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Pilate, therefore, said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause, I was born, and for this cause, I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” John 18:37

God created us with a soul that has a deep longing for truth. Even though Pilate answered Jesus’ question with, “Am I a Jew?” he desired to know the truth [if only for a moment], which prompted His question to Jesus: “What is Truth?” John 18:38. Faced with the angry distractions of the rebellious crowd, Pilate’s desire for knowledge of the truth quickly disappeared, as evidenced by not waiting for Jesus to answer the question.

What could he do? Deep in his heart, Pilate knew that Jesus was not guilty of their false accusations. “So Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no fault in this Man.” Luke 23:4. “But they were the more fierce saying, He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee to this place.” Luke 23:5.

And then, he realized there was a way out of the dilemma:

When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean. And learning that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself was in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased. He had wanted to see Him for a long time because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see Him perform a miracle.… Luke 23:6-8

Yes, cowardly Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, who demanded manifestation of divine power. “Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing.” Luke 23:9. We know how the story progresses. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Son and Lamb of God, suffered, was crucified, and died on Calvary’s cross. Yet, Jesus’ commitment to offering redemption for humanity went forward. He arose!

Jesus’ resurrection and ascension to heaven could not be stopped. “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:8. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords is still serving humanity as our heavenly Intercessor and will continue until His Second Coming. Amen.

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive… John 14:16-17

Yes, the Trinity has effectively provided the way for every man, woman, and child to hear, respond, and accept the Good News that Jesus is our Savior.

The Holy Spirit prompts our minds to receive God’s truth when we hear the truth. There are only two possible reactions: Complete acceptance or total rejection. With doubt, many feel that they can select bits and pieces of the truth when reading the Scriptures. What human mind is capable of analyzing the God-breathed scriptures? Although these concepts are practiced by many who claim they are believers, it’s all or nothing, “There is no middle ground!”

Have you been asked to prove there is a God? Sadly, modern Pilates and Herods confront believers and demand that we show evidence that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit exist. Jesus has provided us with the answer, “–the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:17. It is not our responsibility to verify the truth. “But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.” 2 Timothy 2:23

Continue to witness that Jesus Christ is our Savior! With joy and peace, we embrace that Jesus is the Truth! And in our faithful obedience, we pray, “For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory. Forever. Amen! © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers, and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20

The outcome of our decisions either produces excellent results or bitter consequences. One thing is sure, it does not feel good to face disappointments and failure. Still, we require the hardships of experience, which are a natural part of life. We learn from our mistakes and the unavoidable things beyond our control. Changing our perception gives us opportunities for increased knowledge, courage, and to say good-bye to the destructive tendency of self-reliance.

When I attended nursing school, we had to learn theory plus demonstrate our expertise in the clinical arena. Whether our GPA reflected a 4.0 or not, proven competency was mandated by the Board of Nursing to deliver patient care. Our first clinical experience was with mannequins as patients, and many failed to render safe patient care in the simulated hospital environment. Yes, we faced the grading system of “Pass or Fail” with the limitation of two failures, and then the student was dismissed from the nursing program.

We have a Heavenly Father that lovingly extends grace and mercies [without limits] to us every day. Many become discouraged when failures and disappointments overwhelm their lives. Imagine a life possessing astute academic knowledge and using the learned behaviors of only rational and logical thought processes, which would prevent disappointments and fiery trials. You may think, “Yeah, that sounds great.” However, we would function on the level of programmed robots. Praise God that He did not create an army of robots. Human beings were given the highest cognitive abilities that no other living creatures possess. We do not act on instinct but have the free will to make good or bad decisions and the ability to fully recover from our hardships [if we serve God].

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7.

The greater the challenge, the more excellent the opportunity to develop our cognitive abilities and receive spiritual growth.

Daily decisions are required for the progression of life, which is dynamic–constantly changing. God is fully aware of every challenge we will face throughout our lifespan. Humanity was not created with a spirit of doing as little as possible. The human mind has unlimited learning potential. And the body is masterfully created in God’s image. We have heard many stories of individuals overcoming against all odds.

Yes, our Father desires us to achieve the highest growth and development spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Still, our accomplishments must align with dependency on Him. Straying outside of His will guarantees that we receive reminders: Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange was happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12

Prayer keeps us connected to God, increasing our spiritual awareness to receive guidance from the Holy Spirit. We always need God’s intervention. God can keep us from falling into the pit of adverse circumstances. Especially when natural disasters, job loss, or the death of a loved one happen without warning. How often have we thought of ourselves as innocent victims? Have we secretly thought, “Why would God allow this to happen?”

God answers the question, “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

We can have reassurance that God allows us to experience circumstances beyond our control to develop steadfast Faith, Trust, and Obedience. We are hard-pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. The Holy Spirit is within us and will always provide daily comfort and guidance when facing adversity. Yet, we must pray and ask for help.

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

Overcoming obstacles always require human effort. To “Be still” while God is bringing us through the process of building faith and trust or resolving our mistakes does not equate to us doing nothing. In our deepest agony, we must praise and worship God despite our feelings. It is the perfect time for fasting, praying, and studying the Scriptures.

Yes, we need to memorize Galatians 5:22-23 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22. God is LOVE. Do not be deceived by the enemy to view God as a punisher! Hold on to God’s promise: “The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8.

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. Psalm 34:17

When faced with a dilemma or loss, we most likely develop strategies based on prior experience or ask friends and family for advice and comfort. God has given us loved ones to provide emotional support. Still, we must approach God first. When family and friends have time constraints due to their responsibilities, God is available 24/7. Secondly, will we wait patiently until we receive His answer or endure the lengthy journey of emotional healing?

Persevere with your petitions! When experiencing grief from the loss of a loved one, our prayers for comfort are immediately answered by the Holy Spirit who is the Comforter. God’s promise: The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all. Psalm 34:18-19

Acceptance that spiritual growth can only occur from hardships allows us to change our perspective of God. Yes, it is difficult to understand, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 when our hardships appear to crush our very existence. Still, God is faithful.

Through the Lord’s mercies, we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

We cannot manipulate or prevent the harsh circumstances, but circumstances must not impede or cease the progression of our spiritual, mental, and emotional growth and development. God is giving us resilience and fortifying our minds to receive the victory that only belongs to overcomers! We are to assertively use our God-given intellectual energies to anticipate our reward of Eternal Life. Rejoice in knowing that learning from experience always reaps positive blessings of strength, confidence, and courage when God is involved.

To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. Revelation 3:21

Human Effort + Divine Intervention = A Victorious Outcome!

Prayer: God, we ask for your divine intervention to resolve our hardships and comfort for our broken hearts. Please give us the strength to endure our trials and forgive us for excluding you from our lives by failing to put You first. We pray for guidance. Thank you for your never-ending love, grace, and mercies. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. In Jesus’ name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers, and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries

Are you familiar with the entire chapter of Hebrews 11? As I studied verses 1-31, I easily recognized the names of the faith heroes from the Old Testament. Even so, I struggled to find why I was not familiar with the faith heroes of the remainder of the chapter [verses 32-40 ]. Nor could I recall hearing a sermon that included the heroes of the New Testament and their severe suffering for believing in and becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ. Still, the Apostle Paul gives us accurate details of their spiritual journey along with their unwavering faith. They are the believers in the Early Church.

Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still, others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. Hebrews 11:35-38.

Although many have endured hardships in their lives, nothing compares to the persecution of the early Christians [documented by the Apostle Paul]. In fact, how many of us can even imagine this level of suffering? Our spiritual eyes are always opened by the Word of God. Because God knows our hearts, He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. Another avoided message is the warning of “The Great Tribulation” in Matthew chapter 24. It is not with feelings of dread or fear that we should feel when we gain knowledge of our future. As faith heroes, we pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit who provides wisdom, discernment, and the reassurance that the Trinity Godhead will sustain us.

But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again.” Exodus 14:13. God does not change! The God who rescued the faithful in the Old Testament is the same God who the New Testament faith heroes believed would resurrect and give them the reward of Eternal Life.

To the faithful in 2022, establish and maintain your faith and trust in God. We decide to prepare ourselves daily for this spiritual battle of life. But never alone! God takes our human effort and with His Divine Intervention, we are victorious overcomers! Yes, we are promised spiritual strength from the Holy Spirit to “run with endurance the race that is set before us,…” Hebrews 12:1. Keep going!

We have this hope that burns within our hearts, hope in the coming of the Lord!

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” Revelation 22:12-13

Prayer: God, we pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit as we put on the armor to withstand our greatest enemy and prepare for your Second Coming. Help us to endure and persevere through our trials and sorrows. Thank you for never leaving or forsaking us. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers, and Woman, You Are Loved by God Ministries

Many look forward to the New Year as a time to achieve their personal goals. But challenge yourself to have a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Placing ourselves in His hands gives us confidence and courage, regardless of the seasons of life. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above… .James 1:17. God promises to give us only what is good and perfect according to our individual needs. Yes, Jesus is our Savior and the Source of our joy. Stay close and stay connected. In Jesus’ name. Amen.