Day3-Reflection

PRAYER FOCUS

SEEKING GOD’S STRENGTH

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10

 

On the 3^rd day of our fast, the father’s message to us is not to fear for he is our strength.

Strength goes with trust. The phrase “do not be afraid” is written in the bible 365 times. So, on a daily basis God is reminding and telling us ‘fear not’. It is normal to be anxious or afraid as a human being. But for us who believe in God, there is always a way out of this fear and anxiety. Our father says ‘fear not’, and that is our strength.

Drawing strength from God doesn’t come automatically. You need to grow it. In 1 Samuel 30:6 we read about how the people wanted to stone David because of the loss of their family members and property. David was equally distressed because he also lost something, but God’s word says “David encouraged himself in the LORD his God”. David knew his God, so rather than allowing the distress and behavior of his people to weaken him, he chose to encourage himself in the Lord.

Let me tell you this in advance. As you seek God, things will shift in your life. You will lose some relationships (friends, business partners, loved ones, etc.), sometimes your job or income (finances). Things that you hold in high-esteem than God, they will be taken away. But I tell you, God wants to see where your heart truly lies (Matthew 6:21). In situations like that, trust God, hold on tight, draw strength from him, love him and refuse to give up. Oh, I tell myself and testify to people that before you give up in life read the story of Job (the whole book). If a man can lose everything in a day and still hold on to God, then you and I a joking about giving up.

How do I draw strength from God? Draw strength from God through the bible, spiritual songs (praise and worship), Christian literature (books), sermons or reflections (from Youtube), the lifestyle of godly men (dead and alive), from nature (go to a quiet place and reflect) and from godly Christian groups and friends. Mind you I didn’t say just any Christian group or friends, I says ‘godly’. Some Christian groups and friends will weaken you spiritually and psychologically, so watch it. When I was in my wilderness season, God reminded me of the story of now Rev. Azigiza Junior as an encouragement. My little sister – Monica and Prophet Jonathan (his husband) of Liberation Family Chapel International, were also a source of encouragement and support. I searched, read books and listened to various sermons on Youtube (the positive side of social media).

Finally, God gave me a strong word that keep me going during that wilderness moment - Isaiah 30:15 “…in quietness and trust is your strength”. Everything around me seemed to be in the right and I was wrong, but God said this to me. I treasured it, and I prevailed. Silence is truly golden. If you believe in your God, you don’t say much (Judges 6:31). So, my dear one, stand firm in God and seek him diligently this 21-days, draw strength from Him and don’t let anyone talk you out of this journey you have started.

Shalom.