to the temptations of worldly practices without suffering retaliation or coercion.
What does God require of us to live a Sanctified life representing Christ’s Righteousness?
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11).
“Your hands have made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.” (Psalm 119:73).
Yes, we come from different cultures, denominations, and various life experiences, but from studying the Holy Bible under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we receive the wisdom and discernment needed to learn God’s Loving Character, His Precepts and Commandments, and the One and Only interpretation of God’s Truth.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105).
There are heavenly mysteries that we will never understand, but Jesus has given us the Spiritual guidance [The Bible] we need to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to experience daily spiritual growth and character transformation.
We can come to Jesus just as we are, but we cannot stay just as we are. Our minds, characters, and personalities must be changed into the likeness of Christ’s Righteousness for us to live forever with the Holy God.
With Jesus’ Divine Power, We Can Overcome Sinful Desires!
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16, ESV).
The moment we accept Christ as our personal Savior, we face spiritual warfare from Satan, our enemy [Study Ephesians 6]. Prayer is our greatest weapon. Not only do we receive the Spiritual Strength to say no to temptation, but Satan has to flee from the Christian who prays for Divine Help.
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7).
Although the enemy’s schemes of temptations, distractions, and our innate desires to seek prosperity and success have enticed many Christian Believers to practice Compromised Christianity, the Apostle John tells us that God has faithful, surrendered, and obedient believers who are seeking God’s will every day on bended knees.
“And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.” (Revelation 15:2).
Live As An Overcomer! Those who are waiting with joyful anticipation for the Second Coming of Jesus, with humility, we consecrate ourselves daily to God, proclaiming, “I have decided to follow My Shepherd and Triumphant King, Jesus Christ!”
Preparation for Jesus’ Second Coming requires the daily commitment to live a Christ-centered, Faith-based, Holy Life consecrated to God.
“For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:20).
Our decision to remain a faithful soldier in God’s Army usually leaves us separated from our closest family and friends, but when we memorize and believe Jesus’ promise in John 14:1-3, we keep moving forward in the strength of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Every Day, Remind Yourself of God’s Gift of Redemption: “And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.” (2 Corinthians 2:15, NIV).
Sharing My Daily Proclamation of Victory: “I believe Jesus’ promise that He is coming again, and because I love God, and desire my reward of Eternal Life, I will not sin against God by following my thoughts, desires, or engaging in the world’s pleasures.”
Lord God, we offer heartfelt gratitude for gifting us Your precious Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus, we thank You for paying the death price required to redeem us from our sins, allowing us to live righteously through Your Strength and Power. We look forward to the Great Day when King Jesus will come again. Until then, we ask for guidance, correction, and protection. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.
© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.’ ” (Matthew 6:31-32).
When all is well, it is easy for us to think that our faith and trust is in God. But, the daily challenges we face always reveal the truth of whether our faith is in God, or in ourselves.
If we never take our routine obstacles and minor issues to God, asking for His Divine help then we easily develop a spirit of self-reliance.
The Truth of “Where Is Your Faith?” is revealed when adversity barges into our lives. If our initial response is, “What am I going to do?,” then our faith is displaced, which comes from relying and trusting in our human thoughts and wisdom.
Excerpt from Today’s Devotional: Embracing His Assurance – Elizabeth Viera Talbot
“Our senior pastor, Jon Cicarelli, preached a sermon entitled Fearless. To help the congregation visualize fear, he introduced his talk by showing several underwater photos of people cautiously swimming next to large whales and sharks.”
“As he developed the topic, he asked the congregation to repeat aloud: “Do not be afraid, only believe.” He reminded us that God is competent to handle our lives and that He loves us.”
“Fear is like a giant shadow lurking in the deep waters of our minds.”
“Yet most of what we fear never happens, and the rest is not within our control. This is not the ‘fight or flight’ type of fear but a restless anxiety that takes over our lives.
“But what if we are actually facing our worst fears?”
“This is what happened to Jairus. He came to Jesus, asking Him to heal his only daughter, who was twelve years old and was dying. On the way to his house, Jesus healed a hemorrhaging woman, who had been sick for twelve years (Luke 8:48).”
Then Jairus’ worst nightmare came true: “While He was still speaking, someone came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, ‘Your daughter has died; do not trouble the Teacher anymore’ (verse 49).”
“Jairus must have been very much afraid at that point, because Jesus had to tell him: ‘Do not be afraid any longer; only believe, and she will be made well’ (verse 50). Then Jesus proceeded to raise Jairus’ daughter from the dead (verse 54).”
“The treatment Jesus prescribes for fear has always been to choose Faith over fear.”
At some point, in our Christian Journey, every believer has experienced a challenge so overwhelming that fear was our first response. And maybe, you are currently facing a hardship that has revealed your faith in God is weak.
Prayer Is Our Lifeline to Divine Help!
“Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].” (Hebrews 4:16, Amplified Bible).
With humility, we ask for forgiveness [for focusing our faith on ourselves], for God’s Divine Help, and thank Him for His Intervention in the same prayer.
Through prayer, we admit our inability to resolve the vicissitudes of life, and invite God to use His Sovereign Power to intervene.
From studying the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus, and 2 Chronicles 20, we learn that only God can give us the victory!
God never refuses to answer our prayers for His help, yet, His timing will never synchronize with our expectations.
Despite how lengthy the hardships last, we must overcome the desire to step outside God’s will while in the time of waiting.
“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14).
Because God sees time as Eternal, He knows our lifespan, and every challenge we will endure in our earthly lives. So, God who governs this world has no need to immediately answer our prayers.
“It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24).
Because the Triune God is Omniscient [All-knowing], when we pray for Divine Help, Heavenly Intervention begins immediately.
The Heavenly Chain Reaction for Helping the Righteous
God, the Holy Spirit takes our prayers to God, Jesus, the Son, our Intercessor, Who receives every prayer from the Holy Spirit, and sends His answers through the Holy Spirit.
Not only does Jesus send His Divine strength through the Holy Spirit, but He also sends messenger angels to give us the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical strength to persevere through the daily struggle. Yes and Amen!
We always receive spiritual strength before we receive God’s resolution. By waiting on God, our faith strengthens, and we reveal our desire to faithfully obey and depend on God.
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.” (Jeremiah 31:3, BSB).
Lord God, we thank you for Your amazing love. We admit that we have not been faithful, and for this we ask for forgiveness. Lord, we desperately need Your help to overcome these challenges, and to stay on the Path of Righteousness. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus, Amen.
© 2025 STEPS 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions Ministry
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
You must be logged in to post a comment.