Coming Out Better

We all go through challenges and difficulties that we do not always understand. I know plenty of people who have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus, but God never ends in a minus. He will bring you out of this mess and turn it into your message. Not only will He restore what you have lost, but you will come out of this better than you were before. 

I recently talked to a friend who fought a legal battle for five years. It was a long and exhausting struggle, and we kept praying for breakthrough; however, the court date kept getting pushed back, the deposition required more time, and there seemed to be no way to settle the dispute. The pandemic lockdown meant that there were no court hearings for several months. Then, out of the blue, my friend got a call inviting him to talk to the judge via Zoom video conferencing, and the opposition agreed to settle the case immediately. My friend not only got back everything he had lost, but he also received 1½ times more than what he had originally invested in this case. All legal and corresponding expenses were paid in full, and it ended up costing the other party five times what my friend had originally asked for.

You may be facing challenges now. You may feel like something was taken from you that cannot be replaced. Perhaps you feel pressured or as though you are being squeezed for resources. The job market is down, and your health is not improving. Despite what you are facing, God is saying, “You are going to come out of this better off than before!” Once you experience God’s favor, healing, and promotion, you will look back and say, “Everything turned out for my good.” Without Goliath, David would forever be known as the shepherd boy. Without Pharaoh, the Israelites could not have plundered the Egyptians and entered the Promised Land. You too will come out of your difficulties with flying colors. God will make the enemy pay double for your troubles. 

When you see where God takes you—the favor, the promotion, the blessing, you will look back one day and say, “It all turned out for the best!” David will tell you that it was good that Goliath showed up. The Israelites will tell you that it was good that Pharaoh restricted them. Now stay in faith and trust that God has your back. He would not allow the pressure if it were not going to work for your good. You are going to come out strong, healthy, vindicated, promoted, and much better than you were before. On that day you will say, “That enemy didn’t defeat me; that enemy blessed me.”

The Book of Daniel tells the story of three Hebrew teenagers who refused to bow to an idol under King Nebuchadnezzar’s reign. When news of their rebellion reached the king, he was furious and had the boys thrown into a blazing furnace. The fire was so hot that the soldiers who threw the youths in were instantly killed. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, however, were untouched. Their clothes, hair and skin were unburned, and they did not smell like fire. Notice how God restores.

Isaiah 43:2 says, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” When you come out of your trial, difficulties, or heartache, no one will be able to recognize the loss because there will be no scars, bruises, or damage to you or your reputation. God will restore your health, marriage, business, and mind. There will be no sign of depression, the marriage will thrive, and you will accomplish things that you had given up on. There will be no smell or sign of fire on you.

You may feel like you are in a fire right now or drowning in debt. The child maybe off course. The injustice and discrimination in the world seem unfair and unbearable. Let me remind you that you are coming out of this better than you were before. After living in slavery for 430 years, the Israelites left Egypt with great wealth. After five years of intense legal battles, God restored my friend to more than he could have hoped for. The Hebrew teenagers did not even smell like smoke after being in a fiery furnace. You may feel like going through some heat right now, but you are coming out stronger. You will rejoice, celebrate, and produce more in your future than you thought was possible.

Do your part and trust God to come through for you. He works on behalf of those who have faith. Thank Him in advance and say, “Father, thank you for my healing! Thank you for the salvation of my loved ones! Thank you for causing my business to prosper! Thank you that I will lend and not borrow! Thank you for helping me know and serve you better! Thank you for making a way, where I do not see a way!” When you declare His goodness, you release faith which is more powerful than positivity. You may be at a disadvantage right now, but you will come out of this vindicated, promoted, health restored, without the smell of smoke. In Jesus’ Name!

“You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive” (Genesis 50:20 KJV).

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Living Under God’s Protection

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been dominating the world news, economy, stock markets, air travel, and life as we know it. There is fear and panic among people everywhere. But as believers, we can not only survive but also thrive through these turbulent times. 

Living under the protection of God is a big topic in the Scriptures. God has made specific provisions for those who choose to live under His protection. While many people are motivated by fear, the people of God can rest in peace, knowing that He is in control of our lives. He will not let any evil to come near us. We are not ignorant or condescending, but we do not have to let a virus dictate our lives. Let us look at seven things you can know/do during this time!

1. Do not fear. God is in control. He does not do anything random. He has a plan and a purpose. No matter what happens in our world, it must pass through the courts of heaven. God does not bring evil upon us but works through situations that we face. Do not get God mixed up with the devil. The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). The affairs of our lives do not catch God by surprise. He is not wringing His hands thinking, “What am I going to do now?” He is not calling on the angels to discuss a bailout plan. No. He already has a solution before the problem began. God said, “Fear not, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10 ESV).

2. You have insurance. Before the various plagues struck the Egyptians, God said, “I will make a clear distinction between my people and your people…” (Exodus 8:23 NLT). One of the benefits of following Christ is that we are immune from the crisis around us. A ship does not drown when it is surrounded by water. A ship’s integrity is compromised only when water gets inside it. In the same way, you may be surrounded by plague but do not let it get inside of you. God promised, “So you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you” (Exodus 23:25 NKJV). 

 

3. Spend quality time with your loved ones. There is never enough time to spend with the people we love and care for. During this time of limited movement, take the time to bond with your family and loved ones. Sometimes the people who sacrifice the most for us are least appreciated. Why not pick up the slack and start serving your family a little more. Love and assist your family by being available and doing chores together like cooking or cleaning. Spend one-on-one time with your kids and let them know how important they are to you. 

 

4. Protect yourself. We are in the world but not of this world. Just because we’re Christ-followers does not mean we have to throw away our brains. Protect yourself by washing your hands frequently with soap. Avoid physical contact such shaking hands and giving hugs. Keep a distance of four to six feet between you and others. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Take vitamins and supplements to boost your immune system. 

 

5. Have a personal revival. When we are forced to distance ourselves from others and when we cannot even go to church for fellowship, it makes for a great time to experience a personal awakening. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). Let us use this time of isolation to grow closer to God. Be still and ask the Holy Spirit if there are areas in your life where you can come up higher. When we are vertically strong, we will be horizontally successful also. 

 

6. Talk about Jesus. Seasons of uncertainty and crisis are some of the best times to share the gospel as many hearts are open, willing, and receptive to the things of God. You do not have to be obnoxious about it. Nor do you have to barge into people’s lives waving a Bible, preaching guilt and condemnation. Be sensitive and on the lookout for those who are distressed and overwhelmed by fear, anxiety, and hopelessness. We are the salt and light of the world. Let us use these opportunities to bring hope, healing, and wholeness through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

 

7. Declare God’s Word. Step away from the news and social media and tune into God’s promises. Shield yourself and your family by proclaiming Psalm 91 as often as you can. Let me say a prayer of peace, protection, and provision over your life: “Father, I declare that fear and anxiety leave your people immediately. I command the death and destruction of Coronavirus around the world. I proclaim sickness, disease, crisis, calamities, and plagues to flee from us. I thank you for protecting our children and senior citizens from catching anything that would be detrimental to their health. I thank you for strength and speedy recovery over those who have been infected. I declare that the only thing we will catch is the goodness of God, mercy, strength, health, longevity, favor, abundance, and a satisfied life.” You said, “The Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil” (2 Thessalonians 3:3 KJV). Lord, we believe and receive your peace and protection in Jesus’ Name Amen.” 

 

“A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you” (Psalm 91:7 NKJV).

 

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When Nothing Seems to be Happening

“So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up” (Galatians 6:9 NLT)

None of us like to wait. We want fast, if not immediate, results. Many people struggle when they do the right thing and don’t see the desired result. If a drought lasts for a long time, it can easily squeeze the life out of us. The good news is that everything can change instantly.

One touch of God’s favor blowing in your direction can do more for you than what you can do on your own in a lifetime. The challenge is to stay hopeful in trusting God when things are going slow.

Just because you don’t see any progress doesn’t mean there isn’t any. If God was to pull back the curtains and let you take a peek at what’s happening in the background, you would be amazed. Many people quit just before the major breakthrough is about to take place.

What to do when nothing seems to be happening?

Pass the discouragement test. One of the main things you have to battle is mental fatigue. When we begin to lose hope, it’s hard to stay pumped up. No matter how dark it looks, you have to have an internal dialogue and belief that things are going to change today.

We can learn a lot from a farmer. If he decides to gather a barn full of corn, he doesn’t just hope, pray, and expect the corn to appear miraculously. He does what he has to. A farmer prepares the ground, plants the seeds, waters, nurtures, and waits for the right time to harvest the corn. He doesn’t go back the day after and dig out the seed because it has not produced yet. He’s confident in the seed, the soil, and the law of sowing and reaping. He’s secure that his labor will bring forth much fruit.

In the same way, when you’re in a slow season, keep putting seeds on the ground faithfully – make those follow up calls, take your family to church, stand believing for your healing, attend the local chamber of commerce, and keep working on the marriage. Keep doing what you know. If you do the right thing long enough, you will reap your reward. 

Keep the right company. You should never hang around with naysayers. It will kill your spirit faster than the venom of a cobra. It is especially important while you’re waiting that you associate with faith-filled people. Anybody can tell you why it won’t work; you need to hear how God is going to turn things around. Feed on the positive. Overdose on God’s promises for your problem. Bad company corrupts good manners. The opposite is also true.

Lastly, have an attitude of gratitude. If God has done it once, He will do it again. Most criminals are repeat offenders. At times, that’s all they know. In some ways, they don’t know any better. They can’t help themselves. They know the system.

God is like a criminal. Ok, I better clarify that. Unlike doing wrong, God can only do what’s right. God has a track record of doing the best for you. That’s all He can do and will do.

God cannot but help you, bless you, empower you, open doors for you, and propel you to your next level of victory. You need to know how God's laws work by studying the Word.

Friend, you are His masterpiece. You are His pride and joy. You’re His fatal attraction. He’s fascinated and even intoxicated by you and your success. Don’t mix up the devil and God. The thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy but Jesus has come to give us life and an abundance of it.

 

This is your time. This is your moment of favor and breakthrough. Tag, you’re it to receive God’s abundant favor, mercy, healing, and prosperity. Let’s get our hopes up. Let’s pitch our tent in the land of hope. Cast away the loss, the sadness, depression, discouragement, and disappointments. It’s a new day to experience God’s love and mercy. I pray and declare: you’re about to come into your promised land. I love you and I’m praying for you and your good success.

 

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Confront Your Fear with Faith

Fear is a universal disease. It has crippled millions from reaching their full potential. When we entertain fear more than our faith, we make ourselves “grasshoppers” in our own sight. Faith pleases God. Faith is rewarded. Faith inspires!

Every one of us is afraid of something. Fear and faith work in exactly the same way. Faith produces life while fear brings death. If we don’t face our fears and overcome them, then we’ll live our lives like a bird with her wings clipped off. Fear is driving a Nascar with brakes on. Fear robs us of our future. Faith on the other hand liberates people. Faith inspires others to believe God for more. Faith changes circumstances around.

When we choose faith instead of fear, like a magnet we attract the blessings of God to overtake us. Faith glorifies God while fear activates the work of the enemy.

Nick was a strong, hard-working young man who worked on a train crew. One summer evening, he was left behind by his co-workers when they were let off work an hour early to celebrate a foreman’s birthday. Nick was locked in a refrigerator boxcar. Nick panicked and began to shout for help and bang on the walls until his fists were bloody. He was a chronic worrier.

Fear gripped Nick’s heart. He thought to himself, “If I can’t get out, I’ll freeze to death here.” With every passing hour, every ounce of hope began to drain from Nick. Certain of his impending death, he began to carve on the wooden floor with a pocket knife. He wrote, “It’s so cold here. Body is getting numb. I can’t sleep. These may be my last words.”

The next morning Nick’s co-workers found him dead in the boxcar. They read Nick’s last words on the floor. The autopsy results revealed that Nick had died of hypothermia. A little investigation proved that the refrigeration unit wasn’t even operative. The temperature in the boxcar never dropped below fifty degrees. Nick had allowed fear to rob his life. This may be an extreme case of fear but people lose their families, jobs, businesses, and health based on fear.

I know people who are afraid of dying of some sickness. They know so much about their sickness that they can write an encyclopedia about it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about getting information and being educated on the subject. However, if we research more about our sickness than the promises of God to heal us, then we’re allowing the sickness to linger. Fear is a real thing but faith can move mountains! You can chose fear or you can chose faith. Faith is going to get you out of jail.

In the Bible, there’s a story of a widow (1 Kings 17:1-16). There was a great famine in the land and God commanded Prophet Elijah to move to Zarephath where the widow was supposed to take care of him. The only problem was the widow didn’t get the memo. When Elijah asked the widow for some water and bread to eat, the woman panicked. Elijah said to her, “Do not fear.” The widow obeyed God’s command and fed His servant. True to His Word, God provided not only for Elijah, but also the widow’s bin of flour never exhausted and the jar of oil never ran dry. What happened? Like all of us, this widow started off with fear but she put more faith in God’s Word than her fears. We too must do the same thing.

Here’s how I overcome fear. After flying around the world for decades, I still get a little fearful every time I step into an airplane. I have thoughts running in my mind of how there have been planes crashed in collision or some sort of other midair disaster. The images of burning planes begin to take over my mind, just then I realize what’s going on. I change the channel on what I’m thinking about. Our mind is like a TV and our will is like the remote control. You can chose what’s playing on your mind by simply changing the channel. Instead of fear, I change it to a victory channel. Every time you’re confronted with fears, replace them with faith. Fear says, “You’ll never have enough.” Faith says, “You’ll have more than enough.” Fear knocks, “You’ll die of your sickness.” Answer with faith saying, “I’ll live and not die and proclaim the works of the Lord.” Fear will tell you that your business is going under but choose faith and say, “Thanks be unto God, who always causes me to triumph in Christ.” A Nepalese proverb says, “The tiger in our mind is bigger than the tiger in the jungle.” Don’t let your imaginary tiger rob your treasures. F E A R is False Education About Reality. Friend, you can have fear or faith. I’m praying that you will choose faith!

“Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 NLT).

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Call in God’s Favor

Many of God’s children are struggling to make it through the day. They’re surviving but they’re not thriving. God has promised uninterrupted blessings to people who honor Him with their lives. God’s favor is for a lifetime.

We’re all familiar with phrases like, “It rains on everybody.” We say, “Bad things happen to good people.” Yes, that may have been our experience in the past but that shouldn’t be our normal expectation. Christ was not teasing us when He promised that, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 NLT). We’re so programed for negative things to happen to us that when they do, we almost welcome it. This is not how God wants us to live. There’s an undeniable blessing between the people in the world and the people of God — that’s you! We can live in the uninterrupted blessings of God.

I got a call from a friend who has been working on certain deals in his financial business. He’s had a rough patch last few years. In recent times, he’s honored God like never before. He’s made sacrifices and served his family. He has made reconciliation. I can’t tell you how proud I am of my friend. Today, I got a call from him and he was all excited. He said, “Sandy you prayed for a breakthrough last Thursday and the very same day an unknown person walked into our office. We’re looking to close the deal within a matter of days. When this goes through, it will be our third most valuable client!” I was excited for him but I wasn’t surprised. Why? I know that when we call in God’s favor He shows up and blows up.

Today if you’re battling a sluggish business, sickness on your body, loneliness, or a relationship problem, I want to encourage you. Everything you face is temporary. One touch of God’s supernatural favor can change everything around. The wind that was once blowing against you will suddenly propel you to new heights. One thing is needed. Call in the favor of God. When we cry out to God, He hears us. He neither sleeps nor slumbers. His ears are attentive to His children — that’s you!

I don’t like shopping and it’s something I rarely do. As I’m leaving for a missions trip to China, I wanted to get some new clothes because I’ll be ministering to house church leaders who are highly respected and they’ve honored God with the high price of persecution, torture, and imprisonment. When I got to the counter, I began to chat as I usually do. When I told the clerk that I was going to China to minister, he wasn’t too sure what to think. I gave him some discount coupons that I had received in the mail, he handed them back to me. He said, “I’ve got something better!” I didn’t understand until he gave me the bill. A $45 shirt and he sold it to me for only $7.64. I didn’t really buy a whole lot but altogether he had found me $303.25 in savings! That was the supernatural favor of God. Friend, I want to encourage you to call in God’s favor. If you can see it, say it. If you will say it, you’ll see it! God has promised us an abundant life this side of heaven; let’s expect some big things from God.

One touch of God’s favor will change your life. This is what happened to Virgin Mary, the mother of our Lord. She was an ordinary woman but she honored the Almighty and she found favor in His eyes. What transpired next, through the virgin birth of our Lord, ushered in the Savior of the world! When you live a God-pleasing life and call in the favor of God, blessings, increase, health, joy, justice, peace, and promotion will find you.

I’ve learnt that the more I brag about God and what He is doing, the more I experience God’s supernatural favor in my life. I’m accustomed to preferential treatment from God and fellowmen. I’m not proud but I have a quiet confidence that everything will work out in my favor. What about you? Are you expecting the worst or are you calling in the favor of God daily?

Friend, no matter what you’re facing today, lift up your head. God delights in the prosperity of His children. Religion hates the good life God has ordained for you. Religion wants to make you pay for your wrong; bind you with guilt, doctrines, denominational walls, dos and don’ts. If you really want to enjoy the good life God has prepared for you, then you have to discover God as a loving, caring and giving Father. Of course, He is also just, righteous and a zealous God. But you know what? At the heart of God is mercy. Love is the strongest motivating force in the universe. You’re not a slave; you’re an heir. You are a child of the Most High! Step up to the plate and call in the favor. If you dare to brag on your heavenly father, you’ll see Him at work like never before. Call in God’s favor. I’m praying for you!

“The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22 NLT).

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God Has Provisions Waiting for You

None of us know what is in our future. We all worry – some more than others. Worrying is not a sign of weakness. However, if we want to live a peaceful, joyful, and productive life then we have to learn that God will take care of us.

When we learn to depend on God, we will live a carefree life. When we do not allow stress and our circumstances to dictate our lives, then we can enjoy every day. Today, no matter what you’re facing, you must know that God has provisions waiting for you!

At work, you may have a challenging boss, co-workers, or a hard task. You may not see how to get past that negative situation every day. Sales may be slow and the market may be down. You may not have had a commission in a long time. You’re beginning to feel fatigued and get discouraged. Today, I have good news for you. Recently, a friend told me “Sandy, my boss is amazed! I’ve been at my work for only a few weeks and I’m already selling more than the people who have been there much longer!” I told him what I’m telling you, “You have the Joseph anointing. It’s not you, but God’s favor is working on your behalf.” It’s good to work hard and give our due diligence but when you call in God’s favor, He will go to work with you! Don’t complain, instead, stay in faith that God has 101 ways to multiply your efforts. Do your best and let God do the rest. God has provisions waiting for you!

Once, a man of God in the Bible was affected by a famine in the land. God told him to go to a city called Zarephath, where He had chosen a widow to supply his needs. When Elijah got there, the poor widow was collecting wood to make the last meal for her son and die. Elijah said to the widow, “First make me some bread and then your supply will never run dry as long as the famine last.” Amazingly, the poor widow agreed! She took care of Elijah and her supply never ran out. Friend, is there a famine in your life? Has it been difficult to pay your bills? Are you robbing Paul to pay Peter? Are you struggling hand to mouth? Today I want to encourage you. God has provisions waiting for you. My challenge to you is will you look to God as your Provider?

Some of you are concerned about the spiritual welfare of your family members. Pray for them. Be an example but don’t worry about them. God has provisions waiting for you. I heard of a young man that got into trouble and landed in prison. The family was very distraught and kept praying that God would save his life. In the prison, this young man and another inmate got in a fight over the remote control while debating what show to watch. In the middle of their heated argument, a large man walked into the scene. He grabbed the remote control from them. Petrified, the young man was leaving the room when the large man grabbed him and said with a gruff voice, “Sit down!” He started flipping through the stations and found an inspirational channel. The young man was convicted. He remembered his family trying to tell him about the Lord. He broke down and began to cry! Right there in the prison, the large man led the young man to the Lord!

Friend, God has provision ready for you. What do you need today? If you’re fighting a sickness, God will heal. If you’re having a problem in your relationship, God will restore. If you’re lacking and struggling to pay your bills; if your business is slow, God will bring increase. He has financial abundance waiting for you. If you are struggling with a long-term addiction, freedom awaits you. I request that you do two simple things: give your due diligence and then turn it over to God. Say it with me, “My God shall supply ALL my needs. I will obey and honor God with my life and He will honor me.” Now sing with me, “Don’t worry, be happy!” I’m praying for you my friend. God has provisions waiting for you!

“Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Philippians 4:6 NLT).

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