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Nov 3 24

Watch for Those God-Winks

by J. M. Farro

   “What about the seemingly minor issues of your life?  Do they matter to God?  Of course they do!  So you never need to worry, for you are more valuable to God than anything else in this world.”  Luke 12:7 TPT 

   I was emptying my dishwasher this morning when I noticed that our supply of teaspoons was dwindling.  I immediately sent up a prayer to God, asking Him to provide us with more spoons.  Let me explain.  My husband, Joe, and I have been married for almost 50 years.  We are still using our original set of flatware because I love it so much.  Over the years, it has been a real challenge to find replacement pieces, especially ones that were not previously owned and used.  I have done searches online many times, with some success.  Recently, though, it’s been especially difficult to find replacement teaspoons.  Right after I sent my prayer up to the Lord, I walked from my kitchen to my office, where I checked my cell phone.  Immediately, a notification popped up saying that my teaspoons were in stock through one of my favorite vendors!  I marveled at the goodness – and promptness! – of God, and I placed an order right away.

   As I thanked and praised the Lord, I was reminded of the now-popular term, “God-wink.”  A good definition of a God-wink moment is: An event or personal experience, often identified as coincidence, so astonishing that it is seen as a sign of divine intervention, especially when perceived as the answer to a prayer.”  Some people would see the provision of my teaspoons as a coincidence.  I see it as a gift from a loving God.  I believe that it grieves the heart of God when we overlook His blessings, including His smallest ones.  He constantly reaches out to us through God-wink moments – both great and small – in the hope that we will draw closer to Him, so He can reveal more of Himself to us.

   I love the Passion Translation of Jesus’ words in Luke 12:7: “What about the seemingly minor issues of your life?  Do they matter to God?  Of course they do!  So you never need to worry, for you are more valuable to God than anything else in this world.”  Teaspoons are definitely “seemingly minor issues” of life.  But God cares about whatever I care about, and He feels the same way about you.  The Lord invites us to bring our smallest concerns to Him so He can demonstrate His deepest desire to be involved in every aspect of our lives.  Start praying for your own God-winks today, and see what great lengths the Lord will go to in order to prove His great love for you!

   Lord, give me a new understanding of how valuable I am to You.  Remind me often that You care about whatever I care about, including all of the seemingly minor issues of life.  When I hesitate to bring my smallest concerns to You, give me a Holy-Spirit nudge so that I will pray about them.  Thank You for revealing more and more of Yourself to me so that I can know You better and better! 

    *To order J. M. Farro books on Amazon, please use this link!

   *To purchase J. M. Farro autographed books, check out the J. M. Farro ETSY Store at www.etsy.com/shop/JMFarro

   *Join the J. M. Farro Devotionals group on Facebook, and connect with J. M. Farro — with mid-week devotionals in addition to the standard weekly devotionals. You can access this group by clicking here!

Oct 27 24

Bite Your Tongue and Be Strong!

by J. M. Farro

   “If you keep talking, it won’t be long before you’re saying something really wrong.  Prove you’re wise from the very start – just bite your tongue and be strong!”  Proverbs 10:19 TPT

   The Lord has shown me this warning from the Book of Proverbs many times over the years.  Now He is showing it to me again in the hopes that I will finish off this year in a better way than I ever dreamed possible, if I will just be more careful with my words.  The NLT translation of this verse says, “Too much talk leads to sin.  Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.”  I love the fact that the Bible talks plainly to us, even though it’s downright painful sometimes.  

   The Amplified Translation says, “When there are many words, transgression and offense are unavoidable, but he who controls his lips and keeps thoughtful silence is wise.”  Did you get that?  When we do too much talking, sin and offense are “unavoidable.”  Sometimes, the best thing we can do is practice “thoughtful silence.”  God has taught me over the years that I don’t have to have the last word in a conversation or an argument.  In 51 years of being together, my husband, Joe, and I have had a LOT of arguments.  Often, in the midst of a tense conversation, I can sense the Holy Spirit saying, “Shhhh!  Enough!  Be quiet!  Stop now before it’s too late!”  I suppose that if I had ignored every holy nudge that I have gotten over the years, Joe and I wouldn’t be together today.

   Years ago, the Lord had me memorize a prayer from Psalm 141:3 (NIV): “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”  The Amplified version adds, “to keep me from speaking thoughtlessly.”  What we have to remember is that Satan and his evil cohorts are constantly working overtime in order to get us to sin with our mouths.  When we pray Spirit-inspired prayers like these, we can be sure that the Lord will hear us and come to our rescue.  

   The next time you are tempted to say too much, or to have the last word, remember what the Bible says – “just bite your tongue and be strong!”

   Lord, I want so much to please You with my conversation.  When I am tempted to talk too much, or to say the wrong thing, give me a holy nudge that I can’t ignore.  Work in my heart so that what overflows into my speech will always be pleasing to You, and a blessing to others. (Luke 6:45)  Thank You that as I practice thoughtful silence according to Your will, You will bless my relationships, and use me in new ways for Your glory!

   *To order J. M. Farro books on Amazon, please use this link!

   *To purchase J. M. Farro autographed books, check out the J. M. Farro ETSY Store at www.etsy.com/shop/JMFarro

   *Join the J. M. Farro Devotionals group on Facebook, and connect with J. M. Farro — with mid-week devotionals in addition to the standard weekly devotionals. You can access this group by clicking here!

Oct 20 24

Mix Faith with God’s Word

by J. M. Farro

   “For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the Word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.” Hebrews 4:2 NKJV

   When I went to see my eye doctor for a long-overdue checkup, he asked me if I had been experiencing any eyestrain or headaches since I last saw him.  I told him that I thought I might need new eyeglasses.  That’s when he told me that my prescription was too strong for me.  “You mean, my vision has improved?”  “I mean that you are less nearsighted now than you were before.”  “Thank You, Jesus!” 

   My paternal grandmother lived with me and my family the entire time I was growing up.  I watched her go blind from multiple eye diseases, so my parents made sure that my sisters and I always got good eye care.  I began wearing eyeglasses by the time that I was 10 years old.  Over the years, my vision has gotten worse.  When I got serious about my relationship with the Lord, and began devoting myself to His Word, I decided to start praying God’s promises over my vision.  Every day, I would declare: “My eyesight is clear, and I am as strong as ever!  Blessed are my eyes for they see, and my ears for they hear!” (Deuteronomy 34:7 NLT; Matthew 13:16 NKJV)  Even though I am in my 70s, I can still read my Bible without wearing any glasses.  Before this latest eye exam, my doctor told me not to come back for at least two years because my eyes were so healthy.  This time, my vision had actually shown some improvement.  Glory to God!  The fact that I was born into a family with serious eye diseases makes it even more startling that my eyes are so healthy at my age.

   When it comes to praying God’s promises over ourselves and our loved ones, persistence is the key.  In the areas where I am diligent to declare God’s Word, I see the most progress.  Humans have a tendency to want to quit and give up when we don’t see results right away.  But in God’s economy, persistence pays off in a big way.  So does faith.  We can confess God’s Word over ourselves all day long, but if we don’t “mix it with faith,” as the Scripture above says, then we shouldn’t be too surprised when it doesn’t “profit” us.  Those who make a quality decision to take God at His Word will witness Him working mightily on their behalf.  What is the Lord calling YOU to believe Him for today?

   Lord, remind me often that Your Word says that when I give it my wholehearted attention, it ministers life and health to my whole body. (Proverbs 4:20-22)  Show me which promises to pray and stand on each day, so that I can live the abundant life that You have purchased for me. (John 10:10)  Thank You that as I mix my faith with Your life-giving Word, I will profit from it in my spirit, soul, and body – and in every area of my life!

    *To order J. M. Farro books on Amazon, please use this link!

   *To purchase J. M. Farro autographed books, check out the J. M. Farro ETSY Store at www.etsy.com/shop/JMFarro

   *Join the J. M. Farro Devotionals group on Facebook, and connect with J. M. Farro — with mid-week devotionals in addition to the standard weekly devotionals. You can access this group by clicking here!

Oct 13 24

Wealth, Honor and Exaltation

by J. M. Farro

   “Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; You are exalted as head over all.  Wealth and honor come from You; You are the ruler of all things.  In Your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.”  1 Chronicles 29:11-12 NIV

   One morning during my quiet time with the Lord, He led me to the verses above, and He used them to speak to my heart.  He showed me that if His people would “exalt” Him, and make Him “head over all” in their hearts and lives, He would bestow upon them “wealth and honor,” and He would “exalt” them and “give strength” to them.

   How do we “exalt God as head over all”?  We totally abandon our sense of independence and self-sufficiency.  We make Him “the ruler of all things” that concern us.  We learn to seek His will and wisdom for every area of our lives – including our finances, our relationships, our health, and our entertainment.  We devote ourselves to the Word of God, allowing the Holy Spirit to teach us how to please the Lord with our character, conduct, and conversation.  We learn to agree with God about what is right, and what is evil.

   The verses above make it clear that God desires to bless His people with the measure of wealth, honor, strength, and exaltation that He has ordained for us.  But He is not about to shower us with material blessings when we are living carnally, because it would only ruin us, and draw us further away from Him and His purposes for us.  God is not against His people possessing wealth.  He IS against wealth possessing His people.  That’s why Jesus said that we can’t serve both Him and money. (Matthew 6:24)  The Lord is eager to honor and exalt us, but not until we demonstrate a humble dependence upon Him.  Scripture says, “Laying your life down in tender surrender before the Lord will bring life, prosperity, and honor as your reward.” (Proverbs 22:4 TPT)  Today, let us humble ourselves before our God, and receive all the blessings and rewards that He has in store for us!

   Lord, teach me to exalt You in every area of my life, and to allow You to rule over my finances, my relationships, my health, and my entertainment.  Help me to always seek to please You with my character, conduct, and conversation.  Thank You that as I give You first place in my life, You will exalt me, strengthen me, and give me all of the wealth and honor that You have ordained for me!

   *To order J. M. Farro books on Amazon, please use this link!

   *To purchase J. M. Farro autographed books, check out the J. M. Farro ETSY Store at www.etsy.com/shop/JMFarro

   *Join the J. M. Farro Devotionals group on Facebook, and connect with J. M. Farro — with mid-week devotionals in addition to the standard weekly devotionals. You can access this group by clicking here!

 

Oct 6 24

The Untold Blessings of God

by J. M. Farro

   “If your faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties, you will continue to experience the untold blessings of God!”  James 1:12 TPT

   Over the years, I have seen more Christians falling away from God than I ever dreamed possible.  These people hear the Good News of the Gospel, and they become so focused on the rewards they think are owed to them, that when trouble strikes, they decide that following Christ just isn’t worth it.  What they fail to realize is that there are “untold blessings” for those whose “faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties.”  And they miss out on the greatest joys that they could ever experience, because just as the second half of this verse says, “True happiness comes as you pass the test with faith, and receive the victorious crown of life promised to every lover of God!”

   The Bible has a lot to say about perseverance and endurance during hard times.  In this same letter, James writes: “You know we call those blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] who were steadfast and endured [difficult circumstances]. You have heard of the patient endurance of Job and you have seen the Lord’s outcome [how He richly blessed Job].  The Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.” (James 5:11 AMP)  God “richly blessed Job” for not losing his faith in Him during his painfully “difficult circumstances,” by giving him twice as many blessings as he possessed before his trials.  If Job were here, he could tell you himself about “the untold blessings of God.”

   Think of all the people who have missed out on the greatest blessings of their lives, simply because they gave up on God when things got too hard for them.  Please don’t be one of those people.  The Lord’s plans for you far exceed any plans that you could come up with on your own.  When trouble comes, run TO God, and not away from Him.  He’s the only One who has the power and the wisdom to turn your trials into triumphs.  Let me encourage you with a word from the Lord today:  “Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord.  Remember the great reward it brings you!  Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will.  Then you will receive ALL that He has promised!” (Hebrews 10:35-36 NLT)

   Lord, help me to feed on Your Word and promises continually, so that my faith will remain strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties.  Help me to never cast away my confident trust in You, but to lean heavily upon You in times of trial.  Teach me to practice patient endurance, and to keep my eyes and thoughts fixed on You. (Hebrews 12:2; 3:1)  Thank You for the untold blessings and rewards that I will reap as a result!

   *To order J. M. Farro books on Amazon, please use this link!

   *To purchase J. M. Farro autographed books, check out the J. M. Farro ETSY Store at www.etsy.com/shop/JMFarro

   *Join the J. M. Farro Devotionals group on Facebook, and connect with J. M. Farro — with mid-week devotionals in addition to the standard weekly devotionals. You can access this group by clicking here!

 

Sep 29 24

Invite God into Your Work

by J. M. Farro

   “Commit your work to the Lord, then it will succeed.”  Proverbs 16:3 TLB

   The Lord showed me years ago that all of my work will be more enjoyable, productive, and successful if I will invite Him into it.  He reminded me of John 15:5 (NIV), where Jesus says: “I am the vine; you are the branches.  If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.”  God wants us to be fruitful for His glory, no matter what kind of work we are doing.  It starts with surrendering our lives to Christ, and walking closely with Him throughout each day.  As we commit each endeavor to Him, and ask for His wisdom and strength, His Spirit infuses us with divine power that enables our efforts to be successful and productive.  When Jesus says, “Apart from Me you can do nothing,” He means that we can do nothing of eternal value without His help.  When we do our work in the name of Christ – even if it’s the most mundane work – we will receive earthly and eternal rewards for our efforts.

   The other verse that I stand on daily for my endeavors is Philippians 4:13 (NKJV): “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  This doesn’t mean that I can be a concert pianist through Christ’s power, but that I can accomplish everything that He has called me to do, as I rely on His strength.  I like the Living Bible translation which says: “I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.”  I can love unlovable people when I depend on Christ’s strength to do it.  I can be the wife, mother, and grandmother that God wants me to be when I rely on the Master’s power.  And I can minister to others as I am called to when I draw on Christ’s strength which abides in me through His indwelling Spirit.  When I put John 15:5 and Philippians 4:13 together, I can declare with all truthfulness: “Lord, apart from You, I can do nothing, but through You, I can do all things!”  Hallelujah!  Below is a prayer based on the Word of God that I pray every day.  I can testify to its power, and I encourage you to pray it, too.  God bless you!

   Lord, apart from You, I can do nothing, but through You, I can do all things.  So I commit to You this day all of my ways, all of my works, all of my intentions, endeavors, and efforts, and I ask that You direct them, perfect them, bless them, anoint them, and crown them with success, in Jesus’ name.  And help me to enjoy and profit from every moment and aspect of them! 

    (John 15:5 NIV; Philippians 4:13 NKJV; Proverbs 3:6 TLB; Psalm 138:8 NASB; Ecclesiastes 5:19 NLT; Proverbs 14:23 NIV) 

   *To order J. M. Farro books on Amazon, please use this link!

   *To purchase J. M. Farro autographed books, check out the J. M. Farro ETSY Store at www.etsy.com/shop/JMFarro

   *Join the J. M. Farro Devotionals group on Facebook, and connect with J. M. Farro — with mid-week devotionals in addition to the standard weekly devotionals. You can access this group by clicking here!

Sep 22 24

Don’t Leave Your Blessings Unspoken

by J. M. Farro

   “You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you; so light will shine on your ways.”  Job 22:28 NKJV

   During my quiet time with the Lord the other day, He spoke to my heart these words: “Don’t leave your blessings unspoken!”  Because some of the divine promises that I was praying and proclaiming for myself and others were still not coming to pass, even after what seemed to me to be a very long time, I was feeling discouraged.  The Lord was letting me know that by leaving certain blessings and promises unspoken, I was leaving them in heaven, instead of partnering with Him for the manifestation of them here on earth.

   God reminded me of a promise that I have hanging on my office wall, which says: “You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you.” (Job 22:28 NKJV)  Because we are created in God’s image, our words have authority to manifest reality on this earth when we align our declarations with God’s will and Word.  When this promise says that our divinely-inspired declarations “will be established for [us],” it means they will be “permanently settled,” according to the biblical meaning of the word, “established.”  Psalm 119:89 (AMP) says: “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven [standing firm and unchangeable].”  When we boldly declare God’s promises over our lives and circumstances, we get into agreement with God’s will, inviting Him to move heaven and earth to bring them to pass.

   What we have to remember, though, is that this principle can work in a negative sense, too.  If we continually make declarations that are not in agreement with God’s Word and will, we can establish those evil things before too long.  The Bible says: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.” (Matt 12:37 AMP)  Our words have “consequences.”  When we speak declarations of “death” over ourselves or others, we are not in agreement with God, but with the devil, who comes only to “steal, kill, and destroy.” (John 10:10)  On the other hand, when we speak God’s Word and promises, we are speaking “life,” and we position ourselves to witness divine breakthroughs and blessings.

   The second half of Job 22:28 says, “So light will shine on your ways.”  The Amplified version says it this way, “The light [of God’s favor] will shine upon your ways.”  The Lord will release His supernatural favor on our behalf when we walk and speak in agreement with Him and His Word.  Today, I say to you what God said to me that day – “Don’t leave your blessings unspoken!”

   Lord, remind me often that because I am created in Your image, my words have authority on this earth.  Teach me how to use that authority to make divine declarations that are in agreement with You and Your will for myself and others.  Help me to continually speak words of life that glorify You, and to resist speaking negatively.  Thank You that You will establish Your blessings and release Your favor on my behalf!

   *To order J. M. Farro books on Amazon, please use this link!

   *To purchase J. M. Farro autographed books, check out the J. M. Farro ETSY Store at www.etsy.com/shop/JMFarro

   *Join the J. M. Farro Devotionals group on Facebook, and connect with J. M. Farro — with mid-week devotionals in addition to the standard weekly devotionals. You can access this group by clicking here!

Sep 15 24

We Are Being Watched

by J. M. Farro

   “Our work as God’s servants gets validated – or not – in the details.  People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly…in hard times, tough times, bad times…”  2 Corinthians 6:4 MSG

   When we gathered together as a family the other day, my grandson, William, began telling me about his experience selling popcorn for his Boy Scouts troop.  He shared with me how the simple act of giving his mother – my daughter-in-law, Amy – a hug, led to him making a sizable sale.  As it turns out, this hug was witnessed by a Christian couple who happened to be nearby.  The woman was so impressed by Will’s demonstration of love for his mom, that she approached my grandson and daughter-in-law, and expressed how touched she was by the gesture.  As they chatted, the wise woman discerned and rejoiced that Amy was “a sister in Christ,” and she and her husband joyfully made a donation to Will’s cause.

   Amy was impressed with the fact that this woman made the point that we are constantly “being watched.”  It reminds me of the Scripture that says: “People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly…in hard times, tough times, bad times…” (2 Corinthians 6:4 MSG)  It’s a sobering thought, and one that we should keep in mind as servants of Christ.

   When we commit our lives to Christ – like it or not – we become His representatives on this earth.  The Apostle Paul said: “We are ambassadors for Christ . . . Christ’s representatives.” (2 Corinthians 5:20 AMP)  Wherever we go, we are on display, and our conduct, conversation, and character should always reflect Christ.  While this can be an intimidating thought, think of the potential it offers.  By simply following the leadership of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us since our conversion, we can be examples of the Scriptural truth which says, “Your godly lives will speak to them better than any words.” (1 Peter 3:2 TLB)  As we allow Christ to live the abundant, overcoming life through us, His Spirit will draw some of those we encounter into a deeply intimate and eternal relationship with Him.  It’s a tremendous responsibility and privilege.

   I recently read that it’s been estimated that only 1% of the lives we touch here on earth for Christ will be revealed to us while we are still here.  That means that when we get to heaven, it’s entirely likely that large numbers of people will come up to us and say, “I am here because of you!”  Today, take heart in knowing that you are making a difference for God right here and now, and you WILL hear the Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23)

   Lord, empower me by Your Spirit to live a Christlike, overcoming life.  Help me to conduct myself with wisdom in all of my interactions, and to make the most of each opportunity, treating it as something precious. (Colossians 4:5 AMP)  Enable me to throw myself into the work of the Master, confident that nothing I do for You is a waste of time or effort. (1 Corinthians 15:58 MSG)  Thank You for making me a victorious world-changer for Christ!  

   *To order J. M. Farro books on Amazon, please use this link!

   *To purchase J. M. Farro autographed books, check out the J. M. Farro ETSY Store at www.etsy.com/shop/JMFarro

   *Join the J. M. Farro Devotionals group on Facebook, and connect with J. M. Farro — with mid-week devotionals in addition to the standard weekly devotionals. You can access this group by clicking here!

 

Sep 8 24

Your Prayers Are Working!

by J. M. Farro

   “But I tell you this – though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.” Luke 11:8 NLT

   Over the years, I have written out by hand the countless Scriptures and promises that the Holy Spirit has directed me to pray and stand on for myself, my loved ones, and many others.  One morning when I was spending time alone with God and praying some of these verses, I said out loud in utter frustration, “These prayers aren’t working!”  Immediately, I sensed the Spirit of God saying to my spirit, “ALL OF THEM ARE WORKING!”  That’s when the Lord reminded me of something I heard a godly man say that spoke to my heart – “You’ve got the devil exactly where you want him!  This is NO time to quit!”

   In the Parable of the Persistent Neighbor in Luke Chapter 11, Jesus instructs us how to pray with persistence.  He talks about a fellow who knocks on his neighbor’s door in the middle of the night until the man gets up and gives him bread for his visiting guests.  Jesus says: “I tell you, although he will not get up and supply him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his shameless persistence and insistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs.” (Luke 11:8 AMP)  Then, in the next verse, Jesus drives home His point: “So I say to you, ask and keep on asking, and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking, and you will find; knock and keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who keeps on asking [persistently], receives; and he who keeps on seeking [persistently], finds; and to him who keeps on knocking [persistently], the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10 AMP)  This Amplified Bible Translation shows a footnote that says, “Here the use of Greek present imperatives (asking, seeking, knocking) emphasizes persistent, constant prayer.”  The Apostle Paul reiterates the Savior’s lesson when he writes, “Be unceasing and persistent in prayer.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 AMP)

   Why is persistent prayer so important to the believer?  Because Satan knows that he has absolutely no defense against a praying believer who refuses to give up.  Jesus told us clearly to count the cost of following Him. (Luke 14:28)  Praying prayers like these will cost us.  They will cost us time and energy that we never thought we could afford.  And this is one reason why God gave us His Holy Spirit to strengthen, empower, and guide us – even in prayer. (Romans 8:26)  Today, I am telling you what the Lord told me – your prayers ARE working, so don’t quit and give up before your breakthrough comes!

   Lord, help me to consistently walk by faith, and not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)  Remind me often that “better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.” (John 20:29 MSG)  Teach me how to pray with shameless persistence according to Your will.  Guard me from discouragement and impatience.  Thank You for the abundant harvests of blessings that I will reap as a result!

   *To order J. M. Farro books on Amazon, please use this link!

   *To purchase J. M. Farro autographed books, check out the J. M. Farro ETSY Store at www.etsy.com/shop/JMFarro

   *Join the J. M. Farro Devotionals group on Facebook, and connect with J. M. Farro — with mid-week devotionals in addition to the standard weekly devotionals. You can access this group by clicking here!

Sep 1 24

Stay Faithful to God and Speak Words of Faith

by J. M. Farro

   “Even when it seems I’m surrounded by many liars and my own fears, and though I’m hurting in my suffering and trauma, I still stay faithful to God and speak words of faith.” Psalm 116:10-11 TPT

   I heard someone say years ago that real trust in God always involves unanswered questions.  It reminds me of a Scripture that says, “I trusted in the Lord when I said, ‘I am greatly afflicted.’” (Psalm 116:10 NIV)  One translation says, “I continued believing even when I said, ‘I am completely ruined!’” (ERV)  How could King David make such a bold and confident declaration in the midst of the darkest times?  Because he was the same man who declared, “Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, but the Lord rescues him from them ALL.” (Psalm 34:19 AMP)  David truly believed that God would deliver him from ALL of his troubles.  He also believed that God would deliver him from ALL of his troubles right here on this earth.  This is most evident in his statement in Psalm 27:13 (NLT): “Yet I am confident I will see the LORD’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.”  No wonder God called him “a man after My own heart.” (Acts 13:22)

   I love how the Passion Translation states: “Even when it seems I’m surrounded by many liars and my own fears, and though I’m hurting in my suffering and trauma, I still stay faithful to God and speak words of faith.” (Psalm 116:10-11)  David made up his mind that in the midst of rejection, betrayal, disease, calamity, and pain, he would stay faithful to the Lord, and continue to declare words of faith.  One of the most powerful things we can do while we are going through trials is to pray and proclaim God’s promises for our situation.  As I wait on the Lord for my healing today, I am continually declaring, “I shall be whole!” (Mark 5:28 KJV)  In this way, I am affirming God’s faithfulness to His Word, and my unwavering faith in Him.

   Scripture says: “By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.” (Hebrews 11:11 NKJV)  Once, when I was faced with a serious situation, the Holy Spirit showed me this verse, and He instructed me to continually say, “I judge You faithful, Lord!”  All of a sudden, I realized that if Abraham’s wife could get her miracle by judging God faithful to His promises, then so could I.  And so can you!

   Psalm 27 ends with a plea from David: “Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord.  Be brave and courageous, and NEVER lose hope.  Yes, keep on waiting – for He will never disappoint you!” (Psalm 27:14 TPT)

    Lord, when I am going through difficulties and trials, help me to keep my eyes on You and Your promises.  Show me how to draw close to You daily, and how to cling to You in the midst of my troubles.  Teach me how to remain faithful to You, and to continually speak words of faith, instead of doubt.  Thank You that I WILL see Your goodness and blessings in this land of the living!

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