Recently, I read an article from Judy Jacobs Ministry about what NOT to do when we find ourselves in challenging situations – I want to share those points, along with my insight of them, with you today and hopefully, encourage you in the Lord.
The first point is: Do not panic!
I know it feels like there is mass chaos in the world today – but God has not changed. His word remains the same and He remains faithful.
In Isaiah 41:10 in the Message Bible, it says, “Don’t panic. I’m with you.
There’s no need to fear, for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.”
Although this has been the strangest year in my lifetime, I have found that God and His word keep me steadfast. There have been times in 2020 that I felt a little unsteady, but as I remained in the Word of God and prayer – it strengthened me and stabilized me once again. I am so thankful for that.
We are not of this world. We can’t expect our peace to come from the world, especially not in times like this. Jesus said, “Peace I leave to you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14.)
It is in Him alone we will find our peace.
The second point is: Do not give in to drama!
There has been more deception nationwide in 2020 than anything I have ever seen. I don’t even know what to believe anymore – at least from what I hear on the news. One thing I do know, the devil is a liar. (John 8:44)
He masquerades as an angel of light to make you think that everything you see, hear, or think is the absolute truth. Yet it is not truth – he doesn’t even know truth.
I have said this for months, but it bears repeating. We cannot listen to the news and take it as truth. We must keep our eyes on God. He is truth. He is light. In Him alone will we be able to rightly discern the truth from lies.
I consider myself a strong Christian, yet if I spend more than five minutes listening to news updates, I become weary. Why? There is no truth in it. There is no light in it. It is disturbing to say the least.
I do, however, stay in perfect peace when I keep my eyes on God – just as His word says. Therefore, I choose to stay out of the drama and remain hidden in Him.
He is navigating us through this season – if we will only listen and obey.
Point three is: Do not change your confession of faith!
Hebrews 10:23 tells us to, “Hold fast the confession of our faith without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”
What we say, what we believe, what we adhere to in this hour is vital. The power of life and death is in our tongue, and whoever loves it will eat its fruit.
This means that whatever comes out of your mouth is the fruit you will see and the harvest you will get.
You may be tempted to change your confession of faith during this time but DON’T!
Don’t ever come into agreement with the devil. Remain in agreement with God and His word. Hold fast to your confession of faith. If God has said it, He will bring it to pass. You can count on Him.
The fourth point is: Do not fear or worry!
I have never witnessed more fear and worry than I have this year. It saddens me greatly.
The media is working overtime to cause fear and anxiety. Yet the Bible tells us over and over again, DO NOT FEAR.
Worry produces no good fruit. It won’t change a thing. Stay in peace. God has given us a peace that passes understanding, but we must lay hold of it.
2 Timothy 1:7 tells us, “God has not given us a spirit of fear.” Okay, then where does it come from? From the devil.
God has given us a sound mind. Peace. Assurance. He will not fail us – refuse fear – no matter what you see – refuse fear.
We know in whom we have believed, and we are fully persuaded that He is able to keep that which we have committed to Him. Do not fear, walk on in faith. Do not worry, rejoice in His faithful promises instead.
The fifth point is: Don’t stop giving and sowing seed.
Without a doubt, now is NOT the time to stop giving to the Kingdom of God. If anything, I have prayed about getting more seed in the ground.
In Genesis 26. The Bible says, “Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundred-fold. And the Lord blessed him.”
Now is the perfect opportunity to prove God. Try it and see if He won’t open up the windows of Heaven and pour you out a blessing so big that you will not even have room for all of it.
I believe that we are getting ready to see a great transfer of wealth. You can almost feel it in the air. I believe it will be unlike anything we have ever seen or imagined. As impossible as it seems, as grim as things look – this is still what I believe with everything inside of me.
Don’t stop sowing and tithing.
That being said, throughout this year, I have watched the faithful in their finances, continue to be faithful. In the midst of uncertainty, most have remained faithful to God in believing and in giving. What a harvest you are laying up for yourself. Remember it was in famine that Isaac reaped a hundred-fold return – and you will too.
In conclusion…
Don’t panic. Do not listen or become a part of the drama. Keep speaking faith. Refuse fear and worry. Don’t stop sowing seed.
Keep doing what you know to do from the word of God. This season will end. There is a great separation taking place right now – we are truly seeing who is following God and His word and who isn’t – even in the Body of Christ. Which side will you be on when this season ends?
Me? I will be standing with God. Believing. Trusting. Declaring. Rejoicing. Giving. Just as I always have. How about you?
