Can You See?

January 21, 2023 livingwholecoaching

Have you ever had an experience that has shaken the foundation of your faith? We learn about walking in faith and believing God. But what happens when you are believing and trusting God for something, and it never happens, or it doesn’t happen in the way that you were expecting?

What can happen to your level of faith when you have prayed and fasted and asked God for a healing for a loved one and they do not get healed (in the way that we could see) and they pass away. We can immediately become discouraged in the fact that why wouldn’t God heal them. But as I have asked God for revelation in my own situation, He has slowly allowed my eyes to see in His perspective.

The word of God tells us in 1 Corinthians. 13: 9 – 10 “We know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” KJV

This tells me that we only see things in part, and we don’t see things in their entirety or from an eternal perspective like God. I understand now that my loved one was healed just not in the way that I would have wanted to see them healed. It takes me to the fact that if I say I believe and trust that God is a healer, then that is what I will continue to believe whether I understand the type of healing that was applied or not.

It puts things in perspective that even in the tough situations that we face because we live in a fallen world, but we have faith that God is who He says He is, and His word is true even though we may not understand. We can’t just believe God when things are glorious in our lives, we have to continue to trust Him especially when things go awfully wrong.

There is still a part of life that has yet to be revealed, which is eternity. Death is not the end of life but the beginning. And when we begin to see life in the perspective of God, we will begin to see people and situations in a new way, and we can grasp the eternal view.

I asked God for new eyes to see in a more eternal way, so that when I pray, I can be sure that I am seeking the correct things to pray for someone, not just what I see with my natural eyes. I am continuing to learn to depend on the Holy Spirit for discernment of God’s perfect will. I challenge each of you to seek God for a deeper understanding of your perspective and for divine revelations.

Be blessed L.

the butterfly journey

Walking in Faith Through Your Storm

January 17, 2023 livingwholecoaching

Can we agree that if we could see a clear outcome with our storm, it would be easy to walk through it?

Unfortunately, that is why it is called a storm because it is unplanned, the characteristics are uncertain, and the outcome is nowhere in sight. No matter how much we try to figure out the path of the storm is not clear. That is where faith comes in.

Facing any type of uncertain challenge of life can be extremely scary. It is our human nature to question the unknown or try to logically figure out something with our intelligence. But when we can’t we have to learn to understand and activate our faith.

I feel like the basis of faith is trust. However, unlike the faith that we may have that our car is going to start when we turn the key, there is a deeper meaning to the faith that the Bible teaches us about. The faith that God tells us about in Hebrews 11:1 says: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Which in our everyday lives means that we have to believe even though we do not have physical evidence of what we are believing for at that time.

Our faith or my faith I should say is built on the foundation of what God’s word says. If you read through chapter 11 of Hebrews, you will see a record of believers who walked in faith in some very challenging circumstances. Yet they trusted God in the midst of their storms and were victorious.

You may be asking how you can walk in faith when you are facing a life altering situation? I would say it is not easy at all, at least not at first. It isn’t easy to walk in faith when your body may be experiencing pain on a daily basis. It may not be easy to walk in faith when the doctor says you have a disease that is not curable, and you may never recover. It may not be easy to walk in faith when you don’t see a way to help your addicted son or daughter get the help they need. It may not be easy to walk in faith when you have prayed for healing for a loved one and they die. This walk of faith is not easy, nor is it for the faint of heart.

First, you are going to need to believe and understand who God is and what He promises in His word. Then you are going to have to learn to trust Him. How do you build trust? You get to know that person by spending time with them which builds trust. Also, you need to remember. Recall all the times that God has been faithful and a blessing to you over your life or the life of a loved one. When you read His word, you can see more evidence of His faithfulness and in turn learn how to trust Him for your own life.

No, it isn’t going to be easy doing what 2 Corinthians 5:7 says: “For we walk by faith, and not by sight.” But it will be well worth the effort of learning to walk by faith and having hope in a God that is able to do the impossible than to walk by sight and never experiencing a hopeful future.

Be blessed L

the butterfly journey

What’s In Your Battle Plan?

January 12, 2023 livingwholecoaching

We continue to have conversations about the way of the world and all the things that are going on within the lives of our families and our friends. We stand in confusion of what we need to be doing as Christians to shift the situations.

It seems like it is too many of us that are not walking in the victory or authority that Jesus gave us. Too many of us are falling victim to the traps of the enemy. It’s too many of us feeling defeated, feeling broken, and in dismay.

But I know that the God that I serve is all powerful and He gave His only Son as a sacrifice so that we may live and live more abundantly, without the debt of sin for our lives! And with that there is a battle plan that we should be using to take back territory from the enemy, that we should be commanding healing over the sick and calling things out and off of our families, and we should be shifting atmospheres.

Here are some things that need to be a part of your battle plan.

Put on Your armor. Ephesians 6:10-17
Pray. James 5:16, Ephesians 6:18
Know Your Enemy. Ephesians 6:12
Walk in Your Faith. Hebrews 11:1
Know Who God Is. Deuteronomy 7:9
Know Who You Are. 1 Peter 2:9
Know Your Authority. Matthew 10:1
Know Holy Spirit. John 14:15-17
Understand the Principles of Heaven. Matthew 6:19-24
Teach the Next Generation. Psalm 78:6-8
Walk in Love. 1 Peter 4: 7-9

If we are ever going to be an impact for the Kingdom of God, we are going to need to delve into these scriptures and principles that God has given to us and understand our positions in this battle. I feel in my spirit that this is the season in which God is going to raise up a remnant who will be obedient, who will start taking back territory, and who will be using the authority that we have been given to shift situations.

Deuteronomy 31: 6 says: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” In my spirit I feel the spirit stirring in me that this is our time to move those mountains that have been standing in our lives and it is our time to declare health over the sick and bind up diseases, it is our time to bring deliverance to those who are in bondage. It’s time for us to take back the things that the enemy has stolen from us, our joy, our peace, and our hope in a God that is the Great I Am.

I challenge each of you to put together your own battle plan and walk out your purpose that God has ordained for you and yours! It is time to move into your divine assignment.

Be blessed. L

the butterfly journey

Staying Focused

January 7, 2023January 7, 2023 livingwholecoaching

Every day is a challenge. Since I have been dealing with my health issues it seems like something different comes along each day to test my faith.

When you have something to focus on or a specific goal you are trying to accomplish the setbacks aren’t so hard to take. But when you have nothing to strive for it seems like your days will begin to morph into a big ball of nothingness.

Each day I am trying to focus my attention on God and His desires for me. But it gets hard some days when my body is physically failing me in one way or another. It’s hard to stay courageous and strong when the daily tasks of life take its toll on you. It’s hard when you are grieving days when you were healthy, but now your life is different. It is easier said than done.

When I look to Jesus, and I think about all the benefits that He has allowed me to have in my life and all the blessings that He has bestowed upon me I can push on another day. I am trying to keep my focus on God for He is the one who has all the answers. The joy of the Lord is my strength.

The more I learn to focus on God and His word, the less time I have to focus on my situation. My illness doesn’t get any glory, and neither will I continue to allow its effects to determine my life. I will allow the word of God and His love for me heal me from the inside out. The word says that I am more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus. Psalm 16:8 says: “I will keep my eyes always on the Lord, with Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” NIV

I know that the Lord has more plans for my life on this side of heaven and I shall fulfill that destiny. So, when those tough days come along, I will remind myself to focus on God and His promises and to take every thought captive under the authority of God’s word.

Be blessed L

the butterfly journey

No Comfort Zone

January 4, 2023 livingwholecoaching

Perhaps you can tell that I write about things I am dealing with in my own life, and I try to share the lessons that I’ve learned with you the reader in hopes that it can help someone else in their daily walk.

I am trying to navigate this new journey that I am on in regard to my health, and it is teaching me how to thrive outside of my comfort zone.

I would have never chosen to go through this challenge on my own. I thought that I was doing an okay job of just bumping along in my comfort zone and not making any progress into the person that God wants me to be. But here comes discomfort to stretch me beyond the borders of my comfortable life and catapult me into a place of growth.

Let’s be honest, no one likes the feeling of discomfort, but discomfort can bring about new opportunities that you may have never had before. It can open your mind to new possibilities or new perspective of life.

Let me share some lessons that I have learned so far going through this journey:

I‘ve learned to trust God! Not the lip service in trusting God, but really depending on Him every second of my life.
I’ve learned how to pray with a fervent heart. If I am being honest sometimes when I prayed, I was not really expecting anything to happen. I wanted to believe that my prayer would change a situation, but I didn’t really believe it in my spirit. But now I listen more intently to the voice the Holy Spirit to guide me in my prayers so I know that I am in the will of God, and I can stand on His word for an outcome.
I‘ve learned about God’ peace. I can truly say that I understand the scripture that talks about ” the peace the surpasses all understanding”, I know that peace! Night after night I would cry out to the Lord in my secret place with just me and God and beg Him for His peace and each night, He would meet me there and give His peace so freely.
I’ve learned that I am not an island. I have found out that having loving saints surrounding you with prayer and checking on you during your time of need is priceless. Not only do I have family and friends, in some cases I have people that I have never met praying and caring for me. We were not created to be alone.

I would hope that I would have learned these lessons on my own, but probably not. It has taken this challenge and discomfort to place me on a path of growth and change. I am going to trust God that I will learn everything I need in this season to encourage others, reach my full potential in Him and most importantly give Him the glory that He deserves.

the butterfly journey

Pray

January 3, 2023January 2, 2023 livingwholecoaching

My mother and I talk a lot about the state of the world and the things we see happening to people we love and just people in general. It has become a sad conversation when all you hear about is death, sickness, destruction, and just one negative situation after the other.

So, we ask ourselves what are we supposed to be doing? What are God’s children supposed to be doing during these times? One part of the answer is for us to pray.

Not only should we be praying but, we should be studying about how to pray so that we are effective and productive in shifting the atmosphere and the situations around us and in the lives of others. And in order to be effective in prayer you need to believe that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. And then to take it a little deeper you need to know what it is that God says He would do and who He is. Dust your bible off this year and get to know God!

James 5:16 says; “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. NIV In the King James version of the bible it talks about a fervent prayer. I looked up the definition of fervent and it means displaying a passionate intensity. That is what we need in our prayers is passion and compassion for the things that we are concerned about.

My mother told me that God had instructed her to gather a group of women that would come together and pray. But not only would this group be praying but we needed dedicated women who understood the assignment of prayer. We couldn’t just come together to pray these generic, surface prayers but we needed to listen to the voice of God through the Holy Spirit for direction on how we should be praying. We needed to know what to pray against and what to pray to be released, we needed to pray God’s word over certain situations and most importantly we needed to pray with expectation.

As my mother gathered the names of some of the women that fell on her heart to be a part of this group, she also realized that not everyone would be disciplined to join and that was okay because it is more about being obedient to God than to have any certain amount of people. As we navigate this time of covid we are trying to get our footing established with this assignment.

Even though we are a small group at this point we are making a difference I believe. Even in my own life I can say I have seen and felt the results of prayer of one of my friends who is a part of our praying women’s group. One quick testimony about the power of prayer is one day I was in training for my new journey of dialysis, and I was having some extreme pain during the procedure. At that same time my friend texted me asking how I was doing, and I explained to her what I was going through at that very moment. She didn’t even hesitate, she said I am praying for you right now. Within minutes the pain I was experiencing stopped! I immediately advised my friend that her prayers came through and God heard and answered them for us. That is the power of prayer that is still relevant today and is needed now more than ever.

I challenge you to learn to pray and grow your relationship with God this year.

Be blessed L

the butterfly journey

Prophetic Word for 2023

January 2, 2023January 1, 2023 livingwholecoaching

This new year hit different from any new year that I have experienced. Months prior to the new year I had been seeking God for my life. I was listening more intently than ever before to hear the voice of God.

Over and over again I heard the word restoration. The meaning states that you would be restored to an original state after having something lost or stolen. But God wants to do more than restore back to an original state He wants to take us to a better place than where we were originally!

The man of God spoke about God shaking dead things and resurrecting them. My Lord! I feel that 2023 will be a year of restoration and resurrection. I see God resurrecting dead things: assignments, relationships, health, the body of Christ, and dreams. God will begin to breathe new life into areas of our lives that we thought no longer had any vitality left in them.

God asked Ezekiel in Ezekiel 37: 1- 14 if these dry bones can live? And God said that they could live and commanded Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones! We need to begin to speak the living word of God over situations in 2023 and watch Father God resurrect the dead things in our lives.

What things in your life do you need God to breathe on? Is it your marriage, a lost son or daughter, health issues or perhaps it is an assignment that God has ordained for your life that you have walked away from or that you never really embraced. What about those divine dreams that God showed you for your life, have you pursued them so that God could be glorified through your obedience? Now is the time. We don’t have time to waste anymore, time is drawing to an expected end, and we need to move while there is still time to move.

First, we need to understand and seek the renewing of our minds. We need to understand how the principles of the kingdom of heaven influences things in the earth. I will have more on this topic in future posts, so be on the lookout.

I pray that you are seeking God for your life more than ever in 2023. As you seek, I pray that you will receive revelation and wisdom into the secret things of God that are only revealed through an intimate relationship with the Father. I am looking forward to all the miracles, signs, and wonders that God will allow to follow us during the year. I can’t wait to hear the testimonies of not only restoration but of resurrections of dead areas in our lives.

Be blessed L

the butterfly journey

Learning to Walk with God

January 1, 2023January 1, 2023 livingwholecoaching

A little over a year ago I was diagnosed with kidney failure. While I didn’t know what that meant fully, I knew it wasn’t good. After ending up in the hospital for about a week because of the fluid overload and my body trying to fight I realized that my situation was way more dire than I thought.

This new health challenge had bought my mortality to the forefront of my mind. And with that came thoughts about my relationship with God. Had I been cultivating a pure connection with Father God like I knew I needed to? It would take several months of being vulnerable and open to listening for God to tell me or show me my true self during this time.

I can honestly say, I cried an awful lot during this time period, and I asked God many, many questions. Not questions like, “why me”, but more like “if my time on earth is over, what is it that do you want me to do before I leave?” My heart was hurting just thinking that I had wasted my entire life and didn’t complete anything that the Lord had wanted me to do.

But over the course of this time God showed me how to walk with Him. He taught me to lean on Him each day. Do you remember when the children of Israel were in the wilderness and God provided them with manna each day? That is what he began to do for me. Each day He would give me peace and grace for the challenges of that day and at the end of each day when I came to bow before Him in prayer, I would find He was always there for me.

There have been setbacks and challenges along the way during this journey but each day I walk with God, He reminds me that He is there with me no matter what. I know that sometimes God allows things to come to get our attention back to Him like it should be and to be honest if this is my test then I am grateful that Father God thinks of me enough to get me back on track to what He has for my life. And not only that but just the opportunity to know Him in the most intimate way is priceless to me.

I am thankful that I am learning to walk with Father God in the way that He is most pleased and honored. I want my life to be a testimony to the goodness of God! And I want to complete my life with integrity and grace and fulfill the purpose God has designed for my life. I want to live and die with no regrets!

Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me,

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

depression, Healing, healing and deliverance

I Am Healed! No Weapon!

October 4, 2015 livingwholecoaching

Isaiah 54:17

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. KJV

More times than I care to admit, I have felt weary and tired and ready to give up! Fiery darts flying, false accusations, scary situations, and health issues just to name a few of the seasons of my life that I have faced.

I was reminded recently that I am healed and no weapon formed against me shall prosper, because God is my Redeemer! Why do I need to keep being reminded of the fact that my God is awesome, gracious and able to do all that I need for my life? Why do I keep falling back into the snares that I know are being set for me by the enemy? I learned a valuable lesson, be consistent in following and believing God for everything that He did for me and all of His promises!

Another strong lesson that I learned was that every situation, although it may appear different stems from the same source, the enemy. The enemy trying to take me off the path of life that God had created for me. He doesn’t want me to reach my full potential in God, to serve and encourage women! He rather me be deep in stress, negativity and pessimism. Why would he want me to grow closer to God and learn more of His word and promises? Why would he want me to have the courage and confidence to move forward in the gift(s) that gave me to use in this dying world?

So I have to go back a few steps to recover the strength in God that was so evident in my life. Be consistent in my prayer and praise. Lastly, I need to remember who is against me in life. Not people, although the enemy can use them as part of his schemes. Situations that seem to be a blessing when looked at after the enemy has told you lies begin to look like a plantation, a place of discontented, a place where I would lose my creativity and energy. But wait a minute it really is a blessing, an opportunity that God allowed to happen to help me.

Stay focused and remind yourself every day until it becomes a part of your spirit that God will not withhold any good thing from me. He wouldn’t give me stones for bread! Stop in the moment that your thinking becomes opposite of who you know God to be. Remain faithful to the One who is faithful!

Prayer: Father, we thank you because even when we get off track you send ministering angels to pray for us and to us and remind us that we are the daughters of a God that is good and holy! Thank you Father that you care enough for me that you would restore and strengthen my inner man for the journey ahead! Keep our minds stayed on you Father, the author and finisher of our faith. Make our lives renewed in you. Give us a spirit of consistency to stay grounded, focused, and faithful to only YOU! We thank you God for who you are in our lives. In the precious name of Jesus, amen.

Blessings, Lisa

encouragement, God, golden nuggets, hope, Lessons, prayer, the butterfly journey

7 Lessons I’ve Learned While Going Through My Storm

August 15, 2015 livingwholecoaching

I’ve learned over many years of life that each storm of life holds “golden nuggets” of wisdom that God wants me to learn. But like most people I couldn’t see the lessons while I was embedded in the pain of facing tough life situations. Most recent years I have begun to dig a little deeper to understand just what God was trying to show me about myself during these times.

Once I began to hunger for the truth, God was gracious enough to uncover the treasures that were hidden in the waves of my storms.

1. My relationship with God is the most important relationship of my life.

There is no one in this world that loves me more or with a more perfect love. Don’t compromise who you are for the world.

2. Seek God for direction before making decisions for my life.

I realize that my understanding is limited to what I know and see. God is all-knowing and He is the best one to give me direction for my life. Sometimes our decisions can have an adverse affect on our lives and the lives of those we love.

3. Know and believe God’s promises for my life.

Studying God’s word gives us understanding of who we are and what God has promised to do in us and through us, but how do we know if we do not delve into His glorious word? The trials become unbearable if we have no hope that things can or will get better. His word is the blueprint that gives us everything we need to live our best lives. Jeremiah 29:11

4. Search for the lessons in each situation.

I began to ask God questions. What is it that you want me to learn Lord? How do you want me to wait while in the storm? Every trial has a something that be for your good; build your faith, increase your trust, restore or turn you away from sin. Romans 8:28

5. Be grateful in all seasons of my life.

Sometimes this part is hard especially when you are experiencing pain. This is the time when you really have to dig deep and remind yourself of the wonderful blessings that still are surrounding you. Look for them, make it a point to seek them, they are there! There is a greater glory after each storm.

6. Tell my story to others.

There is always someone who may be going through a similar storm in their life. By sharing your testimony you are giving them hope and encouragement that things will get better.

7. Pray without ceasing.

I can’t say enough about prayer! I have learned early in my Christian walk that prayer changes things, situations and hearts. There is no greater gift than to be able to talk to the Father about all your heart issues. There are some things that will only come by prayer. Learn to pray and continue to develop your communication with the Father. He will never fail you, that I know for sure!

Blessings

Lisa