A collapsed soul

There isn’t one person on earth that has not experienced fear, stress and anxiety. Some to a greater extent than others.

Often times the fear we experience becomes paired or coupled with trauma. Fear is one of the most prevelent post traumatic effects of trauma.

As a result we try to put measures in place to keep us safe, to prevent us from going through such a thing again – we become hypervigilant, fearful and alarmed.

The truth is that these “measures” do not actually solve the fear – they are just beacons or tell tale signs that we are in fear. They are the scaffolding we place around our lives which have become damaged and in a state of collapse: The truth is that something deeper is at play here.

Read with me John 19 where Pilate has to decide Jesus’ fate:

“Then Pilate was greatly alarmed when he heard that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God!”
‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭8‬ ‭TPT‬‬

The verse says that Pilate was greatly alarmed.

The footnote in The Passion Translation says:

“his soul collapsed”.

This is what happens when we are scared, become fearful, stressed and alarmed.

Our souls collapse.

The picture that comes to mind when visualising our souls’ collapse is that of the twin towers in New York after 911.

Because of our trauma events our soul’s structure becomes weakened and structurally unsound. The result is that our souls collapse.

Now we understand why we sometimes feel as if our worlds have come crashing down around us. We feel overwhelmed by the amount of debris laying at our feet as we face the devistation the trauma caused in our lives. We say, “our lives have been shattered”.

We now have language for this: our souls have collapsed!

We find another example of this alarm in Luke 8:

“Alarmed, the disciples woke Jesus up and said, “Master, Master, we’re sinking! Don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”

The fear created by the storm caused their souls to collapse. And from this verse we learn what we sound like when this happens. Like them we shout, “Jesus, don’t you care?”

But – there is a second part to the verse:

With great authority Jesus rebuked the howling wind and surging waves, and instantly they became calm.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭24‬ ‭TPT‬‬

We often read this verse with the understanding that at Jesus’ words the storm and wind became calm. But there is a second aspect:

At Jesus’ rebuke of the cause of the alarm – the cause of their souls collapsing – the disciples also instantly became calm.

The presence and authority of Jesus is what is needed when we feel asif our souls are collapsing. Turn to Him – align your collapsing soul with His Word and authority.

“Then Jesus said to them, “Why are you fearful? Have you lost your faith in me?”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭25‬ ‭TPT‬‬

He could have said “why are you alarmed?”

“Why have your souls collapsed?”

Why have you lost your faith in me? That is exactly why Satan wants our souls to collapse for it also devistates and collapses our ability to believe and have faith.

Jesus turns their attention away from their collapsed circumstances and tells them to focus on Him. He is the Restorer, Builder and Authority – at His Word and command – the collapse is halted, blocked and restored. Faith in Him is the antidote to our souls collapsing.

Faith in Him kick starts the restoration.

“And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of [buildings that have laid waste for] many generations; and you shall be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭58‬:‭12‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

That is who He is: the Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of streets to Dwell in.

“Now, Lord, do it again! Restore us to our former glory! May streams of your refreshing flow over us until our dry hearts are drenched again.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭126‬:‭4‬ ‭TPT‬‬

“Anxious fear brings depression, but a life-giving word of encouragement can do wonders to restore joy to the heart.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12‬:‭25‬ ‭TPT‬‬

“The Lord is close to all whose hearts are crushed by pain, and he is always ready to restore the repentant one.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭18‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Today I pray and decree:

Soul, I bring your collapsed state to the power, authority, Word and presence of Christ. I align you with Him and all He stands for. In and by faith I declare restoration. Today your former collapsed state is being restored and rebuild by Him who has the authority to do so.

Be still my soul and forget not one of His benefits!

Roadmap through the different

In life we are often overwhelmed by the “what ifs” and the “what next’s”. We would like to know the road ahead because then we can prepare our hearts and be ready.

The reality is that life does not work that way. Life is full of suddenlies. In a blink of an eye all can change and the whole picture of our reality shifts, and suddenly we are confronted with the different.

A phone call, an accident, a conversation, an e-mail, an appointment, test results – all mark the shift into the “different”.

This space which we call “different” is often an uncomfortable and overwhelming space – one for which we have no reference, no vocabulary and no skills. Different is often very scary. Our natural tendency is to try and control it.

The “different space” is the space of no control. It is the space of growing. But most of all it is the space of trusting, leaning and relying upon Him. For He is already in the new circumstance, He knows, He has the vocabulary and He has the strength to guide you through it.

Not knowing the road ahead or the way forward for a loved one is especially hard. We so want to control and know and prepare them and ourselves for what is to come. This makes us feel safe – but the truth is that it is not the way of faith.

In the last few days Holy Spirit showed me Mary the mother of Jesus’ walk through the “different”. She, a young girl on the brink of becoming Mrs receives a profound visit from Holy Spirit. He told her that her life will suddenly be different. But she did not receive full disclosure of the road ahead. Holy Spirit did not tell her all that would take place.

We see evidence of Mary not knowing the way ahead in the following scriptures. The first is right after the birth of Jesus when the wisemen and the Shepherds came:

“But Mary treasured all these things in her heart and often pondered what they meant.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:19‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Next we read of Jesus’ dedication ceremony at the temple where Semoen prophesied about the life of Jesus as Messiah:

“Mary and Joseph stood there, awestruck over what was being said about their baby. Simeon then blessed them and prophesied over Mary, saying:” Luke‬ ‭2:33‬ ‭TPT‬‬

The third time was when Mary and Joseph “lost” Jesus for He remained behind in Jerusalem:

“Jesus said to them, “Why would you need to search for me? Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be here in my Father’s house, consumed with him?” Mary and Joseph didn’t fully understand what Jesus meant.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:49-50‬ ‭TPT‬‬

What an incredible journey being the earthly parents of Jesus. Our Father in heaven just said to them and to us today as we navigate our paths of the “different”:

“Trust Me, I know what I am doing. On the road ahead you do not need full disclosure – you need faith and trust. I know the way forward – I know every challenge, circumstance and need. I will provide. I will take the lead. I lead the way.”

“Come, let’s walk”

“Help me turn my eyes away from illusions so that I pursue only that which is true; drench my soul with life as I walk in your paths.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:37‬ ‭TPT‬‬

“For the Lord God is brighter than the brilliance of a sunrise! Wrapping himself around me like a shield, he is so generous with his gifts of grace and glory. Those who walk along his paths with integrity will never lack one thing they need, for he provides it all!”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭84:11‬ ‭TPT‬‬

From this I learn that it is OK not to have full disclosure . It is not a flaw not having the vocabulary or the skills for the “different” we are challenged with. Instead of control, worry and overthinking I get to trust and obey the One who knows the way, has the skills and vocabulary.

He is God of the different path.

Will you follow His lead?

Oil of joy weapon

If today you had to measure your joy levels how high would your score be?

Most of us are weighed down by the things of the world, the dark prince of this world and the fallen conditions of the world we are daily confronted with. The Bible refers to this state as “this present darkness” (Eph 6:12). This darkness, increasing daily, is a major joy thief in our lives.

Another joy thief is the things we are still waiting for. Let’s face it we are not very good at waiting. If we have a promise from God we want it to manifest immediately and completely. It reminds me of the lyrics of a song that says “I want it all and I want it now”. The longer we wait the more we doubt the promise and the ability for it to become manifest.

Today I read Hebrews chapter 1. It speaks of the Father saying over Jesus that He will rule His kingdom. And I thought:”how long has Jesus waited for the fullness of this promise to manifest?” Think about the span of time since this promise was made to Jesus and where we are today.

“But about his Son, he called him “God,” saying, “Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever and you will rule your kingdom with justice and righteousness,”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Well the answer is: Jesus waited far longer than you and I have been waiting. Jesus does not grumble or complain, sigh, or have a pitty party in the season of waiting. No, He is content for He knows that if the Father said it – it shall be so. And for Jesus this is enough.

Why then is it not enough for us?

In the next verse of Hebrews 1 we read that God has anointed Jesus with the oil of bliss.

“For you have cherished righteousness and detested lawlessness. For this reason, God, your God, has anointed you and poured out the oil of bliss on you more than on any of your friends.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭TPT‬‬

The footnote says that this was the oil of rejoicing. Jesus is rejoicing in the promise to come. He is not looking at the time it takes. He is focussing on the WORD of God – His promise – and that fills Him with joy.

What would this anointing look like and sound like in our lives?

“O what joy in my life! God said He is going to fulfill this promise in my life. Yes I am still waiting but what joy to see how He is going to do it. I get to see the fullness of God’s promise in my life at the right time – perfectly.

You see, we can wait like sons of God – rejoicing in God’s promises and Word. Understanding and believing that His Word is Yes and Amen.

Or we could wait like orphans – feeling neglected, forgotten, depressed and filled with distrust.

Today, I am asking for the example set by Jesus to start forming in my life. I ask for the anointing oil of rejoicing in the waiting to be poored over me. I declare God will do what He promised and I anchor my faith to the truth of His character – unfailing, sure and steadfast. And I thank Him that I get to experience every aspect of how He is going to do this.

I am a son, not an orphan. And you?

These three things

We know that Jesus is our example. If we can purposefully and faithfully walk in His footsteps our lives will be transformed from one level of glory to the next.

In Luke chapter 3 John the Baptist tells about three attributes in which Jesus walked. These are three things a believer cannot be without.

“But John made it clear by telling them, “There is one coming who is mightier than I. He is supreme. In fact, I’m not worthy of even being his slave. I can only baptize you in this river, but he will baptize you into the Spirit of holiness and into his raging fire.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭TPT‬‬

We know that scripture says “be holy as I am holy”. (1Peter 1:16) Yet, this is impossible to reach in and by our own power, for our very nature is sinful. This is why Jesus provides for us the baptism in the Spirit of holiness.

This is the first attribute we as sons of God cannot live without. A baptism means an infusion and a changing of nature. Therefore we need to ask for the baptism of the Spirit of holiness. We need to ask that the Spirit of holiness will come and rest upon us – guiding us. Only then will it be possible for us to be holy. For I no longer live but Christ lives in me.

His holiness becomes our holiness through our death, buriel and resurrection in and through His baptism of holiness.

The second attribute is His raging fire. This is also a baptism – meaning that we need to be infused in His fire, marked by it and consumed by it.

The footnote in The Passion Translation about the raging fire says: A baptism of light or fire would cleanse and change a life, giving new power to live for God and deal with every issue that hinders love and passion from burning in our hearts. It is the baptism of the Holy Spirit that all believers need today.

Do you struggle to love like He loves? We all need the baptism of His raging fire to consume our hearts. The measure of His fire we carry is equal to the measure of our ability to love.

The third attribute is given in verse 21:

“One day, Jesus came to be baptized along with all the others. As he was consumed with the spirit of prayer, the heavenly realm ripped open above him and the Holy Spirit descended from heaven in the form of a dove and landed on him. Then God’s audible voice was heard, saying, “My Son, you are my beloved one. Through you I am fulfilled.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭3:21-22‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Jesus, on His way to be baptised is consumed with the Spirit of prayer. The Bible says we should pray without stopping. This is once again not something we can do in our own power. It is not about works, but this is also a gift from God.

We need the Spirit of prayer to dwell upon our lives. If Jesus was consumed by the spirit of prayer – how much more would we need it?

So today I pray: Jesus I need to be

1. Baptised in Your Spirit of holiness

2. Baptised in Your Raging fire. And I need to be

3. Consumed with the Spirit of prayer.

Please refresh these spiritual gifts in my life and seal them, infuse them into my humanity through the Blood of the Lamb.

It will change everything

I was reading John chapter 2 where Jesus turned the water into wine. And for the first time His words to Mary, His mother, drew my attention.

When Mary approached Jesus to change the water into wine He answered:

“My dear one, don’t you understand that if I do this, it will change nothing for you, but it will change everything for me! My hour of unveiling my power has not yet come.”
‭‭John‬ ‭2:4‬ ‭TPT‬‬

In our wanting, needing and searching for miracles and breakthrough we often become completely selfish and consumed with self. Our focus is on our desires, our circumstances, our prayers. To my shame I have to admit that I have never, not once thought of what the effect would be on the Kingdom of God if it did indeed happened according to my prayers and demands.

I realised that I had a consumer mentality in wanting and seeking God’s power in my life. Not once have I asked what the effect of my request would be on Jesus.

I know that the miracle and breakthrough would serve me and that it would change things for me. But, would it serve God’s bigger picture? What would be the effect on the Kingdom? What would it cost Him? And most importantly – is it time for His power to become manifest in this way?

From reading this verse, I need to repent for I have rarely considered the timing of God. I realise I have not prayed asking, “Jesus, is it time for Your power to be displayed in this way? I know that from my perspective it is time. But what about heaven’s greater picture?”

Yes, we pray “Let Your kingdom come and will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. But do we realise what this means in the context of John 2?

I realise that I might still be waiting for His promises in my life to manifest itself, for it is not yet time for Jesus’ power to be revealed in this way. He has not forgotten, is not ignoring or punishing me. He is governing the universe perfectly revealing His power and glory on time and in season. There is a much bigger picture apart from my desires, needs and wants.

And then I trust, knowing that He said:

“I am God. At the right time I will make it happen.” Isaiah‬ ‭60:22MSG‬‬

The Word speaks of appointed times and seasons. And therefore I pray that my heart and mind, my spirit, soul and body be alligned with His appointed times. Knowing that when it is time for His power to be revealed it will!!

It is not a question of might it happen or not. It is about alligning heaven and earth, about trusting Him who governs the end from the beginning.

And this is where peace is found, knowing that He’s got the whole world in His hands – governing it all perfectly. Yes, even this aspect of my life I am praying about.

O what glorious assurance! When it is time – it will manifest. Breakthrough will come and His power will be displayed for all the world to see, and I get to witness Kingdom on earth and God’s glory revealed.

Jesus, forgive me for not considering You as I prayed. Forgive me for my selfish character. Forgive me for my consumer mentality and not once considering the cost my request would have on You – Your time and Kingdom. Today, I allign my desires, will and prayers with Your timelines of governance, unveiling, resources, power and grace. It is not about me.

But, today I declare with new understanding: let Your kingdom and power display itself in my life according to Your will and purposes. Not my will but Yours be done. I allign with Your Kingdom purposes and timing.

What a blessed assurance! I thank You, For when the time is right for Your power to be displayed, it will! What great promise and joy. And in this I trust and rest, placing my needs, wants and desires in Your mighty hand and perfectly governed time. Thank you for making this possible through the Cross.

Halleluyah

Peace: is it even possible?

When last did you have peace of mind and heart?

When last did you read the headlines, looked at social media, spoken to people and walked away with a mind at peace?

Does “The Virus” leave you at peace? Does the economic projections and political realities? What are things you talk about and discuss with others?

Let me ask you this – what occupies your mind today? What thoughts, worries and concerns circle your mind and dictate to your emotions. Like me, there will most assuredly, be a list of things.

Maybe the answer to this problem of not being at peace is not found in us. Maybe trying harder to be at peace will always fail.

I found this scripture and it made me pause. It was one of those moments realising that I have always misunderstood the assignment to be at peace.

“Grace (unmerited favor) be to you and [heart] peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).”
‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭1:2‬ ‭AMPC

Heart peace is not something we achieve, it is not a performance and a measure of our success and faithfulness!! It is a gift and provision from God the Father.

Pause and think of that!

In yourself you will never have peace! Never! It is impossible. Peace is a gift! Maybe we should trade our peace efforts and our peace failures for the peace of our Lord?

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace (the peace of His kingdom) at all times and in all ways [under all circumstances and conditions, whatever comes]. The Lord [be] with you all.” 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

His peace is available:

– at ALL times

– in ALL ways

– under all circumstances AND conditions.

My own attempts will never match up.

The Word also speaks of a peace framework and means of being at peace – but this is a deception. It is called the peace of this world.

“Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

What does the world’s peace sound and look like? If I only had enough money. If all could just return to how it was before. If there just was another government over us.

The word for peace in the Greek as it is used here, means to be joined to peace, quietness, prosperity and rest.

So instead of trying to attain peace out of my own efforts and attempts – I am asking to be joined to His peace. And in this I become joined to Him who is the Prince of Peace.

Today, I repent for trying and repeatedly failing to be at peace – through my own efforts. I repent for misunderstanding that even in this, He has provided for us.

Father I accept Your gift of peace! Thank you. Teach me to walk in it.

What wonderful provision! For such a time as this

This is the peace that surpasses ALL understanding!

“And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

Thank You, Father

Covid reality

As I am writing this I am in bed recovering from covid pneumonia. Today is day 16 of isolation and counting…. My isolation has been extended due to the pneumonia.

It is a terrible thing being alone and being ill. We were designed for touch, care and contact not loneliness and isolation.

When you are alone like this – then you have this one thing for company “your mind” and the circles of your thoughts.

Every bit of data, news feed, reality, statistic and story of others which we have accumulated since 2020, start to surface and present themselves on the catwalk of our thoughts and minds. Each strutting its truth, what if, maybe and possibility as couture.

Then at night, there is the fitful sleep of lying in the right position for optimal breathing. Becoming accustomed to lying on your stomach like a beached whale. The waking up in the middle of the night to see what the gleaming red eyes of the saturation monitor is reporting. Will you need oxygen or will your breath sustain you?…something you did not give much consideration too, before.

How often should you check your stats? If drowning in your own phlegm is any indication then you have to monitor constantly.

And then there are the pity party days…. The poor me, uncertain, weak me who lies crying in bed, gulping for air. Feeling guilty over those who have reason to cry for they have lost loved ones to this monster.

Yes this covid monster has a deep dark pit as his side-kick. Now you fight two… sickness and depression.

It was on one such day that Holy Spirit prompted me to read the book of Acts.

The first story that caught my attention was that of Peter and the other disciples who had just ordered the lame man to walk. Gamaliel ordered them to be severely beaten…

Then I read their response to the beating:

“The apostles left there rejoicing, thrilled that God had considered them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭5:41‬ ‭TPT‬‬

They are severely beaten yet they are reported to be rejoicing and thrilled for they get to partake in the sufferings of Christ.

Not much rejoicing and thrill on my side though….

You see the reality of Christ to them surpassed all else. He was their joy, He was their thrill – no matter their circumstances.

Next, Holy Spirit took me to the story of Stephen. Stephen is placed on trial and is being falsely accused. We read about Stephen’s reaction in chapter 6.

“Every member of the supreme council focused his gaze on Stephen, for right in front of their eyes, while being falsely accused, his face glowed as though he had the face of an angel!”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭6:15‬ ‭TPT‬‬

The reality of Stephen’s trial and false accusations pale in comparison to Christ’s reality. Stephen’s face shines with that which he beholds – Christ. The footnote in the Passion Translation reads: Stephen’s face lit up with heaven’s light shining as an angelic minister. The footnote continues: What manifests in your life when you are opposed and falsely accused?

Simply put… what manifests in your life if you are bedridden with covid? What manifests in your life if your finances are challenged? What manifests if you are told that you need to remain another week in isolation? I am sad to report that in my case… it was not the glory of God and the light of His presence that manifested but pity, sorrow, complaining, worry, depression and discouragement. Where was the reality of Christ?

When you squeeze a lemon you get lemon juice… what do you get when you squeeze a child of God?

What was the secret of the faith Heroes such as Peter and Stephen that produced glory when squeezed?

“I continually see the Lord in front of me. He’s at my right hand, and I am never shaken. No wonder my heart is glad and my glory celebrates! My mouth is filled with his praises, and I have hope that my body will live”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:25-26‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Time to take my eyes off covid and focus on the glory of Him who will never leave nor forsake us.

For now, I see the Lord in front of me…. In Him was light and the light was the life of man.

I bless every person in bed struggling or facing a trial with the reality of His glorious presence!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and praise.

Fear….

There are so many things that we are bombarded with. We are conditioned to fear the crash of the economy and loss of income.

We fear the virus and lockdowns. We fear harm, sickness, disease, death and calamity. We fear failure and the future: We fear the human and spiritual forces of evil wanting to take over our world and governance.

But all of these fears take up the space in our hearts and minds which were created for the fear of God.

If we are fearful, worried, anxious and stressed about the things of this world – then we fear the world.

What does this word fear mean in the original Hebrew language? It means reverence – deep respect and awe.

Does it then not mean that if we fear sickness we then have a deep respect and awe for sickness – rather than the healing promises of God? This fear then takes up the space of the fear of God and therefore becomes an idol. How would you know? Your thoughts and emotions will constantly circle this “fear” – and the maybe’s it represents. This is a tough one to consider. So I encourage you to pause a moment:

If you would make a truthful list of the things you fear and are anxious about – how many would there be?

It is time that we take these idols with their instilled fear and awe from our hearts and minds. How? By dethroning them and telling them about our God instead. But it starts with a stock taking moment and repentance.

Do you know that for everything you fear there is a scripture that will denounce that fear? Maybe it is time that we rediscover what the Word of God says about the things we fear.

If we look at the following scripture we see that the fear of God is a fountain of life.

“Reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death. [John 4:10, 14.]” Proverbs‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭

The fear of anything else than God is then the opposite. This fear is a bottomless pit if darkness, unstable emotions, uncertainty, doubt, unbelief worry, stress and sorrow.

Today we ask Him to show us the idols of fear in our hearts. We repent of these other gods and things of fear, stress, anxiety and worry. We bring these idols to the Cross of our King. We ask God with His mighty, saving right hand to pull us up from the dark fountains or pits of worry and fear and to reestablish us on Christ the solid Rock. We tell our fears who our God is and hold the scripture – God’s spoken word of truth as a shield over our minds, hearts and circumstances.

And then we start to live mindfully – not allowing the idols back in.

“In the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children shall always have a place of refuge.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭14:26‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

“And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

Suddenly! So be it!

So many of us are waiting for a promise to be fulfilled and for circumstances to change. The waiting can become all-consuming as we tick off the days. Every line represents a “not yet” etched on our hearts and minds, discouraging us! These “not yet” memorials are like bundles of despair bound together.

These lines cause us to focus on the negative. It keeps track of the waiting and do not represent the hope of that which is to come. We would say, “it has been three years”, marking the unfulfilled time and promise.

I want you to pause for a moment and answer two questions. Don’t be quick to answer – pause and think.

Question nr 1: Has anyone mentioned in the Bible waited for a promise of God that has NOT come into fulfilment?

…. granted some had to wait, maybe even for a generation or more. But in the end every promise He makes are fulfilled.

For God is not a man that He should lie. Num 23:19 It is impossible for Him to lie!

So maybe you should write on that wall of “not yet”: God said it, I believe it and that settles it!

Question nr 2: Do the recipients of the promise, those waiting for their circumstances to change, always know when it will happen?

Let me ask it in this way: did the blind man know that Yeshua was going to come to town that day and heal him by placing mud on his eyes?

Did the lame man know that that specific day would be his last for begging at the temple gate?

Did the lepper know that that evening he would be able to return home to his family?

No!!! Mostly it is a surprise which comes suddenly!

This is exactly what the women suffering from the flow of blood experienced.

“And immediately her flow of blood was dried up at the source, and [suddenly] she felt in her body that she was healed of her [distressing] ailment.” Mark‬ ‭5:29‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

She did not wake up knowing that today would be the day of healing?

But all these examples have something in common. These people all waited, hoped for and trusted in Yeshua to fulfil their hopes and dreams and the promises in His Word. They kept their focus on Him!

Although the people did not know the exact time – God knew exactly when!

With God the answer is WHEN IT IS TIME!

I want to ask you to take your eyes off the time it is taking! Erase the bundles of “not yets” from your heart and mind. Instead, remember that every day brings you closer to the fulfilment of His promises!

“At the right time I, the Lord, will make it happen.” Isaiah‬ ‭60:22‬b NLT‬‬

Until then….

“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” Psalms‬ ‭27:14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“For as many as are the promises of God, they all find their Yes in Him [Christ]. For this reason we also utter the Amen (so be it) to God through Him [in His Person and by His agency] to the glory of God.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:20‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

So, know this, your promises are also yes! And amen!

Our “not yet” then turns into “so be it”!