Don’t Give Up!

Many of us have faced challenges that made us want to throw in the towel. The good news is that our story doesn’t have to end that way. Know that you are not alone because God is with you (Isaiah 41:10 NKJV). We, as children of God, have a say in the matter and know that the fight isn’t over until we win. As we keep our mind on Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2 NKJV), we can successfully endure until we have the manifestations of what we’ve been believing for. In the process, there will be many opportunities to choose faith over fear, doubt, and the cares of this world. There are plenty of Scriptures in the Word of God that we can use to stand on for encouragement, strength, and as a reminder of who we are—children of the Most High.

I have been encouraged not only by seeing God manifest the desires of my heart over the years but also the desires of loved ones. Although everyone’s journey is different (and we should not compare our journey to others’), the success factor is not only believing that God is able and willing to bring to past the desires of your heart, but how to use your faith to manifest God’s promises. The Bible says without faith, it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and is a rewarder of him who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV). In this Scripture we see that: God is pleased by faith, it takes faith to believe God is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

God wants his children to enjoy life and has given us all the tools we need to overcome. We must recognize who we are as a child of God and use our God-given authority to overcome anything the enemy brings. The Bible clearly states that the thief (which is the devil) comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus came so that we can have abundant life (John 10:10 NKJV). It is important to know who God is (His attributes, nature, and character) so that you will know when something is not of God and can use your God-given authority to overcome it. You exercise your God-given authority by speaking God’s Word over your situation and not accepting anything that is not from/of God. That is also how we resist the devil. The Bible says, submit to God and resist the devil and he will flee (James 4:7 NKJV). Note that we must submit to God first, then we can resist the devil and he will (not may) flee.

I am still believing God for things to manifest and am fully persuaded that they will come to fruition because God is faithful (Deuteronomy 7:9 NKJV). When you’re going through a battle, it is important to renew your mind to God’s Word and speak the Word, which is life, to the situation (Proverbs 18:21 NKJV & Mark 11:22-26 NKJV). Trust God and rely on His strength, wisdom, and ability. In Him we live, move, and have our being (Acts 17:28 NKJV). God wants to show Himself strong in your life, but He needs your involvement. He is not forceful. He is a God of love, compassion, and mercy, but you must look/turn to Him and receive all that He has for you. God is enough. If you have Him in your life, as the captain of your ship, then you can go anywhere and do anything…nothing or no one can stop you.