Category Archives: Our Faith Walk

A New View of Surrender, Part 2

September 22, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

What, why, when, how… to surrender?

It is not easy for us to surrender. It is, therefore, important to understand how surrendering operates in our daily lives. This is where we will begin today.

As we stated earlier in this study, to surrender means to give up power, control, or possession of a thing. For believers, that thing is us! Spiritual surrender is the relinquishing of our will to the will of God. Each day we are tempted by our flesh, the world, and Satan to give up power, control, or possession of our life (1 John 2:15-17). That’s why it is important to be alert and watchful to decisions that lead us to death or to obedience (Romans 6:16).

Why surrender?

This question, for me, was a game changer! To truly understand “why” surrender, it is important to understand what it means to be “filled by the Spirit”. While the definition of “filling” or “indwelling” of the Holy Spirit may vary based on one’s denomination, I will share the most common understanding by theologians.

The filling of the Spirit refers to a continual process of spiritual growth and maturity, where believers are constantly controlled by the Holy Spirit in their mind, emotions, and will. It is not a feeling or emotional experience, but rather the yielding of one’s life to the Lord. The filling of the Spirit empowers us to live the surrendered life.

When to surrender?

At the moment of salvation, we surrender to the Holy Spirit who brings us to repentance (John 16:8). The Holy Spirit regenerates our spirit and we become new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:16-17). It is at that time that the Holy Spirit takes permanent residence in our life (1 Corinthians 3:16).

We continue this process of surrender so that we will “act more like Jesus” or “be conformed” to His image (Romans 8:29). This is only possible through our obedience to the Holy Spirit.

How to surrender?

As we stated earlier, the Holy Spirit’s filling is the yielding of our life to the Lord. Key to this definition is the word, yielding. Yielding implies an act of cooperation by us as recipients of the Spirit. Unlike our initial salvation, it is a continual process in our spiritual growth. This is the daily work of surrender (2 Corinthians 3:18).

I offer three “R’s of Surrender” to help us practice this critical element in our Christian walk.

- Repentance. Continually examine our life to identify those things that act as idols and influences. Be brutal in discarding those things that hinder our absolute surrender. (2 Corinthians 13:5-6)
- Realization. Depend wholly on the directions and leanings of the Holy Spirit. Surrender cannot be accomplished by our “good works” or best efforts. It is the work of God. (Luke 18:27)
- Relationship. Understand the will of God by spending time with Him. Prayer, meditation, and His Word are direct paths to surrender. Practice His presence throughout the day. (Psalms 42:1-2)

God blesses when we surrender

To live in the fullness God has planned for our life, it is important that we surrender to God. This means we must give up those things that hinder the Holy Spirit’s work in our life. This includes not only personal sin, but our self-will, self-confidence, and self-effort.

I close with these insightful words from Andrew Murray as to the blessings associated with our surrender to God.

I say again, God will bless you. You have been praying for blessing. But do remember, there must be absolute surrender. At every tea table you see it. Why is tea poured into that cup? Because it is empty and given up for the tea. But put ink, or vinegar, or wine into it, and will they pour the tea into the vessel? And can God fill you, can God bless you if you are not absolutely surrendered to Him? He cannot.[1]

To be filled, we must empty ourselves. We must surrender.

[1] Absolute Surrender, Andrew Murray

Our Faith Walk

A New View of Surrender, Part 1

September 15, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

What does surrender look like?

To surrender means to give up power, control, or possession of a thing. It is often used in military terms to express a point of “handing over” a town or a fortification to an enemy. It is punitive, in nature, when viewed from this vantage point.

However, from a spiritual standpoint, surrendering offers greater benefit when viewed from our loving God. Spiritual surrender (surrender to God) is based on His grace and love (Ephesians 2:4-8). Through His Holy Spirit, we respond with trust and obedience. We learn to surrender to God!

Sin and surrender

Sin and surrender have more in common than their first letter. Sin has at its core the stubborn resistance to surrender oneself to the authority and rule of God. Remember Adam and Eve?

Often, we fail to see the spiritual reality of these two conflicting influences in the world. Each day we, unknowingly or knowingly, choose one we will surrender to. Who will rule, control, and influence our life? This requires that we continually examine our position of surrender. In his letter to the church in Rome, the Apostle Paul makes clear this truth.

Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? (Romans 6:16)

God Expects Our Surrender

Surrendering to God allows the Holy Spirit to accomplish the plans and purpose that God has created for us (2 Timothy 1:9). Through our surrender, we understand and live a life that reflects our prayer, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

The perfect example of surrender is seen in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. He often proclaimed that His life was focused only on the things of God. God’s will versus His own (John 8:29). Revisit Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane and see how the Holy Spirit undergirded our Savior as He agonized between His fleshly will and the will of the Father (Matthew 26:38-42). Strengthened by an angel, Jesus fulfilled the purpose for which He came to earth to save mankind.

Absolute Surrender

In his book, Absolute Surrender, Andrew Murray gives a key as to why we must surrender to God.

You know in daily life what absolute surrender is. You know that everything has to be given up to its special, definite object and service. I have a pen in my pocket, and that pen is absolutely surrendered to the one work of writing, and that pen must be absolutely surrendered to my hand if I am to write properly with it.

If another holds it partly, I cannot write properly. And now, do you expect that in your immortal being, in the divine nature that you have received by regeneration, God can work his work every day and every hour unless you are entirely given up to him? God cannot.[1]

For God to accomplish His purpose in our life, we must be absolutely surrendered to Him.

[1] Absolute Surrender and Other Addresses, Andrew Murray

Our Faith Walk

The Surrendered Life

September 8, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Living for Christ

In my faith walk, I must constantly remind myself that “I am not my own.” My new life in Christ was purchased with the precious blood of Jesus Christ (1 Corininthians 6:19-20).

This life brings new responsibility as we share Jesus’ message of reconciliation: Jesus died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. (2 Corinthians 5:15) Living for Christ requires that we live a surrendered life. It is not by accident or happenstance. It is intentional.

Understanding surrender

In his book, Immortal Diamonds, Richard Rohr shares a glimpse into the secret of living a surrendered life through the contemporary example of the Amish.

The Amish people know they are connected to and a part of a much larger divine reality which looks naïve to the rest of us. On the foundation as to what is real and what is passing, they are experts. It also explains their peace, happiness and contentment.

Understanding begins when we seek and prioritize God’s plan for our life. It is in God that we live, breathe, and have our meaning (Acts 17:28). Our worldview is based on the reality of God, the certainties of faith, and the “end game” that leads us to eternity with the Lord (1 John 5:13). The surrendered life begins with denying self and the world. It begins with Jesus as our priority.

Surrender begins with denying

Jesus in His teaching on the cost of discipleship was brutally honest about His expectation of His followers. There was no mincing of words to make the offer more appealing to His listeners. Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24) Jesus’ ministry continues today with us as His disciples. His expectations have not changed.

Deny has two meanings: (1) to affirm that one has no acquaintance or connection with someone and (2) to lose sight of oneself and own interests. Matthew uses the second definition to explain Jesus’ rebuke to would-be disciples unaware of the cost to follow Him.

As we deny our own interest and forsake our past self, we must also reject our love for this world— “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). All these create within us a divided heart which cannot love Jesus well nor surrender to His leading.

The surrendered life

The world, Satan, and our flesh are not big on “denying”. They encourage us to place our desires above the Lord’s. They deceive by whispering, “You can have it your way right now. Jesus can wait another day.” Jesus replies, “I am The Way” (John 14:6) and offers instead His love (John 3:16), salvation (Hebrews 2:10), forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7), freedom (Psalms 146:7), and peace (Colossians 3:15).

The goal of the Christian life can be summed up by Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Such a life of surrender is pleasing to God, results in the greatest human fulfillment, and will reap ultimate rewards in heaven (Luke 6:22-23).[1]

The surrendered life in Christ results in great joy and wisdom. There is great confidence in knowing we have made the best choice by seeking “the Pearl of Great Price” (Matthew 13:46). To give up other offers, by comparison, is a surrender of the lesser.

[1] Got Questions, “What does it mean to surrender to God?”

Our Faith Walk

A Christian’s Guide to Weight Training

June 16, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

How would you rate your physical condition today?

Measuring physical health is a multi-layered process that moves beyond simple metrics like weight. By assessing the five key components of fitness—cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition—in combination with vital signs like blood pressure and cholesterol, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of your well-being.

Whether through advanced clinical testing or accessible at-home methods, regular assessment provides the data needed to make informed decisions about your lifestyle. Remember, these measures are not just numbers, but powerful tools that can guide you toward a healthier, more vibrant life. Focusing on continuous improvement across these areas is the most effective strategy for long-term health.[1]

Even more important than our physical condition is the condition of our spirit. While our physical condition determines our quality and longevity in this life, our spiritual condition has “eternal” consequences.

The Apostle Paul shared with the church at Corinth the importance of being “spiritually fit” (1 Corinthians 9:24-26). This would be critical in navigating the challenges they faced as Christians. For believers today, challenges continue. The 21st century has brought new challenges that affect individuals, communities, nations, and the world as a whole.

So today, we will use the analogy of weight training to share three (3) areas where we can strengthen our daily faith walk and foster spiritual growth.

Upper Body: Doing God’s Will

God is building our “upper body” so we will be able to “do His will.” The “head and heart” is where we are conformed to the image of Christ. Philippians 2:5 admonishes us to “Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus.”

Christ was loving (when people were unlovable), obedient (when He was tempted to do otherwise) and steadfast (when Satan tried to distract Him from the cross). He did nothing on His own but only what the Father told Him to do. (John 14:10)

Lower Body: Doing God’s Work

God is building our “lower body” so we will be able to “do His work.” It is time for us to move forward with the individual ministries God has placed in our heart to do. Ephesians 2:10 states, “We are His workmanship created unto good works which He has before ordained that we should walk in.”

We think ministry work is limited to the pulpit and to the preacher. Wrong! Ministry in Greek means service. (Acts 1:17; Ephesians 4:12) We were not saved to “sit” but to “serve.”

Our Core: Trusting God’s Way

God is building our “core” muscles so that we will be able to “trust and believe.” These are key areas we need to work on continuously. We strengthen our core when we learn to wait on the Lord. Isaiah 40: 31states: “They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength.” Our ability to wait is foundational to our trust in God.

Our ability to trust is based on our confidence in what or who we believe in. Our belief is influenced by what we know. To build strong core muscles, we must trust and believe in God–His greatness, His goodness and His fidelity.

Begin today

As with any new exercise program, it is important to begin strengthening our spiritual man as soon as possible. Each day we delay, we leave ourselves open to temptation, spiritual weakness and disease (sin).

There will always be excuses, but remember, God’s purpose can only be fulfilled in our lives through our obedience to His Word and our faithful discipline. (1 Timothy 4:8; 1 Corinthians 9:24–27). Begin today!

[1] Exploring what are the Measures of Physical Health, October 24, 2025, Welly-A Trusted Health Guide,

Our Faith Walk

Throwback Wednesday: What’s with Watchfulness?

May 13, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Watchfulness. What does that mean to us in today’s world? With the many events that are occurring in our world, it is imperative that we give special attention to the environment around us.

To watch is used over four hundred times in the Old Testament with the basic meaning of “take great care” and to “keep alert”. In the New Testament, the definition continues with the addition of the warning to “keep watchful.”

Jesus often used the concept of watchfulness in may of His parables to relate to His Second Coming . (Luke 31:26) He also warned believers to be aware and prepared for Satan’s attacks. (Mark 14:38).

Jesus’ teachings on watchfulness is especially relevant for us today. Each day, we are challenged to carefully assess what is happening around us. Not only for our physical well-being but especially for our spiritual health.

Therein lies the reason for this our Throwback Wednesday, “Practicing Watchfulness: Be Prepared.” Click on the “next post” to access all the Practicing Watchfulness series. That’s how important we think watchfulness is needed right now.

Practicing Watchfulness: Be Prepared

Our Faith Walk

Hope that Won’t Disappoint

May 5, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

What we’ve learned about hope.

The believer’s audacity for hope is made possible by knowledge of God (Psalm 16:11), by continuous abiding in Christ (John 15:5) and the filling of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Our audacity or boldness is built on a sure foundation based on the fidelity and faithfulness of God. It is established on the immutability of His word (Hebrews 6:17-18), the certainty of His promise (Romans 4:16) and the assurance of His presence (Romans 15:13). This is what gives us the ability to persevere.

This boldness leads us to our faith response to the challenges and trials of 21^st century living. Our faith becomes a key ingredient with hope to offer us peace, guidance, and unwavering hope. It provides us with strength and solace in time of uncertainty. This is true not because we are “optimistic”, but we believe that God is truly in control regardless of the circumstances we face.

Together, our audacity and faith results in our recognition and acknowledgement that God and God alone is the true source of our hope (Psalm 62:5-12). A true hope that never disappoints.

Hope and the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path forward and guiding believers toward the fulfillment of God’s promises. The Holy Spirit instills hope in believers by:

Reassurance of God’s Love: The Holy Spirit pours God’s love into the hearts of believers, providing a steadfast foundation for hope. This love is unconditional and everlasting, providing security and assurance even in the face of trials and tribulations. (Romans 5
Guiding and Strengthening Faith: The Holy Spirit strengthens believers’ faith, enabling them to trust in God’s promises and plans. This faith is the source of hope, as it allows believers to anticipate God’s goodness and believe in the fulfillment of His promises. (Hebrews . 11:1)
Empowering for Perseverance: The Holy Spirit empowers believers with resilience and perseverance, enabling them to endure challenges and maintain hope amid difficulties. This empowerment allows believers to overcome obstacles and keep moving forward towards God’s purpose. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Revealing God’s Plan: The Holy Spirit unveils God’s plan and purpose for believers’ lives, providing a clear direction and motivation for hope. This understanding of God’s plan instills hope for the future, as believers see how their present struggles fit into God’s overarching design. (Ephesians 1:17-18)
Interceding in prayer: The Holy Spirit intercedes for believers in prayer, expressing their deepest yearnings and hopes to God. This intercession ensures that believer’s hopes are aligned with God’s will and that their prayers are heard and answered. (Romans 8: 26-27).

The Holy Spirit becomes a source of strength and resilience, enabling believers to navigate the challenges of life with confidence and anticipation of God’s goodness.

Hope that won’t disappoint.

For hope that is real in our life, it is important that we intentionally claim that which Christ has obtained for us through His sacrificial death and powerful resurrection. Through Jesus’ sacrificial gift of life, we have a hope that “does not” and “will not” disappoint.

Therefore, having been justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:1-5)

Bottomline, God’s hope won’t disappoint. His hope is the only guarantee of security and assurance even in the face of trials and tribulations. HE IS the steadfast foundation for hope. (Hebrew 6:17-19)

For hope that won’t disappoint, hold fast to “the God of hope [who will] fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.” (Romans 15:13, Amplified)

Our Faith Walk

Hope: Our 21st Century Faith Response

April 28, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

How do we describe hope?

What metaphors do we use to express hope? How do we encourage others to believe “there’s a path to good” even in bad times? Here are a few we might have used.

“There’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
“Every cloud has a silver lining.”
“The sun is peeking through the clouds.”
“Hope is an eternal flame.”

But let’s be honest, when we’re at the “end of our rope” and the “bottom of our world has fallen out”, metaphors about hope will not help us. We are looking for something that will ease our troubled souls right now!

Who needs hope?

According to the American Psychological Association [1], we all need hope.

A majority of adults (62%) disagree with the statement, “our children are going to inherit a better world than we did,” and 63% disagree with the statement, “I feel our country is on the path to being stronger than ever.” More than 3/4 of adults (76%) said that the future of our nation is a significant source of stress in their lives, while 68% said this is the lowest point in our nation’s history that we can remember.

Two in three adults (66%) said the culture’s current political climate is a significant source of stress in their lives. Further, three in five adults quote (60%) said that the current social divisiveness in the nation causes them stress. Slightly more than three in five adults 62% reported that the racial climate in the US is a significant source of stress in their lives.

Are these sources of stress going to go away? Absolutely not! And these stressors are larger than us and out of our control. In this environment, we are also expected to manage the challenge of daily living and providing for our families: feeding, clothing, and housing. We search out ways to balance the stresses of life while maintaining healthy relationships, and personal “sanity”. We need to cultivate our hope because when we cease to hope, we jeopardize our future.

The worldview of hope

Hope has ALWAYS been something we humans have needed whether in ancient times or modern days. Man’s ability to survive and thrive has been dependent on hope. The challenge, however, continues to be our ability to identify the BEST SOURCE of HOPE.

Hope, from the world’s view, comes from a variety of sources that, when combined and strengthened, provide a foundation for optimism, resilience, and the pursuit of a meaningful and fulfilling life. These include the following which we most commonly use.

Relationships and connections: human connections and strong relationships provide a sense of belonging, support, and love, fostering hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Personal strengths and abilities: recognizing and utilizing one’s strengths and abilities instills confidence and a sense of empowerment, nurturing hope for achieving goals and overcoming challenges.

Meaning and purpose: finding meaning and purpose in life, whether personal interest, family, community, or spiritual beliefs, provides a sense of direction and motivation, fueling hope for our fulfillment and meaningful existence.

Spiritual beliefs and faith: for many, spiritual beliefs and faith in a higher power offer a sense of peace, guidance, and unwavering hope, providing strength and solace in time of uncertainty.

We do these things to cope and to relieve the uncertainty we face daily. Like the television therapist, Dr. Phil, might ask, “how’s that working for you?” Consider adding to this list: The God of Hope.

The God of Hope

We often become discouraged when the things we do in our human strength fail to improve our situation. We are stressed because when we look around there is “no light at the end of the tunnel” nor is the “sun peeking through the clouds.”

The reality we must come to grips with is that we live in a fallen world, where sin will continue to manifest itself in the brokenness and pain we see today. Injustice, wars, corruption, and much more. BUT THERE IS HOPE.

Our hope is built on the faithfulness and dependability of God. We must rely on the “fidelity” of God. God is reliable, dependable, and faithful. God is true, truthful, and trustworthy. His Word and His promises provide the “blessed assurance” we need to not only survive but also thrive in this world. He is our sufficiency (2 Corinthians 3:5).

What is our faith response to the challenges of 21^st century living? We must recognize and acknowledge that God alone is the true source of our hope (Psalms 62:5-12).

[1] Stress in America 2022, American Psychological Association.

Our Faith Walk

The Audacity of Hope, Part 2

April 21, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Why do we need hope?

From the tenuous bonds that connect us with one another, to the ever-present vulnerability we share as humans in a chaotic world, our lives are forever saturated in the possibility of catastrophe. Bad things— often tragic things like accidents, illness, and untimely death—happen to people every single day. We know this, yet we are tasked with finding ways of moving forward in a world where nothing is guaranteed.[1]

How then do we move forward? We look for hope—the expectation that things will get better. Hope is important because it helps us to cope with stress and anxiety, manage adversity, and improve our well-being and happiness. Hope is not always easy to find, but it is always worth seeking. It is the light that guides us through the darkness, and it gives us the strength to keep going even when things are tough.

Hope by any other name.

Hope is defined as an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes. Its synonyms include optimism and anticipation. The opposite of hope includes hopelessness and despair.

Hope is included as one of the three theological virtues mentioned in Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth. “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three.” (1 Corinthians 13:13, KJV). To the church at Thessalonica, Paul acknowledges the saints for “their work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1Thessalonica 1:3).

When we use the word hope in casual conversation, we often do so in a doubtful manner. However biblical hope is never “doubt-filled”. It is built upon a confident expectation of a future fulfillment based on God’s Word and God’s promises.

We can only hope!

Hope is both a feeling and a motivation. A powerful force for good in our lives. It can help us cope with difficult times and to persevere in the face of challenges. It has been described as a shield, a path, and a powerful protector. This is especially true when we face life-threatening illnesses or insurmountable challenges in our lives.

Hope is a complex emotion that is critical for the times in which we find ourselves. As we embrace the belief that better days are possible, we are motivated to continue moving forward. It is exactly what is needed to persevere during these difficult times. With hope, we can find ways to oppose the dread of life’s dangers. Hope is critical to our future, both individually and collectively, as a society. Therein lies the reason we must continue to hope.

Hope as an anchor of the soul.

Hope will sustain us during difficult times. The writer of Hebrews depicted hope as an anchor. It was a familiar object that would illustrate God’s strong attachment to us. This anchor was “sure and steadfast”.

Sure is interpreted to mean “something that can be relied upon”. Steadfast continues this thought of God’s hope. It adds the descriptors of “trustworthy, firm and secure”. The anchor represents the Object of our faith who is Jesus Christ. Jesus has secured our position for eternity—past, present, and future.

Hope in God continues to be the message that will sustain us today in these troubling times. Our hope is based on the immutability of His word (Hebrews 6:17-18), the certainty of His promise (Romans 4:16) and the assurance of His presence (Romans 15:13).

It is this hope that gives us confidence and the ability to persevere. Our audacity of hope is built on a sure foundation based on the fidelity and faithfulness of God.

Next week, we will explore hope as our faith response to the challenges of 21^st century living.

[1] Hope: Why it matters, Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, July 16, 2021

Our Faith Walk

The Audacity of Hope, Part 1

April 14, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Why hope?

President Barack Obama authored a book in 2006 entitled, The Audacity of Hope. In the prologue, he shares his personal view of what the audacity of hope looks like.

The audacity of hope. That is the best of the American spirit. I thought it was having the audacity to believe despite all the evidence to the contrary that we could restore our sense of community to a nation in conflict.

Audacity is defined as the willingness to take bold risks, often characterized by confident, daring, or insolent behavior. It can mean courageous bravery or more commonly, disrespectful impudence.

To exhibit optimism amid wars and global conflicts, may be viewed as flip. Trusting God and living by faith when costs are escalating and wages are shrinking, might be seen as daring. However, that is where the audacity of hope comes in.

As believers, our hope is anchored in the Word of God and His promises (Hebrew 6:19). During these uncertain times, we can “audaciously” demonstrate our confidence in the God of hope. We have the assurance of hope.

The Assurance of Hope

The assurance of hope is based on our relationship with the Lord. In Romans 15:13, God is described as the “God of hope”.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

In the beginning of the verse, joy and peace are linked together. Joy is not a fleeting happiness derived from favorable circumstances. Rather, joy is the gladness of heart.

Peace is not the absence of conflict, but it denotes being in “right relationship” with God. This includes access by faith into the grace, in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)

To abound in hope is the result of our relationship with the Holy Spirit. It is the power of the Holy Spirit that empowers us to do things that can only be accomplished supernaturally (Philippians 4:13). Through these 21^st century challenges, we can spiritually mature from our experiences, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope will not make us ashamed. (Romans 5: 3-5)

The Protection of Hope

We need the assurance of hope to hold back the troubles of the world and Satan’s attempts to frustrate us. The intent of both is to cause us to “give up.” John Elderedge in his book, Resilient, describes this state of mind as “Desolation.”

I suffered a couple of devastating emotional blows in the summer of 2021. There were things I felt God had promised me that, in heartbreaking ways, did not come through. I felt so betrayed and abandoned. But then, in my vulnerable state, something came over me—a dark cloud, a sort of suffocating fog that urged me to give up my life with God. The symptoms included a sort of dullness of heart, a poverty of spirit, and a bareness of soul. Disappointment, so understandable, collapsed into disillusionment.

Neither hope nor joy comes easily. Hopelessness infects our faith. We must find the supernatural graces to guard our hearts against both Desolation, and the riptides that pull us away from God.

Giving up will result in missed blessings. This includes failure to accomplish the purpose God has designed for us (Ephesians 2:10). Worst case, it may cause us to walk away from our relationship with God and His protection. When that happens, Satan has won, offering no replacement except more disappointment and heart break.

The audacity of hope is possible by:

Knowing God (Psalm 16:11)
Abiding in Christ (John15:5)
Filling by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

Next week, we’ll continue to discuss the audacity of hope, especially during these chaotic times.

Our Faith Walk

Throwback Wednesday: When Life KEEPS Happening

October 14, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

“Life keeps on life-ing!”

Does it seem as though life is getting harder to navigate? Well, guess what? It is!

I understand that “life lived under the sway of sin and Satan”, will continue its path of destruction. “Life keeps on life-ing”; leading to disappointment, pain, and suffering (Galatians 6:7-8).

I know that as long as we live in this fallen world, we will face trials and tribulations (John 16:33). However, as believers, our peace, our confidence, and our expectations can only come from the Lord, who made heaven and earth AND who is aware of everything that we are currently facing (Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13).

With these thoughts in mind, I’d like to share for this Throwback Wednesday, “When Life Happens.” While it was originally written for a personal application of life happenings, it is most appropriate as we formulate our responses to the events happening both locally and nationally.