Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

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

In Matthew 8, we learn of the Roman Centurion who asked Jesus to heal his sick servant. Although Jesus offered to come to his home, the Roman officer, said,“Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed.” Matthew 8:8. 

The story of possessing strong faith is something that Believers realize we must have in order to please God. And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6. But the Roman officer was not a Christian believer, yet, he possessed a level of faith that even amazed Jesus. In response, Jesus stated, “I tell you the truth. I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel.” Matthew 8:10.

If you are in a struggle, just say the words, “God, I have the faith to believe that you will take care of ___________________________.” God has promised that anything we ask in His name that He will resolve the challenge. God is bigger than all of our problems. Be encouraged and only believe. God loves us with unconditional love. Be encouraged and trust the process that God takes us through.

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

Bible Reading: Matthew 8:5-13

God, thank you for your grace and mercies. We come to you this Sabbath asking you to “say the words” that will bring victory to our situations. We believe that you will work everything out for our good. We praise your holy name and we trust you to work it out. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Human effort + Divine Intervention = Victorious Outcomes

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020

The Bible tells us of the Pharisees, a group of religious, elite legal experts who had the responsibility to teach others about the Law of God. But, the Pharisees had a hidden agenda, they appeared to be pious and devout; yet, they were corrupted by wealth and had the desire to oppress others. Because of their religious, social, and economic status, no one dared to question the oppressive religious rituals forced upon those who believed in the Mosaic laws.

Living a double-life was easily accomplished, the devout religious one that the public could see, and the secret life concealed from all but God. Full of pride and arrogance, the Pharisees always made sure that an audience could witness their acts of mercy, such as giving small amounts of money to the poor, or when they fasted, they twisted their faces to appear as if they were in extreme pain. Anointed as religious leaders, they despised the very individuals who desired to live according to God’s Word. The Pharisees possessed many biases and prejudices based on social standing, economic status, and ethnicity.

Interaction with ordinary people was limited to religious teachings in the synagogue. Because financial status and position determined the hierarchy of importance, they were relentless in their quest to make others suffer in the Name of God. You can do what you like, but not for as long as you want. Enter Jesus, who was human, yet Divine. He was aware of their secret sins and desires to use God’s Word to create a sense of hopelessness. Matthew 23 tells us that Jesus exposed and openly criticized the Pharisees: 

“Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples. The teacher of religious law in the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they do not practice what they teach. They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden. Everything they do is for show. Matthew 23:1-5

Now we can understand why the Pharisees paid Judas 30 pieces of silver to betray Jesus. They were corrupt and hid behind religion to perform diabolical deeds to those already in the struggle of life. As I read the Words of Wisdom from Ellen G. White in the following Devotional, I prayed for God to give us a heart full of care and compassion for all individuals. As Believers, we must possess a character that resembles Christ, who mingled and ministered to all people. 

Yes, we live in a world permeated and divided by social, economic, religious, and political differences. Still, we must examine ourselves for biases and prejudices. God created all of humanity in His image. If we believe and practice that concept, then we will not succumb to hatred. We will embrace the diversity that God has blessed us with and treat everyone as our neighbor. As we worship God, let us do our active part by welcoming those who are unloved, unwanted, and oppressed. It is up to us to alleviate the suffering of others. Have a blessed and peaceful Sabbath. © Sonya Johnson Ruiz RN 2020

Be Full of Compassion

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. Psalm 112:4

Wherever there is an impulse of love and sympathy, wherever the heart reaches out to bless and uplift others, there is revealed the working of God’s Holy Spirit. In the depths of heathenism men who have had no knowledge of the written law of God, who have never even heard the name of Christ, have been kind to His servants, protecting them at the risk of their own lives. Their acts show the working of a divine power. The Holy Spirit has implanted the grace of Christ in the heart of the savage, quickening his sympathies contrary to his nature, contrary to his education. . . .

Christ is seeking to uplift all who will be lifted to companionship with Himself, that we may be one with Him as He is one with the Father. He permits us to come in contact with suffering and calamity in order to call us out of our selfishness; He seeks to develop in us the attributes of His character–compassion, tenderness, and love. By accepting this work of ministry we place ourselves in His school, to be fitted for the courts of God. . . .

By cooperating with heavenly beings in their work on earth, we are preparing for their companionship in heaven. “Ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation,” angels in heaven will welcome those who on earth have lived “not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” In this blessed companionship we shall learn, to our eternal joy, all that is wrapped up in the question, “Who is my neighbor?”

Every act of love, every word of kindness, every prayer in behalf of the suffering and oppressed, is reported before the eternal throne and placed on heaven’s imperishable record.

© From My Life Today – Page 242 Ellen G White

 

Preparing our Character for Eternal Life

… but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue, we bless our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.…James 3:8-9

Misconceptions, misinformation, fake news, slander, rumors, and gossip are among the most popular things that many people believe. Yes, for some reason, we readily embrace and accept false information without questioning its validity. The negative headlines of tell-all have forced many celebrities into seclusion, or a broken friendship can lead an individual to disclose trusted information. How many real-life movies and books based on the exposure of sensationalized information are on the best-seller lists?

Acceptance of rumors and gossiping has also infiltrated our churches. Believers are not exempt from disclosing to other believers the spoken requests from testimonies and prayers. Many individuals have suffered hurt and embarrassment from having personal prayer requests shared with those who have no desire to pray for the resolution of the problem. There is nothing wrong with praying for others. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16. Sharing problems with the intent of bearing each other’s burdens as intercessors is what God expects of the righteous person, to pray on the behalf of someone else.

What is motivating us to share what someone else disclosed? Is it with good intentions? Even so, most of the time, we cannot tell the exact story as we read or heard it. Two individuals can witness an incident, and based on their perceptions, will relay two different accounts of what happened. But that is a different situation. Before we pass judgment on others for spreading news, whether authentic or fake, self-examination is required. Are we engaging in the same behavior? Think about how you are relaying the information; are you using selective words and being exact, or are you using many descriptive words to enhance and create an interesting story.

If so, why are we so attracted to sensationalized information?

“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” Jeremiah 17:9

It is an innate desire that leads us to pursue the good, the bad, and the ugly. Not that all ambitions are sinful or produce negative consequences. Still, our hearts propel us to seek out the counterproductive things that hurt others or hurt ourselves. Adam and Eve embraced Satan’s deceitful lie of becoming like gods if they disobeyed and ate the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Since God created a perfect home, everything they knew was excellent. The first couple had no concept of what “evil” was, but they desired to go against God’s commands. Satan used a beautiful serpent who mesmerized Eve by gently speaking to her. “Look at me, you will not die.” And she believed because the serpent could talk, something that the other animals in the garden could not do, so the fruit from the tree had to be good.

Satan always presents sin as a personalized, gift-wrapped present using spoken or written language to manipulate our minds. He quickly observes our behaviors that reveal our secret desires. Our senses of seeing and hearing trigger a domino effect; when we read or listen to tell-all news or misinformation, our way of thinking begins to change. We become attracted to lies that contain a sprinkle of truth to cover-up intentional misrepresentation, and then the habit begins.

Sensationalized news spreads like a raging fire. Word-of-mouth from one person to another is what writers, publishers, and the media depend on for financial growth. Misinformation based on the ability to present twisted stories is readily accepted by most and continues to be a billion-dollar industry. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! James 3:10

We must strive to turn away from the evil of speaking, reading, and hearing tell-all stories. With God, we can overcome the desire to embrace all sensationalized story-telling. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Proverbs 18:21. Ask yourself, “Does this information glorify God or enhance my knowledge to live a better lifestyle?”

Do not be hasty to speak, and do not let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are on earth. So let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2

Pray for deliverance! We can change habits that are not uplifting for our spiritual growth.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 2

God, we ask forgiveness for seeking after unrighteousness. The things that we use our eyes to see and ears for listening, are unworthy and sinful. We pray for your help to break all habits that continue to cause character defects and prevent us from having Eternal life. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

As it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17

Living a faith-based life requires a daily commitment to believe that God will be faithful in His promises. Often, when we face circumstances that are impossible for us to solve, we become discouraged and begin to doubt God’s power. But, know this, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Numbers 23:19

The Challenge is for us to stop placing limits on our powerful God. Yesterday, I was listening to the audiobook, Steps to Christ, and the author answered the question, “Why do we continue to doubt God?”

The usual tribulation that most of us experience involves financial shortages, our liabilities (bills) exceed our assets (money). Our first response is to try to figure out how we will handle the deficit from not being able to pay the rent, mortgage, vehicle payment, etc. We begin to think of the worst-case scenario, eviction, foreclosure, or repossession, and immediately switch over to the panic mode. When our circumstances are bleak, the mindset of defeat is precisely what Satan relies on; then, he places the seed of doubt and disbelief in God. During intense struggles, the Master Deceiver wants us to think that God does not love us and has abandoned us in the time of our greatest need.

In 1993, I shared an apartment with a roommate who worked for the real estate company that owned the building. Because of the employee incentive, the monthly rental fee was well below the market price. She handled the monthly rental transaction with the Building Manager for two years. Every year my roommate’s family traveled abroad for one month, so the expectation was that the rent would be paid two months in advance to include the month of travel. Even so, the plan did not include the unexpected eviction notice that I received two weeks after they traveled? Fear gripped my mind. My roommate had not paid the rent for three months.

Since my name was on the lease, I was responsible for the back payment. When I contacted the apartment manager, she relayed that the eviction court proceedings could not be stopped and that she was unable to intervene. The plot thickens, the manager was my roommate’s immediate supervisor, and responsible for Accounts Receivable. She was aware that my roommate had failed to pay the rent for three months. It was then, that I realized that both were involved in a pre-meditated plot that would lead to my eviction. 

Many years later, I am unable to remember all of the small details. However, I did not pack my belongings, nor did I panic, I fasted and prayed for God to intervene on my behalf. The following week, I sat on the bench outside of the courtroom, and prayed a short prayer, “God, I know that you will take care of me. Amen.” The Attorneys began to call out names of individuals who were in the same predicament as me. One by one, the waiting area emptied, sitting alone, I whispered another prayer. As I heard my name and proceeded to get up, the attorney asked me to sit down. He explained that he had reviewed my case, and we were not going before the judge. He gave me his business card and instructed me to contact the apartment manager and tell her that I needed a 6-month payment plan to pay the past-due rent.

Not only did God provide the extra funds, I never saw my roommate again. Due to the exposure of having a double identity, she was not allowed to return to the United States. It was a sad outcome for her family who had no idea that she was involved in illegal activities.

As I share this testimony, I would like to encourage someone who feels hopeless to pray, believe, and wait on God. Do not think of what you can do for yourself, think of the God who is our Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. We were created in the image of God. He is our Heavenly Father who will never abandon us in our time of need. The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. Psalm 24:1. 

Take the Challenge: Pray for God’s intervention! Do not focus on the circumstances. Faith gives us the power to believe that God has your situation under control. Study the Bible, learn His promises, and know that deliverance is possible. There are times that we will not be able to keep tangible possessions, or we may be required to learn new career skills. Trust God, His plans, and the process that He takes you through. 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

The Challenge is to assert your position as a Believer! Never forget the Source of our Strength!

31 “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. 34 So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:31-34

Turn your eyes (your mind) upon Jesus. He knows, He cares, and He provides.

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

Things to be thankful for:

What if we had a bank account filled with a set amount of grace and mercy? And deposits were made on a weekly basis…would we have enough to last for 7 days?

Would our withdrawals exceed the unmerited deposits given by God?

This Sabbath reflect on God’s love and His endless grace and mercies that we receive everyday without even asking. When we humble ourselves and pray for transformation, God does His part and gives without limitations.

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

Have a blessed Sabbath! Sonya Johnson Ruiz RN

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

God does the impossible all of the time!

Saul’s Conversion, found in Acts chapter 9, provides us with his transformation to the Apostle Paul and is one of the most remarkable examples of God’s Divine intervention for humanity. Saul did not make it his goal to seek and kill Believers based on hatred. No, this was not an emotionally driven mission. He was completely aware of the Plan of Salvation and what the “Lord’s followers,” believed.

1. The Christians that Saul desired to eliminate were the persons that accepted Jesus Christ as the Son of God and believed that Salvation could only come through Christ.
2. They also believed that Jesus, the Son of God died, was resurrected, and is in heaven. 9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:9-12

Saul was aware of the revivals and the increasing commitment of those in the early churches. There is a biblical mention of Saul holding Roman citizenship and having the status of being an educated man with wealth. Recall that the Day of Pentecost is recorded in Acts chapter 2; 3,000 individuals repented of their sins, accepted Salvation, and received baptism by immersion. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on that day was well-known by everyone, even if not accepted. 

Saul possessed theoretical knowledge of God in heaven, and Jesus, the man who performed many miracles and dedicated His life on earth to witness. But Saul, a Roman citizen refused to accept the Plan of Salvation, or acknowledge Jesus Christ as God’s Son. However, there were many individuals regardless of citizenship that did believe and experienced transformation. Whether or not, Saul used spies to seek out Christians, it was his intention to carry out the Roman law to persecute all Christian believers and hasten their deaths.

But God had other plans for Saul!

As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” 5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. Acts 9:4-5

Yes, Saul possessed knowledge that God and Jesus Christ, His Son, existed, and that is why he respectfully asked, “Who are you, lord?” On the road to Damascus, God revealed the truth that Saul previously disregarded. The voice from the heavens was speaking directly to him, but who was it that was speaking? Could this be Jesus Christ, the Son of God? At that moment, Saul acknowledged that God existed, but still had the doubt that Jesus was His Son and in heaven. God knows the heart. Saul’s conversion happened as soon as he asked the question, “Who are you, lord?”

The men that traveled with Saul also observed Saul’s life-changing experience. “Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus.” Acts 9:8. God’s Divine power was demonstrated to include Saul’s companions who heard a voice and witnessed Saul get up from the ground completely blind. He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. Acts 9:9

In reading the miracles performed by Jesus, He always made certain that witnesses were present. In biblical times, communication was not an electronic process based on an email or leaving a voice mail, which can often lead to a misunderstanding due to the receiver’s perception. It was by the word of mouth that Believers told others about the transforming power of Salvation. God further demonstrated His power by anointing disciples with the ministry of healing.

Can you imagine using direct contact as a method of witnessing? The Plan of Salvation would be preached to all, and we would be living in the New Heaven and the New Earth. Even now, we can pray and ask God to give us safe methods to spread the good news to others. 

Would you agree that Saul had inner conflict? We hear many truths in life, and if we choose to disregard them, our decision does not change the fact that the truth is the truth. But there is something about hearing the truth, even if you do not accept it, you cannot forget because God will always let the truth prevail. Jesus was aware that all Saul required was proof that He was the Son of God. With witnesses present, Jesus replied, “I am Jesus…” At that moment, a spiritual transformation took place within Saul’s heart, and he obediently followed the commands that were given to him.

And we know the rest of the story, Saul of Tarsus was transformed by God and was given a new name and a new life in Christ Jesus. The Apostle Paul, who began his ministry immediately, witnessed until his death. God anointed Paul to write 13 books of the Bible:

Galatians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Romans 

Ephesians, Philemon, Colossians, and Philippians (Paul wrote these during his first Roman imprisonment)

1 Timothy and Titus

2 Timothy (written during Paul’s second Roman imprisonment)

In reading his letters to the churches, the Apostle Paul always gave credit to the Holy Spirit for the inspiration behind his writing. The early church and the apostles accepted his letters as words from God. Paul’s writings, which are part of the New Testament still provide valuable instruction relevant to all Believers in Christ Jesus.

Most of us do not have the reputation that Saul of Tarsus possessed. Can you imagine the transformation that would happen if we asked, “Who are you, Lord?” Jesus Christ, the second person of the Trinity Godhead, our Heavenly Intercessor, would receive the invitation to enter our hearts, and we would welcome the Holy Spirit as those on the Day of Pentecost. Sin is so heinous to God that the Plan of Salvation required the death of Jesus Christ, His only Son. It was Jesus who said, “Yes, Father, I will die for all of humanity.”

Without Jesus’ death, we would not have the opportunity to receive redemption for our sins. It was an unselfish act for Jesus to give up His divinity for 33 years. He lived a life of poverty and suffering while on this earth, knowing that He would have to hang on a cross. But, the story doesn’t end there; God, his Father honored his Son’s sacrifice, Jesus was resurrected and is still pleading on behalf of everyone who accepts the redeeming Plan of Salvation. 

If you need a life-altering change, ask the question, “Who are you, Lord?” The Invisible God will become visible. Be prepared for a new way of thinking and receive an abundance of love, grace, and mercy. We do not have to look at redemption from an analytical viewpoint. Will our lives be perfect? I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33. Even so, life with God provides hope, which is a better option than life without God.

We have the opportunity to live faithfully in preparation for Jesus’s Second Coming. He has promised us a perfect life in the New Heaven and New Earth. And He has promised never to leave us or forsake us in our time of need. The least we can do is to accept our gift of Salvation by believing and receiving all that Jesus offers. 

“Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” …Revelation 22:12-13

Bible Reading: Acts chapters 1-3

God, we thank you for the Plan of Salvation. We confess and ask you to forgive us of our sins and shortcomings. Please give us a Day of Pentecost life-changing experience and teach us to be faithful until your Son, Jesus, comes again. 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.

 

 

“But I need this now!” The demands of instant gratification have permeated our mindsets and are displayed in our lifestyles. Many of us live with the concept that we must have our desires met with immediate results. Time is a valuable commodity. Why should we have to wait?

The majority of my life was spent in the Northeast, where waiting is not tolerated. Most businesses make sure that their customer’s needs are handled promptly. Anything less would plummet a company into bankruptcy. I must admit that patience has never been one of my excellent characteristics.

When I relocated to Florida, I was annoyed by the slower pace of life. I found a job in a faith-based retirement community that provided health services to its residents. There was never a dull moment. I enjoyed the fast-paced environment and interacting with the senior residents. At the end of 90 days, I reached a crossroads that made a difference in my life. During the performance evaluation, the Administrator explained that the residents were pleased. Still, I was task-oriented to the point that I didn’t recognize the need to have relationships with coworkers.

It took much effort to incorporate building relationships into my work ethic. I learned to enjoy interacting with my coworkers, who taught me how to have fun. The benefit of slowing down opened my eyes to learn an alternative way of thinking. No, I did not enjoy waiting but realized that it was not the end of the world if I had to slow down. God allowed me to see that the learned behavior of “hurry up” was detrimental to my well-being. But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Many years later, I reflect on the learning process of the benefit of patiently waiting. I suffered unnecessary consequences because of living in a state of urgency. When met with challenges, I prayed for God’s intervention but moved forward with my plans. God is not available on demand. Prayer is a privilege. It is establishing a relationship with God by being open and honest about our lives and inviting Him to resolve our dilemmas.

Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD. Psalm 27:14

When we ask God for help, we are relinquishing our approach to resolving the problem. Faith is believing that God will make the impossible things possible. Yes, your answer is correct, “Wait, wait, wait on the Lord.” “For My thoughts are not your thoughts; neither are your ways, my ways” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts…” Isaiah 55:8-9

God is still working on me. The consequence of impatience has impacted my life more than I care to admit. My prayer is to completely overcome the troublesome fast forward mindset that has interrupted my peace of mind for years. But God in His infinite mercy has allowed situations to arise in my life where I do not have a choice. I have to wait. Patience is a Fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23. Our characters should reflect the character of Christ. In studying the Bible, I have never come across a situation where God did not require patiently waiting in faith.

Do you desire peace? Then slow down and walk through life on bended knees. Wait on God to provide His Divine intervention for as long as it takes. But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:25. The promises of powerful blessings are available when we slow down and wait on God.

Bible Reading: Psalm 27

God, we thank you for the privilege to approach you in prayer. We ask for forgiveness of the sin of impatience. We thank you for the ability to change and ask for strength to possess the Fruit of the Spirit. This prayer we ask 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 written permission of the author.

 

 

 

July 2, 2019, I received a call from my husband, “I just lost my job, and I need you to come and pick me up.” The company based out of Colorado had taken several steps to remain viable in Northeastern, Texas. They merged two branch offices and leased a building approximately 45 minutes from where we lived. When the price of oil dropped, customers’ need to use maintenance services for their oil wells declined. The loss of our primary source of income impacted us in several ways:

• At 63, my husband would face challenges for re-entry into the job market
• Emotionally, his balloon had burst
• The perks of having a second vehicle, daily socialization, and most job benefits ended that day

As Seniors looking forward to a peaceful retirement that would happen someday in the future, we were displaced from mainstream society. With the stigma of age, we were unemployed and transitioned into a statistic representing those who are no longer considered valuable employees. From prior experience, I was fully aware of the pending struggles. During the time that I was single, two of my employers downsized and outsourced. The severance pay given by both companies was for two weeks, and the health benefits ended on the last day of the month. 

With the ravages of the pandemic, many individuals are in the struggle of their lives. We are experiencing tsunami-like effects from a virus-driven by its hunger to devour humanity. The despair is tremendous, and many have turned to pointless habits to ease the pain of their suffering. Yet, they fail to realize that recreational drugs, alcohol, gambling, and consuming junk food reap devastating consequences. In eight months, emotions have escalated to the point that people have suicidal and homicidal ideations, and as the young mother found with her two children in their vehicle, she chose to end the pain of suffering.

Worldwide we are in a crisis. Has God forsaken the very beings that He created in His image? The answer is emphatical, “No! Never!” Even so, the promises from God require action on our part: Human Effort + Divine Intervention = Victory.

Always Pray and ask for Divine Intervention. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes?” Matthew 6:25

There are no cookie-cutter approaches to life without a source of money. Once we have completed the grieving process and it must be expedited, it is time to make plans to move forward. Adapting to a new and different lifestyle is not easy, but it is achievable. I am not an expert but sharing some strategies that worked for us.

1. Make a financial budget. List your liabilities, including all debts, monthly bills, daily habits such as the coffee and bagel, etc. Areas of change: cable, cell-phone providers, grocery shopping-purchase in bulk, eating out, and impulsive spending.
2. Have a family meeting, children who are old enough to comprehend the need to be actively involved in financial strategies. Encourage them to express their ideas. You will be pleasantly surprised, feeling valued opens the door for a creative approach.
3. Online sites, such as thred-up, Mercari, and others, have hundreds of buyers looking for pre-owned items. Social media marketplaces offer a selling platform, and local community groups and churches need donations for families and individuals who are in desperate need.
4. Credit card debt will not go away. Pay the minimum payments—most auto financing offer at least one annual payment deferment. 
5. Mortgage payments usually involve a fierce battle. Consider all options to prevent homelessness. 

The loss of health insurance involves COBRA payments that are not affordable. If you are on the brink of not having coverage, taking these steps can ease the loss:

1. If you have monthly prescriptions, schedule a well-visit appointment with your healthcare provider and ask for a 90-day script with three refills. You will have enough medication for one year. Unless your condition changes, you should be okay until your next well-visit. Good-Rx works with local pharmacies to provide discounts. 
2. Most health benefits include three separate providers: medical, dental, and vision. According to your situation, if you can keep dental and vision, familiar professionals will provide treatment.
3. Primary Care physicians-Leave a message for the Office Manager to inquire about rates for uninsured patients. Explore other options if this leads to a dead-end. Currently, my husband receives excellent medical care at a faith-based clinic where reputable physicians volunteer to provide for the uninsured and underinsured.
4. You can visit healthcare.gov or contact your local social services department to find out whether you qualify for free or low-cost health insurance.
5. If life-threatening medical help is needed, go to the hospital. Legally, you must receive treatment that will stabilize your condition. Apply for charity services to alleviate the burden of expenses.
6. Dial 211 for Community Resources. Dialing 211 helps direct callers to services, among others, the elderly, the disabled, those who do not speak English, those with a personal crisis, those with limited reading skills, and those who are new to their communities.

Testimony: Since my husband’s loss of employment, he has sustained another loss–35 lbs of excess weight. Due to eating healthy, nourishing food, making frozen fruit popsicles, and eliminating all sugar, he is no longer on Diabetic medications.

There are many variables to consider when making life-changes. Each of us is in unique situations that require different steps and actions for positive outcomes. However, we do share something in common: God, who is our Heavenly Father, our Jehovah Jireh–the Great Provider. Pray, believe, and wait on the Lord!

“Be still and know that I am God; … Psalm 46:10

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! 2When 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, and the flames will not set you ablaze. 3For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; Isaiah 43:1-3

God, we have no one to turn to, but you. We ask for your intervention and blessings in our lives. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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

From msn.com: 27 million in the U.S. at risk of losing health coverage amid pandemic

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/27-million-in-us-at-risk-of-losing-health-coverage-amid-pandemic/ar-BB17Ba3y?li=BBnb7Kz

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

None of us are exempt from feeling anxious in times of adversity. Whether or not we have experienced the challenges that have left us deflated, our turn will come. Jesus tells us: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. Since the inevitable will happen, how can we move forward when troubles come our way? Pray, ask for God’s help, believe in faith, and wait for God to resolve the challenge. Even in the time of our worst storms, we can receive Divine intervention. Nothing can separate us from God who is always faithful, even when we make decisions that place us in a crisis.

In 1 Samuel 8, the Nation of Israel became dissatisfied with the structure of government that God established. They complained to the Elders who met with Samuel and said, “Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations have.” 1 Samuel 8:5. Samuel prayed, received God’s answer (1 Samuel 8:10-22), but, the people rejected God’s forewarning of the terrible things that a King would do; yet, they were determined to be like the other nations. After Saul became King, all appeared to go well, the Israelites defeated their oppressors in battle. What they failed to realize that God’s word never fails. The consequences of their demand for a king did not happen immediately, but as the events unfold, we can read that they were not spared from the consequences of their wayward actions.

God gave the people their desires and allowed Saul to be anointed as King. In time, Saul’s true character was revealed, he was prideful, and proved to be a poor leader who lived according to his interpretation of God’s commands. Because of his defiance against the boundaries and laws that God had established, 1 Samuel 16 tells us that God rejected Saul as king of Israel. The prophetic words that Samuel spoke came into fruition; Saul was a disobedient King who felt that because of his position he could perform priestly duties and place fear among the people by telling them that God gave him the ability to bring curses upon others.

As Believers, we cannot think and act according to our desires, God always requires faithful obedience from those who commit to serving Him. Where do you stand in your relationship with God? Are you serving God; yet, you desire the worldly pleasures, or pursue opportunities that promise financial gain or social status? We place ourselves in the valley of indecision when we struggle with the choices of self-reliance or asking for God’s will to be done in our lives.

What happens when God allows us to receive the things that are not in His will?

In January of 2017, I applied for the position as Branch Manager for a thriving Home Health agency that targeted our small town as the perfect location to take over at-home patient services. Within one hour of faxing my resume, I received a call to schedule an interview. All went well during the four hours that I was interrogated by the hiring team, and my documents were faxed to the corporate office to obtain government-level clearance, nursing licensure verification, drug testing, and a clean driving record. I was overwhelmed with excitement. For the first time in my career, I lived 10 minutes from the job location which made a big impact on their decision to extend an offer.

During the interview, I was given the opportunity to read the business and marketing plans. Based on my experience as a small business owner, the financial projections and ideas were phenomenal. The strategic plans for a big corporation doing business in a small rural town were developed for success and deemed fail-proof by the executive officers. The obstacle of recruiting a nurse who was business savvy and who did not mind working in a rural town was resolved. Living a few minutes from the branch office made a big impact, and I received a conditional offer for employment during the interview.

Praying a prayer of thanksgiving, I immediately prepared a list of point-of-contacts who would enable the success of the start-up and the onset of a lucrative career with many perks. Along with the sales rep, it was my responsibility to contact medical providers and obtain patient referrals to provide home health nursing services. We would also conduct community activities to introduce our services that we were available 24/7, 365 days a year. This was great; I had reached the pinnacle of my career.

Sharing the blessing with my mother reinforced God’s faithfulness, and we praised God together. During the conversation, we scheduled a Mother and Daughter day out for the day of her Drs. Visit. The plan was to pick her up after the appointment, but that morning, I had a pressing thought to meet her at the time of the appointment. Dr. K. is very personable, and my Mom loved the laughter that the three of us would enjoy during her visits. Although I had not planned to disclose my new job, my Mom proudly shared the great news of a local job as a Branch Manager. Dr. K. extended congratulations and invited me to share the details of my new position. I can recall the look of concern on his face when he replied, “I do not think it is wise for you to accept that position.”

The look of disappointment was evident because Dr. K. began to explain the many obstacles to large corporations attempting to infiltrate and change small-town lifestyles. Loyalty, familiarity, compassion, and care over financial gain were just a few reasons that would create a roadblock to my success. But the deadly wound was caused by his statement, “The organization that you mentioned has a bad reputation. I would not be able to give you patient referrals because the agency that I currently use has proven that their nursing staff is reliable and they provide excellent quality patient care.” I thanked Dr. K. for his professional input, but I was determined to prove that there were other physicians who would give the new agency a chance.

Two months of hard work, 12 hour days, and a dedicated staff failed to produce a patient census above 40 patients, which led to lay-offs of 50% of the branch’s staff. The day that I tendered my resignation, I was informed that a corporate decision was made for me to assume the position of Nursing Director along with my current administrative duties as Manager. Within ten months, the agency folded, and the building that they purchased has been empty for three years. It is intentional to leave out the rest of the story, due to a confidentiality contract. But I can say this: the forces of evil have no boundaries, and unscrupulous strategies were used to achieve corporate goals.

I placed myself in a crisis because I did not heed God’s warning. The desire to achieve blinded all spiritual discernment or else I would have known that God used Dr. K. to give the forewarning that my desires were outside of the will of God. Because of disobedience, I was exposed to corruptness at a level that I never thought possible. Even though I was not directly involved in executive decisions, God allowed me to experience the full consequences of my disobedience.

Did God abandon me? No, He did not. Even in the sin of self-reliance, God proved that He is always faithful. The second position that I interviewed for as a Medicare Analyst came through one week before my resignation, which I gratefully accepted. It was a 5-month temp job that offered the perks of working from home with flexible hours. Only God is always faithful! He still extended His grace and mercies when I least deserved them.

Make prayer a part of your daily lifestyle. Praying connects us to God, the source of power. He is the only Omnipotent, and Omniscient presence in our lives, knowing the beginning to the end that can provide a life without mistakes. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go: I will guide you with My eye. Psalm 32:8.

Steps to Praying prayers that keep us connected to God:

1. We must admit that we need God’s direction and Divine Intervention.
2. Create the atmosphere by having a loving, forgiving, and obedient heart.
3. Give up all willful sins, including self-reliance, pride, and impatience.
4. Live a faith-based life. God takes the impossible and makes it possible.
5. Trust God’s method. Be still, and wait! God will reveal His perfect plan.

Talk with God. Be honest by confessing your sins, and ask for His guidance. God is aware of our shortcomings, present your present dilemma, and acknowledge that you have run out of answers. When we approach God with humility and admit that we have wavering faith, He takes our weaknesses, and He gives us His strength to overcome. My friend, God loves us unconditionally, and He will deliver us from the spiritual crisis we are in if we only ask.

For I am about to do something new.

See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?

I will make a road in the wilderness

And create rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel chapters 8-10

God, we acknowledge that we have created a crisis, not knowing which direction to take. We ask forgiveness for the self-reliance and the worldly desires that we seek after, which are not in your plans for us. We present our dilemmas to you and pray for your Divine Intervention. This prayer we ask 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 written permission of the author.