Here are the words of Jesus: ‘why did you doubt?’ (Matthew 14:31 NIV)

You see, God’s desire is for us to overcome our doubts, because doubt is poison and you don’t need much of it before it will kill your zeal for service in God’s kingdom.

In Matthew 14, after Peter’s bold step of faith in walking on the water to meet Jesus, it was not long before he found himself sinking and crying aloud the shortest prayer recorded in the New Testament: ‘Lord, save me!’ (Matthew 14:30 NIV). After Jesus lifted him to safety He said to Peter, ‘why did you doubt?’ (Matthew 14:31 NIV). I am sure that it’s a statement that we can all identify with at one point or another in our Christian walk, even at the boldest moments of our lives!

So, what can we learn from Peter’s experience to help us overcome our doubt today? 

First what is the meaning of the word doubt? ‘It’s to question, suspect, distrust, be uncertain, refuse to believe’. In other words, when you doubt something, you’re wavering. ‘I think I believe you – but maybe not – but maybe yes,’ etc. The sad thing is, we allow doubt to drag us down into fear, which will cripple our faith. In another account in Jesus said to His disciples ‘you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ To live in doubt is the slippery road to unbelief, and we neglect to use the power that God has given us to become an overcomer.

Some today live in constant doubt, even under the pretext of not wanting to make mistakes and find refuge in uncertainty, becoming paralysed and unable to serve the Lord wholeheartedly. Some others think that doubt is wisdom, being prudent; in fact, doubt is like a cancer that will eat away at your faith to live out God’s plan for your life and fulfil your destiny.

Also beware, as doubt is contagious and infectious, ready to destroy not only you but those around you and it starts in the mind, which is Satan’s battleground. Remember, God does not want us to live in doubt but in total faith. Here is what the Holy Spirit wants you to know: ‘ without faith, it is impossible to please God’ (Hebrews 11:6 NIV) and ‘faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead’ (James 2:11 NIV). Faith is not just about believing, but our belief must translate into active faith.

Peter not only knew that Jesus was there with him in the storm but he acted on His simple word – ‘COME’ – and without questioning, without wavering, without any doubt, Peter stepped out of the boat to experience one of the most unique events ever recorded – walking on water.

But what caused him to sink after such boldness? Well, he simply turned his eyes away from Jesus and started to look at the waves and high winds, then he lost his footing and panicked. Here is the key to walking on water and to see God’s amazing grace in whatever tough situation we may find ourselves in – make sure that we keep our eyes upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.  In spite of his failure, Peter found out that Jesus was only a prayer away. He simply cried out, ‘Lord save me!’ and Jesus answered him immediately. Can I encourage you today, if you feel that you’re sinking into deep unbelief to stop! and right now, cry out to Him this prayer from a Psalm: ‘Stretch out Your hand from above; Rescue me and deliver me out of great waters’  (Psalm 144:7 NKJV) and experience this powerful word in this verse: ‘whoever comes to me I will never drive away’ (John 6:37 NIV). Not only will He stretch out His hand to rescue you, but will pull you to safety. That’s the God we serve. 

Last time we learnt important lessons from the widow with the small jug of oil in 2 King 4:1-7. Today let’s continue to learn more lessons that will help us to discover God’s abundant blessings. Here are a few more:

1. God’s people sometimes fail to access the everlasting source that the world knows nothing about.

Well, this woman realised the value in seeking for her breakthrough. Focusing on verse 1, it is interesting to see that she knew who to cry out to. She went straight to someone who could lead her to her breakthrough. So many around us have nowhere to go, no refuge in time of trouble, and no one who can help them in their extreme situations (see Isaiah 32:2 and Psalm 46:1 NIV).

However just as we have the number 999 to call for help in case of emergency, I discovered years ago that there is a number that gives me great hope in time of trouble. That number is 333, which stands for Jeremiah 33:3: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ Therefore, if you are in great need let me encourage you to take hold of the tremendous promise – or at least try it: call upon Him and from my own experience you’ll not be disappointed.

2. God’s people often look at what they have lost rather than what they still have.

Elisha asked a second question: ‘what do you have in your house?’ (2 Kings 4:2 NIV). Her perspective was so negative that she could not see that the answer was in her house. Often our answers are so near to us that we fail to see them. She had to change her perspective to be able to walk to her breakthrough. So, today it’s time to change your perspective and realise that your answer may not be as far away as you think. Remember your perspective will determine your breakthrough.

3. God’s people still have to learn to put their faith in action by trusting and obeying.

That is exactly what this woman did – not only did she hear the instruction given by Elisha, but she had to trust and obey and activate her faith!

God’s Word tells us clearly that obedience is better than sacrifice (see 1 Sam 15:22 NIV). Imagine she went to all her neighbours asking to borrow as many vessels as possible – it took boldness, confidence, and courage. Today, can I urge you to put your trust in the One who is, who was, and who will be? His name is Jesus and as you put your faith in action in Him, the author and finisher of our faith, I can tell you that expectation is fertile ground for a miracle! So, make sure you don’t miss out on it!

4. God’s people miss their best if they fail to understand that capacity determines the flow of God’s blessing.

Elisha told the woman: ‘Go around and ask all your neighbours for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few’ (2 Kings 4:3 NIV). Capacity always determines the flow of God’s blessing, for ‘according to your faith let it be done to you’ (Matthew 9:29 NIV). Those words of Jesus are still very relevant to us today. When Elisha asked her to get as many jars as possible, it was equivalent to asking her to create capacity. So, it is also the same for all of us today. Please note that the flow of oil only stopped when she ran out of jars. So, make room in your lives, increase your capacity and enjoy God’s abundant blessing!

Remember, if you are experiencing a testing time, don’t be discouraged and don’t give up, for your TEST will determine the testimony that will glorify God and God only. The outcome of the widow’s story was that not only did she become debt free and her sons were saved from slavery, but her future was secured. That brought her joy and peace of mind. This can also be the same for all of us in spite of whatever circumstance we find ourselves in. Never forget that with God all things are possible, for what seems little to us may just be the seed that brings the long-awaited harvest.

In 2 Kings 4:1-7, the prophet asked a question to a certain woman in need: ‘What shall I do for you?’ (v. 2 ESV). I believe it’s the same question that God still asks today to those who are in trouble, burdened, harassed… even to those who are at their wit’s end.

The woman in the story was a godly widow in serious troubled as she was crippled by debts. She also had two sons and was about to lose them in low of her debt. In her desperate need she went to the prophet Elisha and cried out to him, and the outcome was just amazing – not only was her debt paid and her sons saved from slavery but her future was secured.

So today, let’s look at some of the lessons that we can learn from this story that demonstrate that even God’s people have much to learn:

1. God’s people are not immune from serious testing

As I often say, if you want a TESTIMONY then you have to pass the TEST.

Verse 1 tells us that her husband had been a son of the prophet and feared God. This tells me that a godly family are in no way exempt from serious trials. Did you know there is no victory without a battle like there is no mountain without a valley? So, if you are in a battle or in a valley there is hope that with God’s help you can pass the test.

2. God’s people often question His love and wisdom when troubles come

Verse 1 hints that this godly woman was questioning God’s love toward her and her family for allowing trouble to come her way. Frequently we too can reason in this way because our reaction is only based on our human perspective. However, God not only sees all but knows all things and makes no mistakes. As His Word declares in: ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ (Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV) and ‘Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails’ (Proverbs 19:21 NIV). So stop questioning God and start believing and expecting for your breakthrough!

3. God’s people often find their opportunity only when they reached their extremes

You see, this woman came to her extreme. Her own language demonstrated that the only thing she saw was negative. Here is what she said: ‘Your servant my husband is dead… his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves’ (2 Kings 4:1 NIV). If that is not an extreme situation, what is? Then she sought to go and cried out to the prophet Elisha.

Often God becomes the last resource before we realise that not only does He have the answer, but He is the answer. Why does God not intervene earlier and allow us to get to our own extremes? First it is important to remember that God has given us a free will and He will never impose Himself upon us. Hence He has given us so many promises in His Word such as: ‘Call to me and I will answer you’ (Jeremiah 33:3 ESV). Secondly, God will only give us His fullness when we are willing to give Him our emptiness. So today, know that God’s strength is made perfect in our times of weaknesses (see 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).

Therefore, what have we learned today? – first, that no one is immune from serious testing for it is the TEST that allows us to have a testimony. Secondly, let’s make sure that we never question God for He always has the perfect answer. Thirdly, don’t wait till you get to extreme situations before calling to Jesus for help. I trust that these few thoughts will help you not to miss your breakthrough.

Did you know that you can discover God’s character through many of His names?

Recently, I have been reflecting during my devotional time on the names of God. Well, as I have often said: ‘If you want to know who God is and His character, look at His names’. 

Throughout the Bible, God is given many names, and each of them reveals a precious truth about his qualities and character. I find it very encouraging to read these names as they help me to understand more and more about God’s character and what He feels about us, His own creation.

Jehovah Raah – The Lord is my shepherd (Psalm 23)

David describes the Lord as ‘my shepherd’ (see Psalm 23:1 NIV). I love the way David personalised it by not saying the Lord is THE shepherd but MY shepherd. Praise God that He is our shepherd too, for God is a relational God. This picture of ‘The Lord Our Shepherd’ reveals some of His characteristics: He is good, He protects, He guides, He nurtures, He lays down his life. And in times of confusion or grief, let’s never, ever forget that He is OUR SHEPHERD too.

Jehovah Jireh – The Lord will provide (Genesis 22:14)

Scripture says, ‘my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 4:19 NIV). We are reminded that Jehovah Jireh knows our every need because He sees everything, including what you need. If the Lord was able to meet Abraham’s need by providing a ram caught in the bush that was offered in place of Isaac, He’s also able to meet our needs at just the right time. Fear not, the name Jehovah Jireh guarantees that your Heavenly Father is able to provide for any need you have.

Jehovah Shalom – The Lord our peace (Judges 6:24)

The Hebrew word shalom, translated as ‘peace’, not only speaks of the absence of noise, strife or conflict – it speaks of wholeness, completeness, trustworthiness, and happiness. True and ultimate peace is found in God alone, and this comes to us when we focus our lives on God and put our trust in Him. His Word says ‘Are you weary and troubled? Well, why not place your total trust in Jehovah-Shalom, and He will keep you in perfect peace’ (paraphrased, see Isaiah 26:3 NIV). For He is Shar Shalom – Prince of Peace, which means ‘the one who removes all peace-disturbing factors and secures the peace.’

Jehovah Rapha – The Lord who heals (Psalm 23 and Exodus 15)

It was in the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites that God first revealed His name as Jehovah Rapha. After crossing the Red Sea, Moses led them into the Wilderness of Shur, where they went 3 days without water (see Exodus 15:22-27 NIV). Eventually, they came across the waters of Marah, but they could not drink from the waters, for they were bitter. So, the people complained against Moses, and Moses then cried to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree, which he cast into the waters. In a moment, the waters were made sweet. The Lord does not only heal waters, He heals people too. If the Lord was able to heal the waters at Marah so that His people could drink, He is also able to heal us from any disease (see Psalm 103:3 NIV). When we are weak, Jehovah Rapha will renew our strength the same way He did for David (see Psalm 23:3 NLT).

Living in a stressful and chaotic world in these unprecedented times, the name Jehovah Rapha speaks to us that our bitter experiences can be transformed into sweet ones, and yes, we are confronted with new problems every day that make us sometimes want to give up and give in. But we can count upon the Lord to heal and renew our strength. Jehovah is the great physician who not only heals our physical and emotional needs, but He also heals and restores whatever spiritual needs we may have.

So, stand up on God’s promise today! His Word declares that ‘The Lord is Your Keeper/ Your Provider/ Your Peace/ Your Healer.’ Don’t ever allow the Enemy to tell you otherwise. 

For the past few days, I have been reading Mark 5 and looking again at the story of Jairus and how Jesus raised his daughter from the dead.

Jairus was one of the rulers of the synagogues and he was also a loving father whose daughter was critically sick to the point of dying. When Jesus saw the situation, his first words were, ‘don’t be afraid; just believe’ (Mark 5:36 NIV) and those simple words brought Jairus reassurance in his total despair. Instead of giving up and walking away in total hopelessness, Jairus did the unthinkable; he continued walking in HOPE, despite the seriousness of the situation. Is there a way we can capture this sense of hope too, in the middle of the situation our world is facing?

If there is a time where people need to walk in HOPE, it’s right now; and for us as believers HOPE is not a wish but the expectation of something good that is about to happen.

Here are some steps that I believe Jairus took, which helped him to experience his breakthrough:   

1) Realisation – Jairus realised the gravity of his situation and he intentionally did something about it. The situation was desperate. His little daughter was not only very sick but she was clearly dying. For me, it’s important that we realise the seriousness of our broken world – but it is also important that we take our fears and worries to Jesus too.

2) Desperation – Jairus became desperate. I’m sure that after having tried everything humanly speaking, he then sought to find Jesus. I think I can understand his pain and frustration as every day when I watch reports from the media, there is only one word which jumps out at me – desperation. Today, can I encourage you – if you feel desperate – to cry out to Jesus. 

3) Attention – Jairus’ desperation caused him to focus his attention on Jesus. In the busyness of life, it can be easy to lose our focus, but there is nothing quite like a crisis to remind us that we cannot do this alone and that we need God’s help in everything we do. If you feel today that you have lost your attention and focus from Jesus, you can turn to him right now. He is the only one who can provide whatever you need in these difficult times.

4) Position – When Jairus found Jesus, ‘he fell at his feet,’ (Mark 5:22 NIV) which was a sign of acknowledging a higher authority, as well as being willing to humble himself. In whatever you are facing, I urge you to approach Jesus and change your position as Jairus did, demonstrating humility and acknowledgement of His authority. Let’s also not forget that as Christians, He has given us the same authority to deal with any situation we face.  

5) Compassion – I love the way that Jairus in his actions and his prayer demonstrated his compassion. You might be wondering, ‘what is the real definition of compassion?’ My own definition is, ‘having the awareness of the needs of others, which prompts a compelling desire to meet their needs’. How great it is to see compassion being displayed by the Church in their own community, with hundreds of thousands of people volunteering to help their neighbours and strangers they have never met before. These people have compassion stirred up within them and now they are going out, to help meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our society.

6) Intercession – Jairus did not approach Jesus for himself, but went to stand in the gap on behalf of his much-loved daughter. I am so impressed by many prayer initiatives emerging throughout the UK and around the world at the moment in this challenging season. Let’s continue to stand on behalf of the many who cannot pray for themselves and boldly believe for their salvation, healing and deliverance. Jesus is still the same as He was yesterday, today and forever.

So, let’s accelerate our steps as we realise the urgency of the needs in our world today, by sharpening our focus and changing our position to a position of intercession, standing in the gap for those who cannot pray for themselves as well as demonstrating openly Christ’s compassion through our love in action.

It is so important to make sure that people in the work place are sitting in the right seat with reference to their occupation. Too many today are on the right bus but in the wrong seat! Therefore, if we are to enjoy life to the full, that must include working and not toiling as so many do.

So, let’s look together at what I consider to be a godly strategy to recruit the right people for the right seat for the right time. 

Here is what I call the five Cs of recruitment. Their purpose for us as employers is to make sure that our people are sitting in the right seat and fulfilling their God-given assignment. In other words, making sure that they are in the right peg hole! The real benefit for the employee is that they are able to give of their best because they are driven by purpose and not just by performance.

• Calling: Meaning; do we believe that we are fulfilling our life assignment, anointed by God with the passion to enjoy our God-given assignment? Remember, God never asks you to do something without providing what you need to do it. Anointing is a sign of God’s equipping you to fulfil the assignment He’s given you. When he gives you an assignment, a plan or a strategy He is going to empower you. David was called, anointed and then appointed. Let’s never forget God’s order is a process to make us what he desires us to become. 
• Character: If we are to become the person God desires us to be, as well as a person that others should want to follow, it’s imperative that we give careful attention to the person we really are on the inside. Our reputation is what others think of us, which may or may not be true, but our character is who we really are. I may not have a choice regarding the situations I am confronted with but I always have a choice concerning how to react or respond to those situations. 

Did you know God categorically cares about character? So much so that it could be said that The Divine Manual (The Bible) is in fact a character textbook. It is filled with instructions on what it means to live righteously, in other words in a ‘godly’ and upright manner. The Divine Manual is also filled with stories of men and women who have done it right and many who have not! So, they are there for our learning so we can benefit from the examples of others that have gone before us.

• Competency: One needs competency even in ministry and that is about appropriately applying knowledge and skills towards achieving a desired result. I tell you what, if I had to choose a surgeon for a major operation between one who has character but no competency and one who has competency but no character, it would not take long for me to make my mind up! That is not to belittle character in any way but to emphasise the importance of having competencies for what we are called to do. Character is who we are, competence is what we can do. Competency is task-specific and whatever we are called to do should be done as unto the Lord. So, let’s make sure we sharpen our competencies if we are to excel in the assignment that we are carrying out.

• Culture: I believe in a kingdom culture, which is a worldview approach to life where Christian biblical principles help to build or determine our values, purpose, and strategies. Here at UCB we seek to develop a culture based on Jesus’ command: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘love your neighbour as yourself’ (see Luke 10:27 NIV), which we call the PPF (PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST) culture. That is not only serving our audiences well but making sure that we serve each other internally here at UCB ‘as we would want to be served ourselves’, too. So, let’s make sure we not only love our neighbours as ourselves but serve them as we would want to be served!

• Chemistry: Chemistry is important within the composition of a team and the relationships among team members. Good chemistry helps a team’s performance to achieve its goals. Good chemistry also enhances a team’s dynamic, and it’s vital to understand its importance if we are to deliver what we are called to do with excellence.

That is why it is very important that we fit into the right role if we are to give our very best work in the organisation that we are called to. This means not just fulfilling tasks, but becoming what God created us to be to make sure that we enjoy our God-given assignment rather than enduring a job!

So, as you pray for vacancies to be filled, ‘CALL THEM IN’, just as Samuel did when he called David to be anointed to become the future king over Israel, and remember: God calls, anoints and appoints.  

The prophet Samuel had David brought in; in other words, he called him in! ‘Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.” So, Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David’ (1 Samuel 16:13 NIV).

Recruiting the right person can be very challenging and some time ago, as we were seeking to fill a vacancy here at UCB, I felt the Holy Spirit saying: ‘call in the person needed for that vacancy, just as Samuel called for David’; and trust me, God did answer our prayers and the right person responded.

You see, God does know the right person for the right place at the right time to do the right work; just has He knew David. Not only does He make sure that they have the competencies for the job, but He also anoints them before their appointment. So today, if you are seeking to fill a vacancy, don’t just take my word for it but try to ‘call them in’ and be assured that you won’t be disappointed as God will help you to discern the right person for the available assignment.

I also believe that there is a godly strategy to recruit the right people and here at UCB it’s what we call the five C’s of recruitment.

But first, let’s understand one very important principle: you can either work or you can toil through a job. Have you ever noticed that the word WORK is used before the fall and that after the fall it uses TOIL? (see Genesis 3:17 NIV). The definition of the word TOIL is ‘to exert strength with pain and fatigue of body or mind with efforts of some continuance or duration’. Not surprising it’s why so many people hate their job. Well, your work is not your job. You get trained to do a job; a job is what you may be paid to do and a job is temporary; however, your work is what you were born for. Many see work as a punishment but work was the very first assignment that God gave to man. God created humans with the ability to work and not to toil. The first instruction God gave Adam was work, to tend the Garden of Eden (see Genesis 2:15 NIV) and to tend means ‘to look after’ ‘watch over and care for’ ‘minister to or wait on with service’ and it was later after the fall of man and when sin entered into the world that the word toil is used.

So, from a biblical definition, WORK means ‘to become what God created you for, your work is your life’s unique assignment to reveal yourself and your unique gift to the world’. Whereas, toiling leads people to do something they hate. When a person is operating in the assignment that God created for them, they are in a different place of fulfilment and God calls that work. That is why I tell my wife Jackie I can’t retire from what God created me for, but one day I can retire from paid employment. But I can still continue working to fulfil the very purpose that I was created for.

Therefore, if we are to enjoy life to the full, knowing the difference between work and toil is vitally important, especially as research tells us that one third of our life is spent ‘at work’: that is 90,000 hours at work that the average person will spend over a lifetime. Therefore, let’s make sure that we are working and not toiling!

Next time let’s explore together what we call here at UCB the five Cs of recruitment. But let me leave you with this question; are you WORKING, that is becoming what God created you for, or are you TOILING, enduring your job instead of enjoying your WORK? So, make sure that you find the real experience of what WORK is really about!

Years ago when I worked in the commercial industry, our logistic department decided to have a marketing slogan which said ‘A promise is not a promise until delivered’. I believe that statement to be more than a slogan but a true, God-given principle. The world is so disillusioned about promises because people, from politicians to family members, with the best intentions possible, are making promises that often (and sadly) go undelivered.

The definition of the word PROMISE is ‘a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified.’ Therefore, when one makes a promise or receives a promise, it is reasonable to expect it to be delivered. Disappointment often happens when promises are made from a trusted source but never delivered. So never forget that failing to deliver on your promise is the fastest way to lose trust.

Developing trust is a process, and it can be a very long process. However, losing trust can happen in a split second. One lie, one broken promise is all it takes for someone to lose faith in you. Why? Because trust is the foundation of all relationships. But there is one source that you can believe and trust in: God’s Word. Joshua 21:45 stresses that God never fails, and neither does His Word, for the Lord is ever-faithful and His promises are sure.

God’s promises are yes and amen

The almighty God, the creator of the whole universe, has already fulfilled His promises, and they will be manifested at the appointed time as we put our faith in Him. He will never be too late nor will He be too early.

God’s Word is full of promises

God has given us a Divine Manual called the Bible, which could also be called the Book of Many Promises. In fact, God declares Himself in 2 Cor. 1:20 that ‘all the promises of God in Him are yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.’ Which suggests that Jesus Christ is the ‘yes’ and ‘amen’ – the guarantee and confirmation – of all God’s promises. When Christians respond with an amen to the assurance of God’s promises, it is our way of affirming that we trust His faithfulness.

The Bible is full of promises, and many of them have already been fulfilled. Everett R. Storms came up with a grand total of 8,810 promises in the Bible. 7,487 of them were promises made by God to humankind. So get hold of God’s promises for you!

God expects man to keep his promise

Numbers 30:2 tells us ‘If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.’ Although found in the Old Testament, this is definitely applicable to us today. The Israelites were essentially commanded to keep any vows they made, and so are we today.

Matthew 5:37 also tells us ‘Let what you say be simply “Yes” or “No”; anything more than this comes from evil.’ This verse is often quoted in regards to keeping your word, and rightfully so! For our speech should never be clouded in ambiguity or deceit.

God gives promises but expects us to go through the process 

Did you know that even visionaries have to go through the process, so don’t despise the process. God gives promises but expects us to go through the process before it is fulfilled. His Word is full of examples of great Bible characters that went through the process before enjoying the promise. Let’s look at a couple of them:

Abraham – God made it clear that this promise of blessing to all nations would not come through Abraham himself or through his descendants but through one child called ‘the seed’, who would be born into Abraham’s line (Galatians 3:16). Not only did Abraham wait 25 years to see God fulfil His promise to give him a son (see Genesis 12:1-9, and 21:1-5) but he also demonstrated great patience and trust in God at other times of his life as well.

King David – He waited a long time to see God’s promise fulfilled in his life and become King David! In fact it was about 15 years from the time David was anointed by Samuel (in 1 Samuel 16) until David officially became King (in 2 Samuel 5). God wanted to take David through a process, and the anointing was a reminder of the promise that the process would bring.

God’s process is to get you ready for the fulfilment of His promise

Therefore today, trust God for the present and future! Even if it seems like nothing is happening, that progress is delayed (remember delay is not denial), or that you’re just stuck, have faith that His promises are yes and amen and that He’s got a plan and is already working on it. You might not see it yet, but you will. Even when things seem chaotic, God is still in control. God wants what’s best for us, even when it’s hard. Understanding how God works is not our job – trusting Him is. Peace and joy don’t come from our circumstances but from God.

Remember, a promise is a powerful thing. for it does not usually meet an immediate need, but it inspires us to persevere in the process, knowing something good will eventually come. A promise has the power to transform the present, even if it doesn’t come into existence until the future.

Let me conclude with some promises you can claim everyday:

God can be trusted: Hebrews 10:23 says ‘Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.’

God’s promises never fail: Joshua 21:45 says ‘Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled.’

God is always with us: Joshua 1:9 says ‘This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’

God is faithful: Hebrews 10:23 says ‘Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.’

God designed us for a purpose: Ephesians 2:10 says ‘For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.’

God has a plan for our life: Jeremiah 29:11 says ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’

YES GOD’S PROMISES ARE YES AND AMEN!

‘The righteous will flourish like a palm tree’ (Psalm 92:12 NIV)

Here are lastly a few more characteristics of the palm tree. I hope these few thoughts have helped you to realise even more that ‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness’ (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV). I pray that it will empower you to experience a victorious living even through the toughest raging storms.

So, let’s conclude in looking at a further three characteristics of a palm tree:

• The palm tree cannot be grafted – professional gardeners say that to graft a palm tree is to kill it. Well, for us to try to be grafted into the world is to kill the testimony and the influence of the proclamation of the TRUTH. Let’s be aware of the power of influence entrusted to us and let’s abide in Christ alone: ‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing’ (John 15:5 NIV).

• The palm tree does not burn like ordinary wood – remember the story in Daniel 3 of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego. God can deliver us from trial, but He can also miraculously sustain and strengthen us through trial. Because they were totally submitted to the power and will of God they experienced a remarkable breakthrough. Thank you, God, for your promises that, if we stand on, will be manifested in and through our lives. Jesus told us: ‘In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33 NKJV). So, stand on God’s promise: ‘when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God’ (Isaiah 43:2-3 NIV).

• The Palm tree speaks of triumph – the palm branch is a symbol of victory, triumph, peace and eternal life originating in the ancient Near East and Mediterranean world. Just one week before Jesus’ death and resurrection, the people of Jerusalem greeted Him as a triumphant Jesus, a tradition now known and celebrated as Palm Sunday, the week before Easter. Well, our King is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the Prince of peace, eternal God and all victorious, having rose from the grave triumphant over hell, the grave and death. So that we can too experience victory even in these very challenging times.

We find ourselves in this unprecedented storm, affecting not just the UK in many ways but the world. Firstly, we must remember that a storm is temporary – it will pass, hence why we should never make permanent decisions in a temporary situation. Therefore, we still can ‘flourish like a palm tree’. As the palm tree is designed to withstand severe tropical storms, we may feel it bend but it will not break, and we will rise up stronger than ever before. As you reflect on the events of your life, remember, the storms you have encountered have only made you stronger. For you are now wiser, more alive, and you are destined for victory. Your brightest days are right before you! Always remember that with God on your side, you will flourish like a palm tree!

So, today let’s be ‘rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness’ (Colossians 2:7 NIV) The secret to a flourishing life is our relationship with Jesus. In Him we find and draw the resources to flourish like the palm tree! Never ever forget God’s word for you today: ‘YOU SHALL FLOURISH LIKE A PALM TREE!’

Psalm 92 tells us: ‘The righteous will flourish like a palm tree’ (v. 12 NIV).

Today let’s continue to learn more of the characteristics of a palm tree:

• The palm tree can resist the abuse of the strongest winds – remember, Jesus took the force of all abuse upon Himself for us to be victorious over the storms of life – ‘but He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed’ (Isaiah 53:5 NKJV). God did all these because He so loved the world, and He had you and I in mind.

• The older the palm tree the sweeter it’s fruit – the psalmist tells us: ‘they shall still bear  fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing’ (Psalm 92:14 NKJV). The more we grow in relationship with Him, the sweeter our fruit will become and influence others around us. My hope is that by all of us spending more time in God’s presence, we will start to be transformed into His very image as Paul reminds us (see 2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV). May God help us to display the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (see Galatians 5:22-23).

• A group of palm trees form an oasis – together we can make a difference in our world today, especially during these unprecedented days. Paul reminds us of the importance of ‘endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace’ (Ephesians 4:3 NKJV). Psalm 133 reminds us that in unity ‘the Lord bestows his blessings’ (Psalm 133:3 NIV) and when we group ourselves together in unity, we provide shade for those weaker than ourselves. This is why this verse is so important to us: ‘not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together’ (Hebrews 10:25 NKJV).

• The palm tree is forever green – the evergreen speaks of life, and as children of God we have been given everlasting life: ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16 NIV). Jeremiah 17 reminds us that our leaves will be forever green (see v. 7-8 NIV). Green speaks of life: Jesus came that we may not just have life but life ‘to the full’ (John 10:10 NIV).

‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go’ (Joshua 1:9 NIV). He who has conquered the world lives within you. Therefore, in Christ we are able to do ALL things!

So don’t forget: ‘the righteous will flourish like a palm tree’ and that is you!