C.S. Lewis said, “God whispers to us in our pleasure, but shouts to us in our pain. The painful circumstances – whether we bring them on ourselves, or other people cause them, or the Devil incites them – are used by God to help us grow in likeness to his son.”

The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch demonstrates one way that God speaks through and directs our circumstances. In Acts 8:26, we see the disciples and apostles going around preaching the Good News of Jesus, and God speaks to Philip. “Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’” God spoke to Philip and just said, “Go”. So, Philip, trusting God, went south on the desert road and met the Ethiopian eunuch, who was reading in the book of Isaiah and did not understand what he was reading. Philip got in the chariot with the eunuch and preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ to him. The eunuch put his trust in Jesus, and was so excited about his new life that when he saw water, he urged Philip to baptize him. As the man came up out of the water, the Holy Spirit carried Philip away to a town, and there he kept on preaching the Gospel.

Philip let his geographical circumstances guide him as he remained a willing vessel for God’s kingdom. Through Philip’s obedience and letting God speak to him and guide his circumstances, the Ethiopian eunuch was saved, baptized, and his life was made new.

My brothers and sisters, let the circumstances of your life be a vessel to hear God speaking to you and directing you. Look for the kingdom opportunities in whatever circumstances, locations, or situations you end up in. Maybe it isn’t random or unexpected; maybe it’s a divine appointment and God is speaking to you and nudging you to hear Him and act. God desires to both use your circumstances to bless and preach to people—like Philip—and God desires to speak to you through your circumstances—encourage you, mature you, guide you, correct you, and be with you. Your circumstances are a place where God is speaking to you and through you.

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#InHisLikeness

As we journey through life, we often encounter moments of uncertainty, trials, and challenges that test our faith and resolve. In these times, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even defeated. However, as believers, we are called to anchor our trust in the unwavering promise of God’s providence.

In Romans 8:28, Paul reminds us that “God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” This verse serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path of faith amidst the darkness of adversity. It reassures us that even in the midst of our greatest trials and tribulations, God is orchestrating His predispose divine plan for our lives.

Therefore, whenever we face challenges that seem insurmountable, we must remember that God’s perspective transcends our own. While we may only see the chaos, crux, and confusion, God sees the intricate tapestry of our lives, woven together with promise, purpose, and precision. He knows the beginning from the end and the end from the beginning (Isiah 46:10) and He is incessantly working behind the scenes to bring about His perfect will in our lives.

Trusting in God’s plan requires surrendering our own desires and agendas, and submitting to His sovereign authority. It means relinquishing control and placing our faith in His wisdom, timing, and provision. It is a daily act of surrender, as we lay our burdens at His feet and entrust our future into His hands.

As we navigate the twists and turns of life’s journey, let us hold fast to the assurance that God is faithful to His promises. Though the road may be fraught with obstacles, setbacks, and detours, we can take comfort in knowing that He is with us every step of the way. He is our ever-present help in times of trouble, our steadfast anchor in the midst of life’s storms (Psalm 46:1).

My brothers and sisters, let us find solace in the truth that God is working it out, even when we cannot see the outcome. Let us rest in the knowledge that His plans for us are good, His purposes are unshakeable, and His love for us is unfailing. And may our hearts be filled with gratitude and praise as we witness His faithfulness unfold in our lives, one step at a time.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unwavering faithfulness and steadfast love. Help us to trust in Your plan, even when we cannot see the way forward. Give us the strength to surrender our fears and uncertainties, and to rest in the assurance that You are working all things together for our good. May Your will be done in our lives, and may Your name be glorified in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen and Amen and Amen!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#GodIsWorkingItOut

In a world often filled with uncertainty, ambiguity, and scarcity, it’s extremely comforting to know that as believers, we serve a God who promises to supply all our needs. Philippians 4:19 reminds us that, “God will supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” This passage of text reassures us that God’s provision knows no bounds.

Conversely, as we journey through the hard-knock life, we unfortunately encounter seasons of lack or moments of doubt and despair. Yet, in those times, we can find solace, peace, and confidence in the unchanging character aka hand of our Heavenly Father. Psalm 145:13 confirms, “God is faithful, and His promises stand firm.”

Just as He provided for the Israelites in the wilderness, so too does He provide for us today. Whether it’s our physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual needs, God’s provision is abundant and timely. He knows exactly what we require, and He never fails to deliver.

However, trusting in God’s provision requires crazy faith—a steadfast and earnest belief that God is capable and willing to meet us in our circumstances. Hebrew 11:6 is both an admonishment and encouragement; “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to God must believe that God exists and that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Literally, our faith is an exclusive invitation to surrender alll of our worries, doubts, fears, and anxieties, knowing that God alone holds the keys to every promise and provision.

At the end of the day my beloved brothers and sisters, we must faithfully, perseveringly, consistently, earnestly, calculatively, and tenanciously approach each waking day with unwavering confidence aka faith, knowing that the same God who parted the Red Sea, fed the multitude with 2 fish and 5 loaves, and that left a borrowed tomb empty, is the same God who walks beside us, ready to supply our every need. May we perennially rest in His providence and promises, knowing that in God and God alone, we lack nothing!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#WontHeDoIt

Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but your Word stands forever”, Psalm 18:30 says, “Your way is perfect and your Word proves true. And all who trust in you find refuge in you, find a shield around us from you because your Word is unfailing” and finally Romans 9:6 teaches us that, “The word of God never fails.”

From the dawn of creation to this very moment, God has been steadfast in His love and provision for His people. His promises, spoken through the ages, stand as monuments of His faithfulness. When He declares a thing, it is established, and nothing can thwart His plans (Psalm 33:10-11).

In times of trouble, we may be tempted to doubt, to question whether God hears our prayers or cares about our struggles. But let me assure you, my dear friends, that God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should change His mind (Numbers 23:19). What He has promised, He will fulfill.

Consider the story of Abraham and Sarah, who waited many years for the fulfillment of God’s promise of a son. Despite their doubts and shortcomings, God remained faithful to His word, and Isaac was born in due time. Or think of the Israelites, who wandered in the wilderness for forty years, yet God provided for their every need, never once failing them.

It behooves all believers to hold fast to the promises of God, knowing that He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23). When the storms of life rage around us, when we are tempted to despair, let us remember that God cannot fail. He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble (Pslam 46:1).

And let us not forget the greatest promise of all: the gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. Despite our sinfulness and rebellion, God demonstrated His love for us by sending Jesus to die for our sins (Romans 5:8). And through His resurrection, we are given the assurance of eternal life with Him.

Undoubtedly, God’s Word never fails, those who trust in him and his Word. Now, in the short term… And by short term that could mean days or weeks or months. Or it could mean years or decades. But it’s still a short term in light of eternity. We may struggle to see how God is being true to his Word. Surely that was the case for centuries of slavery in the Old Testament. And we could go through many other instances.

My brothers and sisters, I could go on and on, so let us ask God for the strength to not waver through unbelief, but to be fully persuaded that He has the power and He will do what He has promised. And that in the end, our song will be, You didn’t fail me. Your Word did not fail me!! Glory to God, Halleljuah, and Amen!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#GodWillNeverFail

In the embrace of Almighty God, we find strength beyond measure. It is not merely the physical fortitude that carries us through trials, but the unwavering resolve nurtured by our faith. The Lord, in His boundless mercy, grants us the power to endure, to overcome, prevail, and to rise above the storms of life.

In the depths of despair, when our spirits falter and our burdens seem insurmountable, His grace sustains us like rebar in a foundation footing. Like a gentle breeze lifting weary wings, His presence lifts our souls and infuses us with renewed vigor. In the quiet moments of prayer, we find solace, and in His word, we discover promises that never fail!

2 Timothy 4:17 says, “But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death.” It is through our weaknesses that His strength is made perfect (2 Cor 12:8-10). For when we surrender our struggles to Him, we allow His mighty hand to work wonders in our lives. What once seemed impossible becomes attainable, for with Him, all things are possible (Matt 19:26).

Therefore, let us then draw near to the Lord, seeking His guidance and embracing His love. In His arms, we find refuge, and in His strength, we find courage. May we walk in the light of His grace, trusting in His provision and relying on His unfailing power.

My brothers and sisters, God is our rock and our fortress, our shield and our deliverer (Psalm18:2). In Him, we find the strength to face each day with confidence, knowing that we are never alone. With hearts full of gratitude and minds fixed on His promises, let us press forward and onward, for His strength is our greatest treasure.

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#StrengthInHisPresence

In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, it’s easy to lose sight of the miraculous power of God. We often find ourselves overwhelmed by the impossibilities that surround us, forgetting that our faith is anchored in a God who specializes in making the impossible possible.

These verses from Luke 1:37 and Mark 9:23 reminds us of one important timeless truth: “For with God nothing will be impossible” and “Anything v is possible if a person believes.” These passages of text echos through the ages, offering hope and encouragement to all who believe. They serve as a beacon of light in the darkest of times, reminding us that God’s power knows no limits.

Throughout the pages of scripture, we encounter countless examples of God’s miraculous intervention in the lives of His people. From parting the Red Sea to feeding the five thousand, from healing the sick to raising the dead, God has consistently demonstrated His ability to defy the odds and overcome every human impossible situation(s).

Conversely, it’s not just in the grand gestures that we see God’s miraculous power at work. It’s also in the quiet whispers of comfort during times of distress and grief, in the gentle nudges of guidance when we’re lost, and in the unexpected blessings that brighten our darkest moments.

My brothers and sisters, As we journey through life, let us not be quick to dismiss the miraculous. Instead, let us open our hearts and minds to the possibility of divine intervention in every aspect of our lives. Let us cultivate a spirit of expectancy, knowing that God is always at work, even when we cannot see or understand His ways. Let us believe like Mary, who responded to the angel’s proclamation with faith and humility, saying, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Let us faithfully surrender our doubts and fears, trusting in the God who holds all things in His hands, embrace the miraculous power of God with childlike faith and unwavering trust. Let us believe that with God, nothing is impossible, and that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

Prayer:

Abba Father, thank You for Your miraculous power that knows no bounds. Help us to trust in You completely, knowing that with You, all things are possible. Increase our faith and open our eyes to see Your hand at work in every aspect of our lives. May we walk in the confidence of Your promises, knowing that You are always with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#NothingIsImpossibleWithGod

In our individual journeys of faith, we often encounter closed doors. These barriers may seem insurmountable, leaving us feeling stuck and uncertain. Yet, in the midst of our struggles, God reveals Himself as the Master Locksmith.

Reflect on the story of Joseph, who experienced rejection and betrayal from his own brothers. Cast into a pit and sold into slavery, Joseph’s path seemed destined for despair. But God had a greater plan. Through divine intervention, Joseph rose to prominence in Egypt, ultimately saving his entire family from famine and this set foundation for the greatest Exodus known to man! Genesis 41:55 confirms, “So when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Then Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, do.” You see, what seemed like a closed door for Joseph was merely an opportunity for God to showcase His sovereignty and faithfulness.

Similarly, in our lives, closed doors are what we call dead ends but in God’s eyes they’re invitations for Him to unlock His divine opportunities, promises, blessings, and miracles. When one door closes, it is a sign that God is preparing to open another, leading us to greater blessings and opportunities.

My beloved brothers and sisters, As we navigate the uncertainties of life, let us trust in the sovereignty of God. As we have experienced time and after time, His timing is perfect, and His ways and thoughts are always higher than our own. Even when we cannot see beyond closed doors, let us have faith that God is orchestrating something beautiful on the other side.

May we approach closed doors with anticipatory hope and expectation, knowing that God is the ultimate Locksmith aka Door Opener; not to mention the Door Maker. As we surrender our plans to Him, He will lead us through every obstacle and into the abundant life He has promised. God is going to open doors, block distractions, renew your mind, and give you back your peace.

Let us pray:
Father God, thank You for being the God who opens doors. In moments of uncertainty, help us to trust in Your perfect timing and divine plan. Give us the faith to persevere, knowing that You are working all things together for our good. Open our eyes to see the divine opportunities, promises, blessings, and miracles You have prepared for us even before the beginning of time. Father God, equip, empower, and encourage us to walk boldly through every door You open. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#OpenDoorSeason

In many of the Old Testament passages, we find commands to wait on the Lord” like this one: “Wait on the LORD: Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: Wait, I say, on the LORD” (Psalm 27:14, KJV). Most modern translations use “wait for the Lord.” To English readers, the idea of waiting on the Lord might seem like a passive exercise, but when we take a closer at this commandment it’s nothing of the sort.

Patient, confident trust in the Lord is the central idea of the exhortation to wait on the Lord. The entire Psalm 27 is a prayer to God for help. David beautifully illustrates the meaning of waiting on the Lord. Throughout the psalm’s eloquent lines, He expresses authentic faith and courageous trust in God, based on his confident and faithful expectation that the Lord will rescue and save him in his time of trouble.

My beloved brothers and sisters, I don’t know how long you have been faithfully and patiently waiting on God to do a ‘thing’ in your life, but I can confidently assure you that if it’s still not better, God is not done! Jesus said this in Matthew 7:7-8, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Let me insert this one caveat; the door that opens may not be the door you want, but it will be the door you need!

So, what am I really saying in the above statement? We can wait on the Lord by seeking Him. David conveyed his trust in the Lord by longing to be with Him, to commune in God’s presence and worship in His temple: “One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple” (Psalm 27:4)

The other thing we can do while confidently, faithfully and patiently waiting on Lord is to stay prayerful (I Thessalonians 5:17). We can wait on the Lord through prayer, as David did in eager expectation of deliverance (Psalm 27:7–14). David asked God for wisdom, direction (verse 11), and protection (verse 12), wholly believing he would “see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living” (verse 13). Those who wait on the Lord can fully expect Him to fulfill their hope: “Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame” (Psalm 25:3, ESV).

At the end of the day, there are several more scriptural base actions steps you can put into practice while waiting on God to move in your situation or circumstance. That being said, remember that waiting on the Lord always brings God’s blessings: “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him” (Isaiah 64:4; see also 1 Corinthians 1:7).

If this message speaks to you, I get it because we’ve all been there. However, although at times we might feel as though the Lord does not see or hear us—that He’s not answering our prayers. During these moments, we can put our complete confidence, faith, and trust in the living God. We can wait on the Lord with eager expectation and anticipation, knowing that He is with us and in control of our lives. He will do what He has promised. He will rescue and save us. He will comfort deliver, and restore us because He is always working for our good, even when we don’t feel Him. God and God alone causing all things to work together for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#WaitOnTheLord

Complaining and bellyaching will be the forever accents of hell, and gratitude and thanksgiving the forever accents of heaven.

Paul tells us in I Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” This passage of text answers three important questions about thankfulness: when, what, and to whom.

When do we give thanks? ALWAYS.
For what do we give thanks? ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.
To whom do we give thanks? GOD.

It is worth noting that Paul doesn’t tell them to give thanks for everything. The preposition used in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 is the Greek en, which is best translated by the English preposition in. Paul isn’t telling them they must be thankful for the difficulties they were encountering; instead, he is challenging them to be thankful in any circumstance. Paul recognized that the secret of contentment isn’t found in circumstances. Rather, there is contentment in recognizing it is Christ who strengthens us for whatever we might face (Philippians 4:11–13).

Moreover, possessing an “attitude of thankfulness ” is not just a catch phrase. It’s not just a good idea, although it is. It is both God’s will and commandment of scripture. We are to give thanks to God always, in all circumstances.

An attitude of thankfulness helps us put any situation into the right perspective.

In Luke, we are given a great example of thankfulness to God in the beautiful story of ten lepers cleansed by Jesus. It’s a familiar story, and there is much we can analyze and learn from it. But focusing just on the idea of thankfulness, let’s look at what the one leper out of ten did to show thankfulness.

“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks…” (Luke 17:15-16)

First, he wasn’t quiet with his praise. He didn’t slip Jesus a note. He didn’t whisper his appreciation. He cried with a loud voice, glorifying God! Like this man, we should be willing to proclaim the goodness of God in a way that others can see and hear.

Secondly, he fell down at Jesus’ feet, with his face to the ground. This was a scene of complete humility. When we give thanks, it must be done with the attitude that God alone is worthy of thanks for every good thing, and it is nothing of ourselves.

My brothers and sisters, like that one leper, we too can give thanks to a worthy God in all circumstances, knowing that the difficulties, hardships, and sufferings produces patience, perseverance, endurance, and maturity. There is power in understanding what God has revealed about how He causes us to grow. His methods may be painful at times (see Hebrews 12:7–11), but the outcome is the peaceful fruit of righteousness. When our perspective is informed by His Word, giving thanks in every circumstance makes perfect sense.

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#givethanksinallcircumstances