How are you doing? Really, how’s your soul? Times like these tend to prod into areas of our being that we were unaware lacked stability and strength. No matter the current condition, please know you are not alone or without support. Mandy and I are here for you, praying and believing God’s favor, protection and supply for you and all that concerns your life and family.
Who knew we would all gain a new and deeper appreciation for those like schoolteachers who enable us to achieve daily requirements without interruptions? Life has definitely taken a unique turn, but this too shall pass. I declare that you will emerge from this time ahead of the status quo, flourishing and on schedule for what you had expected with no shortages or missed opportunities.
As we adjust and overcome this interruption of our normalcy, there are statements that seem to be popular and quoted often. One such statement, “Well, I didn’t see this coming.” sums up the idea of what I want to encourage you with this month. I believe God has been adjusting our hearts to be able to reign in strength and confidence no matter the rise and fall of society’s predictions and fears.
Let’s look at Isaiah 46:10 (AMPC) which reads, “Declaring the end and the result from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure and purpose.” This is what makes God, God. His ability to declare His counsel before a matter which in turn places the listeners at an advantage over the opposition if they will simply accept the counsel and place it in their own mouth instead of the counsel of the uniformed.
Psalms 1:1 (NKJV) says, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly….” It continues to read in verses 2 and 3, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” God’s counsel produces stability and success in times of scarcity and uncertainty.
God’s counsel is understood as His advice, plan, and purpose which results from His act of decision. It is His forethought concerning future detail and action that is predetermined and accomplished or fulfilled fully in Christ. God’s counsel is not lacking a crucial detail or understanding of where your life is concerned. Proverbs 19:21 (NLT) tells us, “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose/counsel will prevail.” Psalms 33:11 (NLT) says, “But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; His intentions can never be shaken.” A life that is directed and built on the Lord’s counsel is immune to this world’s sabotage and decay.
Before I explain the Counsel Challenge let me expound on some thoughts concerning the word “declare”. Every day we are bombarded by information and counsel from the news and social media. This information is either accepted or discarded given its worth and value. If received and allowed to be planted in our hearts, then in time this information forms thoughts and eventually beliefs that are broadcasted over every area of our lives. You don’t have to practice this method or even be taught it, it’s the original operation format that we were given at creation.
When you reveal a belief through words, this is called declaring. Declaring takes the advice of the heart and makes it known and clearly exposes, predicts, and explains the report of a situation in light of the counsel given. 1 John 1:3 is a perfect example, which reads, “That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” Ultimately what you declare exposes the intimacy you have had or the lack thereof with the Father and His Son. When you place a priority on what you see and hear, the declaration you proclaim will either hold the weight of God’s predetermined purpose that is accomplished and revealed through the image of His Son in whom dwells the fullness of the Godhead in bodily form, or it will lack this power. Listen to Job 22:28-29, “You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you; So, light will shine on your ways. When they cast you down, and you say, ‘Exaltation will come!’ Then He will save the humble person.”
The Counsel Challenge is making a quality decision to make God’s counsel priority in your life, knowing it will stand and not be shaken. This counsel is then made manifest by speaking and declaring, which informs the enemy of your acknowledgment of what you positively know and possess in Christ. There is confidence when you know the outcome of the situation. Let this month be one of absolute victory and boldness as you give voice to the truth of God’s counsel concerning your life and those you care for.
Here are some declarations you can use.
- I declare that God will perfect that which concerns me.
- I am not hindered, derailed or delayed in God’s plan for my life.
- I live by the fruit of my lips and possess every resource needed in this season.
- I will not fear the threats of time, but by faith live in perfect peace and fullness of joy.
- I will live in the protection, promotion, and provision of God’s will for my life.
In this time, we are truly in it together. THANK YOU! We know that God is faithful and He who began a good work will complete it! We cannot wait to see you again in person, but until then know we are always lifting you up and standing in prayer for you. Have a blessed month!