Faith Beyond the Obstacles

Faith sees the outcome beyond the obstacles. It sees beyond the problems, the obstacles, those difficult circumstances. Walking in faith means being mindful of the naysayers and trusting in God with your own personal journey. It’s staying the course knowing that God is faithful and a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. It’s finding strength in Him when we feel we can no longer press forward.

You must forge an atmosphere of faith. Especially in those moments when you find yourself surrounded by critical, judgmental, cynical people. It’s so easy for those very same characteristics to transfer over to you. But you must know the voice of the Holy Spirit. A voice that knows truth, love, and power. A voice that opposes the cynicism and judgments of others. Faith presses in! You must press into Jesus. Press into His promises. Draw closer to Him. The moment you do, your disappointments turn into hope. The spirit of faith steps in, and the goodness of the Lord becomes more evident in your life. The veil comes off and you can see all His goodness all around.

Let’s have a faith like Paul’s. In Acts 27:22 we read where Paul says, “But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed.” Verse 25 goes on to say, “So keep up your courage men, for I have faith in God that it WILL happen just as He told me.” Stand firm in your faith like Paul, believing and seeing the outcome beyond the obstacles. Paul didn’t focus on the storm or the negative outcome the crew saw. Paul saw through unveiled eyes. Eyes of faith that saw beyond their circumstances. Do not permit yourself to become overwhelmed by your present situation. Be like Paul and look beyond
the obstacles.

My dear friend walk in the word and live above your circumstances. Take the high road and walk in faith, courage and trust. “Trust in the Lord (He can be trusted for sure) with all your heart and lean not on your own (what you think and what you feel) understanding; in all your ways (behaviors, appearance, attitude, speech) acknowledge Him, and He SHALL direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) Remain confident knowing that God knows where you’re going before you take that next step. And He knows every word you will speak and how all this is going to turn out.

LIVING IN THE MOMENT

A couple weeks ago, I snapped this photo of my son.  In this very moment, all that mattered most was my son and motherhood.  Not over achieving in some grand gesture of life, pleasing another or prophetically pouring out.  Simply just being in the moment of what my son needed…treasured moments with me. 

There were days when social media and outside voices competed in my head for destiny and purpose.  What was my proper role?  When would I find that perfect balance?  Which is the best pathway to take in this season I’m in? 

One day it hit me.   I would have an answer for every question the moment I submitted myself to the process.  If I submitted myself to be a student of the word of God and His principles, I would know.  If I was off track, He would course correct my steps.  And I would listen!  I would make myself available for accountability.  I would power through and be fully committed to this journey…the growth…the process…the moments that matter the most.

It all sounds so simple, right?  But let’s be real for a moment.  Too many times we compare our life through others’ moments of media, while documenting our own. Then the comparison trap happens!  We get off track, losing our course by focusing on someone else’s moment.  We essentially stop seeing the value in our time, in our moments, while we compare with what others are doing in the now.

By living in the moment and savoring that time, we are creating those treasured moments and doing what matters most.  We are putting value into our time.  We are living in the moment and appreciating every bit of it, without comparison.  We are focused on the now in our lives.  Not questioning our role or our path.  Just living for what matters most.  Those treasured moments.

I have learned the simple art of LIVING IN THE MOMENT AND RECORDING THE MOMENT IN MY HEART’S BANK FOREVER!  My heart would ride on the rhythm of the now.  So, let’s focus on the now.  Let’s focus on living in the moment and recording those treasures in our heart’s bank forever!
 

CRAVINGS OF THE SOUL

When our focus is sharpened, it is then that we are able to press forward with an iron will.  Does this mean that our emotions are less important? Not at all. Does it mean that our situation does not require tending to?  Absolutely not. But what it does mean, is that we must change our perspective and redirect our focus. We must see the bigger picture and deal with the issues of the heart.  How we see the world. How we treat others. How we view ourselves, and so much more.

I can recall a time, on a cold wintry morning, when I woke up wanting nothing more than to pull the covers up over my head.  I sighed as my body ached while sleep continued calling my name. Yet, at the depth of my soul, my spirit was now alert and waking up to the fact that it needed to start the day with joy and love.  My spirit man was there reminding me to override the natural responses that governed my flesh. The word of God says, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.  The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41 - NIV) I realized that the longing of my heart was at a place that no man could ever fill.  No shopping trip could ever take its’ place. Not even a latte with one of my best girlfriends could compare to the deep desires of my heart.  But my flesh was tugging me in a different direction.

Have you ever felt a moment of utter despair?  Have you ever found yourself feeling misunderstood?  Longing for a deeper connection with God? I can remember answering yes to all of these questions, yet the heart of the matter was really obvious.  I felt stuck. Maybe you can identify with me and you too have answered yes to these very same questions. Know, my dear friend, that you are not alone.  I believe we must be wise and sensitive enough to pay close attention to the cravings and longings of our soul. And then, be honest enough to listen to what it’s really saying to us.

Our divine focus and intent should be that we have a deep longing to walk in the true love of God.  So much of God’s word is to continually study it and live by it repetitively. What I have found, if we truly fall in love with Jesus daily, is that our heart will be set on doing the right thing because of our love and desire to be more like Christ.

So I leave you with this.  Desiring, at all cost, to please the heart of the Father should be our focus.  Let us reflect on the life of Christ when we are faced with our own challenges, whether they are personal, financial, political, work related, etc.  I encourage you to take the pressure off and perhaps put the brakes on. Take a moment to pause and reflect. See what is really going on inside your heart.  Journal your thoughts and let flow what comes out of you. Then take a moment and revisit what you have written, asking God to begin shining the light on those areas.  Begin to get a revelation and insight on how to maintain your love walk and walk in freedom. It is the truth that we know that sets us free, and love rejoices in truth.