~ Being Tested ~

These past few months I have been through so many tests, with pregnancy scares, health issues from delivering my daughter early, family communication problems, career transitions, disconnection from my children etc. It has been a real test in my faith and walk with the Lord, I will not even pretend it has not been rough. Through the many of circumstances the one thing that is consistent has been lack of some faith on my end. I have chosen in many situations to sit in fear. When I sat in fear I made the devil so happy.

I looked up scriptures on tests and seasons https://www.openbible.info/topics/seasons because I feel they go hand in hand. God says in my study about tests: to count it all joy, do not be surprised, rejoice, trust me, sacrifice, worship me, do not fear, do not be anxious, pray, and be led by the Holy Spirit. I will tell you that many times I would do the exact opposite of what God said. Why? Because it felt better to worry and give myself scenarios of what could happen in my flesh. I did not pay attention to the Jesus in me who wanted to speak to me but I did put him on the back burner when I worried. God cannot work with my worry. He operates in faith, friends.

When I studied seasons God said “I change the seasons”, do not grow weary, be planted, I will provide, rejoice, bear good fruit, preach the word, be ready, rebuke, exhort, be patient and teach. He tells me to have faith and trust him. Is it not amazing how he will speak to us when we just quiet our minds? In my short study time he spoke to every single dry bone. He gave me so much guidance on what to do. Many days I had to fight so hard to be still and go sit with my Father. My flesh wanted me to figure things out on my own and panic. But when I was in study something happened. The Holy Spirit came to my rescue. I was comforted and peace fell upon me. In times of tests or change of seasons, we need to be still and ask the Holy Spirit to control our thoughts.

Today, I encourage you. First, you are not alone. If you are facing some real serious tests right now I want you to stop and breathe and tell yourself that you have a friend who has and is struggling too, in me. If you cannot muster any strength to pray…that is okay just sit and close your eyes and say nothing as the Lord knows our thoughts and understands us. If you message me I will pray with you. 

Most importantly, my friend God is by your side. He has not forgotten about you and your life. God hears our cries and is close to our broken hearts if we truly BELIEVE that with all might. We truly have to stand our grounds and remind the enemy that we are none of his business. Something that works for me is talking to myself out loud in affirmation in my bathroom mirror: “Satan, get behind me! I am none of your business and my Father loves me. You are not welcome in my mind or home. In the name of Jesus, FLEE! I am new, loved and whole by the blood of my Savior”. I promise you saying that to myself in the mirror gave me confidence. It reminded me that I was purchased with a price and that I have authority. Don’t give up, stay your course, keep living daily peacefully and soon you will see victory. God did not bring you this far to let you down now.

In Christ,

Monique Smith

Prayer Starter:

Jesus, my Savior. My King and ever present help in this time of trouble. You reign over all circumstances in my life. I know you go before me because you love me. There is nothing to powerful for you. I praise your HOLY name. Thank you for working things out for my good. Thank you for your protection and mercy. I know that in due time I will reap a harvest if I do not grow weary in doing well. I will stay in peace. I choose joy and courage. Nothing formed against me shall stand. I love you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

~ Lord Almighty~

When you are oppressed by the enemy did you know demons hoover over you? They take any negative word or responses that you give to your situations and make sure they take it to the furthest evilest end. They do this because they would love to see you give up in despair with worry and doubt by your side. The devil hates you and wants you to suffer.

But when happens when you have the aroma of an open spirit? When you have nothing to hide and you give all what you are going through to Jesus? The enemy has no authority over your life or its circumstances. You become free in a new way to see the hope of the future. If you make a decision to enter an atmosphere of worship instead of worry it can overshadow the enemy and his plans. His demonic spirits must flee because they cannot stay in any atmosphere where he is not lifted up.  

My friend, who can stop the Lord Almighty? If we let that resonate in our spirits and truly marinate in this question, we find power. Isaiah 14:27 it says the Lord Almighty has purpose and no one can thwart him. This is the greatest news ever!!! Absolutely no one can stop his purposes, his plans or his will over your life. It may seem like in the natural that the enemy is winning but when you take those blinders off you will see that Jesus already defeated the lies of that snake. Where you find hope is in the Lord Almighty and his promises over your life.

I say that today, you walk in the authority that Jesus died for you to have. You say “no” to any negative thought or action and you declare power, healing, forgiveness, love and hope for your future. Jesus loves you and you have power……use it.

In Christ,

Monique Smith

Prayer Starter:

Lord God Almighty, you surround me. You delivered me from my enemies. You have set me free. You have given me a spirit of courage, not fear. I belong to you, Lord. Thank you for who you are. You are holy, kind, patient and forgiving. From my mother’s womb you have chosen me. I am born into a whole new family and your love flows through my veins. There is no one thing here on this earth that can stop the plans you have over my life. I will no longer be a slave to fear. I sing freedom…..I praise your holy holy name. I will stand on your promises today and forevermore. I love you…..I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen 

~ AND HE is Still Good ~

Life hurts, let’s face it. People and circumstances will strike you at the center of your heart and you will FEEL like you can no longer go on. Fact is God never promised us a life full of no trials but what he did promise was that he will leave us with his peace (John 14:27). We have a choice to follow what this world says or we can stand on what Jesus says. No matter the circumstance he is worthy of it all. This life here on this earth is not our final destination as a Christ follower so we really should not be in doubt or in panic when ugly things appear in our lives. Those obstacles are opportunities to trust God and leave whatever that is causing you strife at his feet. Jesus is coming back for his church (Rev 1:8) and our job is to honor our Father’s name until that day comes, not to fret. We will experience much persecution here on this earth but we will never be completely broken, maybe bruised but never crushed.

Friends, I encourage your heart today. I challenge you to stand against all the lies of the enemy regardless of what is it. Focus on who your King is and renew your mind every second of the day. You will find all living truth in the word of God. If you do not know how to read the bible ask the Lord to show you how, the Holy Spirit guides you and HE is faithful to ALL who diligently seek him.

Who can stop the LORD ALMIGHTY? Absolutely no one thing, person or circumstance on this earth…….God is fighting your battle and has power. Bow before your King and worship his Holy name. He is able……..and is still good no matter what.

In Christ,

Monique Smith

Prayer Starter:

Jesus, my Savior, My King and Stronghold. Thank you for all that you have done for me, your mercy endures forever. My heart, my life and circumstances I lay at your feet. I am not my own and cannot do anything in my own strength. I know that you can heal my broken heart. I stand on your promises in your word and will not depart from them. There is no weapon formed against me that can prosper and I trust you. I ask that you please forgive me for any evil thing in my heart and make my heart pure now by your blood, Lord. I desire to love and look like you and I will not be afraid of what this world says, you are my protector. Set a fire in my soul and help my, Holy Spirit to stand against the lies of this world, make me bold for your name sake. You are here in your splendor standing here with me. I am yours…..I love you. Amen

~ Do NOT Give Up ~

Often times we face certain adversities and feel like it is way too much and want to throw the towel in. Our marriage is on the brink of separation or divorce, or our kids are distant and out of control or maybe the stresses are coming from not having a job or not making enough to make ends meet. Whatever the situation is, my friend I challenge you to not give up. Fight the good fight of faith. God says in his word that in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9). If we stay strong our work will be rewarded (2 Chronicles 15:7). God knows what he is doing and he does not need our help. We take matters into our own hands when we stress, worry, doubt and keep talking about our circumstance.

When I was younger and first gave my life to the Lord giving up to me was the only option. I did not know how to fight for things in my life. I thought if it was too hard I would just leave it, walk away or ignore it. I did not know how to handle life’s adversities and be a mother to a young baby and juggle me. Not until the Lord showed me about myself and that I did not have to handle life alone is when life started to make sense. The Holy Spirit showed me that I could give my circumstance to him and go out and still enjoy my life while he works things out for my good. I was learning faith and I continue to each day. You are not alone, sister.

Jesus has a plan for your life; you have purpose as Jeremiah 29:11 says so. Today, I challenge you to step out in faith and give all that is stressing you out over to Jesus and be still. Stop going around the same old mountains and make a decision to handle life different with the Lord.

In Christ,

Monique Smith

Prayer Starter:

Thank you Jesus that you care for me, that you love me so much to give me options for handling this life. You are amazing and I stand in awe at your grace. I am sorry for trying to handle this life without you. You are my strength and provider and I need to practice being still with you instead of taking matters into my own hands. This journey with you is a process and I am so eternally grateful that you allow me to be me and still pick me up and set me up on solid ground minute by minute. I love you, Father. Amen

~ Perfect Love Cast Out ALL Fear ~

Fear chokes us! It can grab a hold of our lives, thoughts, purpose and lie to us. It tells us we are not enough. We are not equipped. It says we have no purpose and that our circumstance is just too big for God. Fear tells us to give up and call it quits. It says to doubt everything even how much God loves us. Fear is a lie from the pit of hell and comes straight from the devil himself. God’s character will never say to fear. In fact, in his word it says that he does not give us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7) but of sound mind and courage. If the devil can get me to fear in everything I do or think, I will behave and speak with a panic stance. When trial comes I will shrink back or when something I know God tells me to do, I won’t do it because I let the feeling of fear suffocate me.

God has called me to encourage, teach, coach and counsel. I have a specific purpose on my life and because I know this I have a decision to make in many areas of this calling. If I allow this false evidence that looks real but is not choke me, I will not fulfill the call on my life. You are not alone. There are many areas where I let fear creep in and start taking my eyes off Jesus and focusing on my circumstance. You do not have to face life alone. You have the Lord! Jesus has already won and came to give you a life worth living.  

When fear comes, I challenge you to truly send Jesus to answer. I challenge you to stay still and wait for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. I challenge you to go to God and tell him all about this fear and then stand on his promises for your life. Do not move from the position of Princess Warrior. Fight the good fight of faith, my friend.

Sis, you have purpose. You have a specific calling on your life. You cannot afford to believe the lies of the enemy any longer. You are more than a conqueror in Christ. It is time to trust that Jesus is for you and mediate on that perfect love cast out ALL fear (1 John 4:18).

In Christ,

Monique Smith

Prayer Starter:

Lord, you are my stronghold. You are my Father. You love and care for me. You are the way, truth and life. Fear does not come from you, Jesus. When I start to worry and panic, I know that is not a spirit that you gave me. I pray right now that I learn to see myself how you see me. I pray I learn how to trust you totally and stop wavering back and forth. My circumstance does not define who you are. What it does is remind me that you are my God and that you are already going ahead of me to work everything out for my good. I thank you for your power and might. I love you, Lord. I pray in your precious name. Amen

~ My Thought Life ~

My pastor said something yesterday that resonated in my soul. He said ask God to help your thoughts stay on his word. There are many times that my thoughts wander. At times, they go off and think about this and that and mainly they start to focus on my past and never the present. I do know that this is not of the Lord and I am to cast each thought down and replace them with the word of God. 

What happens when you do not know the word of God like that just yet?
What happens if you are new in your walk with the Lord and you do not have the weapons stored in you to fire off at the enemy just yet? I may have somewhere in my blog shared some declarations that you can use in situations like this at some point BUT just for the sake of time I wanted to share some again with you today. 

Please print these out if you must or write them down and carry them in your purse. But always stay prepared and have resources in your walk with Jesus. Don't wait for others to encourage you there will be many many times you MUST encourage yourself.  Something that is powerful is looking yourself in the mirror and reciting declarations and/or the living word of God out loud. It stirs your spirit and feeds you like no other. Live like you belong to Jesus and go out and be blessed today.

Declarations:

v  I am the head and not the tail (John 14:30)

v  I am a child of God (1 Peter 1:18,19)

v  I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength (Mark 9:23)

v  Jesus is for me and I do not have to fear (Psalm 23)

v  No weapon formed against me shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17)

v  I am a new creation in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17)

v  I am a blessed seed of God (Colossians 1:13)

v  God lives in me (2 Corinthians 6:16)

v  I am the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:15)

v  God has a plan for me to prosper and to succeed (Jeremiah 29:11)

v  Sin has no power over me (Romans 6:14)

v  I separate myself from everything unclean (2 Corinthians 6:17)

v  I resist the devil and submit myself to Jesus (James 4:7)

v  I have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2: 16)

v  In righteousness I am established (Isaiah 54:14)

v  I live and walk by faith and not by sight or my feelings (2 Corinthians 5:7)

v  I can think of things that are lovely and pure, worthy of all praise (Phil 4:8)

v  My faith is in Jesus and his word (1 John 5:4,5)

v  I overcome  the devil by the blood of the lamb (Revelation 12:11)

v  I believe  that I will live  and not die (Psalm 118:17)

v  By HIS stripes I am healed (Isaiah 53: 4,5)

v  I am strong and of good courage (Joshua 1:9)

v  God is for me (Romans 8:31)

v  I have a spirit of love and sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)

v  I follow Jesus (John 10:27)

v  My steps are ordered of the Lord (Psalm 37:23)

I encourage you to do some work on your own as well. Get in your bible and start writing God’s promises down so that they can be etched in your heart, mind and spirit. You are victorious and do not have to bow down to fear you have weapons to fight with. You are the blessed seed of God, stay encouraged.

Prayer Starter:

Jesus, you are for me and you never leave me. You said in your word that I have a spirit of courage and of sound mind. Please help my thoughts to stay on your word and let them never wander off. You are my strong hold and provider and I truly can do ALL things through you because you give me strength. I do not have to be fearful and let my thoughts and emotions take over because I can focus on your truth. Thank you for loving me and convicting my spirit. I love you, Lord and I will serve you in my thoughts today. In Jesus’ precious Holy name I pray. Amen

~HELP, I am Mad at God ~

Do you know that as a human you were only built to sustain a certain about of pressure? That is why God says for when you are weak; I am strong in 2 Corinthians 12:10. He knows our weaknesses. He suffered through the same life we live today. It is because in our weakness (frail human state) HIS grace (God’s favor) is enough for us to relax. Jesus provides blessings to those who are patient and learn to wait and trust in Him. We were not built to bear constant stress, hardships and persecutions in our own strength, we will buckle every time. Sure we can sustain much and you probably already have BUT at some point there comes a time of surrender, throwing in the towel because it really is just too hard to handle life alone. When we are stressed our body is in a slumped position, we are down, weak and feel extreme mental discomfort. We are under pressure and can and will take matters into our own hands and then get mad at God when we make a mess.

Just a couple of months ago something very unfortunate happened to my family. I was so angry, hurt and truly disappointed in God. I felt entitlement because in my mind I am God’s CHOOSEN child. I am being honest. I totally questioned how God could let this happen to me. So for about 2 weeks I pouted, cried, and was holding resentment toward the Creator of our universe. First of all, who does this? Like who gets mad at God for life? I was stressed to the max but it really was not cute to blame Jesus. I gave up, got up and gave up again. I was so back and forth and wanted relief. Sisters, I was not built for that much stress. In that entire very unfortunate incident, I shifted. I did not stay in the presence of my Father; I left him (peace, two fingers). I followed my emotions and decided to let life suck me in to the vortex of defeat. I truly let the enemy have his way because my heart was so broken. I had no peace and that was because I was anxious and refused to trust Jesus.

You see Christ came so that we do not have to suffer in mental torment. Fact of the matter is life is hard and there will be many things we do not understand. However, in our feeble state we are to look to Christ. We are to do our very best in everything and TRUST Jesus to do the rest. Trial doesn’t mean run away from God and do everything by yourself. Trial says this is a test of your faith will you pass it? Will you lean on your Father and still trust Him at his word? I know when circumstances look chaotic and it really is easier to satisfy the desires of our flesh because it is what we are used to. But Jesus died for us to have a life full of abundance and peace. I know I let my situation steal my joy and life from me that day because I was no good. Truth is I had a choice and I failed. But you know what, it is okay. The God we serve keeps no records of wrongs. He will put us right back where we need to be because he loves us that much. God really does work ALL things for our good. We may not see it then but later we will. Life is simple but we really do make things very complicated, at least I know I can. God says be still, but we move, cry and panic. He says rest and here we go moving a mile a minute working endlessly on the “to do list”. Clearly, I don’t take instruction well at times and I am stubborn so you are not alone.

In Matthew 6:34 (Message version) God says “Give me your ENTIRE attention to what I am doing right now and DON’ T get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. I will help YOU deal with whatever hard things come your way WHEN the time comes”.

How crazy is it to actually trust GOD at his word. To relax and breathe because God says he will HANDLE our issues. Each time I read that verse I find so much peace because it reminds me that I am nothing and my GOD is EVERTHING!

My friend, today, is a good day to pause for air and breathe in God’s spirit. We do not have to handle life alone nor do we have to stay in anger or resentment toward our Father when life tests us. We do have a Savior who is patiently waiting for us to release our grips on life’s circumstances so that he may step in and work. Our renewed spirits can offer us right thinking and righteousness in Christ IF we allow for it.

In Christ,

Monique Smith

Prayer Starter:

Lord, I am nothing in my own strength. I cannot attempt to be a decent anything if I leave you out of any aspect of my life. I need you with every fiber of my being. I am completely lost without your presence. I am so thankful for whom you are and everything you represent. I pray I remember your sovereignty in every step of my day. May I worship you in spirit and in truth. I pray I am vigilant, willing and loving to myself and others. I do not want to keep failing tests, Jesus. I want to grow more in you. I love you and I pray in your precious sweet name. Amen 

~ Who do YOU Worship? ~

What is idolatry? It is defined as an extreme adoration, love, or reverence for something or someone. Who or what do you worship this much? That is my question to you today. Who or what gets ALL of you? Friends, if we are not careful we will make idols of many things or people in this life and love them more than God. If and when we do this we leave nothing to offer Jesus because we are to busy giving our ALL to something or someone else. 

In Exodus 20:3-6, God tells us point blank “you shall have no other Gods before me”. We are to not make carved images or anything in its likeness. We shall not bow down and serve any one thing or person is what God goes on to say in Exodus. Just because we don’t carve out little wooden figurines of our kids or spouses doesn’t mean we do not worship them or bow down to them. Jesus is a jealous God. He does not like when his children cherish others or any earthly possession before him. May I share my heart with you?

I had a problem with this. It was unhealthy and destroying my life. I worshiped my husband. I loved him with an extreme adoration that was not healthy. I knew Jesus but not like now. I made my day revolve around what my husband was doing and sometimes thinking. If he was angry I was sad. If he did not like how I did something, I changed it. If he wanted something over the kids I made sure he had his way. If I had to jeopardize me for him, I would. This took place prior to marriage and a little shortly after we married. You see, biblical submission does not look this way. Biblical submission is to honor your HUSBAND unto the Lord, not LIKE he is the LORD. My husband never ever ask me to do any of these things. I am sure sometimes he looked at me with irritation. I just wanted him to love me, REALLY BAD….I looked to him to be my God. When he did not treat me like I FELT he should treat me I was devastated. I had high expectations for this KING of mine. 

I will say during this time I did this, our relationship and marriage was in shambles. Why did I do this? Why did I make my husband this little God in my mind? I will tell you why I did this. I did this because I did not know Jesus for myself in my heart. I did not trust Jesus nor rely on him so I trusted in who was earthly in front of me. I wanted to find ALL my security in my husband. Boy, was that a HUGE mistake!!!! I did not know I was doing this until my relationship with Jesus grew. He opened my eyes to so much. God is a jealous God and when we love, praise and honor anyone or anything above him? Umm, I guarantee your life will fall completely apart. Why? Because we were not made to worship or treat anything or any one person with that much adoration. Idolatry is a sin and is very dangerous. God made us with this deep desire and love ALL for himself, not for our spouses, children, jobs, careers, cars etc. 

Moms, if you are not careful your kids can become an idol. Sure, we are their mommy. They need us. We have an unconditional love for them like no other. But your children DO not come before Jesus. There is an order for a reason. If you do not know this order I encourage you to pray. Ask God to show you what he desires for you in this area. Ask him to reveal himself to you in a way that is only relevant to you. I have no doubt in my mind that he will do just that.

Your careers? Good Lord HAVE MERCY. Many make their jobs their Heavenly Father. They spend so much time and energy trying to advance themselves, it is so ridiculous. If you are loving, praising and worshiping your job what do you have left? Your so tired ripping and running for your company that you cannot even sit quiet with yourself for two seconds without moving on to the next advancement of the ladder. STOP THE MADNESS!

Sisters, I ask you with a sincere heart, WHO or what do you worship? If you are struggling with this I suggest you fall on your knees and ask for forgiveness and pray that the Lord rids you of making false idols. Be honest and open with Jesus. I mean he already knows your heart, it is not like you are hiding something from him. He needs you to voice these sins for yourself and acknowledge your faults and turn to him for forgiveness. 

Today, life is different for me. I know Jesus. I am nothing without him. He is first. I have released all expectations from my husband and I am me. I am a women that LOVES JESUS first. Then comes my husband and after follow my kids. I am so thankful the Lord showed me this. May you worship Jesus and only him. 

In Christ,

Monique Smith

Prayer Starter:

Oh Heavenly Father, we come to you with a sincere heart. Forgive us for making others or material possessions, our jobs or our children our GODS. Help us to know you as our Risen King and Savior and nothing else. Purify our hearts, Jesus. Wash us completely clean. My desire is to get to you know you more. Come personally alive to me. Take off my blinders and I pray that I learn to worship you and only you for the rest of life. I love you, Lord. I magnify your name. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen  

~ YOU are NOT your PAST ~

What do you do when you come across someone who knows the old you? The you who use to live for this world? What happens when this individual or these individuals still see the unsaved you and don’t understand this “new” you? It seems that all they can remember is the way you USE to be and really are not happy that you speak about Jesus now. They mock you and think you are some “Jesus Freak”. What do you do? They turn their nose up at you because now they notice a change in you. How in the world do you respond to these individuals or perhaps just that one person who you feel has it out for you?

Sisters, it is so important that you are still in these moments and not respond just yet. If you can hold off your response then at all cost do that. While you are doing that, pray. If you can find a quiet place go there and cast your worries unto the Lord. Ask the Lord how you can specifically handle the situation. Ask the Holy Spirit for his perspective before you do anything. It is crucial you are careful with these individuals. They are drawn to the light they see in you for a reason and if you respond in a harsh way they won’t see Jesus. These individuals do not get why you chose Jesus instead of the world. Their hearts have not be softened towards Jesus just yet and God may be using you in the situation.

Deciding to leave your past behind you and taking up your cross daily to follow Christ is very brave. It was thee best decision you made to date and you will come across people who knew you before Christ and I am here to say, don’t be afraid. This is the time to focus on who you are in Christ and keep your foot. If you forgot who you are in Christ let me remind you:

You are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

You are justified (Romans 5:1)

You are complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10)

You are now God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)

You are free from condemnation (Romans 8:1-2)

You are a minister of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

You were bought with the blood of Jesus and are his temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

You are anointed (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)

You are a member of Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:27)

Sisters, when you know who you are in Christ you can handle situations like this with grace and excellence. You can have compassion for these individuals and remember how Christ won your heart. We all fall short of God’s glory and because we are Christians does not make us better than unsaved individuals. Because we are Christians we now have hope. We have a Savior who is for us and we now belong to HIS kingdom. We are HIS child. 

I encourage you to not get frustrated with the individuals who do not get you and your new life. Let these situations strengthen your faith and see it as a chance to give your testimony to these individuals in a way that does not freak them out. Be honest and speak from your heart. Politely say” I am not the person you use to know. I am new and whenever you have time we can talk about it if you would like”. If and when they do take you up on your offer. Explain why you no longer live the way you do and share how Christ saved you. When you are of Jesus, he will direct your steps (Psalm 37:23). If they do not take you up on your offer do not get discouraged. Pray for them and let Jesus do the heavy lifting and move right along. It is my prayer that you are blessed and you remember YOU are NOT your PAST!

In Christ,

Monique Smith

Prayer Starter:

Jesus, sometimes it gets hard in my walk with you because others do not understand and they say or do hurtful things to me. Help me Jesus to have compassion for these people and to respond in love. Help me to not waver in my service to you. It is my desire to do what is right and never give up. Father God, I wish to show others you and I do not want to interrupt your plans with being harsh to people. You love me Lord and you treat me with a grace I do not deserve. May I hand out grace and forgiveness to your people if and when I come across situations where people are mean to me, Thank you for your guidance and love, Father. I pray in your name, Jesus. Amen 

~ Activate your Faith~

Weeks before my birthday, I had blood work and an ultrasound done with my gynecologist because of abnormal bleeding. I had to wait weeks to get the results. On the day of my birthday, my doctor explained I have a fibroid or polyp on the top lining of my uterus and that he needed to go in and get a biopsy. I listened as he talked and started to write down exactly what he was saying. I left his office overwhelmed and my heart was scared immediately. I sat in the parking lot with Jesus. I begged for his perspective because mine wanted to panic. I called hubby and he immediately encouraged my heart, he is a faith filled man and I thank God for that. He told me that I will be just fine to trust the Lord. As I drove home, I was in deep thought. I thought back to all the prayers and times in my prayer closet that I asked God to stretch my faith. 

With fear trying to choke me, I said “Lord, your will be done”. Peace did not come immediately. I sat in defeat for about 5 hours, mind you it is my birthday. I kept saying “Your will be done”. Doing this I believe, was activating my faith. By the end of the day, I had peace. I go into surgery at the end of this month and I am not fearful. I will take this test as a challenge and truly activate my faith. I know Jesus is for me and sisters, I will pass this test. Now is the time!!! I cannot shrink back in fear and give the devil a foothold. My body is doing funky things and I am in pain BUT I still will plead the blood of Jesus. I will fight with all I have and choose JESUS. This life is not about me. This life is about my Father. I am to glorify him with my life and that is what I will focus on. 

This life is temporary. Jesus never said that we will not have trouble. In fact, he said the opposite. I believe he wanted us to get one key thing out of John 16:33. Jesus wanted us to grasp that HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD, so we need to cheer up when adversity strikes. He gives the hardest orders to his strongest soldiers so with him we truly can do ALL things. Trusting God in the unknown is everything we say we represent as Christ followers. Even though things seem a little dim and we really have no idea what God is up to we can choose to still be that light on a hill that will shine bright for him.We can activate our faith. 

If you face something right now that is threatening your life mentally or physically I encourage you to plant your feet on solid ground. Get on your knees and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Pray that you are steadfast and that by God’s grace you can look that circumstance right smack in the face with the eyes of the Lord. Jesus will never give you something he knows you cannot handle. This circumstance you face is to glorify his name. NOW FIGHT SISTERS! Fight for your Father’s sake.

In Christ,

Monique Smith

Prayer Starter:

Oh GRACIOUS King, your will is most important, Father, Your ways are higher. I am nothing without your unmerited grace. I pray that I am steady, immovable, planted and ready for whatever you need me to face. I love you Jesus and you are my life. I will decrease so that you can increase. May I fight for your name sake. In the name of Jesus. Amen