The Power of a Promise

By


Queen E. F. Phillips

My friend, Marsha did everything she could to make her husband happy. But instead he became more distant and coldhearted. His glaring dark eyes pierced her soul like arrows tossed at a dartboard every time he looked at her. The verbal abuse became unbearable. His raging insults caused her pint-size self-esteem to evaporate like boiling water.


Marsha chose not to attend our last girls’ night out. She confided in me that she only felt worse after our gatherings. Seeing how happy we were in our relationships made her feel disconnected. As her devoted friends, we promised to encourage and support her. We even had the audacity to promise her things would get better, which was totally out of our control. For months, Marsha listened to our advice knowing we could not make good on our promises. Our advice offered no real solution. Her mate’s broken promises ripped her heart apart and left her drained. Unfortunately, we added to her heartbreak. Obviously, we made a promise we could not keep.


Finally, Marsha resolved that she needed to try something else. She wanted to hear what God had to say about her situation. She decided to spend some time in prayer. She wanted answers. She was desperate, even willing to face the truth no matter how painful it might be. She was ready for a life-changing encounter that her grandmother told about so many times.


She meditated on First Corinthians 13:4-8a, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoice with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails.”


She prayed, “What happened that caused love to fail in my marriage?”

In the stillness of the early morning hours before dawn, Marsha sensed warmth as if a blanket covered her chilled body. Tears of joy replaced her sorrow, accompanied by a symphony of peace, faith, hope, and love. An unexplainable calmness erased fear and despair as she listened attentively to the small still voice within.

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)


Marsha awoke inspired to believe in the power of promise. She had heard this scripture quoted a jillion times by her mother. Marsha remembered the powerfulness of this promise, and how it transformed the mindset of her mother during times of adversity. Miraculously, it gave her strength to stand firm and believe that good wins over evil. It gave her fresh hope for a brighter future. The power of this promise provoked a level of faith that empowered her to embrace every challenge with expectancy and purpose.

Life comes with a long list of challenges— broken relationships, painful pasts, fears, depression, tragedy, and bad decisions. But may I remind you of one thing? It is difficult to carry our challenges in overstuffed backpacks depending solely on the promises of others to ease our burdens. No doubt, family and friends would love to help just as we tried to help Marsha. But none of us possess the power to revive a broken spirit, and heal a wounded heart caused by an onslaught of broken promises.


Perhaps now would be the perfect time to try an experience like my friend. It could inspire you to believe in the power of promise. Couldn’t you use the rest?

A Soaring Perspective

Alexis’ view at 30,000 feet afforded her the opportunity to see from a different perspective. As she stared out of the small window on the Boeing 737 the Word of God captured her thoughts.

Isaiah 40:22, “God sits above the circle of the earth. The people below seem like grasshoppers to him! He spreads out the heavens like a curtain and makes his tent from them.”

After fifteen years of marriage, and years of struggle Alexis’ world came crashing down the day Jarred announced his love for Carlton.

She had always handled disturbing or shocking news with a sense of calm that amazed her three adorable children. But this…this was different. The news hit her like a bolt of lightning; knocked her to the ground and left her lifeless.

Her daily cry, “Lord, how will we get through this?”

It was impossible for her to function normally throughout the day. For weeks, every emotion converged with explosive tendencies. Her body nearly collapsed from the overload. Finally, she had to get away… solitude in the Presence of the Lord would have to be the only way she would be able to rise above this “ground zero” experience.

The advice of family and friends were futile, harsh, and didn’t reflect Christian principles. Although she was devastated by the pain of betrayal, revenge and retaliation weren’t options for her because she understood that this would require a supernatural answer that could only come through the power of the Holy Spirit.

From this vantage point clear perception, and a new perspective came. As the plane ascended to maxiumum altitude, Alexis envisioned herself acending...soaring high on the wings of an eagle. And when the plane landed, taxied to the designated gate, she knew from then on she could run and not grow weary and would walk and not faint.

Like Alexis, when we face the devastating challenges of life, we too must find solace in the solitude of His Presence. The healing process will vary with every individual and situation. However, the results yield the same —power and strength to overcome any challenge or situation.

“Have you never heard? Have you never understood?
The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” —Isaiah 40:28-31


PERSONAL PRAYER:

Heavenly Father,

Thank you that you care enough about my challenging situations, pains, and disappointments in this life so much that you would grant me the privilege of communing with you. And so, I ask now that you would speak to me according to my need. Let us find the power and strength that we need to soar high like eagles. I want to run to you always and not grow weary in doing what is good and pleasing to you. Help me to live this life victoriously through faith in your Son, Jesus Christ so that I will not give up in spite of the challenges I face now, or even in the future. I rest in you as my Source of strength. In Jesus’ name I pray with thanksgiving. Amen.

What if….?

This story is not one you’re likely to hear on the evening news. But it is a story of an old man on a mission to tell anyone that will listen… His story is posted to encourage readers to never take a moment for granted; neither should marriage vows be so easily broken. Life is fragile, but God’s love and grace are eternal.

It had been five years since Mr. Miser received the devastating news. He remembered that day like yesterday…August 8, 2004—his wife insisted that he keep the doctor appointment she made for him.

He hated going to the doctor, like most men. But he’s constantly reminded of how thankful he was that he heeded his wife’s ultimatum, “You’re going to the doctor, Bill Miser, or else…”

Funny! He never found out what the or else ultimatum was. But he concluded it was death and eternal damnation because he had not accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.

They’d gotten married right out of high school. It was love at first sight. Margie had been a “church girl” all her life.

Margie was the wife he’d always dreamed of finding. Sure they’d had their ups and down; even said some hurtful words, and did some shameful things; nevertheless, they kept their vow for better or for worse; in sickness and in health, until death do us part. After 50 years they were still together. A day didn't pass without giving God thanks.

Margie had always been there through the many tests, hospital and doctor visits, pain, chemo, radiation, sleepless nights, and certainly doubts and fears of leaving her and their children too soon (whenever that is). He recalls the many nights that he heard Margie praying for his healing and strength to endure the pain.

Her prayers lulled him to sleep at night, and often early in the dawning hours it was Margie’s prayers that he woke up to. In spite of the pain there was always an aroma of hope that permeated their home.

Mr. Miser has been in remission now for five years. At each office visit the doctors are stunned at his miraculous recovery. However, he was quick to remind them that God’s grace and mercy was keeping him alive. And of course, Margie’s prayers that are now a bowl of incense before the Throne.

Margie went home to be with the Lord the same week the doctor’s gave the prognosis as hopeful; cancer was in remission.

At every opportunity Mr. Miser shares his story he begins and ends with a question, “What if… What if I hadn’t met Margie?”

He answers immediately, “Well, I could guess, or imagine what it would have been like. Anyway, I’m thankful I don’t have to guess. I met Margie; God sent her to me, and she changed my life by her unwavering faith. I’m alive today because Margie didn’t give up on me.  I didn’t give up on her, and we didn’t give up on God! But, my friends, what if God had given up on us?”

We may see things from a different perspective if we would ask the questions, “What if….”

What if God gives up on us?

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6).

For Goodness Sakes

Classie finally gave up any hope of reconciliation with Guyton after numerous attempts failed. Although Guyton insisted that he’d changed, Classy soon realized it must have been wishful thinking on her part as well as his. He was still a liar. He lied about everything including his desire to remarry her.

So why would she do something so stupid that she’d regret for years to come unless God grants a miracle?

Of course, this was hindsight; she had signed the paperwork before realizing he was lying...again! She had been used again! Nothing had changed!

No doubt many of you are living with regrets because of the goodness of your heart. You chose to believe that someone had really changed until you found out after the damage was done that they really hadn't changed at all.

Reality.

Each time Guyton lied about making car payments anger pierced Classie's heart, not to mention her credit score plummeted into abyss. Was Classie just naive, or plain stupid to believe that Guyton could change? Her goodness was taken for granted and he hijacked her emotions again.
Although Classie's situation may be different from yours, this is a common scenario in many relationships— wanting to believe that the other can change without having a new heart—a spiritual transformation. Sadly, some individuals really desire to change and even try, but don't understand that it’s a "heart" matter that only the power of God can handle (Read Jeremiah 17:9).

No doubt, there are lots of women living with regrets like Classie because they listened to their emotions rather than the unction of the Holy Spirit. So for goodness sakes bad decisions are made, and thereafter a life of regrets.

Now the question is, will Classie take matters into her own hands, or let go and let God handle it? Is God willing to handle it? The Spirit of Truth nudged her with restlessness before making the final decision to purchase the car in her name and she didn’t listen. Is God now obligated to help her out of this situation?

Well, obligated…no, but because He is good, and kind, gracious, and slow to anger; His mercy endures forever. And when His children call on His name in repentance, He is obligated to answer. I John 1:7 say, "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Why would this be considered sin? Because she had unction in her spirit; she had no peace about it after praying, yet she made the decision.

Therefore, she must face the consequences of her decision. Sure we suffer the consequences of the decisions we make, yet God will come to our rescue if we repent, ask Him to forgive us and don’t let anger and bitterness consume us. That’s the hardest part, but with God all things are possible if we believe. Throughout history, we see the mercy, grace and faithfulness of God toward His chosen people. They disobeyed Him repeatedly, but when they cried out to Him, He heard their cry and delivered them (Check out the book of Judges). Does this mean we should continue to make unwise decisions and ignore the unction of the Holy Spirit? God forbid! We are to learn from our mistakes and move forward. We are to obey God rather than please man.

Trying to please and accommodate man will enslave us, and we’re not free to live a life pleasing God. We’re constantly look to be accepted by man (another subject for another time).
As apostle Paul instructed the Galatians, "In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off] -Galatians 5:1.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path (Proverbs 3:5-6).

So, for goodness sake listen and obey the voice of the Lord.

Childlike Faith

Silence gripped the air as Jana strolled the narrow, winding path with Jordan that led to their secret place. But that day the serenity was powerless against the assault of negative thoughts.

They jabbed fiercely in sequence and with precision to annihilate any hope of a prosperous New Year. You'll never get out of the mess you're in now. What's the use of trying... It's never goin' to end! Your prayers will never be answered. Nobody cares! You might as well end...

Just before the fatal dart to pierce her heart, Jordan held up a small shield that could only fit perfectly into the hands of a 4-year old, "Mama, where we going?"

Funny! They'd traveled that path daily for a whole year, and Jordan never ask that before.

But it really didn't matter; wherever Jana went she held on tightly. She had no choice; it was just the two of them since her dad, Lance chose another path.

"Trust me, Jordi; it's a surprise!"

Jordi's big, dark eyes beamed like the sun on a hot summer day in Texas, "Yeah! I like surprises, Mama!"

Jana's eyelids gave way like a broken levee as the flood of tears gushed out of control. Her thunderous outburst of disgust broke the silence, "Lord, I don't know if I can survive another year like this one! It's been like a roller coaster ride! How can I follow your directions if I don't know what they are, or where you're leading me?"

Secure in her mother's grip with simple faith, Jordan whispered, "Don't worry, Mama; maybe it's a surprise!"


Unlike 4-year old Jordan, I don't like surprises. And you probably don't either if you've reach THAT age... Truth is, even as a child I never liked surprises. Tell me. Show me. In fact, I always opened my gifts before Christmas morning, and meticulous resealed them because I didn't like being surprised. I didn't like waiting to see what I was getting.

However, I have learned that walking by faith and not by sight means there will be some surprises. God does not tell us, or show us everything at once. Learning to trust in the Lord and not lean on our understanding so that He can direct us is one of our greatest challenges.

Like Jana, our second greatest challenge is controlling our thoughts. How many times has God placed us in peaceful surroundings yet we cannot absorb the tranquility because of negative thoughts. Moreover, how about times when we leave peaceful surroundings to mingle and converse with negative people. Philippians 4:8 gives us a step-by-step formula for controlling our thoughts. Of course, you have to practice using the formula in order to master it. It's a process called being transformed by the renewing of our minds.

The Lord specifically said DO NOT worry about anything, especially the basic necessities of life (ref. Matthew 6:25-34). We must learn to trust our heavenly Father to provide for us as He promised in His word. I know it's easier said than done. And sometimes the only way for us to learn is to break the silence with outbursts of desperation, or else the silence may be powerless in combating the assault of negative thoughts.

No doubt, we have all been on the same path as Jana at one time or another—struggling to survive year after year. But just as Jordan had a secure grip on her mother's hand, we must rest in the security of our loving Father to lead us in the path of righteousness, and trust that we will arrive at our destination if we hold tightly to His hand.

When it seems we are without direction, God always places someone in our path to redirect us, and remind us of His faithfulness even if He has to surprise us. He gave Jana Jordan. Perhaps, He's given you siblings, parents, friends, a coworker, teacher, pastor, or counselor...I know He has given you someone.

Ultimately, all He wants from us is to have childlike faith—trusting Him as our loving Father Who loves too much to leave us alone and hopeless; worrying about things that He controls.
I pray that this year be a carousel ride as you grip the Master's hand with childlike faith, trusting that any surprises He has for you will be for your good.

Simply Trust

"Enough is enough!" Mayetta screamed. Her life was like walking a tightrope. She was exhausted from the balancing acts; praying constantly to keep from falling to her death mentally. She did all she could trying to make things work in desperate hope that it wouldn't come to this.

She refused to have a pity party, but her emotions exploded as if they had been ignited by flammable chemicals. Holding the divorce decree, the sense of failure, feelings of rejections, and fear mounted at the thought of being alone after twenty-six years of marriage. Although much of her married life had been spent alone with the kids, at least she knew Tyler would eventually come home after his overnight shenanigans.

Now Mayetta sat staring out the balcony window overlooking the busy street below totally oblivious to it, "I just can't believe it, Lord. Where do I go from here? I don't know what to do other than simply trust you. I just want Your will for my life."

No doubt many of you have had this conversation with the Lord, or one similar to it because you were at a crossroad in your life. Challenges in life are sure to come। Changes are as certain as your natural growth—the process from childhood to adulthood. However, most important is how you adjust to the changes based on your trust in the sovereignty of God. Basically, is Jesus Christ your Lord? Have you committed your life to His Lordship?

Like Mayetta, you can wake up one morning and find yourself facing the unknown, needing directions, and assurance।

Starting life all over again can cause the childlike fears within each of us to escalate at maximum speed। Consequently, the onslaught of emotions will ambush your faith and render you powerless, resulting in a sense of hopelessness, which opens the door for the enemy to attack and defeat you.

(But even now, I bind the demonic spirit of defeat, from attacking you now, and cast it out to be sent wherever the Lord Jesus wants to send it. I loose the spirit of victory over your mind and thus, your life in the Name of Jesus the Christ, our Jehovah Nissi). The Blood of Jesus cover you now. I declare and decree it to be so according John 14:14. Amen.
The way to handle transitions of any kind is speaking the Word of God, which quenches the fiery darts of doubt and fear। Having the ability and power to adjust to major lifestyle changes comes through the Holy Spirit of Truth in you (John 14:17) and the Word connecting and empowering you to withstand the challenge. The Word of God is spirit and it is life.

Let's consider Mayetta's challenge. After twenty-six years of marriage she is now divorced. She has to start a new life of singleness. (That just about covers the gamut of changes). Perhaps her greatest challenge will be the emotional experiences and fears she will encounter as she began her new lifestyle—anger and bitterness, depression, loneliness and lowliness (low self-esteem), feelings of rejection and helplessness, etc. (Been there, done that...). It's obvious from her confession, "I just want Your will for my life" that she has accepted Jesus as Lord of her life.
Desiring God's will for your life takes you to another dimension in the Kingdom of God. And it gives God permission to do whatever is necessary to get you to that place (in mind, body and soul) where He predestined for you before the foundation of the world. Wow!
Nevertheless, the adversity, unpleasant experiences, and the challenges in process are painful। Yet, you must trust Him to carry you to that place because it is for your good. ( Ref. Jeremiah 29:11). We call it "destiny and purpose."

Sure, Mayetta has options: Support groups, family, friends, books, etc। But after the therapy and support sessions are over, the advice and opinions of family and friends are noticeably insane, and reading all the books, Mayetta still needs something that only comes from God— PEACE, INNER STRENGTH, and POWER to move on.

These are induced by the Word of God, and trusting God to watch over His Word to perform it when spoken in faith। In others words, the manifestation of God's Word will be seen in you. And you will know because it will bear witness of itself in you. How? If you speak the Word of God, you will feel the weight of it's power when it connects with the Holy Spirit within you. After a while, others will notice a change in your demeanor. They'll make comments like, "Girl, what happen to you? You don't act the same. Your whole attitude is changed. You met somebody else?" Beware. You have been given an opportunity to witness. Take it! Tell of the goodness and faithfulness of your LORD. Oh, my God! I feel that. That just hit somebody's spirit! You better flow in the Spirit!

Listen, dear heart। It it seems like you're walking a tightrope and doing balancing acts to keep from falling, it's time to just simply trust God. What may seem to be the worst time in your life now, God will turn it around and work it for His glory to be manifested through you. (Ref. Romans 8:28). Simply trust Him.

Here's a key scripture for handling the transitions of life।

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Feelings vs. Facts

The congregation stood spellbound gasping for enough breath to shout amen as Pastor Crossly preached the New Year's message, "A New Thing for a New Year."

It was obvious that Natasha was the only one still seated. This sent a negative message that she was not "into" the service. Of course it was the assumption. Truth is, Natasha was very much into the service and the message, but did not confuse her feelings with the facts about her distant relationship with Jesus.

After Pastor Crossly finished preaching he invited those in need of prayer to come forward. Natasha strolled forward never looking up. She was already in position when the minister said, "Bow your head, please."

She stood with her head bowed and eyes closed. The slide show of past challenges scrolled at slow speed in her mind. Trying to force the tears stay within boundaries, she threw her head back and looked up into ceiling and tears flowed freely. In a whisper of desperation that only God could hear, she pleaded, "Lord help me."

Instead of the traditional method of allowing the associate ministers to pray for each individual, Pastor Crossly simply said, "Everyone standing at the altar here's what you must say, Lord, I receive the new things you have for me in the new year."

What happened then would change Natasha's life forever. There were no tingling feelings, or goose bumps. There were no fantasy land vision with flying baby angels on white clouds. As a matter of fact, Natasha experienced none of the strange stories that she had heard from her childhood. Just the fact that for the first time in her adult life of attending church she walked away with a new mindset; a new attitude and a new outlook on life for a New Year.

Perhaps, it seems nothing changes for you year after year —same challenges.
Don't confuse feelings with the facts, better yet the Truth. You may feel like nothing is changing, but God's Word is true. So just change your mind and your feelings will follow!

Since everyone's talks about resolutions at the beginning of every new year, why don't you resolve to begin the new year with new attitude; a new outlook on the possibilities and promises that comes from having a relationship with Jesus Christ. Let your new beginning be a greater desire to just be in the presence of the Lord and experience the peace of God that will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus. Read Philippians 4:7

"JUST BE" (LIVE) FOR THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY. The fact is that what He wants; that's what He planned before the foundation of the world. READ EPHESIANS 1:11