STARTING WITH THE LORD: Navigating Life's Uncertain Paths.

Trusting God's Guidance on Uncharted Paths

I thought I had everything figured out when the Lord told me that He wanted me to go on a journey to a place I had never been before—a place where I knew no one. At first, I found myself wondering, “What will I do there? I don’t know anyone, and I have no place to stay.” These were the exact thoughts running through my mind as I pondered the situation.

But then, at the moment of reflection, I realized something important: the same Lord who gave me this instruction is the one who has the power to provide for me and carry out His plan. It’s easy to forget that, especially when we’re faced with uncertainty. But when we trust in God’s guidance, we discover that He has everything in control.

As I began to follow His instruction, it became evident that God’s hand was involved. At every step, He showed up, guiding me in ways that confirmed His presence in my journey.

Surrendering Control to God

Handing over our lives to God and allowing Him to take charge can be difficult for many people—especially for those who have always been in control of their own affairs, making decisions based on schedules and routines. It’s often easier said than done.

Saying, “Lord, take charge,” and truly trusting His judgment to lead us to the place He has destined for our lives can feel blinding. But that’s what faith is all about. It’s the kind of faith that allows the Lord to work in our lives and bring His purpose to fruition. When we approach Him with childlike faith, trusting without needing to see the whole picture, we can begin to learn and believe in His guidance.

At every stage in our lives, God leads His children on journeys that align with His perfect timing and His purpose for us. Seeking His presence daily and humbling ourselves before Him is how we initiate that divine conversation, inviting Him into every aspect of our lives.

When we partner with the Lord, we stay aligned with His plan for our lives. Starting each day with Him doesn’t just strengthen our relationship with God—it also prepares us for the blessings He has in store. God is intentional about His children, and His plan for us is always good.

Psalm 139:13-16

"For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are Your works,

And my soul knows it very well.

My frame was not hidden from You,

When I was made in secret and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes have seen my unformed substance.

And in Your book were all written

The days that were ordained for me,

When as yet there was not one of them."

This passage reminds us that God knit us together with a purpose. He is intentional about who we are and what He wants to do in our lives. However, we must first begin with Him to see His plan unfold. His ultimate goal is to prosper us, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11. No one who has started with the Lord has ever ended up in ruins. It might seem like nothing is happening at first, but even in the silence, Jesus is working. He is orchestrating everything according to His will, bringing everything into fruition at just the right time.

Did you start with the lord today? 

When he said seek you shall find, he was referring to you. 

He has the best for you, but he needs your yes as the seal for partnership.

Stay revived.

GOD KNOWS WHEN WE ARE READY

 

GOD KNOWS WHEN WE ARE READY

Schooling at the University of Port Harcourt introduced me to fast-food noodles and meshai. What if your favorite fast-food breakfast happens to be noodles and fried eggs?

Have you ever waited in a queue to get noodles and eggs from your favorite fast-food vendor?

Sometimes, waiting can be thrilling and joyful, and you just endure the hunger pangs. But other times, the hunger is so intense that we repeatedly ask, “When will it be ready?”—even after we’ve seen the noodles sizzling on the fire.

That question, asked over and over again, drowns out the cook’s voice, consumed by our anxiety and eagerness to eat.

What if God was the cook?

Whipping up a nice breakfast, accompanied by a cup of tea, just the way we like it.

But because we’re so anxious to eat, we rush into a half-cooked meal, or maybe even rush out to eat somewhere else.

And I ask again, God, when will I be ready?

We may count a year of waiting, but perhaps in God’s calendar, He is numbering the strength, the faith, and the trust we place in Him.

In response to our anxiety, He says, “If you delight yourself in My ways, I will give you the desires of your heart.”

Psalm 37:4, which says:

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

He would not have placed this promise in His Word if He could not, or would not, fulfill it.

The ultimate Father, who desires for us to run to Him each day with open arms and a warm hug, is deeply concerned with the details of our lives.

What have you been desperately waiting for?

What have you repeatedly asked God, “When will I be ready?”

I asked this question not long ago.

But the Holy Spirit is now taking me down memory lane to my favorite food from childhood: beans and ripe plantains with smoked fish. We didn’t have a gas stove or pressure cooker—my mom cooked this meal on a kerosene stove. It took quite a while for the beans to cook, but I remember that when I took the first bite, it was always worth the wait.

That’s what God is doing. He is preparing your favorite meal, the best you've ever tasted. And when He is done with what He is doing in you, with you, and for you, it will be worth the wait.

The world’s greatest chef is preparing your favorite meal and will serve it when you are ready. Because He is preparing you for that meal.

Revive!

By Guest writer.

GREAT GRACE: The colour of Grace.

GREAT GRACE: The colour of Grace. 

What does it mean to be colored by God's unmerited favor? 

As a Christian, I've struggled with an entitlement mentality, believing that my actions could manipulate God's hand to work in my favor. When I do certain things or I fast a certain way, pray, sow the largest and do several religious exercises, I can move the hand of God or change situations. So in earnest, my acts make me the mover of God. 

But what happens when things don't go as planned?

In Christianity, we understand grace as:

• Unmerited favor.
• Empowerment for living.
• A contrast to works.
• God in the race.

I stumbled upon a profound statement: "We could be making a total mess, but it's been God cleaning them up." This realization broke me, and I was overwhelmed with gratitude.

"To be colored by His grace" is a beautiful and profound phrase that suggests the transformative power of God's grace in our lives. 

In John 3:14-17 (MSG), we see God's love and grace highlighted:

15 "and everyone who looks up to him, trusting and expectant, will gain a real life, eternal life.

16 "This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.

17 God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again."

John 3:16 showcases God's ultimate act of grace—giving His Son to save humanity that didn't deserve salvation. God's love for the world drove His decision to give Jesus, illustrating the depth of His grace

God's unmerited favor is so profound that He gave His only Son to put the world right again. He looked at us and thought that the best gift he could give us was his son so we could have A REAL LIFE. 

It's not about what we did but what God wants to do in us and through us. 

His grace keeps knocking on our doors, calling out our names. Someone loves you enough to give His all for you.

Will you say yes to Him today?

For God So Love... (your name would fit in just fine)

Revive!

By Guest Writer

''Finding Freedom from Fear: Partnering with God for Peace"

What do you do with a God who blesses your fears? Can God bless your fears? Is there a part of your life journey where you must let go of fears and trust the arms of God, knowing that even if you fall, you'll fall into His safety net?

My favorite name for God is "My Safe Net." As Abba's daughter, I struggle with insecurity and fears. Recently, my sister pointed out my excessive fears, saying, "You're scared of everything." Her words made me realize how fear could cripple my life journey.

THE REALITY OF FEAR

I saw two vehicles: a shiny box car and a dilapidated bus. The first car promised a smooth ride but required courage to ask questions. I chose the second bus with the "I go everywhere" sign, but it had holes, allowing rainwater to enter. The driver's attitude and the bus's condition made me question my choice.

This experience showed me how fear can lead to poor decisions, resulting in a tumultuous journey. Fear can make us settle for less, compromising our well-being. God wants to be our God in all things, taking our anxiety and fears (1 Peter 5:7). For the first time, I've surrendered my fears to God in prayer. I trust Him to care for my needs, acknowledging I'm not responsible for my life.

Psalm 23 (MSG) beautifully expresses:

"God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure.
You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head.my cup brims with blessing.
Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of God, for the rest of my life."

SURRENDERING FEARS, EMBRACING GOD'S LOVE

God is The One responsible for our life. He's in charge of provision, protection, and preservation. God can only bless our fears if we surrender them to Him. Holding onto fears gives the enemy access to steal, kill, and destroy.

To overcome overwhelm, I've started journaling my thoughts and fears to Abba. He sees me, but He wants me to partner with Him to authenticate His good plans. This partnership requires trust, vulnerability, and surrender.

In surrendering my fears, I've discovered a sense of freedom and peace. I've learned to lean into God's benevolence, trusting His guidance and provision. Abba's love envelops me, calming my fears and anxieties.

Abba is for you today. He's responsible for your life. Learn to lean into His benevolence.

Revive!

By Guest Writer