"Do Not Allow Yesterday Destroy Today"

 Reflections4Life™ May 2, 2021

“Do Not Allow Yesterday Destroy Today”

“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19

Scripture Contemplation: Job 11; Psalm 90; Isaiah 43; 48; 2 Corinthians 5; Revelation 21…

It is a brand new day with brand new opportunities. And if you are reading this, it means you are alive and well enough to know and understand just how blessed and fortunate you are.

I pray today’s Reflections brings comfort and peace to your heart and mind. I decree it be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration. Allow God the opportunity to mend your heart and wash away the remnants of the past that try to hold you hostage. Instead, look at the goodness of God and how He brought you through.

Certainly, we all may not be experiencing the same thing. Some may have more trouble than others; more heartaches and trials. But you are here, in the land of the living with an opportunity to change things for the better. Even if it's just changing your mind. That is a huge step.

So many of us have been through hell and back. Our "yesterdays" probably read like either, a horror or tragic life story. But here you are in "today" with the opportunity to begin again; to start over.

Do not, Beloved, allow the heartache, disappointments, and hurts of yesterday to destroy your today. Do not dwell so much on the past that you are blinded to today. Do not let the lies and heartbreak of previous relationships destroy the growth and love and new possibilities of new relationships. Don't judge those in today solely upon what someone did yesterday. And most importantly: Don't allow yourself to linger on what you could have or should have done. No. Shake it off. Learn the lessons needed. Grow from it and move forward in your present. God has far too much greatness waiting for you to walk in and experience for you to allow a yesterday you cannot change to destroy a today that holds nothing but promise. You are blessed. Walk-in it.

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. Know this: You cannot fully embrace what God has for you today when you have a firm grip on what hurt and nearly destroyed you yesterday. Release it all. Let it all go and allow God to replenish your heart, mind, and soul. You deserve all that God has ordained for you, and not one thing less. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing.

©2021. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Blocking Joy Thieves"

Reflections4Life™ December 1, 2019

"Blocking Joy Thieves"

          "Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

Scripture Contemplation: John 1; Nehemiah 8; Joshua 1; Psalm 12...

Do you know how exhausting it is being a people pleaser? Do you have any idea how debilitating it is trying to make everyone else happy while you are miserable? Have you any idea the damage you do to your soul and spirit when you allow others to have the power over your life that God gave to you? 

I decree that this week's Reflections will be an encouragement and inspiration for your heart mind and soul. Whatever God speaks to your heart this week, and whatever He has already spoken to you; hold on to it. Let the joy of the Lord be your strength when naysayers and negative situations arise. Do not allow it or them to rob you from all God has ordained for you.

Listen; It is a crippling thing to not know your self-worth and to always rely on the acceptance or permission of others to be content in your life. To be happy with who you are and the path you are on. Yet sometimes, as I have come to learn, is that we need those life lessons. We need those experiences to really appreciate who we areas individuals, as human beings, as the wonderful, marvelous, and sensational creation that we are.

It took me a minute to understand that my voice had power. That, my opinion was valuable and worthy. That, my place in this earth mattered and that I could make a difference, one step, one act, one smile, one life at a time. AND I could do it my way. I could do it in a manner that brought me joy and happiness. That, I could take what God placed in me—every dream, vision, an abundance of joy, happiness, and laughter—and make a difference at any stage and place in my life. 

The world did not give me this joy, nor this happiness or laughter. That came from God. So no one has the power to take it away unless I allow them to do so by relinquishing my power for them to do so. There is a lot of evil, hate, and sadness in this world. At times, it feels as though it is winning; sucking the joy right out of the world. But I know that God is greater and we cannot stop all the evil at once, but we can make a difference every single day, one person, one decision, one made up mind at a time.

My Beloved, may the spirit of peace and prosperity rest in every area of your lives. May you see and believe all that God has spoken of you, Don't let this world or allow anyone to steal your joy. Go forth and make a difference. Dare to be you and dare to keep laughing, smiling, and living in the midst of the chaos. Perhaps if enough of us did this, we would see more smiles and acts of kindness. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

 

"Watch Your Mouth"

Reflections4Life™ November 17, 2019

“Watch Your Mouth”

“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29

Scripture Contemplation: Joshua 1; 6; Psalm 19:14; Matthew 4:4; 15:18; James 3; Titus 1; Jude 1...

©Ruthe McDonald.

How close to attention, do we pay to the words that proceed from our mouths? How many of us dare to put a watch over mouths, so that we bring no harm to others or ourselves? The words that we speak can bring comfort or pain. It can bring forth healing and even death. It is time for us to listen carefully and to watch our mouths.

I decree that this week's Reflections is a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Allow your time spent with the Lord this week to be filled with reflection on the things that come from your mouth. Allow Holy Spirit to guide your tongue, and to make you hyper-aware of the things you say during a normal course of the day. It can be the difference between life and death...literally.

Growing up, I always heard my Grams and my Nana, as well as my Mom,  say: watch your mouth. As children, we can try our parents sometimes and say something that is sassy or even disrespectful. The first warning was always to watch your mouth. There really wasn't a second warning; just a pop in the mouth and punishment. 

I believe today many of us need a spiritual pop in the mouth to remind of us the things that we are saying. It is not just the harm and hurt that we are bringing to others, but the harm we do to ourselves that many of us are not even aware of. So many times, we have prayed and asked God for something, and in the next breath, we totally wipe out our prayers, because our mouths defeat us. Instead of speaking the word of God and blessings over our lives, we speak negativity and curses. Instead of life, there is death.

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

How many times have we heard this passage of scripture, only to forget it in the light of a day’s activity? How many times have we spoken things that are filled with negativity and the exact opposite of what we believe God for? If we want what God has for us, we're going to have to start speaking like our Father. We are going to have to put a watch over our mouths and speak what God speaks concerning us.

We have the power to affect the lives of others. I specifically think about what we say to our children. What are you speaking over the lives of your children? Do you inspire them? Encourage them? Speak positive affirmations? Do you declare and decree what God has spoken? Do you bless them or do you curse them?

My parents always told me what I would be— successful at whatever I put my mind to. They encouraged my endeavors even when I, myself, was filled with uncertainty and doubt. My father was bold and told me what I WOULD be, and WOULD accomplish in this life. He spoke a life of blessings over my life. He spoke the father's blessing over his children, just as Jacob did to his children.

The words we speak into the atmosphere bring life or death to people places and things. They can bring healing or destruction. Many words have caused strife and the life of people. I never understood that an old saying I heard growing up: Sticks and stones may break your bones but names will never hurt you.

What a load of crap! The words we speak can cause irreparable damage. Words can kill. Words do hurt. They can do so much harm and destroy many lives. Words spoken in a lie can change lives forever. It can cost lives, as well.

So yes, words do hurt and can bring devastating harm. However, they can also bring life, and joy and sweetness never known before. We must learn to guard our mouths and train our tongues to speak words that are edifying, and truth that is not destructive, but healing. To say what needs saying in a manner in which a person's life is not devastated or destroyed.

If we desire the life that God has ordained for us, then we must also learn to watch our mouths concerning the things that we speak and declare of ourselves. Do not speak the opposite of what God has spoken. Edify yourself with the word of God. Speak God's truth. Watch what you allow to pass through your lips and into the atmosphere. You have the power to prophesy over your life. Speak life—abundant life—to your situation and circumstances. Speak what God says about you. Let those words fill your heart and the atmosphere. Practice it. Train your tongue to edify and not destroy. A word spoken in kindness can change someone's life forever. A comforting word can save a life. A word of wisdom can bring clarity. A word of encouragement can bring joy and happiness.

My Beloved, I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. Allow the Father to guard your tongue. Be aware of your conversations and the words you speak. They can be the difference between life and death; to dreams, hopes, and visions. Think of the things of the Lord, allowing it to fill your heart so that it will begin to flow from your lips. You are blessed. Now go...and be a blessing!

©2014. ©2019 Revised. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Detoxify Your Life"

Reflections4Life™ September 15, 2019

“Detoxify Your Life”

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (NASB)

Scripture Contemplation: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 51; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Corinthians 7:1…

There are times in our lives when we must take a step back, stand still and evaluate who and what are in our lives, and the purpose they are serving. Not everything and everyone in our lives is good for us and the path that God has ordained for us. Even those things and people that seem good, seem right, seem to be working out; could be the very thing that is stalling us, keeping us from moving forward in the life that God has ordained for us.

There comes a time when we must detoxify our lives; purge ourselves of the things that have been poisonous to our lives, our goals, and our vision. Sometimes it is not what we are doing that’s wrong, sometimes it’s the people, places, and things we have surrounded ourselves with.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Allow the Father to lead you and show you the places in your life that need detoxification. Let Him lead you through the process, so you can be ready to receive the abundance that God has ordained for your life.

Life will throw us some hardballs and twisted curveballs. One moment we can be riding high, and the next, we are down and out for the count. Yet, one thing remains the same: God’s love for us, and His wisdom and instruction that never fails.

With our life’s journey comes many ups and downs, along with bumpy rides and rocky roads. However, if we will yield to the Father’s instructions we will be able to navigate the storms and trials of this life and be the better for them.

Along our life’s journey, mistakes and missteps will occur. We will sometimes trust in the wrong people, go the wrong way, get stuck in a place, and fumble at times. Yet, it is nothing that we cannot overcome and get through, as long as we follow what God is telling us to do.

I have learned in my journey that it is not necessarily what one is doing that’s wrong or stalling the process of our reaching our destination. No. Sometimes it is the people, places, and things we have surrounded our lives in. Not everything is good for us. Not every person has good intentions for us. Not every place is the right place to see our visions come to pass.

We must be intimate with the Lord, seeking His will daily, and following His instructions so that we know what we should do if we ever find ourselves in a place of stagnation. The solution can be as simple as moving, changing a routine, or letting some people go.

Many of us do not even know this, but our lives have been clogged with poison. There are toxins that must be purged from our lives in order for us to move forward and receive the full manifestations of the blessings of God.

Far too many of us hang on to people when God has told us to separate ourselves from them. There are places we have stayed when God has spoken to our hearts and told us to move on. There are things in our lives that God has told us to let go of, and we haven’t. Obedience unto God will save us unnecessary sacrifices down the road.

One of the things I know for certain is that not everyone is meant to go where I am going. Not everything I have is meant for the next level. And not every place I reside is the place for me to grow and move forward. There are people I must separate from. Things I have to let go of. And places I need to move away from, if I truly desire to walk in the ordained life God has for me and mine.

No. it’s not easy. Especially when you have become attached to certain people, places and things. Don’t get it twisted: there may be nothing wrong with the people, places or things. They may very well be good people, great places, and helpful things. HOWEVER, they are not good for the plan that God has ordained for YOUR life. Sometimes we cannot see the problem, because we are not looking through the eyes of God. This is where we must trust God where we cannot trace Him. This is where we must believe in God with or whole hearts, even when we may not understand…yet.

Beloved, it’s time…it’s time to move forward into the promises of God for our lives. And part of moving forward is learning to let go and truly walk in faith. In order for you to get to that next level, and to be where God has called you to be, then you must be willing to accept the truth about some things and have a willing heart to do as God has ordained.

My Beloveds, I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives. Stagnation is a sure sign that detoxification must take place in your life. Allow God to lead you through the purging process. Follow His instructions; even if it means walking away from some people, moving from certain places, and letting some things go. Remember: whatever you have to give up only pales in comparison to what God wants to give you. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2019. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Remember Your Strength"

Reflections4Life™ February 17, 2019

“Remember Your Strength”

“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” Isaiah 40:29

Scripture Contemplation: Joshua 14; Job 4; 12; Psalm 18:2; Proverbs 8:14; 1 Peter 5:10…

©Ruthe McDonald.

Sometimes we have to revisit past lessons to remember who we are and whose we are. Life can get a little rough and the storms overwhelming; even for the strongest of believers. But it will never change who God is nor the strength that He has placed in us. We must continue to remind ourselves of how strong we are, because God made us so, even in our weaknesses.

Originally posted on March 5, 2017...

I declare and decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and enlightenment for your heart, mind, and soul; bringing you peace in every area of your life. Remember: The Joy of the Lord is your strength. Do not get quiet during the test and storms when it comes to praying and speaking what God has promised you, though it may seem as though God is silent; He is waiting for YOU to speak the words He has already spoken to you. Remember that you have been declared the winner.

I did NOT go through all of those tests and trials and tribulations to give up now. I DID NOT make it through horrendous times; heartbreaking times just to let the enemy gain the upper hand and steal my joy and cripple my faith. NOT. HAPPENING. I will remember the strength that is within me every time some new roadblock, twist, turn, or test comes my way. I will remember that I already have the victory and that the joy of the Lord is my strength. What He's done before, He will do again...and I win!

Far too many of us are giving up when the enemy comes knocking at our door or knocking us down. Get back up and remember whose you are. Remember that you have gone through other things and made it through.

Oh. Sure. You are probably saying what so many others and I have said: "Why? Why do I always have to go through something? Can I get a break?" Trust, I have been there, done that and the truth is, we do get our break. We can have peace in the midst of a storm. Just as it was spoken to me, I will say to you: To whom much is given, much is required. I know...that is not what you want to hear right now, but it is the truth.

God has equipped you and He has chosen you. The call and blessings on your life require a certain level of molding and shaping and testing; a certain level of heat. However, you will make it through if you remember that God is with you and that there is a purpose for your life. Also, a purpose for the pain you have and are enduring.

You will never know your purpose or full potential if you are not willing to risk it all and get out of your comfort zones. I did not want to settle. I did not want to get to a point in my life and wonder what could have been if I weren't so afraid or dared myself to keep pushing forward although the tests and trials seem so overwhelming and never-ending. I must—we must—endure like good soldiers, believing and standing on the Word of God.

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. If you are not happy; if you know there is more; do not allow fear, weariness, any tests or trials, or the whispers of the enemy to stop you. Have faith. Remember all that God has already brought you through. Remember the strength that lies within you. You earned that! Now use it! You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2017. Updated ©2019.  Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Responsibility and Accountability"

Reflections4Life™ January 28, 2018

“Responsibility and Accountability”

“Some Pharisees overheard him and said, “Does that mean you’re calling us blind?” Jesus said, “If you were really blind, you would be blameless, but since you claim to see everything so well, you’re accountable for every fault and failure.” John 9:40-41 (MSG)

Scripture Contemplation: Leviticus 24:13-16; Proverbs 22:17-21; Ezra 10; Hebrews 10; Galatians 6; 1 Timothy 5…

We can point our fingers at everyone else for our unhappiness, lack of success, not having everything we desire in our lives, and for things just not going the way we want. We all have a choice in life: to continue with what we know or have been raised and taught, or to find a different path, a better path, that will lead us into the lives we desire. It is time to take responsibility for our lives and accountability for the choices we make, and the lives we influence. It is time to walk in our destiny.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Spend quality time in the presence of God this week. There is so much that He wants to reveal to our heart and soul. When we are in the presence of God, we not only learn who God is, His desires for our lives, we also learn who we are and what we need to live our best life. God teaches how to take responsibility for whom we are and be accountable to not only ourselves but also for how our choices affect others.

I do not understand the reasons for some things happening or existing. There are actions taking place; decisions that people make which affect other people's lives in unbelievable ways—and yet, no one wants to take responsibility or be accountable for themselves or the lives of people they have influence over. I do not get it in my human mind. Not on the level of my flesh. However, my spirit gets it. That part of me that is connected to my Creator. The ONE who knows all sees all is all-powerful. That part of me gets it. I may not understand why something is allowed but God's ways are so far beyond us. His reasons are above what many can comprehend.

When you think you have it all figured out, God reveals something else, and you are like really, God? What is this all about? Then the Father goes and starts asking you some questions. When God begins to ask you the questions, it is important that we are listening because He is imparting answers and truth to our heart and soul that will give light to what is going on around us, and understanding to our hearts and minds concerning many things. Whatever we receive, we are responsible for that knowledge and wisdom gained and become accountable for how we use it, and how we treat and teach others around us, and how we are representing the Kingdom of Heaven and our Heavenly Father.

God posed some poignant questions to Simon Peter. He gave to Peter a responsibility to carry out, while making him accountable for those God was sending him to, fully knowing that Peter would deny Him three times. Yet, even in Christ questioning of Peter, He was redeeming him from his future denial.

John 21:15-18 “So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” 16 He *said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

Beloveds, God knows us. He knows all about us. He knows our past, our present, and our future. He knows our thoughts before we think them. He knows what we are going to do before we even think to do it. Still, He calls us. He loves us. He has forgiven us. In addition, He chooses to use us to show His love and glory to others. However, we must learn to take responsibility for our actions or inactions, and be accountable for the decisions we make—not placing the blame on others. This action allows God to not only bless us, but use us in such a capacity that brings healing, deliverance, and understanding and strength to others.

God knew we were going to mess up royally. What, you don’t think God knew you were going to reject Him a few times? You don’t think God knew you were going to make some bad decisions and take a bit longer to get to a place of understanding. God knows ALL of this, and still chooses you and calls you by name.

God even knows how the enemy is going to come after us. The enemy has to get permission from God to even mess with us! God knows what the enemy does not know and what we should know from spending intimate time with the Father is that we have already won! This is a test that we can win if we do not give up or in, to the enemy. Jesus Himself is praying for our strength, knowing how heavy it will get. Yet, God is allowing it to strengthen us and get us into a position for His glory to manifest in our lives. God is confident in our ability to overcome and to take what we have learned and gained and strengthen others. Tests teach us responsibility and accountability.

Luke 21:31-32 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has [a]demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Jesus chose Simon Peter that very first day while he was fishing, knowing that he would deny Him three times. He chose Simon Peter, knowing he was a hot-head and had a foul mouth and would get into arguments with Saul and the other Apostles. Jesus knew all of this, but yet, He still chose Peter, loved Peter, made Simon Peter part of His three confidants who He took up to the Mount of Transfiguration. Nevertheless, Jesus also knew that Peter would repent; that, Simon Peter, because of his past and experience; because of his closeness to Him, he would take care of His lambs and His sheep. That, even unto death, Simon Peter would never deny Christ again, but on him, God would build His church—a sure and steady foundation.

My Beloveds, May the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Beloveds, it is not how we start out but how we finish. It is not who we were but who God is calling us to be. When we believe God and take responsibility for ourselves, hold ourselves accountable for our actions and not place the blame on anyone else, we become the instrument that God will use and trust for His glory. Responsibility and accountability make us a vessel to show the love and redemptive power of our Lord and Savior. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

"Because God Said So!"

Reflections4Life™ January 14, 2018

“Because God Said So”

“For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.” Romans 4:13

Scripture Contemplation: Genesis 15; 37; Proverbs 28:20; Mark 2; 4; 5; Romans 4; Hebrews 11

©Ruthe McDonald

Throughout my life’s journey and my walk of faith, I find myself, when being questioned numerous times, about not so much what I believe but why I believe; my answer has come to four small yet powerful and succinct words: Because God Said So. That is it concisely. I believe simply because God says so. It has been a journey to get to that point in my faith, but it accurately sums up the contents of my heart when it comes to my faith and trust in God and His word.

I decree that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Make this the year that you get alone with God often. Do not neglect your relationship with the Heavenly Father, or take for granted His mercies and grace. There may be things that you do not understand. Decide in your heart, and mind to trust God anyway. Give God your time and your trust and watch what develops in your life.

I have heard many things throughout my walk with God. This journey that I am on, has brought me to many understandings. It has enlightened me to not only what others may feel or think of God and me, but also what I truly think of God and myself. Yet, what I know for certain in my heart and have learned is that we all must come to decision in our lives to either believe God, taking Him at His word, or walk with mistrust, doubt and anxiety. You will either come to know that, it is not what you can see with your eyes and physically touch that says faith. It is what you come to believe in spite of not seeing or having something tangible to hold onto. It is simply taking God at His word and moving forward because God said so.

Is it easy? No. Nothing in life ever is, especially when there will always be enmity between the flesh and the spirit. Our senses, logical mind, and preconceived notions sometimes have a difficult time believing and reconciling what we cannot see touch and feel. It does not make sense and the flesh wants to reject it. Yet, we have no problem breathing and believing that oxygen or air is there, so we take a breath without thinking about it.

Complete faith in God and getting to the place in your heart that you believe just because God said so—is that place in faith that is like breathing. You just do it. It has become a natural order of things in your life. Many arrive at this place when they have learned to block out the other voices and opinions of others, and have completely yielded to God and His ways. It is not to say that they do not have moments of doubts or insecurities or even impatience; because those times will come. However, you do not stay in that place. You learn, from consistent prayer, meditation, and spending intimate time with God, how to overcome and pray through those difficult times that try, test, and may pull you in all directions. A true test of what you believe and are waiting for to manifest.

I believe because God said so. He has a proven track record with me. God has done many of things in my life that I know, had it not been for Him, it would not be. God has always kept His word; even when there were times, I doubted and even gave up. God was still there. Many situations in my life—even at this present time—I may not understand and find it difficult, and my faith being stretched as never before—yet God has shown up and has proven time and time again that He is the same God; the same God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. What He did then, He can and will do today. The promises He made will happen and all I have to do is exercise my faith and believe with my heart and not my eyes or ears.

For me, God’s word trumps everything. In order for me to stay in this state of faith and to make certain it strengthens and not weakened, then I must do the things that promote and encourage my faith. Be obedient. Write down the plans. Speak what He has spoken. Surround me with like-minded individuals who can encourage and uplift one another in this walk of faith.

1 Samuel 15:22 Samuel said, “Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.

Habakkuk 2:2-3 Then the Lord answered me and said, “Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, that the one who reads it may run. “For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.

2 Chronicles 18:13 But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, what my God says, that I will speak.”

Acts 5:12 At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s portico.

This is truly a faith walk, not a cakewalk. Some days will be easier than others will. We can be certain that the enemy of God and of our soul will try his best to destroy our faith; to try and make us give up on God and turn away from all that we have come to believe and have been waiting for to manifest. Some of us will fall. Some will succumb to the enemy and stop believing. But even in that, God is still there. He will still call out to you, send His word, and give you something tangible to hold onto.

Abraham’s faith was counted unto him as righteousness. Abraham believed though he had moments of doubt. He even took ill-advised counsel from his wife and slept with her handmaid, Hagar, who gave birth to Ishmael. Sarah did not believe, and Abraham was influenced by that disbelief. Yet and still, God kept His promise to Abraham. When God told Abraham to take Isaac, the promise, and sacrifice him, Abraham obeyed. It was difficult, and Abraham could not reconcile with his flesh what God wanted and how the promise would be fulfilled, Abraham obeyed regardless. His obedience made way for the ram in the bush.

My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Though things may not look as the promise given, and circumstances have risen to give you pause and cause doubt to find a space in your heart—ask God to remove it and go forward in obedience in what God told you to do. You may not see the use or validity of what God is saying, but faith—complete faith—will cause you to do it anyhow. Knowing that God is going to show up and keep His word. He’s God; it will come to pass because He said so. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2018. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.