Spring emphasizes a rebirth as flowers bloom, and we can leave the dreary winter behind us. I have three pink azalea bushes in my front yard. Every year, I expect beautiful blooms that usher in spring. Driving down the road, I also look at the lush trees that announce warmer days that we enjoy in summer. With that said, we look forward to financial blessings, not pain. Though our intense suffering is temporary, the light affliction gives us patience.
Simiarly, the Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead, and we know of that power in our lives. I don’t fear financial challenges because my God supplies all my blessings. Of course, I’m anxious to see a breakthrough in my finances and love life, but being patient is difficult. I said, “Lord, I’m ready”.
We worried about higher interest rates a few months ago, but when the government suffered heavy layoffs, people feared not paying mortgages and car loans. For two years, economists warned about an upcoming recession in which households would lack jobs or access to credit. When people don’t know where their income comes from, they stop spending, and the economy slows down with the threat of tariffs.
When I’m thankful under stressful circumstances, I don’t let the Devil have any place in my life. We’re discussing 2 Corinthians 10:5 in Church because our mind is the battlefield. When soldiers go to war, they bring all their weapons for victory.
Similarly, the Devil attacks Christians constantly. We feel weak when our hours are reduced or we don’t get pay raises. The financial strain is stressful, but when we proclaim victory, it is here. Did you know your words carry weight in a battle? I either profess victory or defeat over any problem. It’s that simple, yet I must watch what words I speak in frustration.
For example, I was driving down the road and ignored the tire pressure gauge for a couple of weeks, and I had a flat tire. After the tire busted, I was scared, but I carefully steered the car into the median. Even a concerned motorist pulled behind my car. I didn’t freak out, but I’m glad the tire didn’t blow on the interstate, too. When I avoided checking my tire pressure, God provided safety and finances. My mechanic said, “I had a small leak in the old tire.” A few days later, my sister said, “She had a spare tire in her garage for the truck even though I bought one. When I had an emergency, God had an answer on the way, though I didn’t know how the journey unfolded.
Do you face depression or financial stress, but believe God can turn the circumstances around? God gives us confidence when we speak in faith and believe. Today, families need strong relationships to maintain healthy marriages and children. Even though all families face dysfunction or jealousy, love covers many sins. We can’t receive answers to our prayers if unforgiveness is a stronghold. That pain can roll around in our minds if we’re not careful. It’s easy to prioritize why someone else doesn’t deserve a second chance when we must forgive. We finally forgive, and our heart feels lighter (unforgiveness).
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In every situation be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus”.
Thanksgiving is approaching, and everyone is preparing the menu and travel plans for the big day. Families and friends gather around the table to celebrate life. We all love food because Thanksgiving allows us to eat all day and save leftovers. We all love meeting new family members and discussing stories. As we enjoy the food, we celebrate families whose love endures. Instead of working, we stop for a moment because of busy schedules so that adults and children can appreciate the moment. Food and conversation are fun if you avoid religion and politics.
Southerners like deep-fried turkey, dressing, candied yams, and broccoli casserole. When I lived in the Midwest, stuffing was a popular dish. Stuffing has a different texture than dressing but is tasty. I served in the military and ate diverse dishes. It’s good to try new foods and cultures but you will miss your mom’s cooking.
More importantly, November is a special month when I accepted Jesus into my heart. I was a soldier in the Army, and the Holy Spirit convicted my heart of a sinful lifestyle. After I surrendered everything, peace washed my soul. Even though I didn’t know a lot about church, I quickly learned.
Instead of complaining about the economy, I’m thankful for a stronger prayer life and read the word for strength. Nobody likes suffering when the church expects instant satisfaction from prayers. Suffering brings us closer to God as we experience pain. If God calls us to minister the gospel, we must understand people’s pain. More importantly, we have power because of Jesus the high priest. He had endured the pain of the crucifixion as the crowd mocked him. He died and rose on the third day with all victory. We have the same victory to overcome financial trials that affect our health. When we worry, we can’t receive the blessing of our prayers.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we have so much thankfulness in our hearts which yields joy. This year has been difficult with mass layoffs and political divisions, but God is still in control as we pursue answers. We all experience anxiety, but the word gives us healing (as strength). When we learn about others’ struggles, we don’t feel alone. If you feel alone in a group, you invite Jesus into your heart. People don’t share their views about a subject and feel alone. When you spend time in God’s presence, you feel strength (an inner warmth).
Otherwise, you ignore the word and continue to sin. If we worry constantly, we never find the solutions to our problems. Some of us must hit rock bottom before we can receive the solution. If you can’t find a reason to give thanks, think again. That attitude blocks your blessings. List three things you’re thankful for as you celebrate Thanksgiving among family and friends.
“Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea, and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart” (Mark 11:22-23 NLT).
Faith has been a popular topic, and everyone needs a breakthrough in a specific area. We face a mountain that seems impossible. Faith moves us closer to the top or remains at the bottom. Some need more money to pay bills when inflation eats up your check. The cost of living increases each year. Others pray for unsaved family members who are addicted to drugs. Individuals leave jail, they must begin life again and make better choices. Life isn’t easy as it requires consistent time and work. Do you pursue victory or defeat when you pray for answers? Create a picture of the answer before you receive it. The mental image helps us to visualize the final result as we believe God for the answered prayer.
Mind Mapping or drawing
As a teenager, I loved collaging my favorite colors, flowers, dresses, or cars I dreamed about. Even though I couldn’t afford expensive things, I wanted to map a mental image of what I wanted for the school year. Whether I saved money to buy makeup or school supplies, the image was in my head because of the scrapbook. During the summer, I worked extra hours to make enough money to buy all the items. I developed a picture for my list and saved money by creating a budget. Faith was in my heart, but I didn’t know the full extent.
When I was in the military, I saved money and bought my first car, a teal Pontiac Sunbird with a spoiler. My spiritual mom prayed; I still had a small level of faith.
Speak faith over that picture. Mark 11:22-23
Similarly, you can create a picture with your words of faith. When praying for a breakthrough, make the image that aligns with the Bible. Many of us have student debt, and we didn’t pay off sufficient amounts. With increasing expenses, households face every month; we must be reminded that our prayer requests go before God as Jesus intercedes. We confess words of an overflowing bank account if we confess scriptures and confidence over our lives. And walk by faith. Believe your debt can be reduced over time when you diligently make payments.
People worldwide face debt and living expenses, while their hours are reduced with potential layoffs. News media highlights low manufacturing and the average household defaulting on credit cards and auto loans. However, in light of grace, we don’t fear financial lack and uncertain job opportunities. We receive Jesus in our hearts first, and we can pay down debt with supernatural provision because God makes everything work together. Believers already have peace in the storm, the promise of his word.
Sometimes, I am frustrated when a request takes longer than I expected. For a moment, my heart is heavy with anticipation. After a friend prays, I avoid a panic attack as love covers my mind and heart simultaneously. Our thoughts are powerful when we pray the scriptures that relate to a specific circumstance.
Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (NLT). Some of us can quote that scripture front and back, but waiting on the season takes patience. We wait, and God is preparing a promotion for you that will blow our minds. We create an image of what we want for the job that fits our schedule. Through the waiting periods, we build endurance just because God knows the time to bless us. We believe the process is taking too long, but God is working out all the kinks. He may move one employee out of the way while he gives you a favor with your boss.
Don’t doubt.
Now, you created the image that complements a scripture. You’re talking with a friend, and your mind doubts the promise. The Devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy every blessing we get. Psalms 25:7 says, “Do not remember the sins of my youth or transgressions; According to your lovingkindness remember me, For you goodness sake, O Lord” (AMP). We repent for our sins and wait patiently for the season. Whether you believe that statement, or not, spiritual warfare is constant. But we already have victory by confessing the truth. After we change our perspective, we don’t look at all the hurdles. Trust the Lord for everything so that you will receive the answer in time.
We get sick after worrying about finances which impacts every area of our lives. Some people have debt and can’t pay all their bills either. Each month, they juggle which one receives attention. Most of us want to pay for everything, and it’s the right thing. With all the layoffs, many households lack the income to pay off debts. As you worry, your health declines. God, however, must be the first place in our lives as we develop a closer relationship with him (through the Bible, prayer, and relationships).
Receive your blessing.
Do you have an area where you are requesting a breakthrough? Remember Mark 11:22 where Jesus emphasized to believe if you have any prayer petitions. Your mountain could be a potential layoff. When your heart feels so much anxiety, you lose faith in prayers. If the answer doesn’t come by a specific deadline, you quit. Wait for the answer because we live under grace now so that a burden doesn’t destroy our faith. You can receive your answers to prayers.
Mark 11 has symbols that speak of faith. As Jesus entered Bethany, the town praised him (Known as Palm Sunday). Jesus rode a horse down the street, and the group laid branches and cloaks on the ground, praising the Lord. They shouted Hosanna and Blessed. Jesus’ disciples didn’t understand all the events. He overcame death, and we received a closer relationship with God. If you have a problem, you win.
The Promise 