Topic: Move on with Courage.
Texts: Deuteronomy 31:8; Proverbs 3:5-6
INTRODUCTION
Many individuals enter this year with high hopes, full of energy, and motivated enthusiasm. However, by the end of the first month of the year, some people begin to lose their enthusiastic strength due to the satanic projective voices they heard in the form of prophecies and news from around the world.
One of the Devil’s strategies is to keep your gaze away from the tick cloud, high mountains, and reality shadows of death blinking and roaring dangers along your path.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 NIV).
In his life journey, David recognized the Devil’s strategy. Many times, he was confronted with challenges that could have swallowed him whole, but he did not lose courage; instead, he maintained his focus, and he was celebrated in his generation.
Remember, “a winner doesn’t quit, but a loser does.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
This write-up shall focus on what you need to do to move on with courage.
1) LISTEN TO THE SPIRIT’S LEAD
2) TRUST IN THE LORD
Below is the breakdown:
1.) Listen To the Spirit’s Lead:
Connecting to the right Spirit for motivation is the source of strength to keep moving and focused on a journey.
During a soccer game, the players always listen to their supporters’ voices as they echo the sound of victory to energize the players. The voices of their supporters and coaches are recognized and familiar to the players, and when they give instructions, they listen.
Smith Wigglesworth said; “When you are filled with the Spirit, you will know the voice of God.”
When you entrust your journey to God, He will send His Spirit to guide and lead you. It will be easy to recognize God’s voice once you have become acquainted with the Spirit of God.
God’s Spirit provides the motivation you need to stay focused. With His words, He will direct you to the right path; as in the where, the when, and the how. This includes where to go, when to start and stop, and how to do it.
Kenneth E. Hagin stated that, “Sometimes God will show you how He wants you to do it, you will have His plan. But at the same time, you will perceive in your spirit that the time to do it isn’t quite right.”
To have a successful journey this year, it is critical to follow the Spirit’s leading.
2.) Trust in the Lord:
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight” (NIV). What the Devil does is cause people to waver in their faith, causing them to faint and sink on their journey through life.
This year has just begun with few weeks behind, and a lot of promises from the government, co-workers, family and friends that do not appear to be working because of what has been looming, including economic hardship, and inflation everywhere.
Someone recently told me that, “This year 2023 is turning bad,” to which I quickly replied that, this is only the beginning of the year and that shouldn’t be said. After meditating on this, I realized that this is the picture the Devil is painting for people as if God does not care about them.
In his writings, Diester Pauwels stated that, “Beliefs create a structure of right and wrong which includes what others expect of you and what you expect of yourself. Your beliefs shape your life to the degree that they determine what seems possible.”
You must resolve in your mind that your God can lead and see you through whatever comes your way. Nobody will do it for you. Because God has told you His plans for you this year, it doesn’t mean that there won’t be any storm or distractions.
Jentezen Franklin made a statement in his writing that, “God’s plan often comes through events that force you in a direction you never would have gone.” Many times, God allows some things to shake you to see how serious you are in your trust in Him.
What you must do is maintain your faith in God and proceed with courage.
Conclusion:
David said in Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (NIV).
Be brave and focused as you move forward this year. Note that no matter how thick a cloud is, it will give way to a clear light in a moment. So, be bold; listen to the Spirit’s lead, and keep your faith in God.
Finally, because Jesus Christ is the Chief Commander of your journey, you should attach yourself to Him and let Him be your pilot. Give your life to Him, He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). He is the only Driver who has never crashed a car, the only Sailor who has never sunk a ship, and the only Pilot who has never crashed an aircraft. He alone is the Lord!
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being an anchor that keeps my soul; thank You for always being there for me. I covet Your presence on my journey as I move on this year. I ask for the grace to move on with courage and never be distracted. Let Your precious blood preserve me from every challenge on my way. Amen.
Reference:
- Smith Wigglesworth (1999). Devotional, published by Whitaker House, United States of America, ISBN:978-0-88368-574-7
eBook ISBN:978-1-60374-178-1, Pg. 133.
- Kenneth E. Hagin (1992). Plans, Purposes, Pursuits. Fifth printing, USA, ISBN, 0-89276-512-7. Pg. 37. Fellowship Bookstore 5240n. Socrum Loop Rd.
Lakeland, l 33805
Ph.858-5668
- Les Brown, Mark Victor, Harsen, Jo Anne Bishop, and Deepak Chopra (2008). Success is the State of Mind,’ Building a Foundation for your Future. Published in the United States by Insight Publishing Company, 647 Wall Street·Sevierville, Tennessee·37862www.insightpublishing.com Pg 58.
- Jentezen Franklin (2007). Right People, Right Place, Right Plan: Discerning the Voice of God. Printed in the United States of America, Jentezen Franklin Ministries/Kingdom Connection. P.O. Box 315, Gainesville, GA 30504
www.jentezenfranklin.org
ISBN: 978-0-88368-797-0. Pg 79.
- Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®
John Aderogba for Ropmi