Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:14

The year 2020 deflated the motivation and zeal that many individuals have always possessed. But they let themselves get distracted by the civil unrest, political strife, and deadly disease that has caused the death of human beings at an unprecedented rate. Now that humanity faces a variant of the original COVID-19, we face a pathogen that our rapid response vaccine may be powerless over. Even so, we must come to our senses and recognize the power of God. He still extends grace and mercy, or else we would not be alive. Yet, many feel even more discouraged because they desire that God destroys the COVID-19 organisms to resume their everyday lifestyles.

This is the message that God conveys to us in 2021:

6 Seek the Lord while you can find him.
Call on him now while he is near.
7 Let the wicked change their ways
and banish the very thought of doing wrong.
Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.
Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.
8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.”
9 “For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:6-9 NLT

Thankfully, God knows the future. We are instructed to present our requests to Him through prayer. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6. And most of us are obedient as we excitedly tell God our lists of desires. But, deep down inside, we are praying, “God, please give me what I am asking you for.” Our desires often stand in the way of accepting God’s answers to our requests, which are: “yes, no, or wait, I have a better plan.”

For this prayer, I received a response of “yes” in December 2020.

I want to share my miracle of healing that happened when I was in the hospital on December 7th-8th. On Sunday, 12/7, I was admitted to the Short Stay Cardiac unit for chest pain. I had a team of three Cardiologists come in to see me on Monday morning. Based on my diagnostic test results in May of 2019, which diagnosed a blockage in the lower left side, they wanted to perform a surgical procedure on Tuesday, 12/9. I refused and told them that I wanted a current non-surgical diagnostic test first, and based on the results, if I had to have the surgical procedure, I would agree to it.

The Doctors told me that it was a waste of time because there was no way that the blockage that showed in my heart in 2019 would not have progressed and worsened. Since 2019, I prayed for control over my appetite, and to lose the desire for junk food. Additional changes included eating a plant-based diet and incorporating exercise into my lifestyle. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance. 1 Peter 1:14

Before the test and during the test, I prayed and asked God for healing, and to show His miraculous power to this team of unbelieving Philistines.

Two hours later, three Cardiologists were shocked and surprised that the test results showed no blockage, and I was discharged immediately from the hospital on Monday evening.

I am still praising God. Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24. God is still working miracles for His honor and His glory. Amen. Sonya RN

Currently, I have presented another petition to God, and have been told “no” twice. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5. Now, I must obey and: Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD! Psalm 27:14

God, we place our lives in your hands. You have promised to take care of us, and we ask forgiveness for our disobedience, and unbelief. Help us to realize that your plans are above and beyond what we can do for ourselves. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2021, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission.

At the age of 40, I was one of two applicants accepted for the RN nursing program in Upstate New York. I knew that God intervened because I had applied to several nursing programs in New Jersey that replied with provisional acceptance based on a one-two year waiting list. I received my acceptance letter from the Upstate program within two weeks of sending my application. While reading the terms, I was surprised that the starting date only gave me ten weeks to relocate. How would I accomplish this impossible task? The questions of doubt and disbelief flooded my mind. Was this really a blessing from God?

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” Luke 6:6

Knowing that I had a significant decision to make, I was wavering between excitement and fear. The problem was: At the time, I was involved in a beautiful relationship full of love, nurturing, and happiness. Please believe that my significant other did not share my joy when I explained that I was moving four hours away to pursue my educational goal. He extended the offer to move in with him without the pressure of having any financial responsibilities. Then I could attend a program in New York City as a full-time student. My mind was confused. I had a decision to make, which path would I take?

The Spiritual Dilemma

During this romantic involvement, I was not obedient to the will of God, but I had boundaries, “I did not believe in living together.” Since the age of 15, I worked and provided for myself. During our relationship, I never asked for money. Although we were deeply in love, I always knew that we were unequally yoked. Not because of the lack of respect, love, or his generous spirit, he did not believe in marriage or worshiping God.

According to the world’s standards, he was a good man who worked hard and was financially savvy. He owned a beautiful condo and possessed financial wealth, but God was never as much as an after-thought. I was only told his story from the rise from rags-to-riches one time. Because he gave himself full credit for his accumulation of wealth due to his rational and logical financial strategies, I was unable to mention God to maintain a peaceful existence. 

Yes, I was living the life that many have only dreamed of, but I was caught in the web of compromise. Would I be willing to give up the lifestyle of the rich but not famous? Perplexed by this dilemma, like the prodigal son, “I came to my senses.” Even in my fallen, prodigal stage, there was still a God in heaven that I believed in, and that belief brought me to my knees.

“For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,” says the LORD, “plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 AMP

God revealed his answer by allowing a smooth transition from being gainfully employed in New Jersey to relocating to Upstate New York and living in my apartment as an unemployed student nurse. God provided scholarships and grants to provide for me financially. Upon graduation, I was hired as one of the first graduate nurses in a pilot program to work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I obeyed and followed God’s plan, completed the nursing program, and worked as a Registered Nurse for many years.

Twenty-two years have passed since I was faced with the choice of obeying God’s plan or following selfish desires. When we commit to serve God, we also commit to total obedience. Without love, faith, and trust in God, we fall back to our previous habits of self-reliance. Have you noticed that trials and tribulations regularly test us? God is not trying to destroy us. He desires that we stop making mistakes by trusting in our abilities. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. 1 Peter 1:14

Facing dilemmas may never end. Even so, life with God provides the blessings of peace despite our circumstances. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5. Ask yourself, “how do you view God?” Can you put aside your doubt and fears, pray, and wait for God’s divine intervention to resolve your circumstances? Reflect on the impossible situations that you have faced. You did all that you could do, yet, nothing worked out. When you least expected it, God rained down blessings, unleashed His mighty power, and you received a miracle. 

The Amplified Bible: Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20

I share this testimony because someone is facing a dilemma. You believe in God, but your mind is wavering between conflicting thoughts and actions. Pray and believe: Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27

Pray and confess:

I need God’s peace to transform the way I view my current situation.

I need God’s peace to remind me that God is always in control.

I need God’s peace to guard my mind against anxious thoughts. 

God, we thank you for being our Jehovah-Jireh (provider). We ask for your Divine Intervention in our lives and the peace that only you can provide. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2021, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission.

“Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.” Matthew 12:30

The “neutral ground” is a strip of land running through the middle of a two-way street, most commonly known to other American cities as a median. During the early 1800s, neutral grounds were canals used for transporting goods throughout the city; others were used for rail and streetcar lines. Although the city of New Orleans has incorporated the use of neutral ground in its development, neutral ground in the 21st century, for the most part, constitutes an area that is of little use or purpose.

Many individuals have taken the position of neutrality: “I don’t get involved in that.” Throughout their lives, they take the stance of doing nothing by never actively participating for or against any problems facing humanity. Yes, they will readily engage in conversations regarding the pandemic, family issues, social injustices, poverty, political dissent, and civil unrest. But the bottom line is they have created a purpose for neutral ground, it is their comfort zone, and they do not intend to budge from that location.

The problem with living on neutral ground is that they “see and don’t see.” The focus of their lives is inward. It is a “me, myself, and I” proclamation of self-preservation. Neutrality produces inactivity. For the most part, human behavior is predictable. If a person has a selfish spirit, they can’t reach out and alleviate others’ suffering, nor is it possible for them to wholeheartedly serve God. Standing on neutral ground is a sinful character defect. It is a deal-breaker for receiving the reward of eternal life.

To substantiate these statements, we must refer to the scriptures.

1. “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” Matthew 22:36-39
2. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:19-20
3. He has told you, mortal one, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
4. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:17
5. Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:17

Since the pandemic, neutrality has also invaded the body of believers. There are church leaders and members who have done relatively little to reach out to other members and their community suffering from emotional and physical losses.  We readily utilize our cell phones for multiple purposes, but not to call and provide spiritual encouragement. Our love for others is an indication of our love for God. To whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48). If you have heard that line of wisdom, you know it means we are held responsible for what we have. If we have been blessed with talents, wealth, knowledge, time, and the like, it is expected that we benefit others. https://law.utk.edu/2016/05/10/

In creating humanity, God has defined the purpose of our lives. We must look beyond ourselves with a spirit of obedience, and one of active participation. Being employed on a 40-hr per week job does not fulfill God’s divine purpose for our lives. God directs us to observe the ants who are always busy with their activities of intent and purpose.

1. Go to the ant, you slacker! Observe its ways and become wise. Proverbs 6:6
2. There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise: 25 Ants—they aren’t strong, but they store up food all summer. Proverbs 30:24-25

Even so, animals do not have free will. They instinctively act from the innate nature that God created them with. On the other hand, God has provided us with guidance and His expectations through the Bible, His Holy Word. We have the option not to follow God’s commandments and instructions; however, there is a high price to pay for the disobedience of doing nothing and standing on neutral ground. “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.” Revelation 22:12. Still, we can easily remove ourselves from the lose-lose situation of neutrality by loving and obeying God, and meeting the needs of others. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? 1 John 3:17

Love (and Obey) God, Love Others, and Love Yourself!

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2021, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission.