Let’s be honest, waiting can be extremely difficult, especially when your life is on DEFCON 5. That said, I know I’m not the only one to grow increasingly impatient when it comes to waiting for God to answer prayers. However, as we have all discovered, God’s timing is different from ours because unlike us, He is not bound by our limitations. God is the Creator of time; therefore, He is not restrained by twenty-four-hour clocks. Although waiting for God’s best takes time, there are many beneficial reasons why we should wait for what He has in store, but for today’s message let’s focus on two.

The two primary reasons why patiently waiting on God is beneficial is 1.) God always has something better in stored and 2.) It’s always worth the wait.

The first reason why we should wait for God’s best is because God has better things in store. Even though we may think we know best, we don’t. It is best for us to wait for God’s best rather than trying to manipulate circumstances. God has the most wonderful things in store for us if we just wait. While it can be difficult sometimes to wait for God’s best, God’s ways and plans always have our best interests in mind (Jeremiah 29:11)

No matter how good something may seem, it is not as good as we think if we are not waiting on the Lord. God has great things in store for our lives, yet they may take time. Waiting is always difficult, but waiting on the Lord’s plan is always best. God’s best is far greater than anything we could come up with on our own. The prophet Isaiah said, “But those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

The second reason we should choose to patiently wait for God’s best is because it’s simply worth the wait. If we choose to not patiently wait on God’s best, we will most likely have regrets because we didn’t fully see the best God had in store for us. Believe it or not, God never wants us to settle for second best, yet when we fail to wait for God’s best, we end up doing just that and instead of waiting on God, we impatiently choose to take matters into our own hands. King David said, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:13-14).

At the end of the day, I think we can all agree that God knows what is best for us, and that we can faithfully and patiently place our trust in Him. Paul reminds us that even when our situation or circumstance is difficult, God is working all things out for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28). My brothers and sister, when we choose to wait for God’s best, we will never have to worry about secondhand happiness. The world tries to give us one definition of happiness, but true joy and happiness are only found in Christ. “The joy of the Lord is our strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

In closing, we will never truly be able to experience God’s best if we constantly try to find “the best” outside of God. Undoubtedly, there is no long lasting goodness or joy outside of the Lord. We are trading heavenly joy for earthly temporary happiness when we choose to not patiently wait for God. God has far greater plans for us in store if we will wait for Him. As I mentioned above, neglecting to wait for God’s best can leave us feeling unnecessary regret later in life. None of us really desire to experience regrets in our life. We all want to live life to the fullest and passionately serve the Lord in our actions, words, and deeds! So remember, no matter how long it takes, when God works, it’s always worth the wait.

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#WaitOnTheLord

Prayer is the power tool for Christians to communicate to the Lord. Prayer is also a humbling way for us to acknowledge our dependency to God. Undoubtedly, we can lay our worries to God because even when we are faithless, He faithfully promised to take care of us. The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 2:13, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful for He cannot deny Himself” and I Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

Let’s be honest, praying to God is really the easy part, but when we don’t experience the immediate change in our situations and/or circumstances it can get a little complicated, annoying, and uncomfortable.

I know I am not the only one to get upset and irritated with God. It’s totally human to feel some kind of way when we believe we are not getting what we faithfully prayed for.

In 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 Paul plead (prayed) to God three times and God didn’t change his circumstance. Check out what happened; “Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Ok, if that were me, my first response would have been….huh????

Let’s be clear, after Paul’s spiritual encounter aka conversion, Paul became a faithful man, but He was still a man. We don’t know what this metaphorical thorn was, but we do know that it generated more than mere annoyance; it generated great agony corresponding to the glory of what Paul had seen in the highest heaven. So when I place my feet in Paul’s sandals, I can see where God’s decision not to remove the thorn would have been frustrating, heart breaking, and disappointing.

However, though God didn’t change Paul’s circumstances, He changed him. He said this in verse 10, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses [the thorn], so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Perhaps, Paul saw two ways forward. The Lord could (1) remove the thorn, and Paul could get on with life and ministry, or (2) leave the thorn, and Paul would be forever crippled and slowed in life and ministry. The Lord responded with yet a third option: leave the thorn, but give Paul grace. And for Paul’s life and ministry, this would net out as taking Paul places in terms of divine power he could never have attained otherwise. This was and is God’s undisclosed strategy for Paul and for all of His people.

I don’t know what you have prayed for God to change in your life, but I want to encourage you to remember two things: 1.) God knows what He is doing (Isaiah 55:8-9) and 2.) Prayer may not change your circumstances, but it will change you!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#PrayerChangesYou

Undoubtedly, no matter how big or small our problems may seem, God is always bigger! God is always there for us, ready to help us through whatever situation or circumstance we may be facing.

However, as you know, sometimes it is hard to fully grasp God’s deep love and will for our lives when we are subjected with wave after wave of overwhelming hardships and/or disappointments.

Now, I can cite scripture after scripture where ordinary people like you and me experienced these same kinds of hardships and disappointments and God delivered them out of them all! You can just do a quick google search and I guarantee you will be blown away at what you find in the Bible.

My brothers and sisters, when we experience these unwanted interruptions in our personal lives it’s encumbent on us to fully and trust trust God and know that He will never abandon us (Deut 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5). We must choose to cleave to biblical scripture and prayer in all circumstances so that we can see the light of God’s wisdom shining through the darkness.

Isaiah 55:8-9 is always a great go to reminder when the waves of life come crashing in and the prophet said, “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.”

So today, I want you to remember that God is so much bigger than anything you are facing today. Please reflect on the hope you have in Jesus because God is with you and He is navigating every step!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#GodIsBigger

Your faith isn’t tested by fire on your best days, it’s tested by fire on your worst days.

I’ve heard it said, “A faith that can’t be tested, can’t be trusted.” Now, let’s be honest, we don’t like it when our faith is being tested because we are afraid of disappointment, failure and defeat.

When our faith is tested it can be difficult to understand why a ‘good’ God allows us to go through such trying situations. Now, we can go down several rabbit trails why God allows this trials, but the primary reason is simple: sanctification. God is transforming us into the image of His son, Jesus Christ. God test us for our good; to develop our faith. Testing is not something we should despise because it’s a chance to show the genuineness of our faith and glorify our Lord.

I Peter 1:7 reminds us that, “Trials will show that our faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when our faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring us much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.”

On a side bar, gold is naturally impure. To purify it, the goldsmith must put it into the furnace repeatedly. With each pass through the fire, it becomes purer. This is why there are different karats of gold (8,16,24). The higher the karat the purer it is, with 24 karats being the purest. If we want our faith in God to be pure and indestructible like gold, our faith must go through the fire again and again and again. Although we’ve been made right with God through our faith in Jesus Christ, the remnant of our sinful nature is still within us. Hence, the reason why salvation is instantaneous, but the ‘work of a saint’ (aka) ‘the sanctification process’ is lifetime.

Furthermore, in order to authentically follow Christ we must pick up our cross and deny ourselves daily. This requires dying to our own desires and ways of thinking. The tests we go through are not designed to fail us, they are designed to kill our flesh so that we can live by the Spirit. Ironically, trials feel like the complete opposite of what life in Christ should be, but it’s not. Again, the purpose of the test is to grow our faith, free us from bondage, and increase our dependency on God. Shallow beliefs and idols won’t last in the trial, they’ll be ruined by the fire. Only what is true and pure will remain.

My brothers and sisters, if your faith is under fire or being tested in this season don’t fear the fire – the tests and trials. The fire isn’t designed to destroy you, but to remove everything that’s holding you back from God’s perfect will. If you remain steadfast, you will glorify God and come to know His power in a deeper way. Your triumph will be a testimony to believers and unbelievers alike. Now, this isn’t to say it will get any easier, but you will become stronger, wiser, and not as easily swayed by storms that come your way. Remember what James 1:2-4 tells us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#faithtestedbyfire

Philippians 4:6 in the NLT encourages us to, “Tell God what you [we] need, and thank Him for all He has done.”

Now let’s be honest, we got the ‘telling’ part down pat, but sometimes we’re hit or miss when it comes to the ‘thanking’ part. Unfortunately for some of us we don’t give thanks more because we are more concerned with self-preservation. In short, we struggle with idolatry and I’m not talking about little statues people put on our mantels.

Idolatry referenced in this devotional means to place trust in something or someone other than God. It might be a belief in ourselves (self-idolatry) or trust in the economy (Mammon) or government. Some of us look to our spouse or family to deliver us. Others place their trust in a mentor or expert (counselor, pastor, or leader.) Some of us worship our work, our hobbies, or our favorite cause. At the end of the day, every hood and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17).

Real quick, you remember the story of Jesus healing 10 people with leprosy found in Luke 17:11-19. This is one of several good biblical examples of how thanking God “for all he has done” affects happiness.

From all historic biblical accounts, people who had leprosy were social outcasts. Nobody wanted to get close to them for fear that they might get leprosy. But Jesus treated all 10 with compassion, healing each one of them. Yet the Bible says that, after being healed, only one turned back to give thanks: “And he lay face downward at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him [over and over]” (Luke 17:16 AMP).

The truth of the matter is no one knows the reasons why each of the other nine men did not return to give thanks. But, I do know that if I were part of the 10, there would have been two to turn back to give thanks (1 Black Man and 1 Samaritan). You see, giving thanks to God is not just about being thankful….it’s called worship! Worship is our response to God’s grace, mercy and power.

So, like the leper who turned back, are you grateful for what Jesus has done for you? When was the last time you authentically got your worship on??

If I am speaking to you, please turn to God in prayer today, and happily thank him “over and over” for all the good things He has done and because we serve a God that can make the impossible-possible, go ahead and worship Him for what He is getting ready to do in and through your life!

It cost us $0.00 to thank God for all the blessing He is given us.

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#ThankGod

Let’s all be honest, living a Christ centered life is not always easy or glamorous as we sometimes portrayed/displayed at church, home, work, and on social media. At times life can be downright dirty, hurtful, and painful as the reality of sin and death rears its ugly head in our personal lives and in the lives of the ones we love the most.

Undoubtedly, Jesus never promised this life would be easy but He promised we shall overcome if we trust in Him and walk in His ways. Jesus clearly forewarned us in John 16:33 and He said, “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.”

Let’s be clear, that’s not to say there is no joy in serving the living God. But like all things there is bad as well as good and you can not have one without the other. Psalm 126:5 reminds us, “They that sow in tears shall harvest shouts of joy.”

In my opinion, this verse speaks about how we should remember to look ahead of our struggles and sin and that the tears we shed today will be like seeds that are planted in a field that in time through much toil and suffering will rise to a great harvest of joy, gratefulness, and thankfulness.

Personally, I feel a bit convicted as there are people who suffer far more than me for the cause of Christ in their daily lives but we should not compare ourselves to others as we all have been given a specific path to follow as He directs and lead us. But we should pray for our brothers and sisters in the faith that they will overcome in their daily battles as God has commanded us to do so (Ephesians 6:18).

In the end, all wrongs will be righted and hope will be restored. And our weeping which may endure for a night shall become joy in the morning (Psalm 30:5).

So, today I want you to know the next tears you cry will be tears of joy because God is already moving mightily, expeditiously, and intimately on your behalf.

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#HarvestingShoutsOfJoy

I was taking a break today, but I am certain that somebody needs to hear this word of encouragement and refreshment today.

That being said, if you are the person I am writing to, I would like to remind you that if God did it before, He will do it again!

Furthermore, if God did it for one, He could do it for another. Remember Moses’ exodus story? The children of Israel were literally between a rock and a hard place, but God opened the Red Sea by the hand of Moses. Fast forward 40 years and we find Joshua (Moses successor) and the children of Israel needing that same God to intervene as they faced the Jordan River, and God did just that. The Jordan River opened for Joshua just as the Red Sea did for Moses. And guess what, Saints of God, Hebrews 13:8 says: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and forever” and Malachi 3:6 says: “For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.”

The Bible is filled with so many stories like the ones mentioned above! I encourage you to do your own personal search, but for now let me ask you, what is your Red Sea experience or your Jordan River need today? Is It Sickness? God is a healer! Is it despair due to the death of a loved one or the pain of divorce? God can heal your broken heart! Is it financial debt? God can give everyone in your deparment a raise so you can have debt relief! Are you discouraged or depressed? God is the God of comfort and peace! Whatever your unique need may be, remember that God can do anything. Put all of your faith and trust in Him, and He will bring it to pass!!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#PutYourFaithInHimToday

There’s a little impatience even in the most patient person. Impatience has its roots in fear, worry, frustration, and anxiety. It’s a feeling of rising stress that starts when you feel that your needs, wants, and desires are being ignored. In a modern environment where we’re accustomed to instant communication and immediate access to data, it’s a growing problem.

Patience is a fruit of God’s spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and just because we are filled with His Spirit doesn’t negate the fact that patience requires a life time of daily practice? Somebody say, “Herein lies the crux of the matter!”

You see, practicing patience is difficult because it often goes against our expectations and desires for immediate results. This is especially true when we are waiting on the Lord and His timetable doesn’t match our own. In such situations, it’s important to remember we can’t go wrong waiting for Him. Psalm 27:14 reminds to, “Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.”Blessings will manifest in God’s good ole time when we choose to trust in Him and discipline ourselves to stay in sync with Him!

Look at it this way, we often ask the Lord for what we think we need, based on our limited information. But His understanding is infinite and our understanding is finite. It’s not uncommon for God to sometimes simply says ‘no’ to our requests. In other cases, He may adjust our desire to match His. And sometimes He answers in a way that looks nothing like what we requested, but it will be exactly what we need. Contrary to popular beliefs, a submissive heart accepts the omnipotent Father’s gentle redirection, recognizing that He is always right.

At the end of day, waiting patiently on the Lord strengthens our faith in Him: We learn to rest in His loving care and accept that whatever He gives us is best. It’s also a witness to others, who see His care and faithfulness to us and may choose to put their trust in Him as well.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, God wants to produce patience in us to slow us down and to show us how to trust in Him. God does not test us just for the sake of testing us, but He tests us to teach us to walk in His ways and to trust in Him. Undoubtedly, God is never late and when we fully embrace this empirical truth we will wait differently!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#WaitDifferently