I was given the task to preach a sermon a couple of months, and God downloaded a word in my spirit and the basis of the word was “perspective”. I’ve talked about this briefly. This word has really carried me through since March until now. There’s been so much going on in our world, from pandemic (Covid), killings, riots, and racial tension. Honestly, if I could be honest, I became overwhelmed and checked out a few times to get myself together. I am a man of Faith and know that there is power in prayer, and that God is a all knowing as well. He is not surprised by anything. I often picture God, sitting in his nice comfy chair watching his masterpiece movie play out, while he’s holding the stars in place inhaling and exhaling. Ya’ll let me have my Disney moment!!! But, he’s all knowing, and always present. So when you take it from this perspective you must question why am I still here? I’m alive and that means there is need for me here. If your work was finished I honestly believe that we wouldn’t be here. We all were created for a purpose and it is up to us to find that purpose on our journey called life. Now hold that thought.

I’ve titled this post “Keeping the Faith” because when storms and trials of life come, the first thing we do is lose faith on those things we are believing for or working towards, but I want to declare to you to shift your perspective. It is not over and there is still time to go back to the drawing board. I’ve seen so many people use this time wisely and shift. They shifted from doing things the so called normal way from in person meetings to making things virtual and not missing a beat. Our churches for example. I’ve seen a lot of churches get on board with their online presence and take advantage of technology the best way they could and I’ve seen some do the bare minimum because they just think it was that important and they just wanted to decide to wait until it’s Safe to go back inside the 4 walls of a building as if God didn’t know that a Pandemic would occur. I’m always reminded of the scripture that says “he who win souls is wise”. Proverbs 11:30 and with the help of technology, WiFi, and cameras The service and ministry never had to stop unless we want it too. This may have called for us to stop doing things the same old way and develop new ways of doing ministry. We must SHIFT. Shifting perspective gives you a different a view of the situation. Shifting perspective will help you keep the faith during a Pandemic. If you are only bound by what you see in front of you and are constantly magnifying what you hear from the news and your peers, You won’t get the chance to utilize faith to go against the grain. This is the most valuable time for the church. The world is seeking healing, deliverance, and salvation and if we can’t shift and bring Faith to them because were not willing to shift, then are we really spreading Faith and Hope to a dying world?

So I challenge you to shift and realign your Faith. No, I this isn’t the correct formula but I do know that God has a purpose and plan for us and if we would just have faith to follow and endure We will get through this. I want to encourage with 3 nuggets on how you can keep the Faith during these times.

1. Check your Circle and keep like minded people in your circle who want the same thing as you.

• Get rid of the negative conversations and complainers. Yes, we all know what is going on but if we want to shift and rise above it. We must start having the conversations about solutions. If these conversations can’t be made within your circle then it might be time to shift your circle.

2. Stay prayerful and connected to people of Faith “Church”

• We must stay built up by keeping the full armor of salvation on at all times. Do it when you don’t want to. Stay in the presence of God. It will keep you and it will keep your mind focused. Start your day with devotion (prayer and scripture) and watch how much better your day unfolds.

3. Make time for reflection and Gratitude

• Take inventory of your many blessings and things you have to be grateful for. We often take the little things for granted. Your little thing is someone’s big thing. Be Grateful. Take time and jot down a list of things that you are grateful for. Putting these things before you will help you continue on your journey of keeping the Faith.

I pray that you all be safe and Blessed