For all those who praised and rejoiced with me over news of my mother's positive doctor's report, thank you so much! I literally received hundreds of encouraging email messages. I'm still reading through them.
Indeed, my faith for the future has been increased even the more!
Yesterday, as I talked to my mom, who was experiencing no pain or discomfort post-op (Hallelujah!), I shared how God met me early in the morning. I told her, "Mom, now I see how the Lord was getting me prepared through His word for the good news that would come only hours later."
We both sent up praise for the Lord's faithfulness to always send a word in season.
God was showing me that, when He speaks, no matter what things look like, His word never fails. Isaiah 55:11 (NIV) says, "So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
Recently, I blogged about the importance of focusing on what the word says, despite what we may see. Through good and bad; highs and lows; ups and downs; peaks and valleys; in plenty and in want, God wants us all to be confident that He has the final say.
I know that isn't always easy to do. Trust me, I know.
The trials of 2011 have been many. Still, I know they are working to refine my faith and increase my dependency on every word God speaks.
Right in the middle of my most desperate and desolate times this year, the Lord has spoken words of liberty and victory. He has shared multiple messages of hope, comfort, and triumph, that have appeared contradictory when juxtaposed with my numerous struggles.
He has allowed me to go through transitions, trials, and tribulations. Nevertheless, every time, He has proved Himself faithful by carrying me through the wilderness, and yet upholding me. That's why I so love the scripture in Deuteronomy 8:3 (NKJV) that says, "So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord."
Aren't you glad that, even through difficulty, uncertainty, and pain, God strengthens each one of us, and shows us just how dependable He is?
He constantly tells us, don't allow negative circumstances to diminish your faith. Don't begin to doubt the validity of My word. Rather, raise your level of expectancy. Look for your circumstances to respond to the authority of My word.
Then, when He brings us through, we can even more boldly proclaim, "When God speaks, things happen"
When He declares a thing, even if our reality looks nothing like our revelation, we can be sure that a turnaround is coming.
Just like yesterday morning, God gave me a word that encouraged me to expect the best for my mom, even while medical professionals suspected the worst. At the end of the day, the power of His word prevailed. Glory to God!
So today, I want you to drink down your cup of inspiration that has been sweetened with a wonderful faith-building scritpure. It is found in Romans 3:3-4 (NIV). It says, "What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar."
God, when I look at my life, many times, it doesn't seem to align with the word You've spoken over me. But today, I thank You for how, through this word, You have reminded me of Your faithfulness to manifest what You have said. So Lord, as an act of faith, I lift my hands and praise You in advance. I am fully confident that I will see what You have said! In Jesus' name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, empower, and encourage you.
