Living by Faith – Page 18 – Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions

Here’s to Your Mental Health: Desire a Peaceful Life?

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:3-4

As I read this verse, I thought of the many comments on social media from Believers who are distracted by the annoying things of life that we have no control over. The annoying stuff has sticky fingers that will grab our minds, and before we realize it, we are entangled in a web of nonsense and stressed out. Most of the time, we are unaware of how and why our lives are in disarray. We cannot control time, but we can use it well. Nor can we restrict other people’s words, actions, and behaviors, but we can choose to eliminate unloving, toxic relationships.

Yes, each new day brings challenges. Even so, we possess the resilience to handle those challenges. We simply have to teach ourselves to overlook the petty [little] things and reserve our brainpower for tackling the essential issues. Expenditure of our time and energy on matters of priority results in mindset changes, chaos disappears, and we transition into peaceful living.

Honest reflections: Say a prayer of commitment to identify and develop strategies to eliminate all distractions and nonproductive habits. List the little things that wreck your inner peace. Then list your habits [habits are not considered little things] that must change, such as setting things down wherever and then when the item is needed you cannot find it. Always rushing and arriving at work with 1-2 minutes to spare? One of the most important habits that sets the brain in motion for an organized day is to make your bed every day.

For families: Insist on everyone making their bed. No, the little ones will not get it right, but it is a vital teaching moment to establish a life-long habit. Also, every person cleans up after themselves. Expect resistance from children, but meet resistance with the no-option approach. You are teaching structure and discipline that will be required in every aspect of their lives. Think about your employer and their policies–there is minimal leeway on the expectation to adhere to the workplace rules. Your home is not a military base. But it should reflect cleanliness and a neat appearance.

Time to implement the action plan: With the advancements in technology, we rarely use our hands to write. Purchase a journal with an artful cover and identify a quiet place where you can relax in solitude. Taking the time to journal awakens a tired brain–thinking clearly produces deep thoughts. And writing enhances eye-hand coordination. Take a large desk calendar and make it a wall-hanging. Write in your daily goals, eliminate the guesswork, which provides a sense of control and empowerment to accomplish as much as possible. Remember to be flexible.

Sources of contention: Always running late? When working, I commuted at least 40 minutes from home to my job. I allowed 60 minutes just in case the unexpected happened. My clothing was prepared for the week and left-over dinner was packed along with other goodies in my soft cooler the night before.

If you have ever wondered how organization, structure, and discipline could change your life, read the Creation story in Genesis. God does everything with intent and purpose. Since we are created in His image, we have the innate ability to actively pursue a lifestyle that reflects godly habits. Our spiritual health is greatly impacted when we cannot overlook the annoying stuff. Without organization we invite chaos and confusion into our homes, which should be a safe haven and comfort zone.

The mind-body sympathizes with each other. If we expend all of our energy for unimportant issues, when life-changing events occur, we completely fall apart mentally and emotionally, and experience physical exhaustion–total burnout. How does this happen? Our relationship with God has weakened. We did not have time to study the Bible, our prayers were fast and meaningless, and we assumed responsibility for too many cares and burdens.

Pray, make a plan, present your plan to God in prayer asking for His divine intervention. Also, take frequent mini-mental breaks throughout the day. A short walk during the work-day or lunch alone in your vehicle can boost your energy level. We have five senses. Look around your environment at the trees or flowers, even look up. Are the cottony clouds hiding the sun? When you need to regroup, take a day off to have fun. Whether you make plans for your day or you desire spontaneity, ask yourself, “What can I do besides sleeping in for most of the day?” Find a reason to laugh, and most importantly, thank God for His blessings of grace, and mercy. Here’s to our Mental, Emotional, Physical, and most importantly, Spiritual Health!

Bible verse: 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

Prayer: God, we need your divine intervention to restructure our lifestyles. We have neglected our worship with you and for that sin, we ask for forgiveness. Thank you for the ability to incorporate change into our lives. And thank you for fearfully and wonderfully making us in your image. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

Your Greatest Accomplishment

The Betrayal

How would you react to betrayal from someone that you loved? Anger is usually the first response. The emotional pain runs deep, almost to the point of your breath being taken away. But you come to realize that retaliation is not the answer to moving forward.

Let’s add a twist: How would you react if you found out ahead of time of the plot of betrayal? Again, this situation would require logical and rational thought processes, not an emotional reaction.

In the late 80s, I accepted a position as a Medical Terminology Instructor at a Vocational school. The requisite of the position was to develop a syllabus that the State Education Department would approve for the accreditation of the Medical Secretary course. In addition, I included learning tools and study plans. The syllabus was approved, and all was well. After four months on the job, on Wednesday, one of the other male teachers asked me to stay after class. He assured me that it was strictly business. Mr. Jones [name changed] relayed that Friday would be my last day because the school’s owner was bringing back the former [older] instructor who was unemployed, and since I was younger, it would be easier for me to find another job.

I was devastated but knew that I had to develop an action plan. So on Thursday, after the work day ended, I gathered all of my study plans and teaching tools [not part of the State’s approval syllabus] along with my personal effects. When I arrived Friday morning, the former teacher sat in the lobby. I had never seen her before that morning, but I knew it was my replacement from the description. I was told by the secretary to see the Administrator immediately.

When I sat down, the owner simply told me that I was being terminated because of complaints. I asked for clarification, to which he responded that he did not have to provide that information. I handed him the keys to the building in an envelope. The look on his face was priceless. But the story does not stop there. I received a call within one hour from leaving the building with a threat to report me to the State if I did not return the additional teaching materials. The expectation was that they would have all of my supplemental teaching plans and student learning guides.

Knowledge of the betrayal gave me time to call the State and explain the pending situation. I was not required to provide the school with any materials that they did not provide or pay for outside of the syllabus packet submitted for their approval. Divine Intervention: Unemployment hearings were conducted via conference call with both the employer and former employee on the phone. The Adjudicator asked the owner two questions: 1. Why was I terminated? 2. Did I receive any disciplinary actions or warnings for the alleged infractions? Not only did I receive approval for unemployment, but God also provided additional monies for all of my necessities until I found employment.

Just when we think that our suffering is too great to bear, the scriptures remind us of the suffering that Jesus went through for humanity.

When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” John 13:21.

Jesus washed the feet and ate the Last Supper with His disciples including Judas, the disciple who would betray Him. Which one of us could have possibly known a betrayal plot like this and allow it to happen? Not one of us! Reading the stories of the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we recognize that Jesus is so much more than we realize.

It is my prayer that one day each of us will receive our reward of Eternal life. I want to meet the Savior who suffered, bled, died, and was resurrected, so I can bow down on my knees and say, “Thank you, Jesus!” I can only imagine.

Bible study: John 13

Prayer: God, we just want to thank you for the Plan of Redemption. And, Jesus, we thank you for giving your life for us that we may have eternal life if we so choose. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

Here’s to Your Health: Grades A-D

My career as a nurse mainly consisted of employment in non-traditional settings with two positions in the Criminal Justice system. The NJ State of Corrections had a minimal correctional facility in Trenton, where I served as Health Administrator. In my initial interview with Mr. Oliver, the Director was pleasant enough with only one warning, “If you get involved with any of the residents, your nursing career is over.” No chance of that ever happening!

The most interesting information he shared during the interview was that the Food Services Director was a chef. Mr. Oliver gave two reasons: 1. The foods you eat impact the spiritual, mental, and emotional components as well as the physical body. 2. The chef was also contracted as his personal chef and prepared his daily lunch and dinner.

Truthfully, I had never encountered a man like Mr. Oliver, who was always in a good mood but strutted around the facility on his rounds like a peacock. So, the other nurse and I dubbed him “The Peacock.” We accused him of being arrogant and decided that we would never marry a man like that. Keep this thought in mind. We will refer to it later.

One morning, I overslept. It was my habit to take my lunch, but I did not have time. Because of the re-entry process, the medical staff did not leave the facility during their shift. Lunch for the residents was from 12-1 pm, and for the staff from 1-2 pm. At 1 pm, I went to the dining area to ask for a plate [residents also had kitchen duty]. But then I heard the chef’s voice, “I will take care of the nursing staff.”

Our conversation:

“Sister, how are you? What can I do for you?”

“I am hungry, overslept and did not have time to fix my lunch.”

“Sister, you do not want to eat this food.” I gave a blank stare and remained silent. “You know that I am a Chef?” “Yes,” I replied.

“Food is graded from A-D with D being the lowest that is not fit for human consumption, it is usually fed to animals, and our food is grade D.” I ended up eating a peanut butter sandwich and drank bottled water.

Fast forward 20 years, and 98% of my food is organically and responsibly grown. Many argue that organic food is a waste of money, and that’s okay. Nor do I eat food from fast-food restaurants, as the majority of individuals frequent. I am not here to judge. But this is what I know. At 62, I am in optimal health. I have several diagnoses that are stable. The Grade A nutrients that I feed my body, along with the power of God, have healed me mentally, emotionally, and physically and have resulted in increased cognition and energy. My spiritual relationship with God has reached a deeper level because my total health is optimized.

Back to Mr. Oliver, I was wrong. It was not arrogance that made him strut around like a peacock, nor did he take happy pills or drink energy drinks to make it through the day. No, this was self-love that honored God for creating him in His image. Twenty years later, I fully understand Mr. Oliver’s enthusiasm about life. I also enjoy happiness [inner joy], the high-energy level, increased mental acuity, and the knowledge and wisdom of taking care of one’s temple. In fact, I, too, find myself doing the “Peacock strut.”

Bible verse: I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well. Psalm 139:14

Prayer: God, we thank you for making us in your image. Help us to start and maintain the journey to achieve optimal health. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Following Your Heart?

SHOUT the Cry of Victory 30 Days of Prayer Day 16 Happy Sabbath!

Pursue happiness. Go for it. Follow your dreams. Live well. You only have one life. Look out for yourself.

Self-seeking gratification is at an all-time high. This behavior is the standard for most unbelievers, but are you aware that when believers make plans without seeking God’s approval, we are also guilty of pursuing our desires? For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. Romans 8:7

I can recall looking for a travel bag. I went to my favorite store first, and there it was the perfect bag. As I walked toward the bag, another person picked it up. No! I wanted that bag. But then something happened that I have only seen one time in my life. The woman bowed her head, prayed, placed the bag back on the rack, and walked away. Greedily, I grabbed the bag off of the shelf and thanked God for my blessing. But was it a blessing? I missed the message that God was sending to me. At the time, I had a serious problem with impulsive spending. I had three other travel bags, but I desired something new.

The story may seem insignificant. But following our heart’s desires always leads us in the opposite direction of God’s plans for us. Our goal is to always stay in sync with God by following His directions, which keep us on the Path of Righteousness. Even Jesus placed God’s will above His own. Everything He did pleased God. Saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Luke 22:42.

Part One of Surrender and Submission: Incorporate Jesus’ prayer before planning your day-to-day activities, pursuits, and schedule. Present your short-term and long-term goals to God in prayer. We can rely on God to always answer our prayers with, “Yes, No, or Not Now.” Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5. Pray and wait for God’s answers. Imagine living your life and never making another mistake because you seek God’s will first.

I developed an action plan: Every day, I pray, “Not my will [which only seeks to please myself], but your will for my life. God, help me to recognize your answer to my prayer.” Amen.

Part Two of Surrender and Submission: We wait until God gives us the answer. “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:6. How will I know? God never makes us play the game of chance. When He speaks, you will know. Our position is to remain passive. We do not have to keep praying about the same situation. God never forgets.

Every aspect of our lives is a test to build our character and keep us humble, obedient servants of the Most-High God. Remember, it was our choice to make a covenant vow with God. And His expectations will always place us in the position to prove that we love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind.

Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character hope. Romans 5:4

Bible Study: Proverbs 3

Desires of the Heart

Humanity shares a common trait, and that is to aggressively pursue the desires of the heart. We desire the dream house, career, vehicle, lifestyle, and above all, the forever relationship with the perfect soul-mate who will help us achieve our goals. So what is wrong with wholeheartedly pursuing your dreams? Nothing at all! But there are exceptions.

When I decided to start a tutoring business for nursing students, I had a firm knowledge base of nursing theory and clinical practice. Even so, I had to teach entry-level students critical thinking skills and nursing judgment who were unable to choose the correct nursing action for the given patient scenario. On the exams, they were presented with four possible answers [with two being distractors], yet, they always chose the incorrect answer. Nursing programs are based on guided study, lectures, textbooks, and clinical practice. But the root of the problem was their lack of reasoning skills. Please know that Nurses do not have leeway. The wrong decision always compromises the patient’s safety.

Following the desires of the heart:

The Reality: The primary issue is not our desire to dream or developing strategies to achieve a fulfilling life. What happens when Plan A hits roadblocks? Most of us have not developed Plan B because we never anticipated failure of our initial plans. You may think, “that is a pessimistic outlook to develop short and long-term goals, and also think of developing alternate plans just in case things don’t work out.” Whether we choose to embrace this concept or to disregard it, the uncertainties of life are sure to happen.

Teaching the common sense of nursing was challenging, but I was confident that I could complete the task. However, after extended research, I realized that I was not equipped to tutor anyone but myself. So, I changed my short-term goal of immediately registering my business. I became a full-time student, enrolled in online courses for teaching adult learners and Business Management classes. Plan A was developed with immediately following the desire of my heart, which left me without the necessary skills. Developing Plan B was worth it. I enjoyed 12 years of helping others to reach their goal of becoming a nurse.

Anticipate and prepare for the roadblocks or the detours when pursuing your dreams. Our excitement often prevents us from seeking much-needed professional advice, completing the necessary research, and gaining additional knowledge. We can never know enough! Approaching our goals with the mindset that we are on a life-long learning curve equips us to meet and overcome the challenges of achieving our goals.

The consequences of following the heart and disregarding professional advice:

One of my worst experiences happened because I did not listen to the physician who told me not to accept the Branch Manager position at a Home Health agency. His main concern was regarding the business operations of that particular company because it was well-known for its shady reputation of cover-ups and manipulation of actual circumstances. I will never forget these words, “Sonya, you are a Christian, I cannot imagine you compromising your belief in God to participate in illegal activity.”

Two months into the job, I knew that I had to get out. After the management conference call with the corporate office, the words of warning echoed in my mind. Divine intervention to the rescue! God helped me in a time of trouble. The regional Nursing Director visited my branch a couple days after the call to relay a corporate decision. Since I was a Registered Nurse, I would have to assume the dual role of Branch Manager and Clinical Director effective immediately. As she walked out of my office, I closed the door, asked a prayer of forgiveness [for disobedience], and gave my resignation letter.

Truthfully, we cannot anticipate most of life’s detours. But when we refuse to acknowledge that our plans may not work out, then the D’s hit hard: The fruits of Disappointment are Discouragement, Distress, and Defeat. Some individuals are resilient and bounce back by immediately developing new and improved strategies, but that is not typical. Our emotions can easily tilt to an unhealthy place when facing adversity. But we have a solution: 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

It has taken most of my life to give in and present my plans to God first. Finally, I realize that I need to have faith and believe in God’s promises. My prayer has changed to “Not my will, but your will be done” because I have surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. The trials and sorrows still happen, but not due to failed plans. When God reveals His plans for you, there is no Plan B! God can never fail, nor does He change. His Word is Absolute!

Bible verses: Still, I am certain to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD! Psalm 27:13-14

Prayer: Hear our prayer, Oh Lord. We are tired of failed plans and the disappointments that follow because we did not include you in our dreams and goals. We ask for forgiveness. Please reveal the plans you have for our lives. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson

How God Strengthens Our Heart

SHOUT the Cry of Victory 30 Days of Prayer Day 8

Yesterday, I read a beautiful story from a member of a FB crochet group. She posted a picture of her first arugami crochet animal, a teddy bear, and asked the group how to make the eyes symmetrical because they were crooked and one of the legs was a little larger than the other. But the following picture was of her granddaughter hugging the bear with a big smile as she said, “Thank you, Gran, he is beautiful, I will always love him.”

If only we viewed ourselves as children of God, our Heavenly Father, as the sinners that Jesus redeemed, and students of our teacher, the Holy Spirit, we would have faith and trust in God under all circumstances.

“I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.” John 17:9

With all of our imperfections, selfish desires, and failure to rely on God, Jesus still serves as our Heavenly Intercessor. What does that mean? Jesus is in heaven praying to God, our Father, pleading for the body of believers. God gave His only Son, Jesus for sinful humanity. Our prayers of confession, repentance, thankfulness, and intercession for others are heard by our Spiritual team, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Yet, it is Jesus who presents us as faultless to God.

“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

Jesus told us that our journey with Him would be challenging. But if we rely on Him through steadfast faith, Jesus also promised to bring us through every trial, sorrow, and heartache. Are you enjoying the peace that Jesus promises us when we stay connected to Him? If not, put all of your faith [belief] and trust in God who gave His Son to suffer, bleed, and die for the Redemption of our sins.

Human Effort + Divine Intervention = A Victorious Outcome

We owed a debt that we could never repay, and our debt is forgiven. Now is the time for us to make a covenant [relationship] with God and do our part to be faithful until Jesus comes again. Only those who are faithful and obedient will receive the reward of immortality and live in a perfect New Heaven and New Earth. We have been liberated from the chains of sin. Praise God!

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

Bible study: John 14

Prayer: God, I pray an intercessory prayer for the believers who are at the point of giving up because of their hardships. Help us see through children’s eyes that you are our Father. May we understand the purpose of our stormy difficulties and the seasons of darkness necessary to change our characters. Please give us your blessings of peace and the courage to remain faithful as we continue in our journey. I ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

God’s Perfect Plans

“Whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple” Luke 14:33

Discipleship: Our commitment to following Jesus means that we abandon all of our desires to obey God faithfully.

Satan’s deception: The Garden of Eden had countless trees that Adam and Eve could eat from (God gives us free will). There was only one tree that God commanded Adam and Eve that God instructed them not to touch. Yet, the desire to eat from that one tree caused the fall of humanity. Eve was deceived because she chose to involve herself in a lose-lose conversation with Satan. But it didn’t take any effort for Adam. He intentionally chose to disobey God by just taking and eating the fruit. When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Genesis 3:6

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” Matthew 6:24

Jesus tells us that it is not possible to live a double life. And this is an ongoing struggle. Our hearts pull us in the opposite direction of God’s plans. We are encouraged to follow our dreams. “Success” is aggressively promoted by our society. Where do we turn? Everyone else is achieving their goals, and we feel as if we have nothing. Praying for God to reveal His plans opens the door for many wonderful blessings that God is waiting to give to us.

The Controversy: Yes, I love God, but…

Fixated on loving ourselves causes us to have minimal love for Jesus Christ. Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” Matthew 22:37. Accepting Jesus as our personal Savior and Lord of our lives means that we must renounce [to abandon all] our pursuits, our will, and our desires. So, does that mean that we cannot have dreams or goals?

God created us with a sound mind. He gave us talents, gifts, and abilities that we use to glorify Him first. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11. Yes, God desires that we reach for the dreams that are part of His plans for us. As disciples, we present our goals and dreams to God in prayer. And we wait for God to reveal His purpose for our lives.

Answer to the dilemma: For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. John 6:38. We are Jesus’ disciples. When we wait on God, He will reward us for our faithfulness.

God’s Omnipotence: Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and the plans You have for us–none can compare to You–if I proclaim and declare them, they are more than I can count. Psalm 40:5

Peace and joy are fruits of obedience. Can our plans compare to the plans that God has for us? Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. Psalm 27:14

Bible study: Matthew 6

Prayer: God, we confess that we have not put you first. We ask forgiveness for attempting to live double lives. Let your will be done in our lives. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.

The Perfect Life

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11

2021 brought so many changes in my life that I could have never imagined. Most of the changes didn’t feel good, nor did I understand God’s plan for me. In January, I received a call regarding the intent to sell the leased property that I had lived in for six years. I prayed, asking God to reveal His plans for my life. As I began to look for new housing, the waiting lists for vacancies were averaging six months. When did small-town life become so appealing? Still, I told God that I trusted in Him, although every door was closed. But those were my thoughts based on my circumstances.

Because our Heavenly Father knows that we have fragile hearts and often become overwhelmed with our circumstances, He reminds us, “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jeremiah 32:27

God pushed the restart button. He revealed His love and plans by relocating me from point A to point B, 1500 miles away from my comfort zone. How did I know it was God? Because when God fulfills His promises, supernatural miracles are revealed that no human can perform. As you witness the blessings from the open windows of heaven (Malachi 3:10), it is evident that God’s divine intervention is at work. God does everything for His glory: And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Never worrying about the future is our gift when we place our lives in the hands of God. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7.

Bible Study: Matthew 6:25-34

Prayer: God, we are weary from the worries and anxieties we have placed on ourselves from not trusting in you. We desire to put our lives in your hands. We come to you with many challenges that are unsolvable without your help. Please help us to overcome our lack of faith and trust in you. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Prayer of Faith

And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.” 1 Kings 17:1

When I read the story of the prophet Elijah praying for rain to stop for three years, I asked myself, “Who was this man of exceeding faith, and how can I become faithful like he was?”

Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain, and the earth began to yield its crops. James 5:17-18

So let’s go to the scriptures to see what God has to say about us having the capability to have Elijah’s solid and unwavering faith.

1. Our faith pleases 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
2. Stay in the will of God: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what the will of God is, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
3. Ask and receive: “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.” John 16:23
4. Get rid of a disorganized lifestyle: Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:10
5. Patiently wait for God’s answer: Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. Psalm 27:14
6. Obey His commands: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” Luke 6:46

Having faith over fear remains a challenge for most believers. The disciples who were in constant physical contact with Jesus, the Son of God also struggled with their faith. We have our own agendas and plans which are contrary to God’s plans, which prevents total faith and trust in God.

But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. Matthew 8:26

1. Fear prevents us from having solid and unrelenting faith in God: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
2. God is Omnipotent: Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27
3. Pray often, but do not fixate on yourself: Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18
4. God knows, and He cares: Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24

Bible Study: 1 Kings 17 and James 5

Prayer: God, we are weary because our faith is weak. We are ready to have rock-solid faith like Elijah. Please teach us to take one day at a time in our spiritual growth. We desire to live faith-based lives by trusting you with all of our hearts. We ask this prayer in the Worthy name of Jesus. Amen.