The Hardships Were Sent To Harden You

Throughout our lives, we will experience seasons of hardship.  It is, therefore, not wise for us to view life through the rose-tinted lenses that deceive us into thinking that everything will ALWAYS be pleasant for us, especially as born again believers in Christ the Messiah.  Right here is where sobriety of the mind is necessary in order to endure the afflictions we will--without a doubt--experience.  Sober thinking, furthermore, ensures that our souls (i.e. mind, will and emotions) PROPERLY process the trouble we experience.  When we appropriately handle hardship, the hardness we experience fulfills its purpose to bring forth THE BEST of us and not OUR WORST.  And with understanding of the order of righteousness, according to Romans 8:28, we are better able to see how GOD is indeed HELPING us by HARDENING us to difficulty.

If you would, take a look back over a season in your life that was hard for you to get through.  As much as you may hate to admit it, what you suffered most likely helped you in some way.  And as a result of enduring that as well as other hard seasons of your past, herein lies the good news: thanks to what you've been through, the challenges to come won't even phase you!  Because you know it was GOD who brought you through the past hardships, you can trust and believe that He will bring you through whatever trouble comes your way next.  And why is that?  Because every hard thing you overcome toughens you to face the adversary's forthcoming attempts to defeat you.

The Blessing in the Pressing

The brokenness we experience in our pressing situations is purposed to release an oil that is strategically anointed for ministry.  Yes, the pressing was crushing.  But with the crushing pain--and even embarrassment, in some cases--comes a powerful release.  And the value of what is released far outweighs the value we attributed to that which was crushed.  The oil we carry is only released via excruciating circumstances.  There indeed lies a blessing in the pressing because it's THIS oil that is specially formulated--if you will--for the work of ministry.

Flowing from our own pain, it's infused with the very power of GOD that brought us to the other side of through.  For some, the pressing may be diseased affliction.  For others, it may be a failed marriage.  One person's pressing could be a serious financial crisis, while another's situation involves a period of incarceration.  The possibilities are endless because everyone experiences their own unique combination of crushing blows from which the power of GOD delivers us.  The same power that brought us deliverance is now the active ingredient in the oil produced by our lives' crushing experiences that is meant to bring deliverance to others.

Accepting The Paint

One thing I've come to understand about life as a believer is that Father's methods can raise a lot of questions.  We often have our own ideas and perceptions of how things should go; and each time we do, we're reminded that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours.  When we feel like we're at the end of our ropes, He's waiting for us to let them go so He can catch us.  When we feel like our backs are against the wall, He's waiting for us to stop fighting long enough to allow Him to lift up a standard against the enemy.  See, we struggle with letting go of life's ropes and putting down our fists when the fight seems to be the most intense; yet scripture continues to remind us that His strength is made perfect in weakness (as found in 2 Corinthians 12:9).

In contemplating the frailties of life, some days this journey plays out like a suspense thriller.  Finding myself in one vulnerable place after another is honestly quite stressful, and there are indeed times when my moody side just doesn't want to be bothered after having dealt with all the drama. (Can I get just ONE witness?!)  Yes, as grateful as I am to Yahweh for making ways, opening doors, snatching me out and catapulting me forward, the compounding stress that comes with waiting on Him takes a toll on me when TIME is of the essence.  If you didn't know, well now you know: living on eternity's timetable is NOT for the faint of heart because He who is from everlasting to everlasting is literally in no one's hurry.  He has His own appointed time for everything He sets His hands to do to be accomplished.  And regardless of how we may feel, there's absolutely NOTHING we can do about it.

Destiny, Servant of Purpose | 08.13.12

I recently came to a new realization on a familiar topic: destiny is for you, purpose is for others.  Sometimes destiny is easier to see and understand than purpose, and that's okay.  We all have dreams and visions of where the gifts GOD has given will take us, as we submit them as well as ourselves to His lordship.  These snapshots of our future generate overwhelming excitement, and we love to rejoice over the greatness to come.  But know that your destiny is servant to purpose because  it's your purpose--not your destiny--that will impact the lives of people and become the legacy you leave behind.  Destiny is merely the vehicle by which purpose is fulfilled.

I'm reminded of a teaching delivered by Elder Lisa V. Wiley some years ago on her favorite Bible personality, a young man by the name of Joseph.  I won't attempt to recount the extraordinary story of his life, but I encourage you to read it for yourself in the Book of Genesis.  However, I would like to offer this one tidbit to you of which Elder Wiley made me aware: Joseph was indeed destined for the greatness of the throne, but what he envisioned was not his purpose.  Joseph's purpose for being was to bring his father Jacob's family (of less than 100 people) to Egypt, so they could become a mighty nation (that numbered well over 1 million when they left Egypt).  Joseph was given life to prepare the way for GOD's government to be established in the Earth through a nation of people.  If Israel had never become a nation, then GOD's promise to make Abraham the father of many nations--among other GOD-promises--would not have been fulfilled.

Manifesting the Glory of the Teacher (Part 2 of 2) | 02.09.12

(Continued from Part 1)  We typically respond to situations in our lives based upon how we feel at the moment, which can be ANY number of ways.  In order for us to mature in the faith, we must embrace the mindset that GOD only allows to happen to us that which is beneficial for us NO MATTER HOW it looks.  See Romans 8:28.  When we really get an understanding of this, it totally transforms how we react to circumstances because our minds have been renewed to perceive things differently than before.  The situations we face may present themselves as the enemy coming to take us out, but the truth of the matter is that our situations are only granted access to us by GOD for the express purpose of escorting us to promotion.  Basically, what appears to be a setback is merely assigned to be our springboard to the place where GOD wants us.

Manifesting the Glory of the Teacher (Part 1 of 2) | 02.09.12

During times of great difficulty, it's important to understand that it's our faith that's being tried.  Don't take it personal... because it's only a test.  We often forget that before every promotion there MUST be a test.  Furthermore, scripture (James 1:3) teaches us that the testing of our faith produces cheerful endurance (or patience).  We're to let patience thoroughly transform our mindsets that--as we are transformed--we may be whole, lacking or wanting nothing once the process is complete (James 1:4).

One of the most common observations made while enduring a faith trial is that it seems like GOD could not be heard.  We're quick to associate tests and trials with GOD trying to teach us something, but we fail to realize that it's during the test that the teacher is silent.  If the lesson was indeed learned, then the teacher should not have to say a thing.  However, just because the teacher is silent, it doesn't mean that the teacher is not present.

Joy at Midnight | 01.05.12

A few Sundays ago, my pastor (Erick D. Matthews Sr.) delivered a message entitled "The Revelation of Faith."  I won't even attempt to dissect this powerful message in one blog post, but I felt compelled to share the one thought that jumped out at me:

"GOD turns situations around late in the midnight hour because weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.  Midnight is morning--it's 12:00AM!  Even though it's dark, continue to walk by faith the path GOD already ordained for your feet in eternity.  For it's the entrance of GOD's Word that brings light.  So let the Word of GOD light the way."

Your Time of Refreshing Is Now | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

I recently came across the Amplified version of Acts 3:19, which reads as follows:

"So, repent (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return [to GOD], that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, or reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord."  

My soul couldn't help but get happy reading this because there is so much hope found in this one verse of scripture.

Truly my heart goes out to all those who love GOD but have found themselves so far from Him that they feel like just giving up and letting the chips fall where they may.  Yes, they have made mistakes and enjoyed lifestyles not pleasing to GOD; but beneath all that is wrong in their lives there lies a desire for that which only GOD can provide.  (This is why it's so important for me to not judge people based on their behavior.  My focus can't be on judging WHAT people are doing because it takes understanding WHY they're doing it to really help them.)

I want to encourage someone who feels like GOD, who was once so near, is now afar off.  Know that He's NEVER stopped loving you.  Even when you tried everything and everyone else to deal with all that's wrong in your life, GOD NEVER GAVE UP ON YOU.  His steadfast love for you outlasts ALL of the temporary fixes that, after they have given you a few moments of relief, only abandoned you to feeling worse than before.  With arms outstretched, your Heavenly Father patiently awaits to embrace you, His child.

It's not too late to change, no matter what anyone says.  Don't focus on how it will happen, just make up in your mind that you want to change and that you're willing to do what it takes by His power to be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Not only will GOD erase all the sins you have committed, but He will refresh you.  (Thank You, Father!!!)  YOU WILL RECOVER from the effects of the heat experienced in that dry place from which you came.  No longer will you feel numb, for GOD will restore the feeling you thought would be forever lost as a result of the dry spell.  As it says in Isaiah 12:3 (KJV), "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation."

Don't wait another day.  Don't deny how you feel for another hour.  Your time of refreshing is now.  I know you feel the Holy Spirit tugging on your heart strings.  I know you want to be relieved of the mounting pressure within.  Your time of refreshing is RIGHT NOW.  The voice of GOD is calling you.  The way you once knew is closer than you think.  Be refreshed, my brother, my sister, in Jesus' name today.

Are You Willing To Break Through? (Part 2 of 2) | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

The following blog was posted on my former MySpace blog on October 29, 2007.


(Continued From Part One)
The enemy has us all figured out.  He knows which buttons to press, which feelings to arouse, and what tactics to employ to force us to our limit(s).  Why?  Because we fall for that same foolishness time after time after time.  So, let's get real about this thing!  YES, the enemy's got your number, and he's not afraid to pull it if it means thwarting you from making any further progress towards fulfilling your God-given purpose.

We can't avoid pain, so we just need to go ahead and get over it.  Pain is necessary, so don't be afraid of it.  I know that's not probably what we want to hear, but it's true.  We love to hear messages about sweatless victories, everything working for our good, and no weapon formed prospering.  But what happens when you're in the middle of that trial sweating buckshots?  How do you deal with the long process of everything working for your good?  What are you gonna do when that formed weapon is heading right your way?

Realize that your anointing can only be refined in the furnace of your affliction.  And you can take that one to the bank!  So don't use pain as an excuse to quit.  If that be the case [regarding the refinement of your anointing], then you need to prepare yourself to deal with the pain whenever it comes.  See, your trials don't come to make you strong.  Be for real: they've come to take you out of here.  However, when you maintain the proper perspective--that is, GOD's perspective--as well as the right attitude, then that trial sent to take you out becomes an opportunity for growth, refinement and victory.

But you can't get there until you make up in your mind that you cannot quit.  Come hell or high water, you can't give up.  You must be willing to break through!  Whatever it takes to break through the quitting points of your past, commit now to pressing your way beyond the limitations.  Resolve that GOD has not given you the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.

If you find that you've boxed yourself in via the idolatrous worship of avoiding pain, then it's time that idol be destroyed.  Grab hold of endurance because that's what you need (Hebrews 10:36).  Distance runners experience a lot of pain, but it's endurance that won't allow them to quit.  They continue running despite the pain because they're in pursuit of something greater than quitting can provide.  Moreover, the pain no longer matters because they know that it's necessary for them to succeed.  And because they already knew that, they trained in preparation for the pain!

You want to succeed, don't you?  Then be willing to break through the quitting points.  If you choose to make that decision, I promise that you'll never live to regret ever having made it.

Are You Willing To Break Through? (Part 1 of 2) | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

The following blog was posted on my former MySpace blog on October 29, 2007.

I recently read a passage of Dr. Wayne Cordeiro's "Attitudes That Attract Success" that resonated within me: "When we reach a certain level of physical, emotional or mental pain, we reach a quitting point and our systems begin to shut down.  This quitting point can be the result of past habits, or it may simply be our predetermined tolerance level for problem solving.  Whatever the cause, we bail out with predictable consistency at that certain quitting point."

I'm reminded of a time not too long ago when I was in elementary school.  For two years, I played the drums.  Between the practice sessions at school and home as well as the private lessons, I spent an awful lot of time with the sticks.  But what I remember most about that whole experience was the moment I quit.

My private instructor was teaching me how to read sheet music for an entire drum set, which was difficult by itself.  I became so frustrated with the challenge and difficulty of perfecting my hand-eye coordination along with the sight reading that I literally pitched a fit in the middle of my lesson and refused to ever play again.  Not only do I remember that event, but it's one decision I admittedly regret was ever made.

Life has a way of confronting our notions and concepts unlike anything else.  It's so true what they say: "A fool must see his folly before he can become wise."  We get so caught up in our routines and comfort zones that when life places in front of us a problem that requires us to stretch ourselves beyond our known limitations, we quit.  As soon as something demands a little more focus than we're accustomed to giving, or we're required to exhibit increased discipline in an area that was beforehand unnecessary, we jump ship real quick.

At what point do we become willing to break through our quitting points?  At what time do we realize that as long as we keep quitting we're impeding our growth?  Better yet, when will we stop committing idolatry?  Say what?!  That's right!  I-D-O-L-A-T-R-Y.  We've become so hell-bent on avoiding pain that it has become our god.


(To be continued in Part Two on tomorrow.)

Not the Seed, The Soil | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

We've all been given seed--a talent, a vision, something to nurture.  And it's funny how we sometimes get disgusted with the seed because it's not yielding what we thought it would.  However, instead of getting upset with what we've been given, consider the soil in which the seed has been placed.  That's right: let's consider ourselves.

Our lives are filled with excuses, fears and other such obstructions to the growth and development of our seed.  We get caught up in the paralysis of anyalysis, and we even become overly concerned about what other people may think of us.  Yet and still, none of this changes the fact that we've been given perfectly good seed that's been purposed to yield fruit.  Therefore, we can't fault the seed for not growing when the soil it's in isn't providing it nourishment.

It's Not You He's After, It's Your Faith

Satan wants nothing more than to deceive you into thinking that it's all about you.

This past Wednesday, my pastor did some expounding on why Christians suffer. In the process of doing so, he mentioned that our adversary, Satan, does not create scenarios of suffering in pursuit of us. He's really after our faith because we're simply not that important. As I began to ponder on that thought it started to become clearer by the moment just how true this statement rings.

You know, many times we find ourselves in situations where it's so easy to throw ourselves a pity party. In a matter of seconds, we can alert tens -- or even hundreds -- of contacts via text message, BlackBerry Messager, Facebook, Twitter, etc with all the details and solicit their RSVPs of concern. It's somewhat sad how we try to make our trials and tribulations about us when they really aren't at all. The enemy is after something much greater!

I wouldn't dare say, "When you have GREAT faith," because I don't believe faith varies in size. However, I do believe it varies in effectiveness based upon its use by an individual. Bible declares that we have been given the measure of faith (Romans 12:3), which tells me that we've all got the same amount. It's just a matter of us putting it into action to obtain GOD-results. So, when you have a working faith, it's constantly under attack because of the simple fact that it's consistently producing results. When your faith is effectively at work, you essentially become a target for Satan's devices.

Now, if we've heard it once, we've heard it a million times: without faith, it is impossible to please GOD, according to Hebrews 11:6. Our good works, ministry involvement, and monetary giving only please GOD when we execute them by faith. As a matter of fact, in the final hours before Jesus was turned over to His executioners, He prayed for Peter's faith (in Luke 22:31-32): "Behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not." Yes, Satan desires us, but only to sift us. He wants to separate us from our confession and render our faith ineffective, but he can't as long as our faith remains intact.

I encourage you to keep holding on to your faith. Habakkuk 2:4 states, "the just shall live by his faith." The just man is a righteous man, one who has been made right by GOD. Because our righteousness, according to Romans 3:28, is apart from the deeds of the law (e.g. moral uprightness, animal sacrifices), then the righteous life we've now received through faith in Christ is therefore maintained by faith. Since we've both been made alive and are kept alive by our faith, then it is of utmost importance that we don't let go of our faith. Letting go is not an option!

No matter what may be facing you today, it's not a match for your faith; that is, if your faith is actually at work. A faith that produces results can withstand the fiery trials mentioned in I Peter 4:12 that come to try us. So let's not think it strange when these sufferings come upon us. Jesus Himself was made perfect through His suffering (Hebrews 2:10), and GOD will perfect that which concerns us (Psalm 138:8). So don't despise the suffering because it's bringing about a greater work within you. If your faith has been underutilized, put it to work so that you can withstand the attacks of the enemy. Satan wants nothing more than to deceive you into thinking that it's all about you. It's not about you, but it's about your faith. If Satan can cause your faith to fail, then he can shut down the very move of GOD that's supposed to come through you and impact the world for GOD's Kingdom. Why is this so important? Because some lost soul is depending on you to be the conduit through which GOD moves to snatch them out of the Kingdom of Darkness and birth them into the Kingdom of Light. Until next time, be blessed!