"Walking Away"

Reflections4Life March 8, 2020

“Walking Away”

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us...” Hebrews 12:1 NASB

Scripture Contemplation:Genesis 15;31; Proverbs 3; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Hebrews 2;12...

 

©Ruthe McDonald.

How many times have you promised that the next time would be different? Or, how many times have you told yourself that, if you had to, you would just walk away? That, you would have no problems letting go and doing what needs to be done. Sometimes it is far easier said than done. Yet, if we place our confidence in God and yield to Holy Spirit, though it may be hard, we will be able to do what is necessary to walk in the path that God has ordained and walk away from the people, places, and things that harm or prevent us from moving forward in our purpose.

I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. May you yield completely to Holy Spirit as He continues to guide you on the path of righteousness, leading you to your expected blessings. Walking away may not be easy, but it may be the difference between living and dying.

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is walk away. Whether it's from a relationship, a job, a habit, or a thing....walking away isn't easy but necessary; especially when God is telling you to walk away. There are times when we may find ourselves in a situation that is so toxic that, if we don't walk away, we may be destroyed. Though it may not be easy, it would be much harder to stay as your soul and spirit slowly die and there is no longer you; just a shell of who you once were. 
 

Why do we stick with things that are not good for us? Why do we continue to try and change a situation by doing what we did before, knowing it did not work? What's the saying—insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result? Yes. Not going to happen. In order for change to happen, we have to be obedient and do something different. Sometimes doing that which is most difficult.

It doesn't matter if the thing God desires us to walk away from is a relationship, a job, or a situation or place; obedience to God will not only save you from sacrificing the blessings that God has waiting for you. It will save you from heartache, pain, and even death. Walking away can very well save your life.

Many are in toxic relationships that the Father has told them to walk away from. Even family and friends have told them to walk away. And yet, they stay. Some stay until there is no more life in them; every hope, dream, aspiration...gone! They are no longer living, just existing. Why? Why would anyone stay in such toxicity? Perhaps because they have been systematically stripped of who they are until they believe the lies of the enemy instead of the truth of what God says. 
 

It is very hard to believe the truth when you have been conditioned so long to believe a lie. Yet, with God, all things are possible. And when there is a sliver of hope, and people praying, there remains a chance for that person to still walk away and get the help they need before it's too late. Never give up on someone who may be in a toxic relationship. Though they may be operating out of fear; be there and make certain they know you will not abandon them.

Perhaps you are holding onto a job that God has told you to walk away from. Rest assured, if God is telling you to walk away, it is because He has something far greater for you. Many times we get comfortable in our lives and become complacent. But what if your job no longer existed? What if the company shuts its doors? What would you do? You placed your security and trust in what you thought was stable, instead of placing your trust in God. 
 

God does not tell us to give up something without having something far greater in store. So many of us miss out because we do not trust God completely. We haven't totally yielded to the Father and trust Him to lead us to where we need to be. When we truly let go and trust Him, that's when we will understand just how deep God's love flows for us.

Yes. Walking away is not the easiest thing to do. But it is necessary. It is vitally important to know when it is time to let go and walk away. We run the risk of forfeiting the security and the promises of God by hanging on long after God has said to let go.

Trust God to lead you; to catch you when you fall; to help pick you up; to guide you and lead you to a place He's ordained just for you. Walk away. The first steps are always the hardest. However, think about what lies ahead—the promises and peace of God. With every step forward, you are that much closer to His promises.

My Beloved, I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity has found permanent rest in your life. Whatever it is that God is telling you to walk away from...do it. Walk away and trust God to lead you to the place in which He has already prepared for you. Trust Him. Do not hold onto something or someone because of fear or obligation. You will only come to regret and despise it or them. Release yourself, and walk away with the confidence that God has you covered. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2020. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Special Gifts"

Reflections4Life^tm October 27, 2019

“Special Gifts”

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:11

Scripture Contemplation:Daniel 2; Luke 11; Luke 21; Romans 12; Hebrews 2...

 

©Ruthe McDonald.

Along our journey of life, we will find roads that take us to various destinations. We choose the path/road we take. Some of us seek God's wisdom and direction. Some of us don't. Yet, the most humbling and beautiful thing is, that no matter what road we choose, God is still right there. It is at these moments when we feel lost, alone, and perhaps even fearful, that God will send a special gift in our lives. A gift to remind us of our purpose, our importance in this earth, our humanity as well as spirit, and to remind us of His unconditional love and His promise to never leave us or forsake us.

I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. There is nothing more reassuring than knowing how much our Heavenly Father loves us and is there for us. May you know this week just how deep and how profound the Father's love is for you. Let your heart and mind be open to receive and recognize the special gifts of God.

This journey that we are on called life can hit us with some serious roadblocks and bumps in the road. There are times when even the right path seems like the wrong path and will have us questioning ourselves if we made the right choice.

It is in these moments of strife, confusion, and exasperation that the enemy likes to goad us, and play with our minds; speaking all kinds of lies. The three biggest lies that he will whisper at this time?—That God has forgotten about us, we're no good, and that we will never make it. Lies! All of them!

God has not forgotten us! No matter how rough this journey gets; no matter how many times we fall; even if we chose the wrong road—God is right there with us always. He will never abandon us; even when it seems He is silent, He is there, watching and protecting us; sending us reminders of just how strong we really are.

Psalm 37:25 I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread.

Psalm 139:8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

The mere fact that God has created us in His image gives us an advantage. We were made to make it. We were created with greatness already in our DNA. If no one else in the world believes in you; know with all certainty that God believes in you!

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Hebrews 10:35 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.

When we take on the mind of Christ and believe what God has spoken of us, our journey becomes less encumbered. Though we get attacked, and we sometimes stumble and fall, we do not give up. We stand up, shake the dust off, and start again. We keep moving. Because the Father says we can. As long as we have God on our side, there is no way we will not make it. As long as we continue to believe, and follow the instructions of God—though the storms will rise, we may be betrayed by loved one, the enemy will rear his ugly head—it is still no match for the promise and word of God, that He will be with us through it all.

Isaiah 40:30-31 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall. But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

God assures us that we can and will win this race. That, we will make it through this journey of life if we continue to look to Him. If we would keep our eyes and heart on Him. And while on this journey, the Father has given us special gifts to aid us. And He will end additional gifts along the way to help us, and encourage us, and to walk along beside us.

Know for certain and in your heart, that God already sees us as victorious. He understands how rough this journey we are on can get. He knows how strong the storms can be. This is the reason He has given us access to the greatest Helper of all: Himself.

The foremost special gift that God has given us is Christ. Because of Him, all things are possible. He has given us the special gift of His Word to light our path, to direct us, and navigate us through the sometimes choppy waters. He has given us the special gift of His promise. He promises to never leave us nor forsake us. He has given us special gifts in way of mentors, teachers, students, family, friends, children. Along this journey, God will grant us with special people in our lives that will not only walk with us and beside us, but also remind us of who we are, and the love that God has for us. We just need to keep our heart and eyes opened, and not become distant, jaded, and closed because of the bumps and roadblocks we will face in this journey called life.

Psalm 121 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.

I have many special gifts in my life that remind me of God's love and promises along this road. Each time I have a difficult day and feel like the road I chose was wrong, I think of those gifts and what it means in my life.

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. Though your road may seem filled with regret and troubles, remember that God is indeed, with you. And He has sent some special gifts to aid you in your journey. Be open to the Spirit of God. He has not abandoned you. He is right beside you. You are Blessed. Now go...and Be a Blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights. Reserved.

"Have Confidence"

Reflections4Life February 24, 2019

“Have Confidence”

“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.” Hebrews 10:35

Scripture Contemplation: Job 4:6; 31; Psalm 10; Ephesians 6; Hebrews 4; 13…

For all the bravado that many of us portray, we still lack one thing that keeps us from fulfilling our many hopes and dreams. We talk a good game. Say all the right words. We even manage to encourage others. Yet, we fall short most times of our own goals and finish lines because we lack confidence. God admonishes us to not lose confidence in the face of adversity. There is a reward we stand in confidence.

I pray today’s Reflections is a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. I decree it be a continued source of comfort and healing. Trust God with all of your heart. Become bold in Christ and stand in confidence with the assurance that all that God has declared and decreed for your life shall come to pass.

It is not just confidence in ourselves—confidence that we can accomplish our goals. It is the lack of confidence that we have in God and His word. The disconnect that occurs within us when we do not believe and cannot see for ourselves the very promises of God for our lives and the words He has spoken over us.

Most certainly it appears to others that we have everything together. That, we are bold and confident in our lives. Even when we fall short from the mark or the finish line, we quickly assess the situation and say that God just has bigger plans.

What a bunch of malarkey that is ninety percent of the time! Sure, God has plans. However, part of His plans is that we succeed in our goals. That we cross that finish line. That we would finish what we started. It isn't God, but our own lack of confidence, insecurities, and lack of trust in the word of God and who we are in Him.

Too many of us have missed opportunities because we lack the confidence to follow through. We lack the trust in God's word and in our ability to handle what comes next. Sometimes we lack the confidence to be successful. we compare ourselves to others and what their success seems to be, yet not knowing their battles or trials or journey. Comparison is a thief of joy and confidence.

Then, there are some of us who have suffered for so long, having had more tragedies than triumphs, that we don't know how to handle success. We are afraid of the unknown of success and having to maintain it. We lack the confidence in ourselves to continue to grow and flourish and have continued success. Hence, we sabotage our own efforts. We began to question ourselves and our blessings. We start to doubt God and ourselves, making room for fear and unbelief which ultimately cripples us—stopping us from moving forward.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity find permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you.  Don't be scared, beloved. Don't be scared of failing or making a mistake. Be confident in who you are. Have confidence that God will keep His word. Be confident in your successes. That they will not only last but continue to grow into the vision that God has shown you. Your past does not dictate if you're worthy or deserving of great success. No. You are deserving by the share fact that you belong to a great God that would have nothing less but the best for you. Be confident always. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

Original post-September 25th ©2015. Updated ©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.