Life can feel like a battlefield, can’t it? You have this vision from the Lord—this God-sized dream—and you’re pushing, pressing, and doing everything in your power to see it come to pass. Yet, at the same time, you’re trying not to do it in your own strength. You’re surrendering to God daily, or at least trying to. But it feels like you’ve surrendered everything you can, and you’re left asking Him, “What more is there left to give?”
On top of everything, it feels like your efforts are being overlooked, and your heart is being misunderstood. People’s words or actions may leave you questioning if they truly see your intentions, and it’s hard not to feel the weight of constantly having to prove yourself. It’s exhausting to pour so much of yourself into what God has called you to do, only to face resistance or feel like you’re not making any progress.If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And I have good news for you: God has not forgotten you.
The Battle in the Mind
One of the hardest parts of spiritual warfare is the battle in our minds. The enemy whispers lies like, “You were foolish to take that leap of faith,” or, “You’ve wasted your time—nothing is ever going to come of this.” If left unchecked, those lies can spiral into discouragement, self-doubt, and even despair.
I know this because I’ve been there. Just today, I had a plan—spend time with the Lord, work out, get the kids off to school, and dive into my business. But life happened. The kids missed the bus, my schedule fell apart, and I found myself spiraling after just one thought planted by the enemy. By midday, I was sitting in my car, crying out to God and wondering how I had allowed one lie to steal my peace and productivity.
That’s when the Lord gently reminded me: “Man up in the spirit. Stop letting every little thing the enemy says throw you off course. You know your assignment. You know I’ve called you. You know I love you. So why are you letting the enemy counsel you?”
Rest is Trust
If you’re feeling weary right now, one of the most powerful things you can do is rest. I know—there’s a voice in your head saying, “But I have so much to do!” But rest isn’t just about taking a break; it’s an act of trust. When God tells us to rest, He’s reminding us that the outcome doesn’t depend on our striving but on His faithfulness.
Rest renews our clarity and creativity. It helps us shift our focus from what we can do to what He has already done. So if God is calling you to rest, obey Him. Let Him restore you.
Keep the Word Fresh
In seasons of warfare, it’s critical to keep God’s Word fresh in your heart and mind. Do whatever it takes:
- Write out scriptures and hang them where you can see them.
- Blast praise and worship music through your home.
- Speak the truth out loud, even when you don’t feel like it.
- Use a journal to reflect on God's promises and track how He is working in your life.
- Wear tangible reminders of God's truth like faith-based jewelry.
The enemy’s lies can only take root if we forget the truth. If God has spoken a promise over your life, it’s true. Period. Separate your feelings from the truth, and cling to what God has said.
And remember this command from the Lord: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Fear and discouragement may knock on your door, but you don’t have to open it. God’s Word assures us that His presence is constant, and His strength is sufficient.
Where Is Your Hope?
It’s easy to place our hope in outcomes, isn’t it? When things seem to go our way—when the job interview goes well, when the doctor says the cancer is gone—we suddenly feel joy and relief. But what happens when things don’t go as planned? When the interview is rescheduled or the healing hasn’t manifested yet?
God reminded me recently that our hope and joy should never rest on circumstances but on Him alone. The Bible says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Just as branches draw all their sustenance from the vine, we must stay connected to Christ as our ultimate source. If your joy only comes when the circumstances align, then your hope is misplaced. God wants us to trust Him fully—100%, not just 80% or 90%. Until we reach a place of full dependence, we’ll struggle to move into the next phase He has for us.
Yes, the job is a blessing. Yes, the job will help. But Philippians 4:19 reminds us, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” God didn’t say it had to be through a job. He can bless you through your business, through unexpected provisions, or in ways you can’t even imagine. Don’t limit Him by pinning your hope to a specific outcome.
Stop Focusing on What You’ve Done
When you’re in a tough season, it’s tempting to look at your life and say, “But God, didn’t I do everything You asked? Didn’t I give, pray, worship, and obey?” But God doesn’t want us to focus on what we’ve done. He wants us to focus on what He has done.
The promises of God are rooted in His faithfulness, not our performance. Yes, obedience matters, but it’s not the foundation of our hope—He is. Stop looking at your efforts and start looking at His finished work on the cross.
The Bible assures us that God does not change His mind about His plans. “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19). If He gave you a vision, He will bring it to completion. Trust Him, even when the path looks unclear.
Man Up in the Spirit
The Lord said something to me today that I believe He wants me to share with you: “Man up in the spirit.”
This isn’t about striving or “toughing it out.” It’s about standing firm in the truth of who God is and who He says you are. It’s about refusing to let the enemy intimidate you. You are a child of the Most High God. Your Father is the Creator of the universe. You are not forgotten, and you are not fighting alone.
Practical Steps to Move Forward
1. Rest When He Says Rest: Obedience in rest is an act of trust. Let God restore you.
2. Immerse Yourself in the Word: Keep God’s promises front and center in your mind.
3. Praise Through the Pain: Worship shifts your focus from the problem to the Problem-Solver.
4. Fast or Take Communion: If God leads you, use these as acts of consecration, not works of self-help.
5. Separate Feelings from Truth: Emotions are real, but they don’t define reality—God’s Word does.
You. Will. Not. Faint!
Even if you’re weary, you will not faint. God promises to renew the strength of those who wait on Him. You will mount up on wings like eagles. You will run and not grow weary. You will walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).
The warfare is real, but so is God’s faithfulness. Trust Him. Rest in Him. Keep moving forward, knowing that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.
Dedicate this month to Him. Consecrate your time, your work, and your heart. Obey His leading, and watch as He brings clarity, creativity, and breakthrough in ways you never imagined.
Be strong. Be courageous. Be steadfast. He is with you. Always.
Scriptures to consider
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
John 15:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
1 Corinthians 16:13
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
1 Samuel 30:6
“But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.”
Ephesians 6:10-11
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Numbers 23:19
“God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”