Yours

In my quiet time today as I was praying, The Lord Spoke these words to me:

“I will strengthen you and uphold you with my righteous right hand. When I forgive, I truly forgive. I remember NO MORE. Do not recall the past. Focus on your future in Me. I will make you strong to fight the battles you face. I AM your Source. Your Strength. Your Source of Hope. Your Joy. Your Love. Your Peace. What do you have need of today? Find it in ME. My Presence. Your presents are found in My Presence. Come and receive from Me today. Do not delay. Come and receive from Me today.” Then He said, “Greater Assignments. Greater Jurisdiction. Greater Glory.”

I’m in a season where I’ve been called to get out of the boat and walk on water to Jesus. It’s exciting and a little terrifying. It’s like watching a movie in the spirit. I’m watching and talking steps and waiting for God to perform His Words over my life and the life of my family. There are moments when the wind and the waves distract my thinking as my vision subtly starts to focus on circumstances: my past, my mistakes, and more. In the past, I’d quietly ruminate on those things, even beating myself up mentally. That said, I’m learning over (the past 3 years) to have a continuous conversation with God about my thinking and my feelings so He can gently correct me (which he always does in such a loving way). This morning was no exception.

I have been thinking about Daniel, Joseph, and Esther. The Bible tells about their lives, adversity, and preparation, but the bible doesn’t go into great detail about their thinking. Daniel was faithful to what he had been taught as a Hebrew boy and chose not to defile himself by assimilating into Babylonian culture. Joseph, after what seemed like a lifetime of pain, rejection, and pit-living, one day “got the call” that changed everything and impacted the world. Esther tried to stay hidden but was divinely challenged to step into her true identity, even if it meant death, to save her people. How many times did Daniel think he would die for what he believed? What ratio of fear to faith was he feeling as watched his friends step into the furnace or as he faced the lions?? After years of pain, rejection, and false accusations, did Joseph ever doubt the dreams God gave him as a child? And- while we know Esther was afraid, did she still feel that she might die after the jews fasted for three days? The bible doesn’t tell us, but we do know how their testing and challenges end: in the miraculous!

In all instances, God proved Himself, His plans, and His promises faithful. And I believe in all instances, He did exceedingly abundantly above what Daniel, Joseph, and Esther could ask, think, or imagine (of course he did!). God delivers the faithful through adverse challenges. He delivers through do-or-die situations. I’m so thankful he has compassion for us when we become distracted by the winds and the waves and less on his face. It’s times like that when he extends his hands to us and invites us to come to Him.

Today, I prayed this prayer to Him after He spoke to me.

Thank you that you know what we need before we ever anticipate it. Thank you for the gift of Your Presence and for Peace. Thank You that You apply Your peace over our hearts and minds like a salve. Your Presence and your Peace clarifies; it settles; it restores right thinking. I desire more of Your Peace in 2024. As the world writhes in turmoil, I wait to see what you’ll say and what you’ll do. I watch in the spirit to see what my King will say and do. I am ready to run with the assignments You’ve given me- to make You known- to make Your Glory known in the earth. Find me faithful to complete all You have set before me. Give me Your strength to run longer, faster, and farther for you in this season. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Some verses to encourage you today

I always read these verses in context, but you can also glean from isolating them and applying them to your situation as a word of hope, encouragement, and possibly even confirmation to exactly where you are in life today.

I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, You are My servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:9-10).

Shall I bring a baby to the point of birth and not deliver it?” says the LORD. Or will I who deliver close the womb? says your God (Isaiah 66:9).

I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream […] As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you. (Isaiah 66:12, 13).

It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them (Psalm 44:3).

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43:19)

Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD Almighty. What are you, O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of God bless it! (Zechariah 4:7f).

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 14:7).

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed (Romans 8:18-19).