"Greater Faith This Year"

There is no God like Jehovah! As we walk into the New Year of 2012 and reflect back on 2011, we can all agree that God is faithful.

We all have endured many different trials and tribulations throughout this past year but since we all welcomed in 2012 on our knees before God, we can say that He brought us through every situation no matter how dark it may have seemed to be. God has never left us nor forsaken us. He has kept His promise to always be with us and provide a way of escape.

Some may still be experiencing difficult times in their individual lives as they continue to believe God for that better day. Keep holding on to God's unchanging hand. He is a very present help in the time of trouble. Continue to pray, seeking the face of God for strength to endure the storm. Believe without doubt that He will see you through the very thunder and rain that you are experiencing. Just as the disciples were fearful when the weather changed and the storm began to rock the boat, their faith began to waver and shake with the boat. Jesus called out to the storm and rebuked it. The storm obeyed and He asked the disciples where their faith was. (Luke 8:22-25)

It is important to remember that the beginning of the text informs us that Jesus had instructed the disciples to go to the other side of the lake. In order to get to the other side, they had to ride the storms of life when they began raging. Many of us have been instructed, just as the disciples were, to go to the other side. The other side can represent the next level of ministry that God has placed in you to fulfil or even a deeper, closer relationship with Him. In order to fulfill that ministry and rise to a higher height, your faith cannot waver. You must know, without doubt, that Jesus is...!

He is all that we need to walk in the calling that God has ordained. Without Jesus being on board of your vessel, you cannot rebuke the storms of life that come. You will indeed be overtaken and drown by life's circumstances, situations and pains, just as the disciples thought was going to happen to them until Jesus calmed the storm for their safe passage.

I encourage you to use this year to draw closer to God for a deeper faith in the power that rests in the name of Jesus Christ. I challenge you to use that power and rebuke the enemy in your life storm so that you can pass safely to your next level in Christ.

Amen.