Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit. 3 John 1:2

Even as a young girl, reading and researching have always been among my top priorities. So you would not be surprised when I said that the library was one of my favorite places. Weekly, I anxiously awaited selecting the six books allowed for a 14-day checkout. Because I am a Baby-Boomer, I did not grow up with the World Wide Web. My childhood consisted of pencils, pens, paper, hard-copy books, learning to write cursive, and calculating mathematical problems without a calculator.

Do you think that those are antiquated ways of a former life? If you follow my blog, you know that I have embraced technology with an open mind. Even so, for 12 years, I tutored students and realize that technology and the new style of learning has presented severe challenges. How many parents are desperately seeking tutors for their children, or adults who have the desire to pursue higher education but have given up because of virtual limitations, digital books, and poor study habits? 

I decided to do some research by searching the internet “for effective learning techniques.” Excerpt from the article:

The world we live in is a constantly evolving one with new disciplines and skills arising every year. With so much to learn and so little time, employing the right learning techniques is essential. 

According to research, here are the best learning techniques:

1. Distributed Practice. 

2. Practice Testing. 

3. Interleaved Practice. 

4. Self-Explanation. 

5. Elaborative Interrogation. 

6. Retrieval Practice. 

https://www.lifehack.org/860370/learning-techniques

The author of this article has written learning techniques based on scientific studies that are new and improved that promises to produce a successful outcome. But my question is: If our world is dynamic and constantly evolving, it would be a small percentage of individuals who would even have the time to learn the complexities of these scientific methods.

I did not have these techniques when I self-studied in 1994, for four months and challenged the college course of Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2, and passed. Nor did I have knowledge of scientific-based strategies when I pursued my Nursing degree and maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout the program. Please know that I am not boasting about my abilities. I was one of two nursing students that were above the age of 22. Believe me, 40 has never been the new 20. The struggle to complete a nursing degree at this stage in life involved sacrifice. During my educational pursuit, I ceased all social activities. Praying for understanding and the wisdom to apply nursing theory, critical thinking, and quick, accurate judgment to always deliver safe patient care was only possible with Divine Intervention.

I do know that prayer, faith, and miracles are not scientifically based. Yet, I have a life-time of testimonies that proves God always does the impossible. Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” Matthew 19:26. Without technology, I would be severely limited. Now when I provide volunteer tutoring services, I combine old-school methods with technology to facilitate success. The point that I emphasize is not everything new and improved provides successful, positive outcomes.

There is another false concept that has crept into modern-day society, “The Prosperity Message.” For the Believer, Jesus Christ is our role model. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7. According to historians, a manger was an apparatus to feed cattle. When we study the life of Christ, He was born in a place where animals were fed (probably comparable to a barn). The Son of God began a lowly life and continued to live a life of poverty. Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Matthew 8:20

Striving for financial gain is not supported by the scriptures. Remember the story of the rich, young ruler who desired to follow Jesus? 

Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Matthew 19:21-22. 

It is the behavior of unbelievers who love money to seek wealth and prosperity as the first priority in their lives. “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24. When we love God, we embrace and accept His definition of prosperity, seeking after Him to gain spiritual growth and development.

If financial success is not God’s definition of “to prosper,” then what do verses such as 3 John 1:2 really mean? “Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.” We know that our spiritual component exists for the sole purpose of having a relationship with God. Created in God’s image means that we were created to serve and worship Him by always staying connected through faith, prayer, and diligent study of the Bible. Serving God means that we give up the sin of self-reliance. Our purpose is not to acquire more money; “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4. The Believer’s prosperity is spiritual growth and development!

With God, we can enjoy a never-ending supply of God’s love, grace, and mercies. Jesus provided us with the answer for having prosperity: Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33. When we strive to live holy and acceptable lives, we do not need to focus on money. Our Heavenly Father sustains and provides for all of our needs. What does it mean to seek God? The Contemporary English Version of Matthew 6:33 says, But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.

Jesus emphasized to His disciples: 

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, also believe in me.

2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:1-3

Our present earthly journey that we are living is temporary. Revelation chapters 21 and 22 provide us with God’s plans for our future, living eternally in the New Heaven and the New Earth. Plainly spoken, we will receive immortality, a life without sin, death, sorrow, trials, or Satan. God has promised us happiness and joy forever and ever. Amen! Gaining eternal life and living in a perfect world more beautiful than any place we have ever seen and having face-to-face communion with God is the ultimate definition of prosperity. Can you imagine meeting Jesus and personally thanking Him for sacrificing his life for us?

Today’s standards may proclaim that the acquisition of wealth enables one to reach their fullest personal potential. And modern-day sermons may include that God desires for all Believers to enjoy financial prosperity. However, our Role-Model, Jesus, left instructions for us in the Bible that are still pertinent to modern-day Believers. Rely on God, He will give us spiritual prosperity that will last eternally.

I have no desire for the most expensive purse or clothing, nor a bank account bursting at the seams. All I want to do is to see Jesus! To gain Eternal life is the prosperity that I desire. Until Jesus comes again, I will continue to spread the message of His unfailing love, and the Plan of Salvation. While the world seeks after wealth, the Saints of the Most High God have the hope that burns within our hearts, Jesus Christ is coming soon! And that is a reward, which the prosperity of money can never provide. 

And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.…Philippians 4:19-20

Bible Reading: Philippians 4

God, we thank you for your Son, Jesus, who died and rose again that we may have Eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth if we so choose. Please reveal to us your truth and give us the wisdom to dispel new and improved theories that are not biblically supported. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission. 

Going on vacation requires a lot of preparation and planning. Even so, moving to another place requires much more effort. Identifying the things that we need to keep and give away usually causes the most distress. Yes, packing and unpacking are the least favorite things that are on our to-do list. But when we are excited about moving to a new home, moving is not a struggle.

How are you preparing to move from this earth to the New Heaven and New Earth?

Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. ” Matthew 22:37-39

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Ephesians 4:31

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

Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14

We are nearing home! Do a thorough soul-searching and ask God to reveal all character defects. Ask forgiveness and for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is coming soon!

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right Spirit within Me. Psalm 51:10. Amen.

Have a blessed day!

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission.

Not a DIY Project!

For as long as I can remember, I have loved DIY projects. I have tackled everything from yarn to macramé to metal, but refinishing accent furniture made from wood is my favorite. To find a vintage item and do a complete makeover or repurpose an item for a different use makes my day. Usually, I can look at an item and receive a creative vision. Yes, I admit that I am addicted to Do-It-Yourself (DIY) projects. 

Without realizing it, I placed myself on the list of DIY projects. I decided to work on the ungodly character trait of impatience, which has always led to frustration and irritability. The steps to getting rid of impatience were carefully written on my dry-erase board. I prayed a prayer of confession and repentance, asking God to help me to change my character defects (yes, I have a couple more) that are displeasing. Even so, I approached spiritual growth as a DIY, with the mindset of, “I can do this, if I try harder!”

The problem: I thought too much of my abilities. Whenever a situation arose that tested my commitment to change, I failed the test by reacting in the same manner. Changing my behavior was much more challenging than I anticipated. Would I ever make progress? After a track record of failures, I prayed and asked God to reveal what I needed to do. God always answers our prayers. In my YouTube feed, a sermon entitled, The Cry of Desperation, provided the answer to my predicament of stunted spiritual growth. 

Solution: Stop the behavioral reaction by immediately praying for God’s help to overcome. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13. Not asking for help from my Spiritual Team, God the Father, Jesus His Son, and the Holy Spirit, every time I faced the temptation led to the same repetitive response. Through prayer, I admitted that my character has flaws; but it took time to finally realize that I am not a DIY project.

Without Divine Intervention, the change that we desire will not happen. Possessing the Character of Christ requires teamwork: Human Effort + Divine Intervention= Victorious Outcomes. When self-reliance causes us to place too much confidence in our abilities, we set ourselves up for a big letdown. The Apostle Paul tells us of the human dilemma: I do not understand what I do. I do not do what I want to do, but what I hate, that is what I do. Romans 7:15. 

Change begins with the acknowledgement and acceptance that we are fully dependent on God. Our Heavenly Father lovingly forgives us, You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:19. Asking for repentance allows us to turn our lives over to God, faithfully trusting and obeying Him, and asking to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Again, the Apostle tells us to …Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. Philippians 2:12

Two scriptures provide us with God’s requirement for our character traits. Striving to be like Christ means that we must walk through life on bended knees:

1. 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
2. Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14

Commit to Have the Attitude of Christ. Remove yourself from the DIY list. We have a Spiritual Team to rely on that has our lives in their hands. Remember, we can tap into our Team’s supernatural power any time of the day or night. Our Faith plus Divine Intervention keeps us on the Path of Righteousness. Never give up! Soon we will receive our reward of Eternal Life in a perfect world without sin, sickness, or the sorrow of death. Hallelujah! We can depend on God!

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12

Bible Readings: Colossians 3, Living the New Life

God, we desperately need your help to change and achieve spiritual growth. We admit that we do not pray enough, and we ask forgiveness for the omission of staying connected to you. God, we renew our covenant with you to always seek your Divine Intervention. As we observe the Sabbath, we ask to be filled with your Holy Spirit. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Holy Name of Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission. 

Yesterday, I read a poetic narrative of one woman’s journey that included the sadness of disappointment. Her story reflected the bad experiences of many who have endured the heartache of broken relationships. The intentional severing of a relationship can occur between employer and employee, husband and wife, friends, family, and members leaving their church. (Please note that death, which also ends relationships, is not included in this article.)

Breaking bonds with another person or employer always causes an intense emotional reaction. Although it may result in freedom from an unhealthy relationship, let’s face the facts, it still hurts. The immediate response will always be deep-rooted hurt. A hurting heart feels as if you have lost your ability to breathe. Individual reactions may include anger, resentment, and regret; however, if these unhealthy feelings are not controlled, they will grow like weeds in a beautiful bed of flowers. And that is the concern, Cry as often as necessary, but do not let the actions of another individual destroy your ability to love.

If I could have the choice…I would never wish a broken heart for anyone, including myself.

We do have a choice: to live for the present, plan for the future, and involve God, who is the greatest Healer of broken hearts. Whether we are shattered from grief, or at the happiest time in life, we have a spiritual umbilical cord that is connected to God. Because God is Omniscient, all-knowing, our broken heart comes as no surprise to Him. For every challenge that humanity suffers, God has already given us His promise of Divine Intervention.

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. Psalm 147:3. Yes, we are devastated, and God knows how we feel because He is the Creator of humanity and the Giver of Unconditional love. I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! Isaiah 65:24. When we are brokenhearted and need comfort, all we have to do is say, “Lord, please help me!”

Healing is a process, and it begins when we ask God for help. Exercising faith and believing in God’s promises unleashes our Heavenly Father’s power for complete recovery. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17. God did not create us as fragmented pieces. How do we know this? Consider your mind-body connection; every system and the structure and function of the human body is synchronized to function as a whole. Only God has the capability to take our brokenness and make us whole again. God is our Jehovah Jireh, who takes our mental instability, emotional despair, physical impairments, and lovingly removes all residual effects as if we never experienced sorrow.

Admit that you are grief-stricken, pray, and cry. Take a baby-step, by writing down at least one thing that you are thankful for every day for the rest of your life. Live every day as if it is your last chance for happiness. Do not worry about your future. God has your life in His hands. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:33-34

Please know that many changes happen when relationships are severed. The home and neighborhood you love, the double-income, and having that particular person share your life will probably cease to exist. Continue to pray hourly, be courageous and take the additional steps to move forward. Think about your lifeline, those friends who love and care about you, they are your resources. Please do not get caught up in telling them about the intimate details of your severed relationship. A simple explanation, “We are no longer together,” or “I am no longer working on that job” is enough information.

Maintain your focus by asking for help from friends and family to rebuild your life. Just remember that not everyone can offer financial assistance. If you need to move in 30-60 days, then ask at least 2-3 people for help to look for alternate housing. Research for community resources and continue to always trust in God. We were created to help one another. God never abandons us. He still provides everything that we need to live a healthy and productive life. Just remember the storm cannot and will not last forever.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;” Isaiah 43:1-3

God, Please help us. Amen.

God Knows

When life’s problems seem to overpower the soul

And many things happen which we cannot control

With all of our struggles and heavy tasks

Jesus will lighten our burdens if we only ask

How many times in the course of the day?

If we didn’t have suffering would we take time to pray

If we would seek God in sunshine and in rain

He wouldn’t have to remind us by sending pain

In all of our weaknesses He knows what we would do

So, through hard trials we gain strength anew

© Esther Johnson 1997 (My Mother)

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the written permission of the author.

The year 2020 has brought significant changes to the lives of most people. Whether we perceive our situation as better off or worse off, the mechanism of evolution is dynamic. Many resistant to the New Normal of taking steps to protect their health by wearing masks and social distancing have decided to adapt by using personal protection against COVID-19. The prevalence of a persistent global disease was enough to disrupt our plans for the present and the future. Even so, we accept that our lives will never be at a standstill. The resilience of the human race becomes evident as we develop strategies to continue productive lifestyles. 

The 2000s were a tumultuous time for nurses as patient documentation transitioned from pen and paper to electronic records. The technology was by no means as sophisticated as a modern EHR, but all the foundational elements were there. Creators of systems became more interested in achieving standardization and courted the leading health organizations of the time… https://www.icanotes.com/2019/04/16/a-history-of-ehr-through-the-years/.

As we tackled learning technology, I can recall IT trainers who became frustrated with the nurses who repeatedly disrupted the learning process by verbalizing Electronic Health Records complaints. Finally, an administrative decision was made to address the resistance. Either they would embrace the transition to electronic records or resign. Many of my nursing colleagues resigned from their positions. At the time, the average age of a Registered Nurse was 52. Although other industries embraced the transition to electronic records, the healthcare profession lagged due to the resistance from many nurses and physicians. 

Are you resistant to change? For those of us who rely on God to solve our challenges and trials, we believe that God will answer our prayers as we anxiously wait for a victorious outcome  But were you aware that when God solves our problems that His answer requires us to experience change?  “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” Isaiah 55:8. Reflect on a few of your answered prayers. The will of God always requires the redirection of change. Did you embrace God’s answer, or did you resist by following your mindset?

In my desperation, I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Psalm 34:6,8. We should not attempt to analyze or understand God’s ways. King David explains what God requires of us. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:17. God requires humility, faith, and obedience from those who love Him. And that means that we must change to please God!

Although I was in my early 40s when Electronic Health Records was introduced, I embraced the change. Yes, it was a challenging, uphill journey, but I persevered. The outcome of my struggle:

• a global website
• using social media
• paying my bills online
• researching the internet
• reading eBooks
• staying current with local, national, and world events
• playing a few games downloaded from Google Play Store

To many individuals, advanced technology is not even an afterthought. But, I am proud of my abilities at this stage in life. I can smile and admit that technology has changed my life for the better. Even so, there are times that I pick up my journal and write in cursive, just to remind myself of another time and place.

Bible Reading: Psalm 34

God, thank you for the beautiful blessings that you lovingly provide for us. Please help us accept your answers and realize that change is necessary for spiritual and educational growth. Thank you for loving us, for protecting us, and for providing resolutions to our problems. We pray this prayer in the Worthy Name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission.

Are you aware that God loves to give us gifts? When you are not feeling your best, that is the perfect time to learn about God’s character. I will share a few Bible verses that provide absolute proof that He is the best gift-giver.

Gifts of Love

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 106:1

If you received an assignment to describe your character traits in three sentences using descriptive adjectives, how well would you do? There are hundreds of scriptures in the Bible that give us a complete description of God’s character. When we learn who God is, the invisible God demonstrates His love in active ways that make Him visible in our lives (a gift). Yet, many of us do not take the time to know God. Our Heavenly Father is loving, compassionate, merciful, patient, and faithful. 

Praying and studying the Bible not only tells us who God is, but the Bible provides real-life accounts of the unconditional, never-ending love that God gives to ordinary people, like you and me. Creating the human race was one of the most incredible acts of love, but there is something else that supersedes being made in the image of God: God gave His one and only Son, Jesus Christ to suffer, and die on the cross.

Jesus’ death brought us Redemption for our sins. Although humanity has fallen deep into sin, we have the option of receiving Eternal life (a gift). I have read Revelation chapters 21 and 22 many times. But even with an active writer’s imagination, I am unable to fully comprehend what life will be like in the New Heaven and New Earth, forever, and ever. Nor can I recall the thousands of times that I have messed up, and God still embraced me as His daughter, and readily forgave me of my sins (a gift).

I am more than grateful that God is my Father. No matter what I go through, God has always been there for me (a gift). I invite you to get to know your Heavenly Father and establish a love relationship with Him. Through prayer and the Holy Scriptures, we can learn for ourselves that God is Love! Receive your gifts! Unconditional love, no other individual can love like God, because He is love, and that’s the greatest gift of all.

Bible Reading: Psalm 106

God, we just want to thank you for creating us from love and giving us your unconditional love and forgiveness. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission.

Beautiful and calming song of blessing. How tender and compassionate is the love of our Heavenly Father.

Go outside, find an open area, and look as far as possible. Your goal is to identify your endpoint, which is the distance you can recognize what is ahead of you. Even with 20/20 vision, our eyes cannot see over the horizon–the point of limitation. Of course, there are assistive devices such as binoculars and telescopes, which enable us to view objects beyond the capacity of the scope of our eyes. Even so, we will agree that our vision, which is highly valued, has limited abilities.  

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

Now let’s focus on our spiritual eyesight. Many of us restrict the power of God because we only believe in the solutions that we can develop. Self-reliance cancels out faith in God by placing Him in a tiny box. Because we do not believe that God is Omnipotent, and can deliver us from our hardships, we become despondent and easily discouraged. Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1. Just because you cannot see beyond the horizon does not mean that nothing is there. When we fixate on our limited abilities of self-reliance, we are saying, “God, I do not believe in your supernatural power.”

There is something that I especially love about God. He knows our weak level of faith in Him, yet He patiently waits for us to take the first step onto the Path of Faith. Living a faith-based life is accomplished by taking the focus off of our limitations and the circumstances, and saying, “Yes, God, I believe that you will fix this problem, and I will patiently wait for victory.” Pray a simple, plain-spoken prayer. Admit that your faith is shaky, and ask God for what you need Him to do for you. Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Isaiah 55:6. 

We do not have to wait until our situation is in dire straits in which our situation has escalated to the point of being extremely bad or difficult. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith. Matthew 21:22. As soon as the challenge arises, stop, pray, and ask God for His Divine Intervention. Believe in God and His promises: I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! Isaiah 65:24.

Faith is the telescope that allows us to see God’s unlimited possibilities. Go ahead, remove the obstacle of doubt and disbelief! With trust and determination, take the first step, and put your spiritual foot forward on the Path of Faith. Believe in God! “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 55:8-9

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Bible Reading: Hebrews 11

God, we come to you today, asking forgiveness for placing you in a tiny box because of our limited vision. We have the desire to completely believe and trust in you until you bring us deliverance and victory. As we strive to live a faith-based life, we commit to bring every challenge to you in prayer and to wait for your answer. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission.

God does not ask us to do in our own strength the work before us. He has provided divine assistance for all the emergencies to which our human resources are unequal. He gives the Holy Spirit to help in every situation, to strengthen our hope and assurance, to illuminate our minds and purify our hearts. 8T 19. Ellen G. White

Never give up. Pray, pray, pray, have faith and wait. Happy Sabbath!

From Deliverance to Rebellion 

There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up. “This is amazing,” Moses said to himself. “Why isn’t that bush burning up? I must go see it.” Exodus 3:2-3

When God appeared to Moses through the burning bush, the Nation of Israel suffered extreme and harsh oppression. Knowing that God was the only one who could deliver them from slavery, they fervently prayed for freedom. Because they believed in and worshipped an invisible God, the Egyptians punished them severely for not honoring their gods and bowing down to their idols. Thinking that God had abandoned them, the waves of discouragement hovered like a dark storm clouds.

As Moses stood by the burning bush, The Lord told him, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering.” Exodus 3:7. God’s Promise: So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey… Exodus 3:8

Although Moses received the command, “Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.” Exodus 3:10, Moses was afraid of the people of Israel and their oppressors. But Moses protested, “If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ they will ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what should I tell them?” Exodus 3:13. Moses believed in the God of his ancestors but did not have a relationship with God based on faith and trust.

Because of his overwhelming fear of Pharaoh, Moses took his brother, Aaron. Together, they delivered God’s message to Pharaoh to let the Israelites go into the wilderness for three days to offer sacrifices to their God. But, Pharaoh replied, “Is that so?” retorted Pharaoh. “And who is the Lord? Why should I listen to him and let Israel go? I don’t know the Lord, and I will not let Israel go.” Exodus 5:2. Pharaoh represents Satan and his attempts to inflict hardships on those who love and serve God. Even so, we know how the story ends, continue to pray, wait, and watch for God’s supernatural power.

Recap: In the Devotional, Facing Opposition, published on 10/7/20, I shared my testimony of the harsh oppression that I suffered in 2011 on my job. Like the Israelites, I also became discouraged. Although I prayed every day for deliverance, God did not alleviate my situation immediately. He knew the trials that I had to endure to eliminate the sin of self-reliance and to bring me to the state of total dependence on Him.

After meeting with the Director with the intent to resign from the job, she became friendly and established a working relationship, But, the change in her attitude from antagonistic to pleasant was short-lived. She began to abuse her authority by delegating an excessive amount of administrative duties, which extended my already long workday. I prayed for alternate employment, but another job was not in God’s plans. No matter how many jobs I applied for, God did not allow me to find another job.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11. 

Many of our trials are severe. Please, Do not give up! I am a living witness that when God resolves our problems, He brings complete victory. God used an unexpected method to settle my work-related challenges. My oppressor was terminated from the organization when the Regional Director found a hidden file containing patient related fraudulent documents. Whatever you are facing, pray, endure, and wait on the Lord!

God’s Promise: I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! Isaiah 65:24

The story of Israel’s exodus from bondage to freedom reveals God’s unconditional love and compassion for humanity. Like Israel, we are overjoyed when God resolves our hardships and gives us a victorious outcome. Even so, many of us suffer from weak and wavering faith. We easily forget that God has delivered us from the bondage of past trials and tribulations. When faced with the present challenges, we react with uncertainty and fear. Do not be deceived by doubt! It is faith that is the key to opening the door to victory. God has not and will not abandon us. 

Following the death of his firstborn son, Pharaoh freed Israel but changed his mind. Pharaoh, along with his best soldiers, pursued the Israelites to recapture and enslave them again. But God tells us, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” Isaiah 55:8. In Exodus chapter 14, God provided for their escape by parting the Red Sea as they safely walked through on dry land.  When all the Israelites had reached the other side, the Lord said to Moses, “Raise your hand over the sea again. Then the waters will rush back and cover the Egyptians and their chariots and charioteers.” Exodus 14:26. The power of the Invisible God drowned Pharaoh and his army.

Unfortunately, many people were enticed by the worship of idols and secretly participated in paganism while in Egypt. It did not take long for the faithless to desire the pagan rituals of their former oppressors. While Moses was on Mount Sinai communing with God, the people demanded that Aaron make them a visible idol. Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron and said to him, “Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” Exodus 32:1. 

Aaron, who witnessed God’s miraculous power, was cowardly, fearing for his life, he gave in to the people’s demands for a pagan idol. And Aaron said to them, “Break off the golden earrings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” 3 So all the people broke off the golden earrings which were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. 4. And he received the gold from their hand, and he fashioned it with an engraving tool and made a molded calf. Exodus 32:2-4

Do not be deceived! From a spiritual perspective, we can identify with the Israelites. We forget about the situations, the worldly habits, and the former relationships God has delivered us from. We begin to look back and desire the people, places, and things that separate us from God. Reflecting on deliverance and maintaining a spirit of gratitude through prayer allows us to instantly recall God’s love, grace, and mercies, and thank Him for our victorious outcomes. In return, all God requires of us is to serve and worship Him with faith, trust, and obedience. Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD! Psalm 27:14

God’s Promise: I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. Isaiah 46:4

God’s Promise: Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid. John 14:27

God’s Promise: And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Revelation 22:12-14

Saints of the Most High God, “Do not be deceived by Satan!” We can learn from the history of Israel that faithfully serving God is our best option. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7. 

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:31-33

We have an Omnipotent, Heavenly Father who has plans for us: The reward of Eternal life, immortality, being reunited with our resurrected family members who also served God, and life in a perfect New Heaven and New Earth forever and ever. Amen.

God, we pray for the courage to live a faith-based life, always trusting in you, despite our circumstances. Thank you for loving and taking care of us. We look forward to the day when we can live with you forever in the New Heaven and New Earth. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission.