Category: Uncategorized (Page 2 of 2)

If you do a Google search for the word peace, the first definition given is “freedom from disturbance; tranquility.” A further search equates the word to – the absence of war or conflict. A quiet place. Rest. It also lists the synonyms ~ harmony, calmness and my favorite, privacy.

For some, not all, being at peace simply means their flesh is not being disrupted.

Often times, we become satiated (fully satisfied) with our personal choices; those people and things that we desire and lust after most. Flesh edifiers, if you will. Those private moments, sinful, yet euphoric (manic), bring us the “peace” we so desperately desire. Interestingly enough, when we think we have all that we’ve ever wanted, when the intentional moments of pleasure are seized – we can still wrestle with insecurities, feelings of despair and have unhealed areas in our lives.

The true place of peace is not merely the absence of noise or discord. Nor is it having our desires met. But it is the activation of the Holy Spirit in our lives when we surrender and commit ourselves solely to the Will of God.

Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. (Daniel 10:12-13)

These scriptures offer such comfort. They signify that our prayers are heard and answered, but is there a catch? If we look at the entire book of Daniel, we see that Daniel maintained his faith despite the circumstances, all the while recognizing God’s sovereignty. Translation ~ Daniel waited patiently, in spite of, for the results of the Lord.

The 13th Chapter depicts a “struggle” in the spiritual realm. Thus, we have no idea what God is doing on our behalf when we are obedient and indulged in prayer. Remaining steadfast in our faith allows us to face obstacles and deal with the delay of the manifestation of our petitions, with peace and joy. Knowing that . . . whatsoever he has promised, he is able also to perform (Romans 4:21). This reminds us that God will not forsake us.

It’s important that while we wait, we remain in the right frame of mind and consistently before the Lord. Because God’s timing is not ours, we must examine ourselves and make sure that we are in a position for God to bless us. Oft times, we cause our own blessings to be delayed with the wrong attitudes and absence of connection with God.

Developing and maintaining an appetite for God’s Word regularly, will encourage you to continue your prayer life when things get chaotic. And then, just when you least expect and/or need it most, God will release your breakthrough!

Having faith encourages obedience and both are pleasing to God!

June 2019 – I decided that I wanted to relocate back to Michigan. I wasn’t happy living in Georgia and I was suffering from anxiety, which was all but debilitating. While on our drive home through Kentucky, we came to a complete stop on the expressway. I sat in the car with my arm resting on the door staring out the window. I was immediately fascinated by the exposed roots of a tree. They were intertwined in the shape of the letter “j.” I started to think about our personal roots. You know, those things that were planted by others and even ourselves. I thought about how deep seeded they are and why we aren’t willing to expose (confess) them so that God can heal us.

A “root” can be defined as something that is an origin or source. They generally do not grow where there is no oxygen or where the soil is compact(ed) and hard to penetrate. “Compact” can also be defined as an “agreement or covenant.” Thus, many of the issues and/or triggers that are evident in our lives are simply agreements we have made with ourselves. Why did this happen? OR Why does this continue to happen? We blame our plight on everything and everyone instead of looking inward. Instead of – getting to the root!

If you water a root – give it your time, attention, verbalize your thoughts – it will thrive. Ironic enough, roots have no specific place that they grow, they just do and because of that – they are able to destroy anything – even what “appears” to be a solid foundation. This is more evident when they get tangled up with other roots (issues, problems of others) and become stronger. Almost impossible to manage.

But, I know a man. He is the author and finisher of our faith. He sits high and looks low. God wants us to be delivered and set free from bondage. His Word says – cast all your cares upon Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7) Whatever it is – trauma from your childhood, brokenness, a failed marriage, a prodigal child(ren) – give it to God! He’s waiting!!

Faith is defined as having complete trust or confidence in something (which there may be no proof of) or someone. While overload is having an excessive amount of something, yet no one thing in particular. Having an excessive amount of trust causes us to see things before we see them and to hope until the task reaches completion. Which begs the question – is your faith on overload?