When you can’t see a way out, God has it all figured out, He will make a way for you where there is no way. He who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty water (Isaiah 43:16) will go before you and make the crooked places straight (Isaiah 45:2) and He will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43:19)!

I want to remind you that regardless of how hopeless or impossible a circumstance seems to be, God is able to make a way for you even if it means having to wait on Him.

When life tightens it’s vice grip, it’s imperative to trust God and keep the faith by fixing your eyes on Jesus and not on the circumstances you face believing that God will do the impossible, He will make a way for you, where there seems to be no no way!

Additionally, never stop believing that God is always working behind the scenes of every circumstance. Trust Him to make a way for you even when you feel like giving up, even when it seems like there is no point in holding on to hope. Don’t give up, it’s not over because God is working everything together for your good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

God’s timing is always perfect (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#Encourage

#Empower

#Inspire

#GodWillMakeAWay

Joseph’s story found in the book Genesis is one of my Old Testament favs!! Joseph was adored by his father Jacob, but he despised by older brothers! However, after being hated by his older brothers, thrown in pit, and later sold into slavery, Joseph was able to forgive his jealous and conniving brothers, recognizing that God’s sovereign goodness overrides all. In the end, Joseph told his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).

If you’re familiar with the beginning of the story then you know Joseph’s stumbling blocks were huge! His was thrown in a pit left to die, but his trifling brothers pulled him out only to sell him to human traffickers who later sold him to Potiphar (Gen 37:36).

Despite all of that drama, God blessed Joseph, and he grew in influence and prominence, until Potiphar put Joseph over his whole house (Genesis 39:8). Then here comes another rolling stumbling block! Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph (who fled to avoid the situation), and then she lied to Potiphar, accusing Joseph of trying to take her by force (Genesis 39:17–18). Talk about betrayal after betrayal!

How did Joseph respond? He was human and he could have easily and justifiably played the victim card, but he didn’t! Joseph chose to use every stumbling block that came his way as stepping stones to accomplish God’s will, plan and purpose. He didn’t allow those heinous setbacks to determine his outcome in life. According to Genesis 41:9-13, the Bible says even while he was locked-up, Joseph prospered and God gave him the gift of dream interpretation. Essentially, despite his circumstances Joseph used every gift he possessed to bring God glory and as result of his relentless obedience it greatly change the trajectory of his life, including the lives of those that betrayed him.

This historical narrative teaches us that God is with us no matter the size of the stumbling block(s) and understanding God’s big picture plan for our lives will always enable us to use stumbling block(s) which are sent to hurt us as stepping stones that will always propel us to Godly victory!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#Encourage

#Empower

#Inspire

#SteppingStones

My brothers and sisters, just because you can’t “see” what God is doing in your life, it doesn’t mean He isn’t moving heaven and earth to answer your prayers. Most of us recognize that God is never late or early, but He is always on time.

Paul writes in Galatians 6:9, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Do you know what the biblical phrase due season implies? Well, it implies an elapse of time between planting and reaping. It also implies the right time and/or a limit in time.

I want to encourage you to not allow an elapse of time, disappointment, closed doors, delayed blessings or your fruitless efforts keep you from all that God has planned for your life. Though the blessing may tarry, continue to place your trust in God, stay pliable in His hands and remember what Jacob did in Genesis 32:22-32—don’t let go!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#Encourage

#Empower

#Inspire

#ItsYourTime

“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” James 4:1-3

Make note, this post has nothing to do with prosperity theology. I most certainly don’t believe in the name it and claim it philosophy. However, James (Jesus’ half-brother) is simple saying there is a better way to ask God for the things you desire. Instead of coveting, quarrelling, fighting, and even killing, Christians need to simply ask God for what they want. One primary reason they do not have what they want is that they have not asked and the second reason is when they do ask it’s out of selfish gain.

Of course, James’ statement that “you have not because you ask not” does not guarantee that we will get everything we ask for. A father might tell his child not to steal anything from the tool shed but to simply ask if he wants something. But, if the 10-year-old asks for the chain saw, the father, for safety reasons, might not give it to him. Likewise, when we ask God for something, He reserves the sovereign right to do what is best for us.

Simply put, if there is something you want, open your mouth and ask God for it. More often, it’s not that God isn’t listening; “you have not because you ask not.” Again, there is no guarantee that you will get it, but it is the best possible chance you have, and prayer will always keep you within God’s will. When you have submitted your will to His, you will be happy with what He gives you, whether or not you get what you originally asked for.

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#Encourage

#Empower

#Inspire

#AskForItByName

When we desire to be in the presence of the Lord, He will draw closer to us. When we prioritize drawing closer to God, God will draw closer to us. His promises are true. But in order to receive the blessing, we have to stay in His presence. (James 4:8)

Undoubtedly, when we are in God’s presence He wraps us in a supernatural blanket (covering) and this supernatural blanket (covering) are embroidered with words that read healing, joy, liberty, peace, deliverance, spiritual growth, wisdom, rest, and favor.

Brothers and sisters, God already knows what you need today. In fact, He knows what you will need for the duration of your moral life (Matthew 6:33). Therefore, don’t waste your time in the presence of your pain or problem! Let me put it this way, if you want to supernaturally experience the unfolding of God’s master plan, it behooves you to be intentional about earmarking some time to spend in the Master’s supernatural presence.

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#Encourage

#Empower

#Inspire

#SpendingTimeInHisPresence

Something amazing happens whenever we turn our worries, anxieties, and concerns over to the will of God! I know if you are anything like me this chore can be easier said then done.

John the Baptist said these words in John 3:27-30, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.”

In context John 3:22-30 describes an argument between followers of John the Baptist and a Jewish religious leader, over purification. The Baptist isn’t upset that his followers are dwindling, while Jesus attracts crowds. Instead, he makes it clear that Christ’s that was his mission, and seeing it succeed makes him happy. Rather than being selfish about our own applause, we should be happy when our efforts cause people to praise God.

Now, how does this context tie into the theme of my encouragement today. Well, I have simple centered my message around the principle found in John 3:30. Brothers and Sisters, when we decide to live the principle, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” we are declaring our belief that He truly has all authority. Henceforth, while we are prostrated in a humble let Jesus take the wheel mentality no worry, stress, or anxiety should ever get the best of us because we chose to decrease so that Christ can increase over that trial, situation, or circumstance. As is stands and as John eloquently stated in verse 22, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven.”

So let me be the first to remind you that God is already working on that ‘thing’ you are worried about. Therefore, please take your hands off the wheel (decrease)!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#Encourage

#Empower

#Inspire

#IMustDecrease

#HeMustIncrease

If you are experiencing a little turbulence or know of someone who is, I wanted to remind you that God works all things together for good—both His good and your good.

The only key that activates this promise is our salvation in Christ. Once we are saved, sealed, and delivered we not only gain access to God’s mercy, we are then introduced to God’s amazing grace.

You see, when life becomes turbulent we have to remain immovable and steadfast (I Cor 15:58) in trusting in God’s goodness, power, and His will to work out all things for our good. In times like this we must journey together with Him and in some cases, with only Him.

So let’s be clear, the promise that God will work all things together for good does not mean that all things, taken by themselves, are good nor does it suggest you will acquire all that you want or desire. Some things and events are decidedly bad and fact is, you will not always get what you desire. However, God is able to work all things together for good. He sees the big picture; He’s master plan.

If you’re having trouble embracing this concept please read Joseph’s story found in Genesis 37-50! I promise you that if you journey through his life, I believe your perspective about your life will change!

As I close, I would like to invite you to resonate on this viewpoint today; God’s love is everlasting, and His wisdom is infinite. It doesn’t matter who or what attempts to thwart God’s plan; no one and nothing can. God will work all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called [saved, sealed and delivered] according to His purpose. Our decision to align our will with God’s and to always trust Him will always unlock the promises of God that so eagerly awaits us! Make no mistake, as God is glorified, His people benefit!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#Encourage

#Empower

#Inspire

#AllThingsWorkTogether