Mark my word. Take a picture of it. You are the cause of hell breaking loose in your life! Yes, you caused it! Don’t glance away now. You are the reason things turned upside down. Want to know how??? 

Well I’ll tell you. You opened your mouth and confessed that you are about to make some changes in your life. You decided that you are tired of where you are and you want better for you and your family. You started to reflect on your life and/or situation and YOU wanted a change. You started doing research and everything was starting to add up in your head. 

You started to see the possibilities at your reach! You finally realized that you had so much power. The power to control your destiny. Power to seek your goals and obtain them. You started dreaming during the day! You were writing out statements of affirmation all over your mirrors as constant reminders of this power you possess.

You dared yourself to turn around! Each day you had a plan written in the book. So far you’d checked off a few days and you are beyond proud. Step by step…day by day! You began to realize the small wins. The little victories. You celebrated at the ice cream shop the first time and next time you plan to pamper yourself with a new hair cut. The new you was on its way! 

You could just taste the success. Not that you were super close to being a millionaire or anything like that. You could just smell accomplishing a huge milestone towards meeting the goals you set for yourself. And then it happens…

In the mist of it all, your spouse starts acting a fool. All of a sudden, the school is calling. The car stops working suddenly. Never mind you just had maintenance repairs done last year. Dryer blows out. Air conditioning isn’t cooling the house in this 96 heat index. If it’s not one thing, it’s two!

Boss is being unreasonable with unrealistic deadlines. And your co-workers are rolling their eyes that you got that project. No more lunch breaks with the crew as they leave without asking if you are joining them.  So you eat alone at your desk wondering what is really going on with your life. Everything was going so well until…

Until all hell broke loose around you! Think about it for a second. Think about the last time you confessed to yourself that your blessing was on its way. Think about when you confessed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord. He was who you would follow the rest of your days. You were tired of being sick and tired of worldly things. No more fence straddling. You were about to get your mind right! 

You see that is exactly when the enemy gets pissed looking at you. The enemy can’t stand to see you walking around smiling for no reason. Can’t stand to see you making goals and checking them off. Can’t stand to see you with your friends eating out for lunch, laughing and having a good time. Can’t stand your life turning for the better. Like who told you that you had permission to have a life and a life abundantly, he ponders!

Investing into your mind through inspirational messages and surrounding yourself with positive vibes. He growls. He hisses. Eyes become narrow. How dare you tell someone you are blessed and highly favored! Who are you!?!? His chest goes up and down from heavy breathing. Palms are sweating. Head is pounding. He breaks a broom across a door hinge. His mind is made up. He must destroy you! He must put an end to this new confidence you exude. And so he sets out on his plans to ruin your plans. 

(Break) *whispering* shhh focus on me for a second. I have a secret. Pull your ear a little closer. Are you ready for what I’m about to reveal? Brace yourself because I have the secret that will change your life. Well not quite a secret. You may have heard about this. But what I’ve learned over the years is that often times when we are being beat up by world and drowning in our sorrows, we often just forget this secret. But I’m here to remind you. So write it down, study it, and carry it in your heart. So when trouble comes (not if…when), recall it up.

Shhh I know a man. But not your ordinary man. Calm down. Don’t be afraid. Don’t stop doing what you are doing baby because there is God that sits high and looks low. He sees you going through! He sees your pain! You are trying to work it out on your own. Ok that’s all good but when will you hand it over to Him? The Lord will fight your battle if only you be still (Exodus 14:14).  CALL ON HIM! 

TD Jakes said “You’ll win if you don’t quit!” Don’t quit! You can’t quit! That’s exactly what the enemy wants! He wants to stamper your growth, hinder your goals, keep you stressed and depressed. You have to fight back as if your life depended on it! And your life does depend on it. I read a message that said “Many have died at age 25 but wasn’t buried until age 65.” That is the enemies doing. He wants to hold you down. And guess what, it takes no energy to stay down there. NONE. Prove him wrong. You are in control! 

So I’m here to encourage you to HOLD ON, don’t give up, know the hand the enemy plays. Set your goals. Work on them! Know his plays, but you…get up from the table and give your hand to the Lord. Let Him take your set. Let Him fight your battle while you continue to courageously work towards your goals. 

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

If He has ordered your steps, don’t be afraid. Gods got you. Have faith. Move out. Live. Win.

Thank you for your attention. Remember you are your own competition.

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