The supernatural is standard procedure in heaven; that’s how God does things above and beyond anything we could ever imagine. Every believer can live their life from this heavenly perspective, yet many limit themselves to the natural realm bound by the limitations of this world. It’s sort of like a five-ton elephant being compelled by a hundred-pound ankle chain; does it not know its inner strength?

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV)

Since the Holy Spirit resides in each believer, they have the advantage over nonbelievers who put their trust in themselves and others; therefore, when they hit a dead-end, the circumstances add up to hopelessness. But believers don’t have to stress; they can see life differently by trusting God’s abilities to do the supernatural. What’s impossible with man is standard operation in heaven, where faith reaches beyond the physical realities.

For with God, nothing shall be impossible (Luke 1:37 KJV).

However, Christians aren’t given access to this supernatural power for selfish, materialistic gain. Instead, it’s a “tool” needed to accomplish God’s will on Earth. Hebrews chapter 11, often called the “Hall of Faith,” lists many heroic accomplishments achieved through ordinary human beings like you and me; they not only believed in God but expected Him to perform as promised.

Do you view the supernatural as standard procedure?

  © 2023

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

Lately, I have received several comments on my posts claiming God is a mythical character, calling Him my imaginary friend, implying that only the simplest of minds would give Him the time of day. They categorize the Bible as a book of fairytales.

Okay, let’s say, for the sake of argument, they’re right, and when I die, there is no God to greet me, and the Bible was just a book of lies, as one man described. No harm done; living my life by treating people with kindness and receiving God’s love, mercy, and blessings. But when these skeptics die and find out the Bible is true, and that hell is their eternal destiny. I guess I lack the intelligence to understand who would take such a gamble.

The most common questions I received were:

• If a God exists, why doesn’t He stop all the suffering?
• Why do some children have to endure fatal diseases?
• Why does He allow people to die from hunger?
• Why would a perfect God create people who rape, kill, and enslave others?

There are no simple answers to questions like these; at least, I don’t have any easy answers. In Ephesians 1:17, the apostle Paul prayed that we receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation into the mysteries and knowledge of Christ. Paul also said we will only know in part and won’t fully understand until we come face-to-face with Jesus (see 1 Corinthians 13:9-10).

I would rather face life’s problems with God than without Him.

However, I do know evil comes from Satan, not God. This is not to say God’s children are immune from bad things happening to them; on the contrary; nevertheless, the Almighty has equipped them with backup to stand victoriously.

Scriptures, like the following, are promises God gives to His children during these evil days: Ephesians 6: 11-18; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Psalm 3:3-5; 32:7; 34:7; 46:1;121:7-8; Isaiah 54:17; Nahum 1:7; 2 Corinthians 4:8-11.

. . . and that’s no fairytale!

  © 2023

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

When the righteous pray—God responds. He replies to the cries of His children. Therefore, after you finish praying, expect Him to answer; however, He might not come how or when you want Him to, but it will be done right and on time. And if He decides to take you the long route, ask Him to open your spiritual understanding so His subtle moves, along the way, will not go unnoticed.

Think about all the responses you might have overlooked; try not to miss anymore.

The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

 (Psalm 34:15 KJV)

Many times, the Lord is working secretly on our petitions. So, instead of focusing on what we can see, the apostle Paul says to open our eyes by faith to the unseen realities (see 2 Corinthians 4:16-18).  A godly perspective allows us to handle life’s perplexities on a level where the supernatural is standard procedure.      

Just because stars aren’t visible in daylight doesn’t mean they aren’t there.

When Elisha had to face the Aramean army, his servant was fearful when he saw the king’s warriors had surrounded the city with horses and chariots. When he alerted Elisha of their dire circumstances, Elisha prayed for God to open his servant’s eyes. God answered Elisha’s prayer, and the servant saw that the Lord had covered the mountain with horses and chariots of fire. (See 2 Kings 6:8-17.)

Take hold of what God promised His children:

• Call unto me, and I will answer, thee and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. (Jeremiah 33:3 KJV)
• He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: (Psalm 91:15a KJV)
• I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. (Psalm 40:1 KJV)
• And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. (Isaiah 65:24 KJV)
• In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. (Psalm 18:6 KJV)

God responds to His children’s prayers.

  © 2023

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

Satan doesn’t have to come up with anything new since we keep falling for his most time-tested trick—doubt. He put seeds of doubt in Eve’s mind in the Garden, and doubt is havoc on our faith today. Being doubtful can sometimes lead to wisdom; however, it becomes part of the enemy’s arsenal, opening an avalanche of sins when it makes us uncertain about God’s existence, His Word, and everything else associated with the Lord, which is Satan’s goal.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8 KJV)

For doubt to work effectively, the enemy is counting on us to depend on our logic and emotions to dispel his lies. We, as believers, don’t have to fall subject. The Holy Spirit is all the help we need to shine a light through Satan’s fog of confusion.

When Elijah prayed for rain after a three-year drought, doubt could have defeated him when there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, but he kept worshipping God until a small cloud arose across the sea and, soon after, a downpour. (See 1 Kings 18.)

The Holy Spirit will show us the way.

The enemy might be able to defraud us, but not God. Therefore, by centering our lives on our heavenly Father, His Spirit will direct our path so we won’t become victimized by Satan’s same old tricks.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

⁷ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil (Proverbs 3:5-7 KJV).

  © 2023

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

Believers should never count a problematic circumstance as the final act until the Truth has spoken. Conditions can’t govern El Elyon, the Most High God; situations don’t rule Him—irrefutable facts must recalculate to His will. God is forever working secretly on His children’s behalf; therefore, don’t stress when the Truth is in the “boat” (see Mark 4:35-40).

Jesus told him [Thomas], I am the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6).

Circumstances can’t steamroll the Truth.

It’s wise to seek the Holy Spirit for comfort and guidance because He’s smack-dab in the middle of our dire situations; either He purposefully set them up, or they originated elsewhere—and He allowed them to occur.

As a former school principal, I envision the entire human race, with all our idiosyncrasies and prejudices crammed into one giant classroom called Earth. We’re learning life lessons: taking pop quizzes and cliffhanger examinations to test the authenticity of our faith. Our obedience to God and how we treat one another ongoingly evaluates our spiritual growth.

Being a follower of Christ doesn’t mean we won’t have difficulties. Nevertheless, God is in control, and we know all things work together for good for those who love Him and those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Jesus said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 KJV)

So, whatever the challenge, through Christ Jesus, you can courageously walk with great expectations, knowing the Truth, not the circumstance, has the last say.

The Truth overrides circumstances!  

 © 2023

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

Suppose each believer approached life’s impasses and fears with the bold confidence that no power is greater than the One dwelling inside them; things sure would operate differently here on Earth. For one, the world’s so-called mightiest would stop and take a second look at those individuals walking around fearing no one but God.

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?

 (Psalm 27:1 NKJV)

God bestowed His children with promises for a reason. For example, (paraphrased):

• You can do all things through Christ, which strengthens you. (Philippians 4:13)
• I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10b)
• I will give My angels charge over you, to keep you. (Luke 4:10)
• I will be with you in trouble, deliver and honor you. (Psalm 91:15)

When we ignite faith to these promises, they become weapons against the kingdom of darkness, leaving the devil in fear, not vice versa. But unfortunately, many times, the enemy’s lies are more acceptable than the Truth.

Why is that?

That usually happens when we only know God from a one-dimensional standpoint (informational head knowledge), which generally doesn’t hold under pressure, causing one to seek outside measures rather than the power within.

But the Holy Spirit wants us to have a deeper experiential relationship obtained by direct practices as He reveals Himself in our daily circumstances.

The more time you spend intimately in the presence of the Holy Spirit and His Word, the more you realize that the greater One is in you.

He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4b NKJV).

  © 2023

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

We use every savory descriptive word that comes to mind, explaining our favorite meal and recommending it to others. Although, as delicious as it may be, it can’t compare to the indescribable goodness of God. People who know the Lord intimately want others to experience Him, too—knowing that meal will never be forgotten.

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! (Psalm 34:8 NKJV).

Meditating on the goodness of God is humbling because we know very well we are undeserving. However, the Lord doesn’t want us to dwell in our unworthiness but instead to boldly spread His goodness.

The Holy Spirit, operating through us, could be the sole intriguing image some of the world will see of Christ; they might not recognize Him any other way. The only Bible they read or sermon they hear might be understood merely through everyday applications of godly actions.

The believers’ earthly assignment isn’t to draw the world to Christ—that’s the Holy Spirit’s job; nevertheless, they are carriers of the “Good News,” and they are to hand out samples for others to see and taste the Lord’s goodness.

How great is Your goodness,
Which You have stored up for those who [reverently] fear You,
Which You have prepared for those who take refuge in You,
Before the sons of man! (Psalm 31:19 AMP)

  © 2023

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

The type of challenge doesn’t matter or the circumstances that follow; when we abide in God, and His words abide in us, we confidently say amen to His will. We might not understand everything—but we Trust Him.

He will not be afraid of evil tidings;
His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord (Psalm 112:7).

We hold Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s relationship with the Lord in high regard for telling King Nebuchadnezzar they wouldn’t worship the gold statute (see Daniel 3). And what about Daniel’s trust in God when he defied King Darius’ ordinance not to petition any god or man other than the king? (See Daniel 6.) Let’s not forget Abraham, who left everything and unquestioningly trusted God on an unknown journey (see Genesis 12).

And those who know Your name [who have experienced Your precious mercy] will put their confident trust in You,
For You, O Lord, have not abandoned those who seek You (Psalm 9:10 AMP).

I doubt if those pioneers of faith obtained that level of trust just by casually knowing about God without having experiential encounters with Him, for that degree of trust is progressive.

It’s one thing to have head knowledge and another thing to have first-hand—experience.

As we experience the Holy Spirit intimately, we increasingly see spiritual growth and our prayers changing from—Lord, change my situation to—guide, comfort, and teach me how to trust You more.

God wants our trust.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

   © 2023

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

Believers are just passing through what is known as life on earth. The world can’t understand these people who hear from, talk to and depend on God. These visitors walk with confidence like they’re headed someplace—but where?

But we are citizens of the state (commonwealth, homeland) which is in heaven, and from it also we earnestly and patiently await [the coming of] the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [as] Savior,

(Philippians 3:20 AMP)

The world wonders why they are so different from everybody else. They seem to see beyond what is currently apparent. Why aren’t they controlled by worry and bound by fear? Why do they speak of hope when things are obviously hopeless? Yes, they feel the arrows of strife when thrown, and they experience pitfalls and storms but, nevertheless, are steadfast on their journey.

 Why are these outsiders here?

These extraordinary people are here to do the will of God and learn lessons that will promote spiritual growth in themselves and others. Some tests are grueling and painful, while some can be learned with a quick-fix attitude adjustment. In addition to their enlightenment, they are on an assignment(s) as the Holy Spirit leads.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16 NKJV).

They also know the journey won’t be without demonic obstacles trying to take them off course, for the flesh is weak and is subjected to the enemy’s tricks.

However, they are conquerors equipped with protective spiritual armor to cut through thick terrain—under the surveillance of Almighty God. The Holy Spirit directs their steps as they travel unpredictable roads (see Proverbs 3:6). When they get off track, they ask for forgiveness and repent; the Lord is there to forgive them as they continue their journey home.

© 2023

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven. But, in today’s chaotic, upside-down world, all the seasons seem to be colliding together, and if we’re not watchful and mindful, we’ll be unprepared for what life throws our way. However, if we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, we’ll be anything ready—ready for anything.

I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give counsel.

(Psalm 32:8 CSB)

There’s too much turmoil in the world for us to take our relationship with God for granted. We must stay spiritually postured in Christ. He should be the first Person we call upon concerning matters; we should have scriptures ready to combat the enemy’s lies; praying should be as easy as the breath we breathe. When our lives are God-centered, we place Him as our top priority; we can handle come what may—through Christ.

In the natural, warriors on the battlefront keep their ammunition close by and set for action. The degree of intimacy we have with the Lord weighs the amount of power working in us. Like suckling newborns receiving vital nutrition, so should we aggressively pursue spiritual sustenance from the Holy Spirit. Halfheartedly, seeking Him will not fully prepare us when trouble comes knocking.

Be ever-ready for anything.

• Ephesians 6:11-18 enables us to stand against the wiles of the devil.
• Psalm 91:11 says God will give His angels charge over us to keep us in all thy ways.
• Deuteronomy 31:6 encourages us to be strong and not fear, for God will not forsake us.
• Isaiah 54:17 tells us that no weapon formed against us shall prosper.
• Psalm 50:15 says to call upon Him in the day of trouble.
• Romans 8:31 says if God is for us, who can be against us?

All this sounds like God has equipped His children to punch the enemy out!

   © 2023

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.