Confidence

 Luke 4:32 (NASB)- "and they were amazed at His teaching, for His message was with authority."

John 14: 12 (NASB)- "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father." 

    This past week has really pointed out to me personally what confidence in the Lord can do. I've had moments before where my faith was put to the test, but not like this and not in this way. I can speak against sicknesses and diseases, but when it comes to unforeseen weather (dangerous conditions), what do you do then? Do you think this is out of your hands; out of your control? Maybe you've known this already or not, but the lightbulb just turned on for me that we have more control through Christ than we give ourselves credit for...it's the lack of confidence and low self-esteem that cloud our process of thinking.

    My birthday is September 30th, and me and my husband were planning to fly to Jacksonville, Florida when we heard about Hurricane Ian (and we did and are here safely). I had just heard a word from Apostle Tomi Arayomi on the actual reality of turning things around through prayer and honest petition before the Lord a week before I learned of the hurricane. Something inside of me was like, "No we're going." I know this was the Lord! "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts"- Isaiah 55:8-9, NASB. Call me crazy, but isn't that what faith in God looks like to the world...crazy? Of course, me and my husband prayed about the situation: the safety of those affected, if we should go or not, and for this hurricane to move and cease its' activity. We listened to the Lord, and nothing was said about not going but to have confidence in Him and His Word. 

    This is a spiritual warfare, and yes, even through the weather! We really pressed in to praying and believing that this was not by accident. We could've been intimidated, scared, and decided not to go, but (again) the Lord did not say other wise. Of course, there are other reasons why we were so adamant on going to Florida besides my birthday, but this was a test me and my husband were willing to take. Naturally, we saw weather reports, heard concerned opinions, but we stood fast on the Holy Spirit's guidance. Disclaimer: don't test God to see if He'll protect you or not; really seek Him for the answer and He will show you the way. I prayed, "Lord, if you don't want us to go, make it perfectly clear and don't allow us to get on that plane." 

    This can, and will, remind you of how Jesus spoke against the wind and the waves and they became calm. In reference to the scriptures above, we have the same authority and can do greater works than these in the name of Jesus! I can speak against Hurricane Ian with authority and say, "Peace be still!" because I have the confidence in God to hear me and do the unimaginable. My husband made a good point in addition to this point that the Lord was speaking to him in saying, "But what if He doesn't do what you prayed for? Well, what do you have to lose? You're exhibiting and practicing your confidence in the Lord."  Then I added, well what if He does do that what you asked for? You still have nothing to lose but everything to gain. The enemy will try to discourage you so far down into thinking you have no power or authority through Christ, but he is a liar. You have as much authority and power in Christ you give God credit for and believe in. 

    This goes into my next point: knowing the Lord. How well do you really know Him? If you have a close relationship  with Jesus and know Him, then what you see in today's times via the news or social media wouldn't phase or bother you. The confidence you've developed in God from that relationship would say, "But God says," or, "Let me pray about this first," i.e. let me ask God what He thinks about this situation versus what I think or my opinion on the matter. The root of the issue is what the title of this blog states, "Confidence". Where does your level of confidence in the Lord stand? Can you stand and pray against hurricanes, diseases, etc. knowing you have nothing to lose if you do? Show the Lord, through action, how much your confidence in Him lies and see His provision.

**Prayer time! 🙏😊: Dear Lord, thank you for your protection, your provision, and your promises. Thank you for the authority that you have given us through your word. Thank you that you never leave us nor forsake us. Thank you Father, that as we choose to draw closer to you, you will start to show us things and increase our confidence in you. We won't be moved and we won't be shaken for we know where our confidence lies. When everything around us seems bare or depressing, God we will stand in confidence that we are yours. Knowing that we are yours Lord gives us the hope that we are protected, sheltered, and that you are our refuge. Thank you Lord for your continued build and renewal of our character, our spiritual being, and heart and mind. We give all glory to Lord because we know, without a shadow of a doubt, that our help comes from you. In Jesus' Name we pray- Amen.**