Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. 2 Kings 6:17
Why are we worried? Who told us that God has left us alone to fight that BIG problem or that situation that’s been going on for years?
Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! Psalms 27:14 NKJV
Since the age of five, I have believed in Jesus. My mother was a woman of God who lived by the Word of God. She gave a simplistic explanation that Jesus loved and died for me, was resurrected, went to heaven, and was preparing a home in heaven where we would live forever. Attending church reinforced my belief that God is love, prompting me to love Jesus throughout my childhood.
But reality surfaced as I matured and left home. I noticed that my life was no longer manageable. One problem after the other bombarded my life, and eventually, I decided that serving God had no benefits. Truthfully, I did not study the Bible, nor did I have a consistent prayer life. It is “Human effort plus Divine Intervention that equals Victory.” I held God responsible for the failure of a thriving spiritual relationship with Him. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge [they do not know me]. Hosea 4:6
Many years later, in 2006, I met an elderly woman while shopping who witnessed to me about returning to my first love, Jesus Christ. I started attending revival services, made the commitment to follow Jesus, and was baptized [Human Effort]. Even so, God had plans to produce a different outcome [Divine Intervention]; the church had a New Believers program. I was assigned a spiritual mentor that helped me through the roughest times: The transition of renouncing–giving up worldly pleasures to serve Jesus.
And it is during those turbulent times, many believers fail to understand the purpose of hardships and how they are related to being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Your life becomes tougher: Serving God means giving up all of the ungodly people, places, and things you love and are familiar with. Yes, you may be living a clean and sober life and free from your past habits [Praise God!], but now that you are a member of the “body of believers,” which requires you to give up everything that prevents spiritual growth and inhibits your relationship with God. I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13. The Holy Spirit helps us to develop a new lifestyle that reflects our commitment to God. Everything changes when we become a disciple of Jesus Christ. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. 2 Corinthians 6:17
Learning to study the Bible and praying: Building the spiritual foundation with God requires diligently studying the Bible and praying every day. Here’s some unspoken guidance about prayer, if you can count the times you have prayed today, then you are not praying enough. Staying connected to the Vine-Jesus requires faith, trust, obedience, courage, strength, discipline, and self-control. [Read John 15:5]
Forming new relationships: I must admit that this is one of the most challenging parts of serving God. Jesus must become your best friend.“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6. You made the commitment to follow Jesus, so you must build your relationship with Christ first. God will reveal the friends that we need in our Spiritual-Social Circle. The Holy Spirit amazingly gives us the gift of discernment to know when the person or activity does not glorify God.
Forming new relationships, part 2: It is not easy making new friends at any stage in life. Even so, pray and ask God for guidance. Ask the Pastor to assign you a spiritual mentor if the church has not provided one. If you accepted Jesus without church intervention, then you may have to accept isolation for a little while. Do not despair! Remain obedient to God. He will reveal the path [the plans] that He desires for you to follow, including a Bible-based church. Pray and wait on the Lord. Do not follow an emotional response to cope with being alone. Put God first! Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? 1 Corinthians 10:22
Our life becomes full of peace, joy, and happiness: No, this is not a contradiction. “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” John 16:33. Pray and ask for help! “God, I’m having a tough time. I need your help. Amen.” Enter the spiritual team of God, the Father, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit, our Teacher, and Comforter, along with messenger/guardian heavenly angels who we have on our side. What worries should we have? “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14
Know, understand, and embrace the trials, tribulations, and temptations: We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and difficulties, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5
Our characters must align with God’s requirements. Every trial, tribulation, and temptation is to produce the Fruit of the Spirit within us: 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
Trust in God: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Need Encouragement? Jesus says, “I am he that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:18. Saints of the Most-High God, never forget: Victory belongs to Jesus! Amen and Amen!
Nothing is worse than trying to recover and putting the pieces back together from making a wrong decision. Most of us can recall a time when we thought that we would lose our minds. But we made it. Yes, somehow, we made it through the impossible time.
But have you ever thought about how the pieces came back together? God says, “I change not,” extended grace and mercy that you probably did not recognize as Divine Intervention. Matthew 5:45 NIV says, “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” God also blesses those who oppose Him because He is fair and just.
Do you recognize the blessings [small and great] and thank Him with a prayer of gratitude? God created us to fully depend on Him. Yes, it is His intention to keep us from making life-altering mistakes by asking for His plans to be revealed in our lives (Jeremiah 29:11). We were not created to endure suffering and hardships because of our disobedience. There are many times when other people cause immense grief in our lives. Even so, God who knows our future. Nothing that happens comes as a surprise, there are no oops moments with God.
Our outlook when experiencing trials and sorrows depends on our perception of God. If we view God as [a little god], then our faith and trust in Him will be nonexistent. But for those who view God as “Mighty and Powerful” have the assurance that He will bring them through the toughest hardships. Yes, we will have to persevere as we endure God’s silence and His extended waiting times for deliverance. And how will we react when the outcome differs significantly from our expectations? We must not lose hope. Remain as courageous and confident as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who boldly proclaimed, “If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” Daniel 3:18.
And who was the fourth person in the fiery furnace? None other than the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
Why are we feeling depressed, worried, and anxious? As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are on the Who’s Who list with God. He knows our name, needs, the number of hairs on our head, and our strengths and weaknesses. And, never forget, we are the only created beings made in His image, not the angels or the animal and plant kingdoms. Jesus died for humanity. That is the greatest love we will ever know. No earthly status compares to our level of importance when we align ourselves with Jesus, our Lord, and Savior. The reward is eternal life living in a New Heaven and New Earth forever and ever. Amen.
In 2002, I relocated from Upstate NY to New Jersey following the layoff of my nursing position. Unemployment barely provided enough money to pay my monthly expenses. The process for obtaining my NJ RN license was close to $400, which left me with no options other than to work in New York City. As I sent out resumes, I was excited because of the 90% response. Red Flag! Deciding on the right fit was based on the highest salary. Since I had worked for Division of Parole and in Behavioral Health, I decided to take a position in an all-male inpatient Rehab facility. The job was excellent, with one exception: the location required on-street parking.
Before the first day of orientation, I received a call with instructions to call the facility on arrival, give the exact location of where I parked, and an escort would be sent to accompany me to the locked facility. Red Flag! Although my orientation schedule was from 7 am-3:30 pm, my schedule would be from 2pm-10pm. At 6:40 am, I called, the escort arrived at my car, and I began to wonder why I required a male staff. When I questioned the security guard escort, he responded that it was the facility’s policy. At the end of the shift, I received instructions that I could not make eye contact or speak to any “individual hanging out” by my vehicle.
When we arrived at my car, 10 or 15 gang members were strapped with guns in full view . Yes, it was only 3:45 pm. “Remember what I told you.” As I started my car, I decided that I would not return the next day. At 5pm, I received a call from the Administrator, “How was your first day? I realize what you have seen may have surprised you, but we have never had an incident with our nurses. There is a level of respect on the streets when you are doing good for their community. Give us a chance and see you tomorrow.” All when well the first week. But on Wednesday of the following week, at 10 pm, I looked, and three men were sitting on the hood of my car. The guard immediately told me to let him handle the situation. I said a prayer and responded, “No, it is my car. I will handle this.”
The conversation: “You know what guys, I’m tired, I have a long ride home to Jersey and you are sitting on my car.” They started smiling, “We are sitting on her car.” So I asked, “Do you know who I am?” which brought laughter. “Okay, I will tell you. I am the nurse at the Odyssey House.” Immediately, I received apologies from men with guns, tatted with gang symbols. I said a quick thank you and drove off. From that day forward, I was told to park on that street, and they would always provide protection for me and my car. After a couple of paychecks, I obtained my NJ nursing license, and I resigned.
Fear was not something that I felt because I knew that God would answer my prayer and heavenly angels were protecting me, not men with guns. I have never been exposed to that level of danger again. But I would definitely count that as one of my worst “Red Sea” experiences.
And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord. 11 Then they said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness.” Exodus 14:10-12
Although many individuals have never experienced the compromise of their physical safety to that extreme, we have another level of fear: the uncertainties of life. Mental illnesses among believers [in the Most-High God] are at an all-time high. The sermons have changed from preparing for Jesus to come again and having faith and trust in God to steps for relieving your anxiety and worries. The hymns, “Tis So Sweet to Trust In Jesus” and “Great is Thy Faithfulness” are songs of the old-time believers. Now lyrics include, “God, its me, not feeling like getting out of my bed this morning” and “God, where are you? Not feeling near to you, at all.”
This morning during worship, God reminded me of this gang-related incident. Our feelings [including mine] are out-of-control. We are not living faith-based lives, nor do we trust in God. When adversity and hard times hit, our first response is self-reliance. Instead of immediately asking God for help, like the Israelites, we feel that God has left us alone to fight our battles–Red Sea experiences.
And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.” Exodus 14:12-13
“The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” Exodus 14:14
Jesus told us that our lives will be full of hardships: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] John 16:33, Amplified Bible
God, is aware of every sorrow, trial, and hardship in our lives. We are not abandoned or left alone to figure out the answer. He is waiting for us to ask Him to fight our battles. If you do not memorize any other verse in the Bible, please remember this one: “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too difficult for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27
Prayer: God, we need your help. We have forgotten how to pray, our faith is weak, and we trust in our own abilities. Please forgive our doubt and unbelief, and for neglecting you through prayer and study of the Bible. We desire a relationship with you built on faith, trust, and obedience. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
I pray that from his glorious unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. Ephesians 3:16-17
Many carry the burdens and cares in their lives [spiritual weights], which prevent us from receiving spiritual growth. Spiritual growth is evidenced by faith, trust, and obedience to God under all circumstances. The people we love and trust will either help or hurt our spiritual health [our relationship with Christ].
Our enemy knows that we desire to have loving relationships and why not? God said it is not good for man [or woman] to be alone. Genesis 2:18. Even so, God does not go against His word. God created man and woman and intended for them and Christ to form the foundation of the family.
Our First Love: Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” Matthew 22:37. Our first priority is to have a rock-solid relationship with God. Only then are we prepared for God to give us our soul mate.
Limited ability: We cannot judge a person’s heart [their character]. The exposure to the dark underworld when working in the Criminal Justice system taught me that people can thoroughly trick us with masterful manipulation and deception. The smiles, gentle words, and attention may not be genuine. How would we know?
Seek a love relationship with Jesus first: May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:19
Pray for spiritual discernment: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Dedicating 30 days to redirect my focus on God, the Problem-Solver instead of the trials, hardships, and sorrows has resulted in active knowledge–a personal experience of the power of Prayer.
If Jesus was sitting in the same room with you, what would you say to Him? And that is exactly the scenario that I think of when I pray.
Prayer is a time of intimate communication with God. In fact prayer is so vital that Romans 8:26 (CSB) tells us that: “In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings.”
And Jesus, our Intercessor is presenting us as faultless before God when our prayers of confession and repentance are prayed with humility and honesty: “Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” Romans 8:34
Our Spiritual Team is actively working on our behalf for us to receive our reward of eternal life. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.” 2 Peter 3:9
Be alert! Pay attention to the subtle deceptions that our adversary and most powerful enemy attempts to use against us. Serving God places us in continuous spiritual warfare. Yet, we know that God will always be in control. Satan does not have unleashed power. He is a bully who causes situations to arise and vex our souls. This is why we stay prayed up…when problems begin to escalate, say that prayer out loud.
But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13-14
Last week, I called to schedule medical transportation and the agent was giving me a hard time. I said, “God, help us with this problem.” Immediately, her tone of voice changed and she asked me to please hold while she checked the schedule. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7.
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.” Jeremiah 31:3.
Dedicate time to spend with God in prayer. Prayer increases our faith and trust, and honors God. Our reward, He unleashes His mighty power against the enemy, and brings victory to our situation. Servants of the Most-High God, pray continuously over every aspect of your life. God is faithful. He never fails!
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25 NLT
Reflect on the name of God–Jehovah Jireh. How strong is your belief that God is your Provider? We readily accept and believe the promises made by people whose promises are dependent on the right circumstances. Do you doubt that your employer will pay your salary as agreed? Yet, many individuals have lost their jobs, benefits, and pensions due to bankruptcy during the pandemic.
Most of us are guilty. Deep within our hearts, we pray, but we doubt God’s promises to take care of us [to supply all of our needs]. God always comes through on His promises. Sadly, we are the obstacles that block our blessings. It takes the human effort of total belief [faith] in Jehovah Jireh to receive. He is the God who sees and knows exactly what we need when we need it. All He asks us to do is: Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding Proverbs 3:5.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9.
God has given each of us with a seed of faith. Faith requires constant and consistent action; trust and obedience are necessary for our seed of faith to grow. Would we buy a houseplant only to let it die because of lack of water and sunshine? Absolutely not! Faith is the key to having an abundant life complete with peace and confidence because we believe that we serve the Most-High God. But without faith, it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6.
Our Father hears and answers every prayer [in His own time]. The test of faith requires waiting. We are accustomed to instant gratification, which causes us to expect an immediate answer to our prayers. But we do not serve a “hurry up” God. He tells us to wait. During the waiting period, either our faith grows stronger or weaker. Do not give up! Patience produces total dependence on God!
Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalm 27:14
Faith allows us to see God as our only Provider. Live your life with confidence. And never forget, in the seasons of darkness, Jehovah Jireh lovingly holds us in His hands.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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