Unauthorized Personnel

My day had been filled with anxieties, frustration, worry, and fear. I was pulling myself in all sorts of directions, trying to do things on my own. My body was tightening up, and I am sure my blood pressure was rising. This episode happened because I allowed the words of someone else to control and take authority over me. A person’s words brought me no relief, comfort, encouragement, or peace. And like a sponge, I soaked it all up. Their comments prompted a chain reaction that spiraled downward making me lose sleep and a clear perspective of what God was doing in my life.

I allowed another person to come into my space of peace to caused havoc. I permitted the ill-intended slander and their negative words to trigger insecurities, discouragement, apprehensions, and stress. Have you been there, sis?

I was in a great mood. Celebrating what God was doing in my life, optimistic and excited about what was to come. I had no worries, and the weight from the pressures of life was not holding me down. I was free, walking in that freedom and my purpose … until an authorized person filled my head with foolishness. This person was not God, did not speak on God’s behalf, and was not used by God. And I knew this! Yet, I gave that person the right to invade my space. Looking back, I’m upset with myself for allowing it to happen.

For I hold you by your right hand — I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.

Isaiah 41:13 NLT

But thank God for the Holy Spirit and the Holy Word of God! Both always meet us right where we are. When we open the Bible and listen to the sweet and gentle voice of the Holy Spirit, our situation, perceptions, and atmosphere change. Praise God and Hallelujah! My desire is to read my Bible daily (sadly, some days I neglect to read God’s Word.) as I know God wants to speak to me, encourage and direct me, and, when needed, correct me. He did just that! After having a sleepless night, uncontrolled emotions, God spoke. Following increased stress levels, busily being Martha (Luke 10:41), and trying to solve my problems on my own, God spoke to me. The Lord’s Words were, as always, right on time. Through His Word, the Holy Spirit corrected and comforted me. He consoled my mind, which I needed desperately. Let me share with you what the Father said to me.

In other words, God said:

I have you. I’m holding onto you. My hand has your hand. I am your God. Your Lord. And I am speaking to you, Rhovonda. Do not be afraid. I am here for you, to help you. Don’t get caught up in other people’s validation of you. They are not the authority of your life. I AM. I am with you. 

Beautiful and such gracious words! Time and time again, God reaffirms my calling and purpose. He has called me to encourage others as He encourages me. Through my downtime, mess-ups, disappointments, discouragements, and struggles, God brings me through them all. He blesses me, strengthens me, and pours out His unending mercy to comfort me. Likewise, God has called me to do the same for His people. Since He encouraged me, I can encourage you.

3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 6 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. 7 We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 NLT

I am comforted by my Heavenly Father. In return, He has called me to comfort His daughters whenever and wherever I can, no matter what platform God gives me, be it devotionals, books, speaking, workshops, retreats, teaching, and preaching, or my business. My purpose is to encourage and uplift the kingdom of God. Even if I need to be encouraged, my ministry of encouragement does not stop. So, beloved, may I encourage you today?

What is upsetting you? What unconstructive criticism is trying to control your thoughts and change your mindset? What had distracted you from running the race and staying committed? What is causing you stress, worry, and panic? What or who is making you afraid? Have the words of an unauthorized person cast a dark cloud over you? Has their familiar face and voice triggered a painful memory from your past? What do you need?

The Word of the Lord says to you:

Because I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go. I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic. I’m right here to help you.’ (Isaiah 41:13, MSG)

Here are three powerful principles I want to share with you to encourage us on this freedom journey.

1. God is holding onto you with a firm grip. He won’t let you go, nor will He let you fall. Now breathe. Keep your hand in God’s unchanging hand. He never changes, even when we change. He remains the same. Permit your confidence in God to grow as you stand on the promises found in Isaiah 41:13.
2. Stop panicking. God is commanding you to stop panicking. He instructs you to release the fear and stop fretting about the unknown and what’s to come. We have no control over what tomorrow may bring. So why waste time worrying about it? Fear heightens your ability to think rationally and objectively. It is a feeling that falsifies the truth. God urges you to be not alarmed, cease worrying, and remain calm. Keep your eyes on Him.
3. God is your present help. The Creator God is your right-now help. Whatever you need, right now, God is that. He is right there with you amid the fire. In flood and in your hell, God is standing by your side. My friend, you are not alone. God is there to help you. So let Him help! Take your hands off the situation and surrender to GOD’S AUTHORITY. He’s working everything out for your good. Trust Him.

Beloved, I pray that you use these three principles and meditate on God’s Word. When you find yourself being led astray by your emotions, an unauthorized person, and the cares of life, remind yourself that 1) God holding you, 2) no need to panic, and 3) God is present and more than able to help you in your time of need. Be encouraged to daily walk in freedom with Jesus Christ.

Had a similar experience? Has an unauthorized person breached your space of peace? I would love to hear how you handled that situation. Leave a comment below.

Is the weight of your past hindering you from moving forward? Need encouragement and confidence to move forward? Let me help you. I want to help you release the weight of your P.A.S.T., live a victorious and courageous life, and walk in freedom with Jesus Christ. Let’s start today! Let’s walk in freedom together!

Your sis,