Standing On The Promises

My friend Josie asked me if she could tell me about a dream she had had and what I thought it meant. I knew depression had been trying to crush her lately so I was glad to help, if I could.

In the dream, Josie was lying down on the ground. A huge rock was on top of her so that she could hardly breathe. She struggled desperately. Yet, no matter how hard she tried, Josie could not get the rock off.  The dream ended.

Afterwards, I closed my eyes. I got the picture of a stick person (Josie) squirming and frantically trying to push the large rock off her chest. With my eyes still closed, I felt the Holy Spirit’s strength come up from my innermost being.  Then, I noticed the outcome in my vision started to change directions. As the stick figure continued to push and rest then push again, the rock eventually rolled away.  The rock did not move because of her power but after the power of the Holy Spirit infused her with His strength. As soon as the load was removed, Josie was able to stand up, climb upon the rock, and claimed the victory. When arms rose high, I saw the stick figure’s countenance glorify Jesus with all her might.

Later, I realized that the stick person could represent anybody with a ‘heavy situation’ on his or her heart. As, I sought the Lord; this is what He gave me.

Remain under the influence of the Holy Spirit. When we received Christ, the Holy Spirit came to live within us. It was like our soul was knitted together with His power. He is our seal of sonship so he never desires to leave us or forsake us. He job is to energize us with boldness and inspire us with godly wisdom and direction. If, we continually choose to obey His advice, the victory will manifest in its designed time. Half-heartedness or double-mindedness can hinder our progress so consistency is vital.

Replace your worldly vision with God’s proactive promises. The Holy Spirit inspired the Word of God. The Bible is His textbook. He leads us to the perfect promises. As we add our faith, then results are assured. We have to keep in mind that God was not born yesterday. He is not rushing around up in heaven trying to figure out what to do next. He knew about our situation since before we were born. Therefore, He has the completed plan already in mind. He does not have to guess what the outcome will be. Now, all we are required to do is pray, listen and choose to be lead by His Spirit. Remember…your faith is not in what you can do but what the Holy Spirit can do supernaturally through you and for you. Looking unto Jesus…. the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Reap the rewards for God’s kingdom. In order to stand upon the rock in the end, we have to consistently stand upon the promises until the situation completely disappears. Afterwards, we may have a clear understanding of why God allowed our circumstances to surface in the first place. We do not like going through these painful times, but the maturity gained in our spiritual understanding makes us soon forget the trouble we once had to endure. 

As the Holy Spirit reminded Paul, I will remind you:

My grace is sufficient for you:
for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9

What is the rock that makes you breathless? Is it you’re...self-esteem, lack of direction or motivation, job, finances, spouse or children? Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to the deepest root issue and then to the promises that will help you overcome. Mediate on those promises until faith arises. Then wait and see how the stone rolls away.

Listen and Learn

How many times has the Holy Spirit tried to gently remind us to do things that will help us from experiencing the consequences of future situations?

I had changed the locks on my house recently but had not given an extra key to my friend. I like to make sure I can get back in when the unforeseen happens. So when I left town, I told my friend to keep the outside key when she came to feed the cat and I would replace it later. This is where the problem begins to unfold.

When I got home, my friend had left the empty black case on the kitchen counter. Instead of replacing the key right away, I pledged to do it later when I had unpacked the car and settle back into my route. For three consecutive days, I gently heard the Holy Spirit caution me to put the key back outside. I had well-meaning intentions, but I never made the task a priority so it never got done.

By the fourth day, I had walked outside to enjoy the beauty of the morning in my pajamas and with a cup of tea. When my daughter came out to go to work, I knew it was time to go inside.

OH NO! The door was locked. I immediately, ran down the driveway to catch my daughter before she got away. This would be an easy fix, I thought. However, she did not have a house key on her spare set. Next, I called my friend, but she was not available to come. I was beginning to fill the pressure because I had a dentist appointment within the hour.

I started to pray for wisdom and courage. I felt like I was running out of choices for a short-term solution. Then, I remembered. Wasn’t the sliding glass door to the back deck still opened? Yes! Now, all I needed was a tall ladder. I flew over to my next-door neighbor’s house to borrow one. As I reached the deck again, all I could do was pray the ladder would be sufficient. Sure enough, I was able to climb up, hoist myself over the railing and land safety on the deck.  I made it to the dentist office with only moments to spare.

Later, the Holy Spirit gave me these words to ponder:

I am training you to hear and take action in the simple things now so when more difficult times come later, you will be prepared.

Point taken Holy Spirit…Thank you.

Are you listening to the Holy Spirit as He gives you wisdom in your affairs? The time is short and we will need His guidance even more for the days to come. I don’t want to waste these unique opportunities to learn about a closer walk. How about you?

All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. – John 14:25-26