RECOGNISING AND CONQUERING THE SPIRIT OF FEELING ORPHANED

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” – Jesus

Quite often, you find yourself feeling fearful of an unknown future, or a broken past, or a shameful present. Today, keep your heart open – as God, who is your FATHER and who loves like a MOTHER, wants you to dive into His arms and receive His unconditional love that will wash away all your pain, rejection, shame, fear and burden. There is no place except the arms of your heavenly Father where you will be made whole.

The love that human beings have to offer is tainted by sin. An earthly mother or father can love you sacrificially and beautifully, but never completely. This is simply because sin entered mankind and only Jesus could pay the ultimate price for it because He had no sin in Him. God, who is sinless, is the only one whose love is completely selfless and totally unconditional.

To receive God’s gracious love, you and I need to do nothing. Only believe who He is and what He is saying is true.

Jesus literally came on earth to empathise with the scars and wounds that you have faced – caused by sin in others and yourself

Beloved, sin in others and sin in you has wounded and scarred your life from when you were a child. Yes, scarred physically but also spiritually. The inability to trust human beings because they harmed you, automatically, makes it hard for you to trust God. Inability to see good in yourself, automatically, makes it hard to see good in God. Every scar of your life leaves a mark that causes fear, anxiety and bitterness to flood your life.

And Jesus literally came on earth to empathise with these scars and wounds that you have faced – caused by sin in others and yourself. That is why, when He was talking about His ascension to heaven and about sending the Holy Spirit, He told his disciples – “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” John 14 : 18 (NIV)

The disciples weren’t orphans, but with Jesus leaving them to go to heaven – they were going to be ‘orphaned’ spiritually. This is why Jesus had to tell them that though he was going to heaven, he was sending another advocate who would live in them and speak God’s word to them.

Today, a lot of us continue living orphaned spiritually. Sometimes we get a hint of it, but a lot of times we don’t even recognise that the mistakes we make or say is because we’re deeply scarred internally.

Now, how does a king know when to send his army to fight a battle? It is when he recognises that the enemy is scheming to attack him or has already launched an attack.

The same way, a lot of us end up living with a spirit of feeling orphaned, which ties us down and limits us, because we don’t even know that there is such an attack upon us.

A lot of times we don’t even recognise that the mistakes we make or things we say are because we’re deeply scarred internally

So how does one recognise this spirit of feeling orphaned?

1. Sensing loneliness and feeling helpless
2. Feeling anxious and worried
3. Finding it hard to trust anyone completely, including God
4. Feeling jealous or upset when others are blessed
5. Being unforgiving and unmerciful to God and others
6. Pitying yourself

But you are not meant to be living a life feeling orphaned in your spirit.

In fact, the Holy Spirit who lives in you, is always reminding you that you are a CHILD of GOD!

Let me tell you, one of the most important truth you need to live by for a victorious life is that YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD – which only comes by believing in Jesus (John 1:12).

You are not meant to be living a life feeling orphaned in your spirit, but to live as a child of God

Paul understood this very well, and that is why he says in Romans 8 : 15 – 16, “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”

If you recognise any of these characteristics in yourself, or observe a pattern of any of these or all of it in your life, you know that you got to fight this out. The Spirit of feeling orphaned holds you back from the plans God has laid out for you. Even if you read the bible or attend church, these scars stop you from fulfilling the call of God in your life and living to the fullest capacity that God has fashioned you for.

Recognising and knowing your enemy helps you form a strategy and plan your battle. Every king sends his troops to battle based on the size, ability and schemes of the enemy. It would be foolish to send all the army for a battle against only a few or to take less army to fight a large enemy.

The Spirit of feeling orphaned holds you back from the plans God has laid out for you.

How do you strategise and position yourself to fight this battle and conquer the spirit of feeling orphaned?

1. Know your identity in Christ

Everything you do and everything expected from you is rooted in identity. You are a girl or a boy, a student or a professional, a doctor or an artist, an Indian or German, a daughter or a son and so much more. Do you see how everything in this world functions on identity?

The truth is all these worldly identities like gender, race, profession, and creed are limited and temporary. They either end once your life ends or they keep changing in your lifetime.

There is only one identity that lasts for eternity which is true and firm, and that is your identity in Christ.

When you believe in Jesus, you receive this identity in Christ – You are God’s child, You are God’s cherished possession. You are chosen, holy, a priest (1 Peter 2:9). You are the apple of God’s eye (Zechariah 2:8). You are His ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20). You are fearfully and wonderfully created (Psalms 139:14). You are His signet ring (Haggai 2:23). You are God’s chosen instrument and vessel (Acts 9:15).

As you read and meditate on the word of God, the Bible, to know who God is – you will begin to understand your true identity in Him.

There is only one identity that lasts for eternity which is true and firm, and that is your identity in Christ.

Every time you see yourself questioning your worth, or someone else questioning it – remind yourself of your identity in Christ. Feel jealous or upset when others are blessed? Remind yourself of who you are and how valued you are in God’s sight, as much as the other person is valued in God’s sight. Finding it hard to forgive someone who has wronged you or God himself? Remind yourself of what God has done for you through Jesus and who you are because of Jesus’ unconditional love for you.

Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. If you focus on your weakness or trials, you will end up pitying yourself which pulls your spirit down. Instead, in those moments of weakness and trials, focus on your strengths and the gifts God has given you. If you do this, you will see how, no matter which area you do well or don’t do well, you will remain confident of who you are – simply because your identity is now in Christ.

2. Trust your heavenly Father completely

When you feel lonely, left out and helpless, you tend to go further into a hole and hide yourself. This destroys all the amazing purposes that God has planned for your life. Instead, when you feel lonely and helpless, you’ve got to call out to God and seek Him.

Job was feeling extremely lonely when he lost everything he had, and even his wife told him to curse God and die. But Job says in Job 23:8 that God was near Him.

How did Job overcome loneliness? By trusting God.

God is a father to the fatherless. We are all His children and He will never let us feel orphaned.

Why should you trust God? Because He is never changing, holy, righteous, loving, compassionate, slow to anger, forgiving and He is the author and perfecter of your life. He holds the whole world in His hands. He is always good. He is keeper of His word, a giver, a helper and your all in all. God says in 1 Peter 2:6 that no one who trusts in Him will ever be put to shame.

God is a father to the fatherless. We are all His children and He will never let us feel orphaned. Because when you trust Him, He ensures He fulfills His word.

When you’re feeling anxious and worried, this trust upon God will be your shield and rampart. Someone who doesn’t have the spirit of feeling orphaned will never worry about life on earth – their job, marriage, family. It is simply because they trust God who says, ‘if I feed the birds in the air, will I not also feed you?’ So every time you feel anxious when a tough circumstance comes your way, proclaim your trust in this true and living God who is in charge of everything and who is faithful to His word. He will never ever fail those why trust in Him.

When you trust God, you also trust people around you because the God whom you depend on trusts those people. Is it making sense? God trusts those around you with gifts and talents and so much more. So if you say you trust God, you got to trust those people too.

People fail, because sin entered mankind and has made everyone sinful. But the God who is over those people and you will never fail. That is why, in Romans 8:28, God says that He works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Beloved, you and I are not called to be trampled by the spirit of feeling orphaned. You and I are called to conquer it – and it is only possible through the help of the Holy Spirit and understanding God’s word. We need to rest in our identity in Christ and trust God completely, even when it looks irrational.

You and I are not called to be trampled by the spirit of feeling orphaned. You and I are called to conquer it.

God is your everything. He promised that He won’t leave you as orphans.

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ANCHORING YOUR HOPE

Looking at all that has happened due to Covid-19, if you are reading this blog now – kudos to your perseverance! Who would have thought that something as small as a microorganism can be so deadly and devour so many lives? It is not only the body that the virus affects but also man’s soul (emotions and thinking). What many have lost, together with losing their many loved ones, is ‘hope’ – which is something that gives strength to individuals to cope through sorrow and distress. One finds it hard to press on forward with confidence, because of all the fatal blows he has received in life.

Yet, despite turmoil and suffering, those who hope in Christ remain strong.

The hope that the Bible promises is complete, concrete and reassuring.

This may sound strange. But let us first look at what is not hope according to Bible –

• Biblical hope is not mere positive thinking. If it was so, then it is hard to encourage oneself especially when one is shattered and depressed. In times of difficulty, we need external reassuring help which is only found in the bible.

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”… For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26 (NIV)

• Biblical hope is not a dream, either. Dreams may or may not come true, especially considering the financial, emotional, mental exhaustion that occurs during illness or loss. Biblical hope offers us the true solution based on reality. So we need to be more realistic as we look for hope.

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32 (NIV)

• Biblical hope is not just for riches, jobs and good health on earth. The truth is God wants us to hope for what is eternal because if one gets everything on earth, then there is nothing more to hope for. Biblical hope is weightier than earthly possessions. Rom 8:24

Biblical hope offers us the true solution based on reality.

For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:24-25 (NIV)

The hope that Bible promises is complete, concrete and reassuring.

Let’s take a look at this verse, “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27 (NKJV)

True hope is foolishness to people who are not in Christ, but for us who believe – it gives power to face every challenge with boldness.

First of all, hope is based in Christ. You can tap into this hope by receiving Christ into your hearts. Secondly, it is a hope of glory, i.e, a heavenly inheritance, glorious riches, glorious bodies, a peaceful state in eternal dibs. Thirdly, it is for those to whom it has been made known. Till date, this true hope remains a mystery for many. It is foolishness to people who are not in Christ, but for us who believe – it gives power to face every challenge with boldness.

What really anchors a believer’s hope? What makes it unshakeable and true?

1. Jesus Christ, our forerunner

“…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.”

Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)

For a sinner who hopes in Christ, the author and finisher of our faith, there is no fear of being let down by Jesus.

True hope springs from the message of Christ. Because Jesus, left His heavenly splendour with all its powers and became nothing, a human being. He took the path of suffering, pain, the cross and, most importantly, took the place of us sinners being punished for our transgressions. He defeated death, received a rich welcome and sat on the heavenly throne next to the father and will sit as a judge of both the living and the dead. So, for a sinner who hopes in Christ, the author and finisher of our faith, there is no fear of being let down by Jesus. He himself continues to live to intercede for our salvation, just as He did for Peter.

2. Covenant promises by the Father

For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.

Hebrews 8:12-13 (NIV)

We can rest assured that all our efforts in the Lord and for the Lord won’t be in vain but will result in better promises.

God has promised, through the new covenant, to be merciful for our unrighteousness and remember our sins no more. We know, these promises were not spoken by God in haste. Unlike us humans who conveniently lie, yahwah – God – is absolutely faithful. The whole Bible in itself proves this truth. The life of Israelites, Abraham and David are the best examples. The word of God boosts our confidence. We can rest assured that all our efforts in the Lord and for the Lord won’t be in vain but will result in better promises. And the greatest promise is that we will be co-heirs with Christ in his inheritance.

3. Holy Spirit, as a seal

Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

2 Corinthians 5:5 (NKJV)

Holy Spirit provides life and power to our mortal bodies giving us hope, just as He exerted power in Christ Jesus, when He raised Him from the dead and brought Him to life.

As we speak of hope, we cannot do so without talking about the presence of the Holy Spirit in us, who is an assurance of what is to come for those who believe in Jesus Christ. He continues to live to reveal the heart and mind of God to us. But, most importantly, He is a guarantee of what is to come. Just as in the case of a betrothal, the man commits and assures the girl’s family that he is going to come back to take her to be his wife.

Holy Spirit continuously prompts you to lead you into all truth, convicting you of His righteousness. He provides life and power to our mortal bodies giving us hope, just as He exerted power in Christ Jesus, when He raised Him from the dead and brought Him to life.

For believers in Christ today, ‘hope’ for tomorrow is not just sympathy shown by God, it is a prerogative.

Paul says in Romans 8:38-39, “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NKJV)

So, for believers in Christ today, ‘hope’ for tomorrow is not just sympathy shown by God, it is a prerogative. It is an entitlement which God himself has given through Jesus. Our hope is secured and anchored in Christ and by God himself because nothing can separate us from love of God that is in Christ. So we boast all the more in our hope. Because this hope will not put us to shame or result in disappointment.

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A CONQUEROR IN CHRIST

It is really hard, really really hard. Probably no one can understand what you’re going through. The devil sows lies in our minds about the hardships, uncertainty and tests in our lives to pull us down, bring in fear and discouragement to a point where he makes us think that we are no longer loved by God or that we can never love God. Both of those are big lies, because Satan is the prince of lies.

This is God’s word for you, if you’re in this place. God wants to remind you now that – in all the hardships, trials and tests, the love of Jesus Christ in you and for you will never be separated from you.

This is what God says in Romans 8:35-37 –

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Beloved, YOU ARE MORE THAN A CONQUEROR THROUGH THE LOVE OF JESUS that is poured out in your hearts through what He did for you on the cross and what He will do for you by giving you eternal life. These trials and tough times are temporary and Jesus overcame them by death on the cross and through His resurrection. No deadly peril or negativity can separate you from the love of Christ in you.

Don’t spend time pondering on the trials, spend your time living as a conqueror through Christ. Believe in Jesus’ resurrection power to overcome any uncertain and tough situation you face.

Be encouraged today, Jesus conquered for you and as you keep believing in Him, you are more than a CONQUEROR ✨

He Is Alive

The greatest hope mankind can have

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead… 

Matthew 28 : 6-7

Every small thing that God does has a significant meaning behind it and this blog website is no less. I was inspired by God to start a blog and the very same night, a friend from Canada messaged me telling me that she felt God wants me to start a blog. My husband and I prayed and asked the Lord what His will is and he revealed that through the blog he wants me to speak and to teach His children His word (Rhema). He wants to lift up the weary. And within no time, God revealed that this blog will declare the greatest news of hope through me (Just as a woman named Mary Magdalene declared it to the disciples) – HE IS ALIVE!

This is all about the ONE who was, and is and is to come. The one through whom heaven and earth, and everything in it was made. Through him, you and I were created. The one about whom over 300 prophesies were spoken even before he was born on earth. He is judge over all the earth. Yet, a judge who sacrificed his own life for the accused before bringing judgement upon them. The one who went through rejection, pain, agony, betrayal, hurt, loneliness. He empathises with us in our weaknesses. He understands our struggle. That is why he laid down his own life – to pay the ultimate price for the sins of all mankind. He took our place on the cross for our past, present and future sins over two thousand years ago. His light shone over all darkness and the darkness could not overcome it. This ONE is JESUS, our saviour and our redeemer.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.John 1 : 1 – 5

He IS alive

Before Jesus left the earth and ascended to heaven, He told his disciples in Matthew 28:20, “…and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus is here today. He is with us. He is with you. In John 14:18, Jesus promises us that He will not leave us as orphans but He will come to us. He has given us the promised Holy Spirit as our comforter, counsellor, guide who leads us into all truth. The Holy Spirit dwells in all who believe in Jesus, and He constantly leads and guides us. Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, we know God’s will and purpose for our lives, His commands and His desires. The Holy Spirit reveals the heart of God to us. The Holy Spirit does not speak anything to us without the will of Jesus Christ. Today, you and I can have fellowship with Jesus Christ. He is always in our boat, and He will not leave unless we ask Him to. His light always shines and anyone who looks to him will overcome darkness. Those who seek Him will find him. Those who call out to Him will hear him. He was in your past, He is going to be there in your future, but most importantly, He is here in your present.

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete. 1 John 1 : 1 – 4

He is ALIVE

Jesus left his throne in heaven. Being fully God became fully man as he entered earth. He faced every temptation and trial as his fellow men, yet made no mistake, had no err. Even so, He humbly went to the cross to die for the sins of all mankind.

But…That is where redemption began – on the third day; when he rose again from the dead overcoming sin and death. Alive! He came alive again to give life to us. He is alive and will forever be. And, He wants each of us to be alive forevermore. This blessed assurance that Jesus is alive is the greatest message of hope for all mankind. Jesus’ resurrection gives us power to overcome sin and darkness. Because Jesus is alive, we have the gift of everlasting life. Yes, this life will end. Yet for those of us who receive this gift and believe in Jesus, we will live forever with God in heaven. Because He lives, we can live today knowing that no anxiety, addiction, depression, loss, or any darkness can affect us because Jesus overcame every one of them. If He only died for our sins and didn’t rise again, our hope will be no hope at all. But because He rose again, we have an everlasting hope.

I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. Job 19 : 25

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