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).

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).