Wonderfully and fearfully made.

As we enter a new month, I would like to share a thought that often crosses my mind when I observe people. I find myself wondering: How is it that we all have different faces, yet the Bible tells us that we were created in the image of our sovereign God? It’s funny how people often say that one person is "fearfully made" while another is "wonderfully made."

 But what exactly does the image of God mean? What does God look like? In what likeness were we created, and for what purpose? Can we truly say that God looks like Eric, but not like Jane?

In Genesis 1:26-27, we read:

"Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.' So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them." (Genesis 1:26-27, NIV)

If we were all created in the same image, it means that there is a likeness to God in each of us. God created us this way so that we may rule and have dominion over the creatures of the sea and land. Our faces, though diverse, are all part of the same image. We are not biological accidents; there is a purpose and a design behind how God created us, reflecting His own likeness.

Consider this: when the 24 elders bow in worship before God, they experience a different dimension of His image each time. Likewise, if we are created in God’s image, then when the angels bow to worship Him, there are moments when they see your reflection as part of His divine image.

There are billions of people on Earth, and despite our differences—whether black or white, or any other distinction—we share one image: the image of God.

Galatians 3:28 reminds us: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28, NIV)

Regardless of our gender, appearance, or background, we all bear the same image and likeness of God. The same Lord is Lord of all, and He richly blesses all who call on Him.

So today, I encourage you to embrace the unique way God has created you. Be confident in your identity, for it is for His glory that you are the way you are. Rest assured, no matter what you look like, you are made in God's image, and you are wonderfully and fearfully made.

Stay revived!

Unashamed Proclamation

 

A few days ago, I woke up with an announcement in my spirit. In the middle of the night, as soon as heard this, my eyes flung open, it felt as though I hadn't been asleep at all.

There is a message that the enemy often brings to the children of God to destabilize and frighten them, spreading fear that creates uncertainty—even when you know victory is within your reach. 

In these times, what should we do? 

How do we respond when our reality doesn’t align with God’s promises?

Romans 1:16-17 (NIV)

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'"

When the enemy presents us with a lie, God's Word stands ever-present and relevant to combat it. There is a power that comes from an unashamed word proclamation. Persistent proclamation of God's word builds our faith, and this faith is the currency we need to tap into the supernatural power that the Gospel of Christ carries.

Victory is already secured in the name of Jesus, who has set us up as winners, for God has never lost a battle. So, if you are facing a challenge or battle, lift your head high—victory is here.

God will fight for you, and you will be the one to rejoice.

Stay Revived!

The Power of Prayer: Lifting Burdens

Many times, we seek others to pray for us, longing for comforting words or just something to ease the tension we feel. We often find ourselves wishing someone would simply say something that can lift the weight of our burdens. Does this sound familiar to you?

But what if we could be the ones lifting the burdens of those around us? What if our prayers could bring comfort, healing, and hope to others?

When I reflect on these thoughts, the Holy Spirit gently reminds me of how He has already made provisions for us to address these needs. So, how do we approach this?

The Power of Prayer

The Bible tells us, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16). God has given each of us the power to lift burdens. We are not merely existing—we are telling God's story with our lives. Our lives have purpose, and our stories are significant. God wants us to partner with Him to achieve His divine narrative.

To do this, we must learn to exercise our spirits through prayer and the study of Scripture to be able to lift burdens. This begins within our families, where we help carry the weight of our loved ones. But it doesn’t end there—we are called to also carry the burdens of our friends, communities, and even nations.

When the enemy tries to convince us that our prayers are ineffective or irrelevant, urging us to simply live life the way the world does, as if everything is already sorted out by the cosmos, we must resist. Prayer is powerful, and when we engage in it, our faith in the Lord deepens when we pray, go beyond the veil, and seek a place of revelation and divine wisdom. Faith is the currency we use to access the answers we seek.

In Revelation 3:20-22, Jesus says:
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne." (Revelation 3:20-21, NIV)

Jesus invites us to partner with Him, equipping us with everything we need to live victorious lives and make a lasting impact in the world.

The Impact of Your Prayer

What can your prayer do? What weights have you tried to lift? When we lift weights in the spirit, the Lord strengthens us, giving us the capacity and faith to bear them. If you’ve prayed for something and have yet to see results, don’t give up. Keep praying.

God is watching to see your surrender and persistence. As you press on, He breathes His power upon you, enabling you to live triumphantly.

So, wake up and exercise your spirit! Through prayer, perseverance, and faith, you tap into the strength God has already made available to you. 

Stay revived and watch how He works in your life, enabling you to carry the burdens of others and live out His divine narrative.

Dealing with God's Quiet Moments

 

Dealing with God's quiet moments can be challenging. While complaining to my sister about a certain experience, she shared this insight with me: "As long as we're praying and connecting with God, He gives us the strength to navigate each season." This resonated deeply and left a settling peace in my heart.

After my recent 5-day fast before my birthday, I had expected a word of confirmation from God; revelations like I usually have but instead, I experienced an unsettling silence. I began to worry and doubt: "Maybe God hasn't picked up my call." But then I shared my concerns with my sister, who reminded me of the importance of staying connected to God with the abovementioned words. 

Meditating on this experience draws my attention to these words in Psalm 91:1 

It says, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Highest shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." This "dwelling" means choosing to reside in God's presence, even when the weather is stormy. It's about staying connected and patient, trusting that God is working everything out for my good.

In those moments of uncertainty, I've learned to comfort myself with God's track record of faithfulness and the benevolence of His presence. 

Dwelling in a secret place and getting the benefit of abiding under God's shadow can only be achieved by staying and waiting patiently. No moment skipped or fast forward but seeing every joy, pain, hurt, betrayal, win, victory, and just being transformed or becoming into the one you dwell with. "Staying connected" is also a key to our victory chant and that way is what God wants for us. 

I'm choosing to stay in this posture, and I invite you to join me.

Stay Revived!

By Guest writer.