Trusting God in Times of Crisis: Finding Peace and Strength Through Faith

Life often brings unexpected challenges that shake our faith and test our resolve. From health scares to financial struggles, these moments can leave us feeling vulnerable and unsure of what to do. But even in the midst of uncertainty, there’s a promise we can hold onto: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

Recently, I experienced this truth firsthand when my husband faced a sudden health issue during a church conference. Despite the fear and uncertainty of the moment, God’s Word became my anchor, reminding me to trust Him completely.

God’s Strength in Trouble

When the crisis began, my initial reaction was to feel overwhelmed. My husband was in severe pain and couldn’t even get into the car to go to the hospital. I called 911, and as the ambulance arrived, my mind raced with “what-ifs.” Was it a heart attack? Was it something more serious?

But in the midst of the chaos, God reminded me of His Word: “Do not let your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1). This verse gave me peace as I walked into the hospital, knowing God was in control. When I finally saw my husband sitting up and scrolling on his phone, I knew everything would be okay.

In moments like this, God’s Word becomes more than just text—it becomes a lifeline. It’s a reminder that He is with us, strengthening us and guiding us through every storm.

Fixing Your Eyes on Jesus

The enemy often uses crises to distract us and pull our focus away from God. Fear, doubt, and worry can easily take over if we’re not careful. But the key to overcoming these feelings is fixing our eyes on Jesus.

Psalm 37:39 says, “The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble.” This promise reassures us that we don’t have to face challenges in our own strength. Instead, we can trust God to carry us through.

Like Paul, who shook off the viper that bit him (Acts 28:5), we too must shake off fear and doubt. Whatever the enemy throws our way—whether it’s sickness, financial struggles, or emotional burdens—we can cast it into the fire and trust that God will protect us.

The Power of God’s House

One of the most significant decisions I made during this crisis was to leave the hospital and go to church. Some might wonder, “How could you leave your husband in the hospital?” But I knew that being in God’s house was where I needed to be.

Psalm 122:1 says, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord.’” There’s something powerful about gathering with other believers, worshiping, and hearing God’s Word. It shifts our focus from the problem to the solution—Jesus Christ.

When I walked into church that evening, I was met with encouragement and faith. I knew my husband was in God’s hands, and that gave me the strength to worship and trust Him completely.

Trusting God’s Timing

The situation with my husband resolved quickly. After running several tests, the doctors found that his pain was caused by an infection in his lungs. They treated him with antibiotics, and he was released from the hospital the same day.

This experience reminded me of Psalm 37:23: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” God’s timing and plans are perfect, even when we don’t understand them. He works behind the scenes, orchestrating every detail for our good.

Worship Through Every Season

No matter what you’re facing, worship is one of the most powerful ways to invite God into your situation. Paul and Silas demonstrated this when they worshiped in prison, and God responded by breaking their chains (Acts 16:25-26).

Similarly, when we lift our voices in praise, even in the midst of trials, we align our hearts with God’s power and promises. Worship shifts our perspective, reminding us that He is greater than any challenge we face.

Takeaway: Focus on Him

The lesson from this experience is clear: Don’t focus on your crisis; focus on Christ. When we put God first, everything else falls into place. His Word provides peace, His presence brings comfort, and His promises give us hope.

Whatever you’re facing today, choose to trust Him. Fix your eyes on Jesus, worship Him in every season, and rest in the knowledge that He will never leave you or forsake you.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for being my refuge and strength in times of trouble. Help me to trust You fully, even when life feels uncertain. Teach me to fix my eyes on You and to worship You in every season. I surrender my fears and worries to You, knowing that You are faithful to Your promises. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Finding Healing and Mercy at the Pool of Bethesda: A Journey of Faith and Transformation

Finding Healing and Mercy at the Pool of Bethesda

The story of the Pool of Bethesda, found in John 5, is a powerful account of Jesus’ compassion and healing. The narrative tells of a place in Jerusalem where people suffering from various physical afflictions gathered, hoping for a miracle. They waited by the pool, believing that an angel would periodically stir the waters, granting healing to whoever stepped in first. In this setting, we encounter a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years, lying by the pool in desperate need of healing.

But there’s something even more profound about this story. It goes beyond physical healing to reveal a deeper message about God’s mercy, timing, and the life-changing impact of faith.

A Place of Brokenness Becomes a House of Mercy

Bethesda, the name of the pool, translates to “House of Mercy.” Jesus’ visit to this place of suffering transforms it into a place of grace, a house of mercy, where brokenness meets divine compassion. The people gathered around the pool were from all walks of life, suffering from various physical limitations—the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed. For years, they waited, hoping that someone would help them into the pool at just the right time.

Like Bethesda, our own communities are filled with people who are spiritually or emotionally paralyzed, held back by past trauma, fear, and hopelessness. Jesus’ presence in these places of brokenness reminds us that He doesn’t wait for us to be perfect before He extends mercy. Instead, He steps into our situations, bringing grace and healing. God has a way of turning our “places of pain” into “places of mercy,” transforming us when we invite Him in.

The Question That Stirs the Heart

When Jesus saw the man lying by the pool, He asked, “Do you want to get well?” It might seem like a strange question to ask someone who has been suffering for nearly four decades. But Jesus wasn’t just asking about the man’s physical condition; He was probing deeper, addressing the state of his heart and will.

This question resonates today. It’s not only about physical ailments; it’s also about the spiritual and emotional places in our lives where we feel stuck. Jesus’ question to each of us might be, “Are you ready to let go of what holds you back? Do you truly desire the freedom and transformation I can offer?” His question challenges us to examine whether we have grown comfortable with our limitations or if we’re ready to step into the healing and new life He promises.

A Time to Act: Faith Beyond Excuses

The man at the pool responded to Jesus by explaining why he hadn’t been healed: “I have no one to help me into the pool.” He was focused on the external obstacles that had prevented his healing, just as we sometimes do when we feel there’s no one to help us overcome our struggles. Yet, Jesus was not looking for an excuse; He was offering a way out.

In response, Jesus said, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.” With these words, He bypassed all the man’s excuses and initiated a miraculous healing. This command called for faith in action. The man had to trust in Jesus' words, stand up, and leave his place of stagnation behind.

Just as the man had to take action, we, too, need to take active steps when we feel God calling us to move forward. Whether it’s leaving behind old habits, relationships, or even mindsets that keep us from embracing God’s best, we are invited to rise, trust, and follow Him into healing. Jesus’ command empowers us to leave the past behind and embrace a new path of faith and freedom.

Stirring the Waters: Revival and Transformation

The stirring of the waters at Bethesda symbolizes the movement of God’s Spirit among us. It represents moments of spiritual awakening when God’s presence invites us to step into transformation. This call to healing isn’t limited to physical ailments—it’s an invitation for each of us to experience revival in every area of our lives.

Today, churches, neighborhoods, and communities are called to be like Bethesda—a place of mercy and healing for those in need. It’s not just about hosting services but about being a beacon of hope where people find spiritual, emotional, and relational healing. In doing so, we become the hands and feet of Jesus, stirring the waters of faith for others.

Don’t Miss the Stirring

As the man lay by the pool, he had spent years waiting for someone else to help him into the water. It’s a reminder to us that we can’t always wait for others to initiate our healing. There comes a time when we need to take a step of faith ourselves.

In our lives, moments arise when the “waters” are being stirred—times of opportunity, when God is moving, inviting us to step forward. Let’s not miss these moments. Let’s be ready to move in faith, to get up from places where we’ve been stagnant, and to embrace the freedom God offers.

Embracing the Mercy of God

The healing at Bethesda shows us the mercy of Jesus, who doesn’t always wait for us to be perfect but meets us right where we are. His love breaks through our excuses, our fears, and our past failures. As we open our hearts to His transformative power, we become not only healed individuals but also vessels of mercy, ready to bring healing to others.

Just as Jesus transformed Bethesda into a place of hope and healing, He can transform our lives. He asks us, “Do you want to get well?” May we, like the man at Bethesda, respond with faith, take up our “mat,” and walk forward, knowing that with Jesus, a new life awaits.

Embracing Open Heaven: Choosing God’s Presence Over Earthly Gains

In 2 Kings 5, we read the compelling story of Naaman, a wealthy Syrian general suffering from leprosy. Despite his influence and wealth, he was plagued with a condition he couldn’t heal himself, and his only hope came through an unexpected source—a young servant girl who shared her faith and directed him to the prophet Elisha. This young girl’s faith in God’s power illustrates the theme of "open heaven," a moment when God’s presence and power manifest so tangibly that even the impossible can happen. Her simple faith invited Naaman, a polytheist and idol-worshiper, to experience the healing power of the true God.

Naaman’s story is remarkable because he wasn’t a believer, yet God’s mercy extended to him in his time of need. When he sought out Elisha, however, he quickly learned that God’s healing wouldn’t come through any grand gesture or transactional exchange. He arrived ready to pay for his miracle, but Elisha didn’t even greet him personally. Instead, he sent a servant with an unexpected instruction: Naaman was to dip himself in the muddy waters of the Jordan seven times. It was not the dignified, miraculous spectacle Naaman had expected; it was simple obedience. And, at first, his pride resisted this humbling command.

This part of Naaman’s journey teaches us a profound lesson: God isn’t impressed by our status or wealth. He values our posture before Him, our willingness to humbly obey. Through Naaman’s initial resistance, we see how we often expect grand gestures in response to our prayers, overlooking the simple acts of faith and obedience that open heaven in our lives. Finally, at the urging of his officers, Naaman relented and followed the prophet’s instruction. His healing came, transforming his life and leading him to acknowledge the God of Israel as the one true God. When heaven opens, lives change—not because of fanfare but because of simple obedience and humility.

This story doesn’t end with Naaman’s healing, though. In a surprising turn, we see Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, falter in his commitment. Unlike Naaman, Gehazi was a follower of God and a servant to the prophet, positioned to inherit a double portion of Elisha’s anointing. However, Gehazi’s focus shifted, and he was more captivated by the wealth that Naaman offered than by his own calling. He pursued Naaman secretly, lying to obtain material gain. In this moment, Gehazi chose the “door of opportunity” over the “door of responsibility.”

The contrast between Gehazi’s and Naaman’s choices highlights the dangers of misplaced priorities. Gehazi traded his future with God for temporary, material gain. By choosing the door of opportunity rather than responsibility, he lost the anointing and blessing that was waiting for him. The Bible says, “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity” (Proverbs 11:3). Gehazi’s duplicity brought judgment upon him, leaving him with the same leprosy that had afflicted Naaman.

Gehazi’s story reminds us of the temptations we face in choosing between temporary gain and our calling. The world is full of enticing opportunities that can seem rewarding in the short term, but they often pull us away from the lasting, purposeful path God has set before us. When we rely on earthly solutions to meet spiritual needs, we risk forfeiting the blessings God has for us.

In a world that celebrates status, achievement, and wealth, it’s easy to find ourselves distracted from God’s priorities. Our faith can become diluted when we prioritize recognition or financial success over our relationship with God. When heaven is open, however, God calls us to align our desires with His. We should be more concerned with seeking God’s presence than with chasing after worldly gains.

To experience open heaven in our lives, we must cultivate contentment in God’s presence and a heart for obedience, even in the simple things. Naaman was healed because he chose to humble himself and follow God’s instruction, while Gehazi lost his future by grasping for worldly rewards. When we place ourselves in a posture of humility, we invite God to work powerfully in our lives. True contentment is found not in possessions but in knowing that we are aligned with God’s purpose for us.

In our daily lives, the door of open heaven is accessible through simple, consistent acts of faith and humility. Like the servant girl who directed Naaman, we too can invite others into God’s presence by living out our faith boldly and humbly. And like Naaman, we must be willing to humble ourselves and obey God, even if it means taking the less glamorous path. Finally, unlike Gehazi, we must remain committed to our calling over fleeting opportunities, trusting that God’s provision and blessings far outweigh any earthly reward.

As we navigate life’s choices, may we be reminded of these two doors: the door of opportunity and the door of responsibility. Our calling to pursue God’s presence, to prioritize His kingdom, and to act with integrity is a choice we make daily. When heaven is open, God’s power transforms lives, including ours, as we choose Him over everything else. Let us choose to walk through the door that leads to open heaven, knowing that it’s there we find true peace, purpose, and fulfillment.

Full Message

The One Thing That Can't Be Taken Away: Choosing What's Better in a Distracted World

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your to-do list? Do you find yourself constantly busy, yet wondering if you're really accomplishing what matters most? In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of activity, even in our spiritual lives. But what if I told you that the key to true fulfillment and effectiveness isn't doing more, but choosing what's better?

The Tale of Two Sisters

Let's look at a familiar story from Luke 10:38-42. Jesus visits the home of two sisters, Martha and Martha. While Martha busies herself with preparations, Mary sits at Jesus' feet, listening to His words. Martha, frustrated by her sister's apparent laziness, complains to Jesus. But His response is surprising:

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41-42).

This story illustrates a profound truth: in our spiritual lives, there's often a warfare going on – not against external forces, but in resetting our priorities.

The Danger of Distraction

Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She was so focused on serving Jesus that she missed the opportunity to be with Him. How often do we fall into the same trap? We can become so busy doing things for God that we neglect our relationship with Him.

I've observed this pattern over the years, which is why I made a covenant with God years ago. I said, "God, I never want to serve you from a place of frustration." Because the moment I serve from frustration, I become ineffective. You can't bear fruit if you're frustrated – you'll only bear the fruit of frustration.

Choosing What's Better

So what's the alternative? It's choosing what Mary chose – to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His words. This doesn't mean we neglect our responsibilities, but it does mean we prioritize our relationship with God above everything else.

Here's what I've learned: lovers of God outwork the workers. People who prioritize their relationship with Jesus don't just come in all fired up, ready to do something for God, and then burn out two years later. They have the sustainability to fulfill their God-given assignment.

The One Thing That Can't Be Taken Away

Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen what was better, and it wouldn't be taken away from her. Think about that for a moment. In a world where everything is temporary, where we can lose our possessions, our health, even our loved ones, there's one thing that can never be taken from us – our relationship with Jesus.

As David said in Psalm 27:4, "One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple."

The Power of Sitting at Jesus' Feet

Later in the Gospels, we see the fruit of Mary's choice. When her brother Lazarus dies, it's Mary who moves Jesus to tears and action. While Martha receives a theological truth from Jesus, Mary receives His compassion and sees His power in raising Lazarus from the dead.

This shows us that when we prioritize our relationship with Jesus, we position ourselves to see His power at work in our lives and the lives of those around us.

Putting It Into Practice: Resetting Our Priorities

So how do we apply this in our daily lives? Here are some practical steps:

1. Evaluate your schedule: Are you making time to sit at Jesus' feet daily?

2. Identify distractions: What "many things" are worrying and upsetting you?

3. Choose the "one thing": Commit to prioritizing your relationship with Jesus above all else.

4. Serve from a place of worship: Let your actions flow from your time with Jesus, not from frustration or obligation.

5. Trust in the sustainability of intimacy with God: Remember, it's not about doing more, but about being with Him more.

As we reset our priorities and choose what's better, we'll find that we're not just more effective in our service, but we're also more fulfilled, more at peace, and more in tune with God's heart. And that, my friends, is something that can never be taken away from us.

Walking in Victory: Embracing Obedience, Accountability, and Unity in Spiritual Warfare

In the midst of life’s battles, it’s easy to feel isolated, overwhelmed, and defeated. Whether it’s a personal struggle, a spiritual challenge, or a community crisis, many of us try to fight these battles on our own, only to find ourselves exhausted and burned out. The truth is, spiritual warfare was never meant to be fought alone. God’s design for victory involves obedience, accountability, and unity within the body of Christ. Let’s explore how these three elements—obedience, accountability, and unity—are essential for walking in victory.

Obedience: Trusting God’s Unconventional Instructions

One of the most powerful stories of obedience in the Bible is found in Joshua 6, where God commands Joshua and the Israelites to march around the city of Jericho for seven days. At first glance, the instructions may have seemed unusual and ineffective for conquering a fortified city. But Joshua’s willingness to follow God’s command without question resulted in one of the greatest victories in biblical history. The walls of Jericho crumbled, not by the Israelites' strength, but by their obedience to God’s Word.

In our own lives, God often calls us to act in ways that may not make sense to us at first. Whether it’s a difficult conversation, a decision to wait instead of act, or a step of faith into the unknown, obedience to God’s instructions leads to breakthrough. Many times, our human nature wants to take control and handle things in our own way, but true victory comes when we surrender to God’s plan, trusting that His ways are higher than ours.

Ask yourself: In what areas of your life is God asking you to obey? Are you holding back because His instructions seem difficult or unclear? Like Joshua, we must be willing to take the step of faith, even when we don’t fully understand the path ahead.

Accountability: We’re Not Meant to Fight Alone

In the book of Ecclesiastes, we are reminded of the importance of community: “Two are better than one... If either of them falls down, one can help the other up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Accountability is an essential part of the Christian walk, particularly when facing spiritual warfare. Rob’s personal journey, as shared in his testimony, highlights how isolation led to exhaustion, but accountability brought healing and growth.

One of the greatest deceptions of the enemy is convincing us that we are alone in our struggles. When we believe this lie, we keep our battles to ourselves, often out of pride or fear of judgment. But the reality is that we all face challenges, and we need each other to walk through them. Accountability involves being honest and transparent with others, allowing them to support us, pray for us, and help us stay on the path of obedience.

If you don’t currently have someone in your life who holds you accountable, it’s time to seek out a trusted friend or mentor. Find someone who can speak truth into your life, challenge you when needed, and encourage you in your walk with God. Likewise, be willing to offer the same support to someone else. Together, we can bear each other’s burdens and walk in victory.

Unity: The Strength of the Body of Christ

One of the key takeaways from the story of Jericho is that the Israelites didn’t achieve victory alone. It wasn’t just Joshua’s obedience that brought down the walls—it was the collective obedience and unified effort of the entire community. They marched together, silent yet united, trusting God’s timing. When the moment came to shout, they did so in one accord, and God gave them victory.

Unity is a powerful force in spiritual warfare. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to stand together, supporting one another in our individual and collective battles. This unity doesn’t just apply to our local church communities but extends to the global church as well. We are all part of God’s mission to bring healing, restoration, and salvation to the world.

As the Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 4:3, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Unity is something we must actively pursue, especially in a world that often seeks to divide. Whether it’s through prayer, serving others, or simply offering encouragement, we all have a role to play in fostering unity within the body of Christ.

Consider how you can contribute to the unity of your church or community. Are there ways you can step in to help build up others, encourage leaders, or support someone in need? When we walk in unity, we create an atmosphere where God’s power can move freely, bringing victory not just to individuals but to entire communities.

Conclusion: Stepping Into Victory

Spiritual warfare is real, but so is God’s promise of victory. However, that victory doesn’t come through our own strength or striving—it comes through obedience, accountability, and unity. As we surrender our pride, lean on one another for support, and stand together as the body of Christ, we create the conditions for God’s miraculous power to break through.

If you’ve been fighting your battles alone, now is the time to take action. Seek out accountability, engage in community, and be obedient to what God is calling you to do. Remember, you are not alone in this fight—God goes before you, and He has surrounded you with a community to help you walk in victory.

May you step into that victory today, trusting in God’s faithfulness and walking in obedience, accountability, and unity.

Watch the full message here… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=granJMqMJgk

#Obedience #Surrender #Spiritualwarfare #Tucson #TucsonAZ #SouthAfrica #Oklahoma #NewZealand #Tonga #Hawaii #DontDoLifeAlone #Accountability #Responsibility #MeleanaHarke #JohnHarke #RobLester #TracyLester

The Battlefield of the Mind: Winning the War Within

Have you ever felt like your own thoughts were working against you? Like no matter how hard you try, you can't seem to shake off negative patterns, bitterness, or unforgiveness? You're not alone. As Christians, we often face an intense spiritual battle - not out there in the world, but right inside our own minds.

The Apostle Paul understood this struggle well. He wrote in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5:

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

Let's break down what this means for us today and how we can win the war within.

Recognizing the Real Battle

When we think of spiritual warfare, we often picture dramatic confrontations with evil forces. But the truth is, much of our battle happens in the quiet moments of our daily lives - in how we think, perceive situations, and respond to others.

As I've learned over the years, "Our warfare is in our minds." It's those persistent negative thoughts, bitter memories, and destructive patterns that try to set themselves up against what God says about us. These are the real strongholds we need to confront.

The Enemy's Strategy: Lies and Deception

"Satan's strategy is to block the knowledge and application of God's word in the thoughts of believers so that they can be held hostage by his lies." The enemy wants nothing more than to keep us trapped in cycles of negative thinking, unforgiveness, and bitterness.

I've experienced this firsthand in my marriage. There was a time when I couldn't wait for my husband to get home from work, but as soon as he walked in the door, I felt this overwhelming negativity. It wasn't until I sought God about it that He revealed a root of bitterness I had allowed to grow over time.

God's Weapons: Truth and Forgiveness

So how do we fight back? Not with the world's weapons of anger, gossip, or retaliation. Instead, we use the powerful spiritual weapons God has given us:

1. The Truth of God's Word
2. Prayer and Praise
3. Forgiveness

"Strongholds can only be demolished by the knowledge of God - that is, His truth," I've learned. We need to saturate our minds with Scripture, allowing it to transform our thinking patterns.

And when it comes to forgiveness, it's not about waiting to feel like forgiving. It's a choice we make in obedience to God, even when it's difficult. "The Bible says to forgive. It doesn't say feel the forgiveness, work the forgiveness. It says forgive."

Practical Steps for Victory

Winning the battle of the mind isn't a one-time event - it's an ongoing process. Here are some practical steps we can take:

1. Take every thought captive: Be aware of your thought patterns and actively challenge those that don't align with God's truth.

2. Renew your mind with Scripture: Make Bible study and meditation a daily habit.

3. Practice forgiveness: Choose to forgive quickly, even when feelings don't follow immediately.

4. Seek inner healing: Don't be afraid to dig deep and address root issues with God's help.

5. Stay in community: We need each other. "This is where we do life together," as we say at our church.

Remember, "We are not helpless victims or recipients of our thoughts. We can choose to stop our thoughts and bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."

It's a journey, and it takes discipline. But with God's help and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can win the war within and experience the freedom and victory Christ has already secured for us.