Experiencing hardship is never easy. In fact, it can be agonizing, exhausting, and depressing. There have been times in my life when I have instantly sensed God’s awesome presence with me during a difficult circumstance. But there have been even more instances when it seemed as though God was nowhere to be found. 

While Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane awaiting His fate, His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground as He prayed. He knew that what He was about to endure was going to be excruciatingly difficult. He didn’t even hesitate to ask God if He could be spared from the suffering. Jesus felt utterly alone. Even His friends had fallen asleep during the most crucial moment in his life. 

Not only did Jesus ask if His cup of suffering could pass, but He prayed for strength and embraced the will of His heavenly Father who gave Him the power to endure.  

Today, no one enjoys going through trials, especially alone. But in these moments, God asks us to trust Him. Hard times will pass. But with patience, prayer, and a heart full of hope and trust, we can live through them – knowing God can give us lasting peace and deep joy that will outlast any pain and sorrow. 

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You, for the gift of Your Holy Spirit which comforts me during the difficult times in my life. Father, I ask for Your strength to empower me, and for hope to fill my heart. God, I walk through this current situation trusting You and believing that You have something good in store for me and those around me. Lord, I open my heart to Your will and Your way. In Jesus name, Amen. 

It was a long, unexpected trek through the wilderness, the Israelites were within spitting distance of the promised land. Twelve spies were chosen to scout out the land. They returned describing a land of green pastures and rich fruit and produce. But ten of them said that conquering the land would be impossible, for they had also seen giants and fortified cities. 

Scripture says the people whined and complained. But two of the spies, Caleb and Joshua, reminded everyone that God had promised that land to them, so God would make it theirs if they trusted Him. The people wouldn’t listen and instead talked of killing Joshua and Caleb. God decided that because of their grumbling and complaining, a different, more trusting generation would inherit the land. Forty years later, God helped Israel claim the land under their new leader, Joshua, whose name means “God saves”. He grew to experience God’s saving power in many ways for his people. 

Today, we may be afraid of what lies ahead. People and circumstances loom like giants, and problems seem impossible to solve. But we have a choice. We can stay afraid, or we can trust God to walk with us. We can do that because we belong to Yahshua, whose name means “God saves”. He was given that name because He would save His people from their sins and from the evil giants of life and circumstance that want to take us out. Do you trust the one who saves? 

‘The Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them’ (Numbers 14:9).

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, when we face enormous problems and scary opponents, Father help us to call on you, the one who saves. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Have you gone through the year struggling or striving to make something happen? Maybe it’s a breakthrough in your finances, or in a relationship. It’s good to do everything we know to do in the natural, but we have to always remember that victory or breakthrough, doesn’t come by human might nor power but by the Spirit of the living God.

The word ‘Spirit’ in today’s verse, in some translations can be translated as ‘breath’ (Ruach). “It’s by the breath of Almighty God”, that’s how breakthroughs come. When you realise God is breathing in you by His Spirit, it’s time to take a leap of faith and say, “yes, this is my year; I’m going to accomplish my dreams, I’m going to reach my goals, I’m going to grow spiritually”. That’s when you will feel God’s wind beneath your wings. That’s when you’ll feel a supernatural lift, an anointing that will help you accomplish what you could not accomplish before.

Today, know that the breath (Ruach) of God is blowing through you. This is your season. This is your year to believe again. Believe that God can open doors that no man can shut. Believe that He is working in your favour. Believe that it’s your season, it’s your year, and get ready to embrace every blessing He has in store for you! Hallelujah!

“…‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6, NIV).

Let’s PrayYahweh, thank You for the power of Your Holy Spirit at work in my life. Father, today I surrender every area of my heart, my mind, my will and my emotions to You. God, I believe if You breathe into me Your supernatural power, then my breakthrough will come. So I give You permission to take my breath away and fill me with Your Spirit, so that things will change in this coming year. Direct my steps and give me power to overcome my weaknesses. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

As was said previously, yesterday was Martin Luther King Day. He was one of my heroes. He practised the ministry of non-violence during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s. He went to jail again and again, simply because he believed the message of Jesus’ love. King believed that standing up and suffering for justice would improve America and the world as a whole. And he was right. 

Martin preached some of his best sermons from a jail cell. In this way, he kept company with the apostle Paul. For Paul, too, was known to deliver some hard-hitting messages from prison. 

Scripture says, that during his two years under house arrest, Paul showed hospitality regardless of his situation or of who came to see him. Paul did not embrace despair. He was not interested in being cast as a victim. He resisted bitterness about his plight. 

Today, I believe that Martin Luther King and Paul held close to the words of Isaiah 40:31, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They … will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”. In God’s strength, they preached, lived, prayed, and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ the only way they knew how, “boldly and without hindrance”. The last words written about Paul in Acts, are full of zest and energy. In Christ, we fill our lives with courage and purpose. I want to live that kind of life now, how about you? 

‘Boldly … he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.’ (Acts 28:31). 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, give me the boldness and courage to live my life like Dr. King and Paul, for Jesus. Both in times of constraint and freedom, being willing to die for Him if necessary. In the name of my precious Saviour I pray, Amen.