Storms are a part of life. They are inevitable. It’s either you have just faced a storm, you are presently facing one or you will face a storm in the near future. Storms are also called challenges. As believers, God wants us to face and overcome whatever storms life throws at us because He has equipped us. Victory comes after overcoming challenges, and that’s where we get the crown.
In life, no one ever gets a crown without overcoming something.
There are, however, strategies for overcoming our peculiar storm. Storms may come in the form of financial difficulties, barrenness, health issues, misunderstanding, etc.
Let’s look at the scripture
Isaiah 40:31 [KJV] But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.
God wants us to be like eagles that soar when the wind is contrary. The eagle does not flap its wings to fly but uses the wind to its advantage to soar.
This singular ability distinguishes the eagle from all other birds. It’s the ability to soar.
But the secret to soaring above whatever challenges we may be facing is our ability to wait on the Lord.
Waiting on the Lord is not worrying, it’s not complaining, it’s not thinking about problems, it’s not crying, it’s not getting depressed. It is spending (by discipline) quality time praying in the spirit and worshipping God, then He gives us the supernatural ability to soar above the storm.
Don’t concentrate on the storm. Take your eyes off the storm. The storm was mentioned once. So the focus should be on you. You mount up with wings as eagles, you, run and are not weary…
As you focus on yourself and what the Holy Spirit can do in and through you, you begin to receive strength, strategies, wisdom, and divine favour and before long, you will overcome whatever challenges life throws at you.
There is no shortcut to a life of victory. It is a praying life. Jesus said, “Men ought to Pray always”. Praying in the Spirit or praying in tongues works like magic. It generates miraculous power that the devil cannot master.
I encourage you to do this and victory is on the other side of the storm.
A snare is a device or trap employed to capture or confine an animal against its will. Historically, fowlers (bird hunters) utilized snares to capture birds.
In Psalm 124:7-8, the term “snare” is employed metaphorically to convey a situation characterized by peril, oppression, or confinement.
Psa 124:7-8 (AMPC) We are like a bird escaped from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! [8] Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.
The psalmist is comparing God’s rescue to a bird escaping from a hunter’s snare.
In a broader sense, the snare can represent any kind of trap, temptation, or bondage. The passage expresses gratitude for God’s deliverance and protection.
Guess what? This is exactly your story!
You’ve escaped!
Not only did you escape, but the trap was invalidated, rendered useless, null, and void!
You’re free!
Jesus has done something incredible for you and me. We’ve been freed from all sorts of traps, temptations, and bondages! Praise be to God!
You’re meant to live a triumphant life, not a defeated one like you’re still trapped!
And guess what? The next verse says your help comes from the Lord!
Live in the reality of the help that God has given you.
In your relationship and marriage, celebrate what God has done for you!
Soar like an eagle and don’t get caught up in the messes of this world.
We have a similar promise in Psalm 91, which says the same thing we have in God!
Psa 91:3 (KJV) Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
Effective immediately, embrace the reality of that freedom and accept all the divine assistance that God bestows upon you in the name of Jesus.
It’s just amazing how we are not intentional in curating the right atmosphere for our children to grow in. We end up raising children that will become a pain to us in the future. Listen, the atmosphere in which a child grows is important. A child that grows in an atmosphere of love will be full of love.
A home always filled with anger, shouting, physical abuse, etc. will raise a child who is damaged, regardless of what you tell that child. This is because children learn more from what they see than from what they are told. They learn more from YOUR SHOWING than from YOUR TELLING. If your showing is wrong, just keep your telling to yourself, because it’s your showing that will mold them.
So, what are you showing your kids?
Sometimes we deceive ourselves that children don’t see and know what’s going on. I came bearing new news today: they know! They see! They hear!
Dear husband and wife, what are you playing before your kids? Remember the sheep of Jacob? They eventually gave birth to that which they constantly looked upon (Genesis 30:37-39). As your children behold your relationship with each other, you’re molding something in them and that’s what they will give birth to in their lives. So, your marriage is not just about you and your spouse; it has a great impact on your children.
Dear singles, as you’re searching for a spouse, please have your children in mind. Go for a spouse who will help you in creating the right atmosphere for your children to grow in. Go for a spouse that will be the right example for your children. That man you’re considering, if your son becomes exactly like him, will that be okay? I just said to ask o…
The story of Abraham and Isaac, as they journey together to offer the sacrifice as commanded by God, is instructive. They get to a point in their journey and Isaac asks,
“…Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Genesis 22:7 KJV
Isaac must have been pondering on this for a long time. I’ve SEEN my father many times make sacrifices. There’s always the wood, the fire, and the lamb. What’s going on here now? Where is the lamb for the sacrifice?
The point is this: Isaac knew the rudiments of a sacrifice because he had been following his dad and watching him. Abraham was SHOWING.
The mind is a powerful tool, and the devil often uses it to attack God’s children. You may have good intentions, but with a poor mindset or negative thoughts, your journey as a believer can be hindered. This is why the Bible says,
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
When you surrender to Christ, it’s not just about leaving the past behind, but also about upgrading your mindset. Let go of toxic thoughts and vibes that’ve been holding you back, whether from past experiences or bad influences. A renewed mind is key to your faith journey – it’s where the real transformation happens, shaping your thoughts and actions
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
To establish some clarity, there are two primary types of mindsets: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset:
Fixed Mindset: Resistant to change, clings to old patterns, and struggles to embrace renewal.
Growth Mindset: Welcomes transformation, is open to new possibilities, and is eager to grow spiritually.
The growth mindset is the one God desires for His children to embrace.
Five Practical Ways to Renew Your Mind as a Child of God
1. Build a Personal Relationship with God
Ask yourself, How close am I to God? If it takes you a moment to answer this question, it’s a sign to get closer. Strengthen your relationship with God through a consistent prayer life.
“Come near to God and He will come near to you” (James 4:8).
2. Read and Meditate on the Word of God
Quiet time is sacred. It’s when you spend intentional time with God, meditating on His Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to interpret it to you.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).
3. Guard Your Mind Against Negative Influences
The mind is powerful, but it can only produce what you feed it. Be intentional about what you watch, read, and listen to.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23).
4. Think Positively and Block Out Negativity
Refuse to be swayed by the noise of the world. Fix your eyes on Jesus, who is the author and finisher of your faith.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable. If anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).
5. Be Thankful and Take Confessions Daily
Gratitude unlocks God’s blessings and helps you focus on His goodness in your life. Speak confessions that align with God’s Word to upgrade your mindset.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Renewing your mind is a daily process that requires dedication and intentionality. Don’t just be a child of God by words, but let your thoughts, actions, and mindset reflect His glory. As you commit to this journey, remember that the Holy Spirit is your helper. He will guide you and transform you into the likeness of Christ.
In this generation, it appears that physical attributes, or simply put beauty, are the primary factors considered when choosing a spouse!
People go to such an extent that they use online and social media filters to alter their appearances and looks, creating an illusion for both the observer and the person being observed.
Well, the reality is that relying solely on outward appearance as the primary criterion is a recipe for disaster.
Let’s examine what the Bible suggests!
Gen 2:23 (KJV) And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
Bone of my bones.
Flesh of my flesh.
Bones, which lie within, symbolize the body’s structural foundation and inherent strength.
In contrast, flesh, which lies outside, serves as an external covering, protecting the underlying bone.
The scripture mentions the bones of my bones first, before the flesh of my flesh. This is deliberate and not a mere coincidence.
The bones will always hold greater significance than the flesh.
That which lies within, the structure that holds that handsome man or beautiful woman, that is their character, is of utmost importance.
Yes, I understand that you should marry the one you are attracted to.
Yes, beauty is important, but it should never be the sole criterion for offering something.
Pro 11:22 (MSG) Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful face on an empty head.
Yes, you read that correctly!
The image of a gold ring in a pig’s snout is jarring and incongruous, starkly contrasting the outward beauty with the inner emptiness.
A beautiful face (outer beauty) is meaningless if the person lacks inner qualities such as wisdom, kindness, and character (inner substance).
Don’t judge people based solely on their physical looks. Instead, take the time to get to know their character and inner qualities.
Cultivate inner beauty as a single person. Focus on developing a beautiful inner life, which will eventually radiate outward and enhance your outward appearance.
