A NEW DAY
Arise [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you—rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Isaiah 60:1
Out of so much pressing will sweetness and fragrance rise, so be encouraged. Now is not the time to give up, now is the time to keep pressing forward.
Do you feel like all eyes are on you even though you do not see the eyes watching you? It is okay to feel that way because it is not easy, what you are contending for is a life changer, you are contending for a breakthrough and that alone is a spiritual warfare. Don’t forget that the year 2017 is your year. The enemy will try to wear you and tear you down by all means. In your weakness you are made strong in the Lord.
I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who [a]infuses inner strength into me; I am [b]self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]. Philippians 4:13
Remember and be reassured that God is always for you and not against you, the enemy might think that he is pressing you but the fact is that it is God that is pressing you and turning the heat up to test your faith, to see if you still trust Him, to see if you still have love, joy, patience, kindness, gentleness and of course self-control. Also know that your pressing is an attitude and character refinement, so energise yourself with His love and promises.
What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?] Romans 8:31
God loves you dearly and He is certainly for you even when you feel like He is not present. He is always there, rearranging, strategising and doing what only Him can do. God is always present and not distant at all, He will take care of everything in His unique way but you too must do your part, be bold, be strong, and be present with God at all times. How can you do that? Just keep praising and worshipping Him through the pain and pressing and see what God will do.
How far can you stretch? This is your season of growth and stretching. Most people do not like the process but they like breakthrough and if the process does not scare God why should it scare you?
Be patient and understand that you are in a refinement season, the more refined you are, the sweeter the perfume and fragrance in your life. As you grow and stretch, it will be beyond your own imagination. Remember that worship does the miracle, it is your worship in times like this that will release the sweetest aroma to God. Worship also breaks the power and deceitful plans of the enemy. You are doing so well so far in this season and God is really proud of you.
Continue to praise and worship God in truth and in Love just like Paul and Silas.
But about midnight, as Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the [other] prisoners were listening to them, Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the very foundations of the prison were shaken; and at once all the doors were opened and everyone’s shackles were unfastened. Acts 16:25-26
