5 Ways to Re-Up Your Faith
“New Year? No thanks!”
This was my friend’s response to my question about goals for the new year. They clarified their answer by stating that everything they hoped for didn’t happen AND that 2020 was their worst year to date. In all humanity there are so many of us that can relate, because 2020, like every other year, began with great hopes. My travel calendar was full, I was expanding in business, I was in a relationship that seemed strong and sure--but not pandemic strong-not pandemic sure. I was believing God for the extraordinary, and was definitely shaken by what I saw on the news. I began to question things I knew, and had evidence, were true! Mid-way through shelter-in-place I realized my faith was on life support, and the 5 things I am going to share with you to RE-UP your faith are the very things I used to turn my year around.
**I should mention that 2020 was actually the year of harvest and growth for me. I thrived in business, intimacy with the Lord, and received promotion after I practiced these 5 things**
Remind God of his promises- Since His words cannot return without being accomplished (Isa.55:11), in moments where I was confronted by the flames of doubt I extinguished them with the promises in God’s word. I also reread prophesices that hadn’t been fulfilled and ended them with this phrase “ Isn’t wonderful your word never fails and manifests in perfect time?”
Remember it has happened for others- Since God doesn’t play favorites (Rom. 2:11) allow the stories of others to inspire you. I would read testimonies of people who overcame and received the promise. By the time I finished reading I would be smiling from ear-to-ear and faith-refreshed.
Thanks in advance- Giving thanks deepens our faith because it exalts the Giver of all good things (Ps. 136:1). While conducting a session on combatting anxiety with a church in Jamaica Queens we did an activation of gratitude; what happened after saying “thank you” for 2 minutes the vibration of the Zoom session changed to utter peace. The petitioners were beaming and testified about how good it felt to be able to exhale. They felt as if a big weight had been removed. I use this activation daily. It’s beautiful and honors God, the Giver of all good things.
Visualization- Speaking the promise is made powerful by seeing it 1st! I have wanted a BMW for the last 10 years, but I convinced myself that I wasn’t wealthy enough, and when I began to make money I would tell myself that it wasn’t the right time. Well, it turned out pandemic was the exact time the Lord wanted to increase my faith and prove me wrong. I was actually afraid of rejection. Honestly,I didn’t have enough faith to believe I deserved it. Well. I got denied the 1st time. When I cried out for guidance I was instructed to visualize myself driving in the car I wanted- fingers grazing over the emblem-even down to the sunglasses and outfit I’d be wearing. I did this for three days and on the evening of the third day I received a call telling me a mistake was made and when could I pick up my brand new car. I could go on and on about the wonderful lessons that came out of this experience, but I think I’ve made my point.
Prayer of Praise- Praise commands a repeat performance. When we shower Him with praise and adoration, He delights in us and gives more gifts to his grateful children. Here is a prayer of praise you can feel free to use.
“Lord, I dwell on the goodness in my life. Thank you for the many gifts that surround me now. How wonderful are your ways. How amazing is your love. How great are you Lord that you open my eyes to see these gifts at all times. I celebrate you and all that you do. “
Please do not be afraid to believe again. He takes pleasure in his creation and cares for his own. Be encouraged to Re-Up your faith and dream again, only this time-- BIGGER!
