[Excerpt taken from the message]

Base Text: “Present your case,” says the Lord. “Bring forth your strong reasons,” says the King of Jacob.’’ Isaiah 41:21(NKJV)

In this chapter God says, present your case. There might be doubts about whether we can plead with God, but the truth is, we are granted permission to do so. In fact, God Himself affirms this truth.

The book of Isaiah, chapter 43:26(NKJV), says “Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend together; State your case, that you may be acquitted.”  God urges us to put Him in remembrance and engage in a dialogue. Although some may ask the question whether God forgets, the truth is that God never forgets. However, He instructs us to remind Him of His promises.  While the original context may involve negative circumstances, let’s focus on the underlying principles. It is essential to grasp that God challenges us to bring our concerns before Him, emphasising the importance of communication and seeking His deliverance.

How to plead your case with God 

The purpose of presenting the following examples is to illustrate the precedents found in the Bible, which can assist you in pleading your own case with God. Observe the pattern and precedent in these examples, for God does not show favouritism.

In Genesis 18:20-26, we encounter a passage concerning Abraham. The Lord declared that the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah was significant, and their sin was exceedingly grave. In verse 21, God expressed His intention to investigate the allegations against Sodom and Gomorrah and determine if they were indeed as severe as the outcry suggested. He stated, “I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry against it that has come to me. And if not, I will know.” In verse 22, the men turned their attention towards Sodom, while Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Can someone acknowledge that Abraham stood before the Lord?  One important aspect to learn about pleading your case with God is that you have right-standing before Him. The Bible instructs us to come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy. Abraham stood before the Lord with righteousness, without any sense of shame, guilt, or inferiority. Praise the Lord, for God has granted you a right standing with Him! Abraham approached and asked, “Would you also destroy the righteous with the wicked?” In verse 24, he presented his case, suggesting that if there were fifty righteous individuals in the city, God should spare it. He continued to advocate, saying, “Far be it from you to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked. Far be it from you!” Take note of his words. He questioned, “Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?” In response, the Lord assured Abraham that if fifty righteous people were found in Sodom, He would spare the entire place for their sake, due to Abraham’s intercession. Abraham emphasised the righteousness of the Judge of all the earth and questioned whether He would destroy the wicked alongside the righteous.

Now, let’s consider the account of David and the census he conducted, which displeased God, as described in 2 Samuel 24:15-17. You may already be familiar with this story. God’s displeasure stemmed from David’s census-taking. The Lord sent a plague upon Israel from the morning until the appointed time, covering the region from Dan to Beersheba. God had given David three options through the prophet, and David chose to fall into the hands of God because of His mercy. As a result, the angel of destruction began its work. The plague caused the death of 70,000 men across the land, from Dan to Beersheba. However, when the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the Lord relented from further destruction. In the Book of Joel, it is written, “Let the ministers weep, let the people cry out. Perhaps God will relent.”  Remember when God instructed Jonah to go to Nineveh and declare its impending destruction? The king of Nineveh humbled himself, came down from his throne, and sought God’s mercy. And what happened? God relented. You see, you have the knowledge of how to plead your case with God. Even when God declares a judgment, there is room for His mercy and compassion. 

David demonstrated this when he pleaded with God during this particular incident. When the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the Lord relented from further destruction. The Lord spoke to the angel who was carrying out the destruction, and some may ask, “Does God relent? Is He a merciful God?” The answer is yes, He does relent. He is a merciful God. 

Some may think, “Well, if God has declared that I will suffer for three days, I should just accept it.” But no, you see, just like Eli, when he received a message from God, he said, “He is the Lord. Let Him do as He pleases,” instead of pleading for God’s mercy. But let me tell you something: where I come from, if you know how to beg, you wont be on your knees too long. If you know how to say, “I’m sorry,” sincerely and genuinely, not just a simple “sorry,” and if you further express, “I apologise. I regret my actions. What can I do to make it right?”  you will realise that the full course of the consequence doesn’t have to play out. If you know how to apologize and plead your case, God will relent, and the devil’s mouth will be shut. You can remind him, “Didn’t God say this? Didn’t God declare that?” And God will respond to the devil, “Hey, are you deaf? Didn’t you hear? My child has repented.”

How to plead your case against the devil 

And when it comes to pleading your case, where Satan is concerned, The Bible explicitly states that Satan is the accuser of the brethren. He assumes the role of accusing the brethren. Frequently, he accuses individuals without their awareness of what he holds against them. One significant aspect that Satan consistently exploits is people’s sins. In a way, Satan acts as a bad bailiff—although not a reliable one. Some of you may not be familiar with the role of bailiffs. Bailiffs act based on court judgments. When the judge pronounces a ruling, such as instructing you to forfeit your assets due to outstanding debts, bailiffs enforce it accordingly.

There are numerous accusations that the enemy holds against people. You may be unaware of what the enemy is utilising against you. Thankfully, we have the blood of Jesus.  You can pray and declare, “Whatever you are using against me, I don’t know, but I command the blood of Jesus against it.” Why is the blood so effective? It’s because through the blood, you obtain forgiveness of sins and redemption. In case you need to swiftly confront the devil, simply declare, “Satan, I apply the blood of justice against you.” According to 1 John 1:9, the Bible says that “if you confess your sins, God is faithful and just to forgive you”. Pay attention to the word “just.” Do you want to know why the Bible says that God is faithful and just? It pertains to the role of justice in God’s forgiveness of your sins. He has placed your sins upon Jesus, so it would be unjust on His part, having transferred your sins to Jesus, to make you bear the punishment for them.

Please contact us on office @uk.fowm.org to purchase your copy of this powerful series, “Pleading Your Case.”

9. Being Focused

“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb. 12:1c-2).

There are many things around you calling for your attention, but you must remain focused on your course or else you won’t finish what you started! In the parable of the sower, the seeds that fell among the thorns represented those who allowed the cares of this world among other things, to choke the Word, so THEY became unfruitful! (Matt. 13:22).

Abraham was able to become the father of many nations, because he focused on God’s promises and not on his body or Sarah’s. (Rom. 4:18c-21). The Psalmist said, “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm16:8 NIV).

10. Thanksgiving and Praise

“Seven times a day I praise You, Because of Your righteous judgments”. (Psalm 119:164).

The Bible says we should give thanks in all things and not just in good things. “Thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 MSG). This brings the mind the story of Paul and Silas in prison; they were in the most painful and uncomfortable situation yet they prayed and sang praises.  And “suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.”

(Acts 16:22-26). God inhabits and reigns in our praises (Psalm 22:3). It seemed Jehoshaphat understood this when he appointed singers ahead of the army; and as they began to sing and give praise God caused their enemies to turn against themselves and they were defeated. (2 Chron. 20:21-23).

11. Being Spirit-led and Spirit-controlled

“But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit];” (Gal.5:16 AMP).

The desires or dictates of the Spirit are just the opposite of those of the carnal nature; and if we live only to satisfy our own sinful nature we will reap decay, deterioration, destruction and death in different areas of our lives. (Gal. 6:8)

Daily we are faced with decisions to either yield to the Spirit of God who lives in us or to our flesh; the more we yield to the leadings and prompting of the Spirit, the more we mature spiritually! (Rom. 8:14). This explains why many Christians, though having been long saved, have remained spiritual babes. Paul told the Corinthians, “Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ.” 1 Cor.3:1 NIV).

The Spirit of God will always lead us in line with God’s Word- not contrary to or away from it! He is the Spirit of Truth, and He will always guide us accordingly. He is also teaches us and helps us to do what the Word says.

12. Warfare

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith,” (1 Peter 5:8-9a). The devil is already on the loose but we must learn to stop him and hinder his operations in our own lives. He has been likened to a roaring lion. In addition to his strategy of sending fear into the heart of its prey, is also the surprise element to his attacks! Jesus told His disciples to watch and pray, so that they may not fall into temptation “without knowing it” because of the weakness of the flesh. (Mark 14:38 MSG).

The lifestyle of warfare is characterised by watchfulness and prayerfulness. In the parable of the Wheat and Tares Jesus said that while men slept, the enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. (Matt. 13:24-25). Herod had killed the apostle James, and then took Peter to also kill him; Peter was therefore kept in prison, “but fervent prayer for him was persistently made to God by the church.” Their prayers made the difference in Peter’s case, as he was miraculously released from the prison!

We mustn’t leave to chance or to the devil; we are admonished to pray without ceasing, and to watch in prayers. (Eph. 6:18;1 Thessalonians 5:17).

13. Joy and Rejoicing

“Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always);” (1 Thessalonians 5:16 AMP). The MSG Bible says, “Be cheerful no matter what”. Jesus told His disciples to rejoice even when unjustly persecuted and falsely accused! (Matt. 5:11-12). And they did exactly that, after they were beaten for preaching in the name of Jesus they left, “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” (Acts 5:41c).

The secret to maintaining one’s joy- no matter what is to always recall the words of the Lord in the face of the challenges and circumstances. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11).

The enemy attacks our joy, because he knows that if he can’t steal our joy, he can’t keep our goods! He knows he can’t keep us sick, poor or down for long. The Amalekites raided David and his men, they went away with all their families and properties; but they were able to recover all; because David decided to encourage himself in the Lord His God.

The joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh. 8:10c). Jesus for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame.

The devil also attacks our joy, because he knows that joy is a component of the Kingdom of God (Rom.14:17); and he will not be able to prevail against us, if we would maintain the joy of the Lord not matter what. The Kingdom of God rules over all (Psa.103:19); so one way to stay on top of your challenges and circumstances is to learn to maintain His joy in your life. Avoid murmuring and complaining, rather rejoice and be cheerful no matter what! I always say, ‘I have NOTHING to complain about, but EVERYTHING to be thankful about!’

14. Giving and Doing Good

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Gal. 6:9-10).

This isn’t what we do when we feel like, but what we commit to- whether it’s convenient or not! In the story of ‘The Good Samaritan’, the Priest and the Levite walked past the dying man; probably because it wasn’t a convenient time for them to stop and attend to him. That was an opportunity for them right there to do good; but they didn’t take it! The Bible says,

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” (Heb. 13:1-2).

We don’t do good to only to those we like or to those who can pay us back. Jesus said we wouldn’t be acting different to the unbelievers if we did that, and there will be no reward from God for that. (Matt. 5:43-48). We should do good as long as it’s within our power to do it, and be prompt about it! (Prov. 3:27-28).

The Bible gives us the ‘rules’ for giving in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: a, give bountifully not sparingly; b, give willingly not reluctantly or under pressure; and c, give cheerfully. Ananias must have come under the pressure to give like others but he didn’t have it in his heart to give everything so he decided to lie that he gave all the proceeds from the sale of his land. And Peter said to him, “The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!” (Acts 5:4 NLT).

15. Diligence and Hard Work

Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men. (Prov. 22:29).

Being diligent is more than being hard working; but also being careful, putting in a lot of effort, paying attention to details, being persistent and persevering, and being determined to accomplish something. A diligent worker doesn’t t just bang away at the job; they earnestly try to do everything right!

The word comes from the Latin ‘diligere’, which means “to value highly, take delight in”.

Joseph was a classic example of a diligent person; and he literally ended up standing before a king- king Pharaoh! “Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt.” (Gen. 41:46a).

Joseph was diligent when his father sent him to go check on his brothers in Shechem. When he didn’t find them there, he kept lookout for them until he found them in Dothan. (Gen. 37:12-17).

Joseph was diligent as a slave in Potiphar’s house and was successful in all he did; and when his master saw that, he promoted Joseph to be overseer of his house and put him in charge of everything he had! (Gen.39:2-6). He was unjustly thrown in prison when Potiphar’s wife lied against him; but that didn’t break his spirit- Joseph remained diligent. Again in prison, he was put in charge of the prison and all the other prisoners! (Gen. 39:19-23). “Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.” (Prov. 12:24 NLT). The life of Joseph also shows us the connection between diligence and favour; because he was diligent in his duties, God always gave him favour with his masters.

The Bible says, “A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman- who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.” (Prov. 31:10 AMP). No one can stop you or keep you down, nor can anyone take the credit for what you do, if you remain diligent in what you do. The Bible says God isn’t unjust to forget your labour of love. Remain diligent and keep working hard; it’s only going to be a matter of time and you shall be celebrated. “Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” (Prov.31:31 NIV).

16. Never Giving Up

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” (Luke 18:1 NIV).

Winners don’t quit, and quitters don’t win! Remember, Christ has already won the victory for you on the cross, and He is at the right hand of the Father interceding for you. You have the Helper- the Holy Spirit with you and in you and you have angels- ministering spirits, sent to serve you. You’re also surrounded by a cloud of witnesses cheering you on as you run the race set before you. You have the Word of God and you have the company of believers! The Syrophoenician woman didn’t give up; Blind Bartimaeus cried out louder when he was told to keep quiet; the woman with the issue of blood pressed through the crowd to touch the hem of His gown; Jairus believed, even after he was told her daughter was dead; and the friends of the paralytic didn’t give up when there was no room to come in through the door to where Jesus was. The list of the ‘crowd of witnesses’ is endless; so don’t ever give up!

God bless you

Rev. Funke Ewuosho

V. For ability:

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22).

Jesus asked, “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). In Matthew 21, He also told a parable of a man who asked each of his two sons to go and work in his vineyard. He said the one who said “Yes” ended up not going, but the one who initially said “I will not” eventually went. Jesus then asked; “Which of the two did the will of his father?” And they said to Him, “The first.” (Matthew 21:28-31a).

The bottom line therefore, is the DOING, not just the saying or hearing. It is the doer (and not the forgetful hearer), that will be blessed in what he does (James 1:25). The difference between the wise and foolish builders, was also in the doing; they both came to Jesus and heard Him (Luke 6:46-49).

Many reasons could be attributed to not doing, even what we know we should be doing; but they most likely will come down to one thing- the lack of strength! Doing requires inner strength- “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).

Like it’s been said, if wishes were horses, beggars would ride! When Jesus took 3 of His disciples to the garden of Gethsemane to watch with Him, He always found them sleeping; and He said to them, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:37-41). You must therefore realise that, it isn’t enough to desire or be willing to do (e.g. the right thing); you also need the strength to do it- “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” (Philippians 2:13 NLT).

Vi. For strength of character:

It’s been said, If you don’t stand for anything, you will fall for everything! Someone said your character is who you are or what you do, when nobody is watching you; it’s not about trying to make an impression on people. Strength of character can be defined simply as, “the amount of strength one has towards negative actions or deeds. Taking the moral high road with the strength to stand up for your beliefs and do what is right, regardless of how it may make you look or what money it may cost you. High moral fiber and the courage of your convictions held strongly.” (Urban Dictionary).

The Bible records stories of people who demonstrated great strength of character, at different times:

Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, he rather chose to identify with the suffering of the people of God; “esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt.” (Hebrews 11:24-26)

Joseph refused to sleep with his master’s wife, despite her persistent appeal; he said to her, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).

Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego refused to serve the gods of king Nebuchadnezzar or to worship the gold image he had set up. When threatened to be thrown into the fiery furnace; they still refused to bow (Daniel 3:13-18)!

Daniel remained consistent, even at the risk of his own life! When he knew that the decree has been made; “he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.” (Daniel 6:6-10).

Having a strength of character is doing what is right, even when it isn’t popular, convenient; and that takes an inner strength! The Bible says those who will worship in God’s sanctuary and enter His presence are “Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts…and keep their promises even when it hurts.” (Psalm 15:2,4c NLT)

Having been challenged by Mordecai to do something about the impending doom of her people, rather than remain silent in the ‘safety’ of the palace; Esther replied, And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” (Esther 4:16c).

It’s encouraging to, however, note that each of these stories had a happy ending! About Moses: “This Moses whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’ is the one God sent to be a ruler and a deliverer.” (Acts 7:35a). Joseph went on to become the prime minister of Egypt- a position second to only the king’s and higher than his former master’s, Potiphar. We know that not only did the 3 Hebrews not burn when thrown into the fire; but were rather promoted afterwards. Daniel told the king, “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me,” (Daniel 6:22a). He was also promoted by the king afterwards.

vii. To resist the devil effectively:

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7). The Amplified Bible says, “stand firm against him;” and that would require an inner strength. To resist means, to “withstand the action or effect of.” It also means, to hold out against, to combat, to counter, to be unyielding, etc.

We are dealing with an enemy who sometimes will not go without putting up a fight. In the parable of the widow and the unjust judge, the Bible says he refused to grant her request (or ignored her) for a while; “but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’” (Luke 18:4c-5 NLT).

We are also dealing with an enemy who is relentless, who would always look for another opportunity to be back. At the end of the temptation, the Bible says, “The Devil retreated temporarily, lying in wait for another opportunity.” (Luke 4:13c MSG).

The enemy we’re dealing with has schemes, wiles, and strategies; and we must be strong enough to stand against them all!

You must, however, realise that you can’t take on the devil in your human strength, no matter how mentally or physically strong you are. There’s a limit to how far a strong will or sheer determination can take you, when it comes to dealing with sins, wrong habits, sicknesses, diseases, and the devil himself. Therefore we are told, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-11).

Don’t succumb to the enemy, put up a massive resistance; don’t watch him mess you up. Our adversary, the devil, goes around like a roaring lion, seeking whom to devour; but we’re told to “Resist him, steadfast in the faith,” (1 Peter 5:8-9a).

The enemy likes to throw up situations and attacks- to frustrate, disrupt and destabilise us and ultimately to stop us. Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” (John 10:10a). We mustn’t be powerless or weak against his onslaught. We mustn’t allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by his attacks, like king Hezekiah was, when he received the message of threats from king Sennacherib of Assyria. In panic, he said (in his message to the prophet Isaiah); “Today is a day of trouble, insults, and disgrace. It is like when a child is ready to be born, but the mother has no strength to deliver the baby.” (Isaiah 37:1-7 NLT). It is interesting to contrast the words of king Hezekiah with the words of king David- “The Lord is my light and my salvation– so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident (Psalms 27:1-3 NLT). May we not lack strength in the day of trouble or adversity!

viii. To move ‘mountains’:

Jesus said, “whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.” (Mark 11:23c). A mountain could be anything standing in your way- to block you; or standing between you and something- to hinder you; or an oppression of the enemy (like a prolonged sickness or disease); or a difficult or seemingly impossible situation!

A mountain represents something humanly impossible to accomplish; therefore in Zechariah 4:6-7, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, ’Says the Lord of hosts. ‘Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”’ ”Here, the Bible contrasts human strength and the strength of the Holy Spirit (He is the Spirit of might- Isaiah 11:2). Jesus said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” (Mark 10:27c NLT).

There are ‘mountains’ in our lives, that can only be moved by the might of the Holy Spirit within us. For instance, the Bible says; the Spirit helps in our weaknesses. “For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26). And that is of great help because He makes intercession for us saints, according to the will of God!

How then do we develop inner strength?

1. By Waiting on God

“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;” (Isaiah 40:29-31a).

The psalmist said, “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalms 27:14). To wait on God is to spend time to fellowship with Him and to seek Him- in His Word, in worship, in prayers and fasting.

Waiting on God gives you inner strength; because when you wait on God:

2 .You hear from Him.

When Jehoshaphat was under attack, he and all Judah came to seek the Lord and to ask for His help. They prayed and fasted a whole day; and as they stood before the Lord, He spoke to them, through a Levite- “Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (2 Chronicles 20:15c). Those words gave them the strength to go out against their enemies!

Also, in the Church at Antioch, while some prophets and teachers (including Saul, i.e.Paul) “were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2 NIV).

One of the reasons why believers are weak, is because they’re not hearing from God. Jesus said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4c). This implies that, just as the body needs physical food for strength; man’s spirit also needs to hear from God to be strong and stay alive! Remember, you are a spirit, you have a soul (mind, will, emotions); and you live in a body! The real you is your spirit; Paul said, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection,” (1 Corinthians 9:27a). Your body is only your earthly house (2 Corinthians 5:1), to help you function on earth.

3. You get to know Him.

Inner strength comes from knowing God- “but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” (Daniel 11:32c).

God reveals Himself to those who seek Him.

When you seek Him, He won’t turn His back on you; He said, “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. “ (Jeremiah 29:13).

4. You develop your faith in God.

People of faith are strong- “By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age,” (Hebrews 11:11a).

Those who spend time with God, are usually strong in faith. You can’t develop faith in the one you don’t know: and you can’t know the one you don’t spend time with! Paul said, “for I know whom I have believed” (2 Timothy 1:12).

Also, faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17); but you need to wait on God to hear from Him- “I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guard post. There I will wait to see what the Lord says.” (Habakkuk 2:1b). So you see how one is connected to the other; and you can’t have one without the other.

God bless you.

(Notes were taken during the message. All scriptures are in NKJV version unless stated otherwise)

Key scriptures:

Revelation 21:5
“He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Isaiah 43:19
“Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert. We must give heed to the new thing God is doing.”

How will you experience new beginnings?

1. You must know it is NOW
“So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:22-24

“Then Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain.” So Ahab went up to eat and drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; then he bowed down on the ground, and put his face between his knees, and said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” So he went up and looked, and said, “There is nothing.” And seven times he said, “Go again.” Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, “There is a cloud, as small as a man’s hand, rising out of the sea!” So he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you.’ ” 1 Kings 18:41-44

Everything God has done starts first on the inside!

2. You must SEE it, you must perceive it
You should see what God is doing first with your spiritual eyes. Your spiritual eyes are the eyes of faith. The moment you can see it, there is a readiness to receive it. You must keep your eyes on the goal.

“See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, To root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant.” Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see a branch of an almond tree.” Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am [d]ready to perform My word.” Jeremiah 1:10-12

Don’t let distractions get in the way, you must keep your focus on God. Ask God to open your eyes today to see what he has begun.
If you can see it then God is ready to do it!

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

3. You must forget the old
“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19

Verse 19 shows us that the prerequisite of seeing the new thing is to forget the old.

We can learn from Abraham’s life; he did not consider his body when God told him that he was going to be a father.

In order to forget the past, we must maintain the stance of not dwelling on past calamities and troubles. Keep maintaining your stance and refuse to retain past experiences, thoughts and mindsets that remind you of the old. Eventually, you will forget the past. Hebrews 11:15-16 says, “And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had the opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.”

“And to Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On, bore to him. Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: “For God has made me forget all my toil and all my father’s house.” Gen 41:50-51

Sometimes in order to forget your past troubles, you need to leave what is familiar to you. What God is doing is a new thing and it may bear no resemblance to what you knew or experienced before.

4. You must overcome your fears and doubts
Keep saying what God says until you overcome your fears!

“Sing, O barren, You who have not borne! Break forth into singing, and cry aloud,” Isaiah 54:1-4

You who have not labored with child! For more are the children of the desolate Than the children of the married woman,” says the Lord. “Enlarge the place of your tent, And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; Do not spare; Lengthen your cords,

And strengthen your stakes. For you shall expand to the right and to the left, And your descendants will inherit the nations, And make the desolate cities inhabited. “Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; Neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame; For you will forget the shame of your youth, And will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore. God is stretching you because God wants to do a new thing!”

You must be ready to step out of your comfort zone; it’s time to break away from fear!

5. Release your faith for the supernatural

When dealing with God put all your eggs in one basket! Believe God for something only He can do; nothing is too hard for the Lord.

Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,”

“For thus says the Lord: ‘You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you, your cattle, and your animals may drink.’ And this is a simple matter in the sight of the Lord; He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand.” 2 Kings 3:17-18

In this new season, let us heed to the new things that God is doing!

Notes taken from the message by Rev. Funke Ewuosho, ‘New Beginnings’