A colleague of mine told me their uplifting testimony about how God had performed a quick turnaround in the face of skeptics and naysayers.
Before things worked out in this person’s favor, people repeatedly said what ultimately did happen, never would. But they kept on believing. And it happened even quicker than they expected.
Don’t you just love the way God works?
Often, before we can see the outcome, unlike my victorious business associate, we are not quite so stable in faith.
In my early days, this was especially true for me. I was wishy-washy. My hope was easily carried away like a feather riding the wave of a cool breeze.
I was discouraged more than I was encouraged.
I felt like maybe I was just wasting my time and none of what I was doing made any difference at all. I told myself I probably should just quit.
During the beginning stages of branching out into entrepreneurship and ministry, to keep from running the other way, I had to do lots of praying, studying the word and focusing on my mission.
It took everything in me not to give up.
I knew God had called me to media and other areas of ministry. He wanted to use my voice to carry His voice, His words and His love to others.
After saying yes to His calling on my life, however, I was completely thrown off by what I came up against. I guess I thought His commission and permission to go would insulate me from some of the very things I ran right into.
My naïve and unfounded assumptions were all wrong.
Thank God, by His grace, I still pressed on through discouraging days. Sometimes, with tears streaming down my face and uncertainty about what the future held, I kept working the vision.
I did it out of obedience to God. I wanted to honor Him above all else. I had to remind myself often that He was my source. No matter what the situation looked like, how scarce the resources, or what opposition came my way, He was yet in control.
It didn’t seem like it some days, just like it didn’t in 1 Samuel 5, when Israel was defeated by the Philistines. Their oppressors stole the Ark of the Covenant, which was symbolic of God’s holy presence, and took it to a city called Ashdod.
The Israelites were devastated and stunned.
To add insult to injury, the irreverent enemy took the sacred ark of the Lord, placed it in their temple right next to a false god, Dagon. They believed the half man, half fish had the power to grant worshipers fertility and agricultural abundance.
Well, long story short, when the God-defying Philistines came back to the temple the next morning, to their dismay, they found Dagon face down on the ground in front of the ark of the Lord, with its head and both its hands cut off.
God made a bold and clear announcement that He rules and not some false idol. Every knee must bow to Him.
Of course, most of us are able to look at this biblical account and go, “My, how ridiculous it is for people to trust in a man-made idol. How dumb is that?”
Well, often, we turn right around and place our trust in man-made currency and society’s resources to sustain, provide, and give us a false sense of hope, and security.
Knowing all we know about God, why do we continuously let ourselves trust in man’s opinions, possessions and praises, more than the very Creator of the universe?
That’s pretty crazy, right?
Doesn’t make a drop of sense.
But Dagon, which I am now using as a metaphor for a false perception of what makes you productive or fertile in your life, is not your source. God alone is your source. He is the maker, sustainer and ruler of all.
Whatever you need, He’s got it. You can be confident of that.
He is able to turn things around, make a way, give you victory and release favor. He already has the provision you need.
So, even when it appears that the enemy is winning, that’s all it is: an appearance. God’s got it handled. You will overcome this phase and conquer the enemy because the Lord Almighty has declared it to be so.
Amen?
As I have been reiterating lately, every word He has ever spoken is true.
It is true on the mountaintop and in the valley. It is true when you are well and when you are sick. It is true in seasons of abundance and in times of lack. It is true when the prophecy has been fulfilled and when you’re still in the waiting place.
As Numbers 23:19 ESV says, which is what I’m stirring into your cup of inspiration, “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?”
As you drink down the contents of your cup, you will be empowered by the truth that God’s word stands. I don’t care what falls or fails, He never can or will. You may go through trials and transitions, but in the end, you will triumph because you have a sure word spoken over your life.
Don’t worry about what the enemy says you can’t do, won’t have or will never be.
What did God say?
That’s all that matters in the end.
Now let’s pray.
God, the situation I’m facing looks discouraging and what I see doesn’t look anything like what You said. But Lord, Your word is my evidence and I trust in Your promises. So today, I boldly proclaim that You have anointed, called, appointed and chosen me before the foundations of the world. I will be, do and have all You have ordained for me. Thank You in advance for the manifestation of this revelation that will surely come. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with you. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
