Paul was writing to the church in Thessalonica and said “Satan prevented him from coming.” I find this interesting. Paul knew his identity in Christ. He knew he had authority over the enemy. He had delivered many people from demonic oppression. Demons knew his name. Yet, in this instance, Satan prevented him from doing what his heart desired. Now, reading this story gives me hope for a couple of reasons....
No Storm Zone
Life can be hard. Sometimes you go through seasons that are particularly difficult. While the winds of destruction may be swirling all around us, Paul reminds us that we may be in the storm but the storm should never be within us. We have the prince of peace abiding in us. Sunday, I felt the Lord correct me. He said, “You have been crying out for an encounter. But I...
Forever Hopeful
But the reality is there are circumstances in my life where I am struggling to remain hopeful. Things I have been praying about for years to no avail. Things I’m tired of declaring, tired of believing for, tired of being disappointed about. And I want to give up. But I can’t. I don’t know if it’s the Holy Spirit, stubbornness or just a genuine belief in God’s faithfulness that drives...
Seasons
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity”, King Solomon writes. Does this means that we will all eventually experience every season or are our seasons preordained by God? Are delays godly? Is God assuring we enter in at the right time or are delays demonic interference? Should I embrace seasons of inactivity? Or should I fight for what God promised? The bible promises my gift...
Where Else Can I Go?
Have you ever been disappointed? Have you ever been angry with God? Have you ever prayed for a loved one but they went to Jesus anyway, contended for a child, but they went further into darkness, had faith you would get that job, but you are still unemployed? Have you ever been disappointed? We all have had times when we cried out like the psalmist: Has the Lord rejected me...
Anticipation
Are you longing to see a prayer answered? Have you been waiting for quite a while? And sometimes you may say to yourself, I can’t hope any longer. I give up. But before you know it, you are hoping once again, believing again, anticipating once again. I can’t tell you how many times I have earnestly prayed, “Lord if this desire is not from you, then remove it.” Only to...