Joy of the Lord is my Strength Note Series

Abba…..

Today, I sat quietly with God.And for once, I didn’t have the strength to pretend that everything was okay.

“Abba… what is wrong?”

“Am I supposed to simply accept things as they are?”

“Is this just part of life? Because Lord… I am tired.”

As I sat there, I realised how many unanswered questions I have been carrying deep within my soul.Questions I rarely say aloud.Prayers I have prayed more than once.Things I thought would have changed by now.

And I found myself wondering, ”Am I complaining, Lord? Or am I simply tired of waiting? Am I supposed to keep asking, or should I learn to be content with what I have?”

Perhaps you have been there too.

You prayed.

You believed.

You waited.

And yet, the answer still hasn’t come.

Sometimes faith is not standing on a mountain declaring victory. Sometimes faith is sitting quietly before God, tired and confused, and whispering,

“Lord, I still choose You.”

As I spoke to God today, one truth became so clear to me:

It is only the Holy Spirit who can sustain me.

Not my own strength.
Not my plans.
Not my ability to figure everything out.

Only Him.

And once again, I had to remind my soul that God’s plans are bigger than anything I can see or imagine.Maybe I don’t need to understand everything right now.Maybe I simply need to realign my heart with His, loosen my grip on what I thought my life should look like, and allow God to lead me.And somewhere in that quiet moment, I sensed a gentle nudge within my spirit:

“RJ, your season of favour has come.”

“I am doing a new thing in your life. Be expectant.”

I don’t know exactly what that “new thing” will look like.I don’t know how God will answer the prayers I have carried. But today, I choose to receive those words with faith.

I choose expectancy over fear.

I choose surrender over control.

I choose to let God lead me into whatever this next season holds.

Then I remembered something.

Earlier this year, I went forward during an altar call and prayed what felt like an impossible prayer.Today, that prayer suddenly came back to my remembrance.

Somewhere within that prayer was also a desire that had been growing quietly in my heart — the desire to form R Group.

I don’t fully know what it is meant to become, how it will come together, or where God intends to take it. But the vision has remained in my heart.

And today, I found myself surrendering even that dream back to God.

“Abba, if the R Group is a vision You have planted within me, breathe life into it. Bring the right people, open the right doors, and lead me in Your timing. But if it is simply my own ambition, give me the grace to release it.”

Because I don’t want to build something merely to say that I built it.

I want to build only what God has called me to build.

I don’t want success outside of His will. I don’t want an open door that He never intended for me to walk through. And I don’t want my dreams to become louder than His voice.

So today, I submit R Group back into your hands.

“Lord, let it be Your desire and not merely mine. If it is from You, establish it in a way that only You could have done.”

Then realise that there are only a few months left before this year ends.

“Lord, today I surrender this prayer back to You.”

“If this desire came from me, remove it.
If it came from You, fulfil it according to Your perfect will and timing.”

I don’t want something simply because I want it.

I want what God wants for me.

So today, I release the timeline.

I release the outcome.

I release the unanswered questions.

And I place that impossible prayer back into the hands of the One who sees what I cannot see.

Maybe this season is not about figuring everything out.

Maybe it is about trusting God enough to walk with Him even when the road ahead is still hidden.

So, Abba…

Lead me.

Let Your desires become my desires.

Let Your plans become my plans.

Jeremiah chapter 29 : 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

And if You are truly doing a new thing in my life, give me the faith to recognise it, the courage to receive it, and the humility to follow wherever You lead.

I may not know what is coming next.

But I know Who is going before me.

And for today…that is enough.

Rain of Blessings

Yesterday, my good sister in Christ and I were praying together, and after the prayer, she released the word Rain into my life.”I see Rain in your life.Its going to be a season of Rain of Blessings, RJ.”

I received it in my Spirit, and I decided to take some time to meditate on it. As I meditated on it, I reflected the last few weeks, she has been declaring this verse to me;

Isaiah 60 : 3 (NIV) Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

I was reading the same scripture but with a different Bible translation;

Isaiah 60 : 3 (TLB) All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see the glory of the Lord upon you.

Every time she prays this, I would be afraid from within. Indirectly, I will tell God I am not ready to do what you want me to do. But yesterday felt different. I went home and decided to take some time off to quietly meditate on the word ”Rain” that was released to me.

Deuteronomy 28: 12, which states: “The Lord will open to you his good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand.”

I realise the key point to any blessing in life is obedience. Being obedient to the call.Being obedient to whatever God has called you to do. Often, we wait and ask God to show us a direction, but most of the time, He has already given us what we need in our own hands. Oftentimes, we just need to obey the call given and rise to what God has created us to be.

ISAIAH CHAP 6-: 1-3 “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you, and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

As I was meditating on these verses, I realised I just need to arise and live up to my fullest potential. There was a voice within me that reminded me the season is NOW. I am to arise and to shine for His glory alone and not mine.

I have always been someone who struggles with insecurity and timidity. If given a choice, I would rather remain unseen—to live a quiet, simple life away from the spotlight.

But as I was writing this prayer, I came to a profound realization: this life does not belong to me. It belongs to the One who gave it—Jesus Christ.

So today, I come before Him with a heart fully surrendered. I lay down my own plans, my fears, my insecurities, and my need for control. I ask that His will alone be fulfilled in my life.

I pray that God would remove every fear, every anxiety, every insecurity, and every limitation I have carried for so long. Replace them with courage, peace, and unwavering trust in Him.

If my life can bring glory to Jesus—even if it means stepping beyond my comfort zone—then let His will be done, not mine.

May my life never point to myself, but always to Christ.

As I am writing this note,I wrote a prayer unto the Lord,

Abba Father,

Let Your will alone be done in my life. Search my heart and remove every trace of selfish ambition—whether known or hidden—that I have carried within me. I surrender every dream, every plan, and every desire into Your hands.

Take away every form of wishful thinking and replace it with desires that are born from Your heart alone. Teach me to seek Your purposes above my own, and give me the courage to follow wherever You lead.

May my life be a living testimony of Your grace, Your goodness, and Your faithfulness. Let everything I do bring glory to You and You alone.

In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

To all my readers out there, this is for you:

May this season be a season of abundant Rain of Blessings upon each and every one of you. I pray for:

A rain of favor that opens doors no one can shut.
A rain of divine opportunities that align with God’s perfect purpose for your life.
A rain of love, peace, and joy that overflows in every area of your heart and home.
A rain of abundant blessings that exceeds all you could ask, think, or imagine.
A rain of healing, restoration, and breakthrough in every season you are walking through.

May the Lord go before you, strengthen you, and surprise you with His goodness. May His grace be more than sufficient, and may your life become a living testimony of His faithfulness.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Streams in the Wasteland

Today as I was driving to work this phrase came to me.” I am making everything new.”

I reflected and pause and remembered the goodness of God upon me.But at the same time,I feel so tired inside in my spirit.

Are you at times tired of the same prayer requests all the time? You feel the journey has been long and you have seeked counsel and wisdom many around you and you feel nothing is working.

You have asked for help and nothing worked out.Then suddenly you realise the only power needed resides within you.The Holy Spirit himself.

Isaiah 43 : 19 -20

See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.

A week ago,my church pastor reminded me all truth resides in the Word of God.As I was writing this note today,I asked the Lord,”’Abba,show me who You are in my life.I want to be obedient to continue doing what you told me to do.Reveal to me the realities of the Kingdom and the Word of God.”

As I reflected on this verse today,the Holy Spirit reminded me,”He is doing a new thing.He is not letting me go.”

This verse in Isaiah spoke to me. He is making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.There is a battle within me that I feel am fighting against all the time and I asked the Lord,” Help me Lord.Guide me through.”

The response I got is,” I have already prepared a way for you and streams in the wasteland.

The “Wasteland”: Represents a season of struggle, spiritual dryness, burnout, grief, or feeling completely stuck.
The “Streams”: Symbolizes the sudden, unexpected outpouring of God’s grace, renewal, and provision. Just as a rushing river transforms a dry, cracked desert into life, God brings revival and comfort to seemingly hopeless situation.

It is the Lord himself who brings the streams in the wasteland. Can you picture that desert? Can you feel that dryness? Most of us have at least one area in our lives that feels like a wasteland.

I reflected on this and I decided from today henceforth I am going to memorise this verse and declare this verse upon my life and watch myself and thank God for the streams He has already been giving and will continue giving.

I recalled a few months ago,my regional leader released a Word into my life.”God is going to give you a suprise.”I reflected on the Word and realise God has a plan.His plan is to give me a future and hope.I refuse to hustle and decided to just look upon God and let God himself take care of me.

”Friends,are you going through a season in your life.?The good news I would like to share to my beloved readers is,there are streams in your wasteland today.That same mess that you are going through will be a message to the world.”

”I declare miracles over miracles,breakthrough over breakthroughs in your life today,in Jesus name I pray.” Amen

”Abba,use this note to transform lives out there.Let them have an encounter with you.Let this not just be a note,but a transformative note that speaks blessing into their life.”Amen

I thank you Lord for you are a Wonder Working God.-R.J.JOHN

All I can say is thank you, Lord

Today I walked out of work feeling so tired. So drained in my mind. So many things are ongoing in my subconscious mind. So much to answer, so much to handle, different people at work. In the middle of the chaos, I am learning that strength is not about having it all together. It is about showing up, even when your mind feels tired.
It is about choosing purpose over giving up.

I asked the Lord what I should do. Am I in the right place? More responsibilities are coming to me. But there is a form of peace within me. I just know I am in the right place. A quiet assurance.A deep knowing.Not because the journey is easy,
But because I know I am exactly where I am meant to be in this season.

I always wanted to improve the healthcare system. But I did not realise it comes with so much weight and responsibilities. I sincerely am not sure what I am doing, but I told myself I will just trust the process. As I was writing this note, this verse came to me, Proverbs chapter 16:3: ”Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established”. (NIV).

Perhaps sometimes the answer is not having everything figured out.
Perhaps it is simply continuing to surrender the work, the calling, and the journey to God — one step at a time.

I decided to surrender this work unto God.
He knows best.
And He knows exactly where He is leading me.

There are moments I do not fully understand the journey,
the responsibilities,
or even the process itself.

But I am learning that faith is not about having every answer.
It is about trusting the One who already sees the bigger picture.

So today, my prayer became simple:

“Lord, use me for Your Kingdom.”

Use my work.
Use my journey.
Use even the difficult seasons for a greater purpose beyond myself.

And perhaps that is where true peace comes from —
not in controlling everything,
but in placing everything into His hands.

As I was just concluding this note, I was moved to say thank you, Lord.Thank you for everything.Thank you for guiding me through this season.”

My Spirit was just moved to sing this song aloud,” Thank you, Lord, for your love and increased grace in my life. I would continue saying thank you, Lord. All I can say is thank you, Lord.’

Do check out the YouTube song below and be blessed.

Thank you for loving me, My God.-R.J.JOHN

Thrive

I was too overwhelmed with so many things running around in my mind, that I just wanted to run away and quiet myself down to just write this note. I always felt that as I write, I can write unto God, and it is a way for me to talk to Him.

”Abba, I am tired. Tired of striving. I am tired of trying to make ends meet. Can life get better?”

Then I hear a silent voice within me that says, ” You are not striving, but this is your season of thriving. I googled up “Thriving” to better understand the word.

Thriving in the Bible is defined as flourishing spiritually, emotionally, and physically by aligning with God’s will, rather than just surviving. It involves rooting oneself in Scripture, cultivating righteousness through faith in Christ, and maintaining a generous, obedient heart, which leads to a productive, “abundant” life. (Joseph Prince Ministries)

My prayer at the beginning of this year was that I just didn’t want to survive. I wanted to move into the next phase of my life, glorifying God in everything I do. The word “thrive” means to grow vigorously, to prosper, to progress toward or reach a goal.

Psalm 92:12: “The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree.”

I asked God what are the key areas I need to focus on to thrive.

I felt the Lord speak to me,” You do nothing. You just go with the flow. I will bring you through this season of thriving. You will be suprised of the magnitude of blessings that I will outpour on you and your family. This is my promise to you.”

I was reminded of the power of grace. What grace can do to a person.

2nd Corinthians chapter 12: 9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”.

Few key figures in the Bible that have thrived.

Joseph (Genesis 37–50): Despite being sold into slavery and wrongly imprisoned, Joseph thrived by remaining faithful to God. He rose to become a ruler in Egypt, saving many lives during a famine. This story illustrates that God can bring victory out of dark moments.

Queen Esther (Esther 4–5): Esther demonstrated COURAGE by risking her life to save her people. Her story emphasizes that God places individuals in positions of influence for a purpose, enabling them to make a positive impact.

David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17): David didn’t just survive the threat; his faith-filled victory over the giant allowed him to thrive and secured peace for Israel.

When I was reflecting upon these stories, I was reminded that the key is to be in a steadfast spirit. That is being rooted in Christ.

I decided to just get closer to God this season. I didn’t want to focus on my life so much, but I wanted to put my focus on Him.

I was reminded as I remember going forward for prayer yesterday during Sunday service, and as the Pastor laid His hands on me, He prayed for ”Open doors after open doors, miracles over miracles, breakthroughs over breakthroughs upon my life in this new season.”

Abba, I am so done living below your call. Lead me through according to your will. Use me for your Glory.-R.J.JOHN

Delays are for the Glory of God

Today, I felt led to step forward for prayer in church. When the elder asked about my prayer request, I found myself saying, “Please pray for me against delays.” It’s something I’ve been carrying deeply—that in many areas of my life, there have been delays.

As I stood there in prayer, I was suddenly reminded of a vision God gave me 15 years ago—to begin writing for Him. I remember starting a story, pouring my heart into it, but never bringing it to completion. Life unfolded with many personal challenges, and in that season, I simply didn’t have the strength to continue.

Yet in that moment, it became clear to me—perhaps what I once saw as delay was not denial, but preparation.

The elder prayed over me and released a powerful blessing—that every delay in my life is not in vain, but will be for the glory of God.

Today, I choose to believe that every unfinished chapter, every pause, and every waiting season is being woven into a greater story—His story, through my life.

I wanted to explore the Bible on a few stories that I have across delays. Below are a few delays that I found.

Abraham and Sarah (Genesis): Waited many years for the promise of a son (Isaac).
David (1 & 2 Samuel): Waited roughly 13–15 years between being anointed king and taking the throne.
Joseph (Genesis): Experienced a prolonged delay in Egypt, involving slavery and prison, before fulfilling his dream.
The Israelites (Numbers): Faced a 40-year delay entering the Promised Land due to disobedience and fear.
Lazarus (John 11): Jesus delayed in going to heal Lazarus, resulting in a greater miracle—his resurrection.

All these stories recorded in the Scripture reminded me that indeed every delay is for the Glory of God.

Before leaving for church today, I noticed the iPad that had been given to me—and with it, the first book I had ever started writing. In that moment, something stirred deeply within my heart. There was a quiet cry as I prayed, asking God to resurrect this dream. Yet, if I’m honest, I’m still unsure of how to move forward.

After the service, the invited guest speaker, Pastor David Storer, led a ministry prayer session. I stepped forward once again, this time asking for prayer over the vision that had been placed in my heart—for the desire and strength to complete what was once started.

He prayed over me, releasing an anointing and speaking life into the vision I have been carrying for so many years.

I felt prompted to write this down today—believing that one day, when I look back, I will remember this moment… and recognise it as the turning point where God began to breathe life back into a dream I thought had long been delayed.

I made a quiet decision within my heart—to continue seeking God and to allow Him to transform me from the inside out. I asked the Holy Spirit to guide me, to lead me step by step, even in the unknown.

And in the stillness of that moment, I recognised my deepest desire—that my life would be for His glory alone.

The Greatest Weekend

“Today is Maundy Thursday, a sacred day remembered by Christians around the world. As I reflect on its meaning, I feel deeply inspired to write a note unto the Lord with a heart full of gratitude. This holy weekend reminds me of the greatest demonstration of love, sacrifice, and redemption in human history. Truly, this is the most significant and powerful weekend in the Christian calendar — a time to remember His love, His sacrifice, and the hope we have because of Him.”

“Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, is observed during Passion Week, one day before Good Friday. It marks the day Jesus shared the Passover meal with His disciples, a moment that also preceded His betrayal and arrest. Growing up, I was blessed to be part of a Christian community where Maundy Thursday was deeply honoured. We would gather reverently to partake in Holy Communion, remembering His sacrifice and love. Today, I thank God for this spiritual foundation that was planted in my life, a foundation that continues to shape my faith, my values, and my walk with Him.”

“Yet, I believe God is leading me into a deeper and greater revelation of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. More than just traditions I grew up with, I sense He is inviting me to understand the true depth of His love, His sacrifice, and His victory. Indeed, this is the greatest and most powerful weekend in the Christian calendar — a divine story of redemption that continues to transform lives, including mine.”

“As I was writing this note, I found myself praying, Lord, show me Your ways. I want to experience You more deeply in this season. In that quiet moment of reflection, the Lord brought my heart back to the bread and the wine — the powerful reminder found in Holy Communion. I was reminded of that sacred moment when Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:19–20), inviting His disciples into a covenant of remembrance. Communion is not merely a ritual, but a profound ordinance of the Church — a living testimony of His sacrifice, His love, and His unending grace. Through the bread and the cup, we are reminded that His body was broken and His blood was poured out so that we may have life.”

“As I reflected on Luke 22:19–20, I began to see Communion not just as a practice, but as an invitation. Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said, ‘This is My body given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ Then He took the cup and declared, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.’ In that moment, I realized this was more than a historical event — it was a personal call to remember His love, His suffering, and His sacrifice.

The bread speaks of a body broken for my restoration. The cup speaks of a covenant sealed by grace. Communion is not just something we take; it is something we enter into — a sacred encounter with the heart of God.”

In that moment, I felt the Lord reminding me that Maundy Thursday is not just about remembering an event, but about remembering a love so intentional that it chose the cross.

Maundy Thursday reminds me of intimacy — Jesus sitting with His disciples, knowing fully that betrayal was coming, yet choosing love.
Good Friday reminds me of sacrifice — a price paid that I could never afford.
Easter reminds me of victory — that suffering never has the final word.

This holy weekend is not just the biggest weekend in the Christian calendar. It is the greatest demonstration of love, redemption, and hope.

As I prayed, Lord, show me Your ways, I sensed Him saying gently in my heart:
Do not just observe this season… enter into it.

To see the bread not just as bread, but as His body given.
To see the cup not just as wine, but as a covenant of grace.
To see the cross not just as suffering, but as love in its fullest expression.

I realize now that Communion is power. It is remembrance. It is surrender. It is relationship.

And in this season, my prayer is simple:
Lord, let me not just remember what You did…
Let me experience who You are.”

“Let us reflect together on the deeper significance of the bread and the cup.”

Bread — Jesus took the bread and said it was His body given for us, asking us to do this in remembrance of Him. As I reflected on this, I began to understand it more deeply. What He symbolized on Maundy Thursday became reality on Good Friday, when His body was broken on the cross.

On that cross, a divine exchange took place. Jesus took our sins, our brokenness, and our shame upon Himself. In return, through His broken body, He gave us forgiveness, healing, and new life. The bread is no longer just a symbol to me — it is a reminder that His body was broken so that my life could be made whole.”**

Cup — After the supper, Jesus took the cup and said, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood.’ As I reflected on this, I realized that through His sacrifice, a divine shift took place. The old testament system of sacrifices was fulfilled through His death on the cross.Through His blood, Jesus established a new covenant — one built on grace, forgiveness, and restoration. The cup now reminds me that His sacrifice was complete, and through Him, we are brought into a new relationship with God.”

As I reflect on my own life, I see that my journey has truly been a walk of faith, with God gently and faithfully leading me through seasons of uncertainty, growth, and discovery. I am grateful that I am beginning to understand more deeply the power of the sacrifice Jesus made personally for me.

Yet in this reflection, I also saw something within my own heart. Without realizing it, I was still holding on to an Old Testament mindset — thinking that I needed to sacrifice more, do more, and prove myself before God could bless me. I thought my effort could earn what was already given through grace.

How wrong I was.

Slowly, the Lord began to show me that His love was never a reward for my performance, but a gift flowing from His finished work on the cross. His sacrifice was already complete. His grace was already sufficient. His love was already unconditional.

Today, my heart is filled with gratitude for this revelation. I no longer strive to earn His love — I choose to live from it. Not out of fear, but out of relationship. Not out of obligation, but out of gratitude. Not to gain His acceptance, but because I already have it through Christ.”**

“I pray that this Easter weekend will be a transformational encounter for you. Whatever season you may be walking through, may you experience the depth of God’s love like never before. For it is the revelation of the power of the cross that gives us strength, hope, and the boldness to carry the message of Christ wherever life takes us.”

Today I was invited to pray for someone who had suffered multiple stroke attacks. As I stood beside him, I became very aware of my own human limitations. Deep within, I felt I did not have the kind of faith that could immediately see him rise up and be completely restored physically.

But in that quiet moment, I told the Lord.

Instead of asking only for physical healing, my heart began to cry out, Lord, let him experience something supernatural. Let him feel Your love even in his weakness. Let Your presence fill that room. Let him encounter the transforming power of Christ in his life.Let him experience your kindness.

“To all who are reading this, I pray this Easter weekend will be a deeply transformational time in your life. May you be blessed as you draw closer to God in this sacred season. May the power of the cross renew your faith, the love of Christ fill your heart, and the hope of the resurrection carry you forward into your next season.”

Be blessed-R.J.JOHN

Thank you Lord

Often, in a world that moves so fast, we find ourselves constantly trying to catch up and achieve certain things in life. In that rush, we sometimes forget to pause and give thanks for the very breath we have—the precious gift of life that God has given to us.

Today I was moved to write to the Lord, saying, “Thank you, Lord.”I didn’t want to ask Him anything; I just wanted to thank God. God has been bringing me into new seasons lately. I don’t deny that it has been challenging and overwhelming for me personally. New skills are needed. New environment, new people, and definitely a new season. I felt discouraged, intimidated by the big giants around me, and silent fear started crawling in.”Every day I asked God, are you sure of me in this position. It isn’t easy. I felt it was challenging, but the Lord has been reminding me it was never about me.

I gave all the reasons to the Lord.” I can’t, Lord. I don’t have what it takes. I am not good at this. I do not have anybody to help in this. ”But the Holy Spirit reminded me it was never about my ability, but it was totally Him.

Many years ago, God planted a vision and a deep desire in my heart. At that time, the vision felt so vast and impossible that I did not feel confident enough to move forward. I questioned the calling and doubted the mandate that had been placed upon my life. I thought it was a delay, but the delay was actually a work in progress.

When I look back, I often wonder how I even reached this place in life. Truly, it is nothing but the grace of God. There were many moments when I felt like giving up—moments when discouraging voices tried to pull me down and make me doubt myself. Yet through it all, the Lord has been so incredibly good to me.

Time and again, He reminded me that His ways are different from mine. As the Scripture says, He chooses the weak to shame the wise. Looking back now, I see that it was never about my strength or ability, but about His grace sustaining me and His faithfulness carrying me through every season.

Through the years, God gently led me through different seasons—each one shaping me, stretching me, and teaching me lessons I could never have learned otherwise. Through every challenge and every waiting season, He was building perseverance within me.

Looking back now, I realize something powerful: the journey was never about having everything figured out. The key was simply obedience—taking one faithful step at a time, trusting that the God who placed the vision in my heart is also the One who will bring it to pass. ✨

Sometimes I ask myself what I am even doing. But there is a slight assurance within me reminding me that He is faithful.

Today, I drove to the beach just to spend a quiet moment with Him. Sometimes I need to step away from the noise and busyness of life to simply talk to God. As I worshipped by the shore, I heard a gentle whisper from the Holy Spirit:

“You have what it takes for the new season.”

In that moment, something shifted within me. The intimidation and insecurity began to lift, and a sense of peace replaced the burden I had been carrying.

God has been faithful throughout my life. And today I made a quiet decision in my heart—to let go, and let God take the lead in this new season.

Deep within my heart, I sensed that this new season was not just about my personal life. It was something far greater—woven into His ministry through my life, my career, my family, and my own journey of growing closer to the Lord.

There was a quiet yet powerful conviction rising within me that God was ushering me into a new season He had been preparing me for all along. In the stillness of my heart, it felt as though He was gently whispering,

“It’s time, R.J.”

A time to rise, to trust Him more deeply, and to step forward with faith into the purpose He has been shaping in my life.This verse came close to me during this reflective moment with the Lord.

Proverbs chapter 31 :25-26 (NLT)

”She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.”

I am a simple girl from a small town with big dreams and desires for the Lord.I am not exactly sure where this is going to lead me,but the Lord reminded me today the key is obedience.I didnt want to ask Him much,but I decided to just say thank you for this privilege of being His precious daughter and I asked the Lord to lead me through.

I told myself that in this season, I must learn to say no—to gently push away distractions and remain focused on the calling He has placed upon my life. I made a conscious decision to draw closer to the Lord and ask Him to lead me through every step of this journey.

His grace is truly sufficient for me. And so I remind myself each day to take life one day at a time, with a heart filled with gratitude, knowing that He is the Alpha and the Omega of my life—the One who began this journey and the One who will faithfully bring it to completion.

Eagle it is.

Today I got a call from a good brother of mine. He reminded me, “RJ, you need to pray about this matter.”

I was a little disturbed these last few days, as I am not sure what I need to do. I guess when it comes to relationships or commitment, I am not good at this.

Let me share you all my story. I have assumed I will be single, and I didn’t have to worry about getting a partner for myself. I believe I am afraid of commitment. I had that wish before. Things didn’t work out the way I wanted. So, I let go of the feeling. I told God, if it’s meant to be, let it be.

With time, I let go of the desire and surrendered to the Lord. At every family event or gathering, everyone will ask me.”RJ, when are you settling down?”Back in my mind, there would be so many questions. I am not sure how to tell them, I don’t see myself with anyone. There are a lot of insecurities within me, I guess.”

I was writing this note. The image of an eagle came to my mind. I believe the Holy Spirit is moving me to write on this. Eagles in the Bible ( Hebrew : nesher) symbolize God’s power and freedom. They also show His protective care over His people. They often represent strength and renewal.

I was moved to write on three main key points on Eagles.

Eagles do not flock together.
There is something set apart about them. Unlike other birds, eagles do not move in crowds. They rise above the ordinary, often flying higher than the rainclouds, choosing altitudes that others cannot reach. Eagles are created with a distinct purpose—they are not easily swayed by what happens around them, but remain focused on their mission. This truth has been stirring something deep within me. Many years ago, my encounter with the Lord transformed me from the inside out. Yet, transformation is not a moment—it is a journey. There were seasons of growth, refining, and becoming. And deep in my heart, I know there is still so much more to be done for the Kingdom. Somewhere along the way, distractions crept in, and fear held me back from taking the next step. I realized I don’t move through life the way others do—and for a long time, I questioned why. I remember sitting in my home church, quietly asking, “Abba, why can’t I just be like the others? Why can’t I live a ‘normal’ life—get married, have children, have a family, and a husband who takes care of me?”

Instead, my life seemed to be filled with everything else—calling, responsibility, service—while the idea of building a family of my own felt distant or unclear. Today, the Holy Spirit gently reminded me: I am an eagle. That is why I don’t flock together. That is why I don’t blend in.

Perhaps God has plans that I do not yet fully understand. And that’s okay. Faith is not about having all the answers—it is about trusting the One who does. I am learning, still learning, to walk this journey of faith with surrender, courage, and obedience—one step at a time.

Eagles are known for their boldness and courage.
In this season, the Holy Spirit is reminding me to be courageous—to stretch beyond my familiar limits. The Lord is calling me not to settle for the status quo, but to rise higher and become more than I ever believed I was capable of.

Just yesterday, I was in a training session that left me completely drained late at night, and yet I had to report to work early the next morning. In that moment, I realised I am already operating beyond my usual strength. But to move further in life, I know I must be willing to push even more.

I have made a firm decision: this year is my year of giant leaps. It is a year to step out of comfort, to make bold and sometimes uncomfortable decisions, and to trust God beyond what feels safe. I sense deeply that this is the season where important decisions must be made—decisions that will shape the next chapter of my life.Like the eagle, I choose to rise—strengthened not by my own power, but by the grace of God that carries me higher.Eagle people are seen as visionaries, those who are seekers and who are willing to push the limits of self-discovery and personal freedom. The eagle person is a born leader.

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

”But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint.”

As I paused to reflect on what I should write for the third point about an eagle, the Holy Spirit gently whispered within me, “I will bring you an eagle as Your partner.” I was taken aback for a moment, unsure whether this was my own imagination or something deeper. I sat with the thought quietly, allowing my heart to settle. Then, in that stillness, the Holy Spirit gently prompted me again—not to analyse, not to question prematurely, but simply to continue writing the third point. In that moment, I realised that some revelations are not meant to be fully understood immediately, but entrusted to God and unfolded in His time.

Eagles intentionally care for their young.

As I reflected on this, I realised that despite being far larger and stronger than most birds, eagles possess an extraordinary capacity for care. Their strength does not make them distant or harsh; instead, it becomes a source of covering and protection. As I was writing then, I realised my future partner would have characteristics of an eagle.”Interesting, huh, how the Lord unfolds his revelations in one single note.” An eagle’s power is expressed not through dominance, but through presence—hovering, guarding, and providing safety for its young. This reminds me that true strength is revealed in how one nurtures, protects, and creates a secure space for growth.

Deuteronomy 32:11 (NIV)”Like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young,that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them aloft…..”

Prayer for today: ” Abba, thank you for the revelations that you have given me through this note today.I pray for all my readers who are at different seasons in life,that they may see the eagle in them to soar higher than their usual limits because You are the Lord of their life. And thank you Lord for bringing me a husband and family that is right for me because we are called to do great things for your Kingdom.Thank you Lord for bringing me a husband that will fly with me or probably stand strong with me when I am learning to soar. Amen.

Life begins at 40

Today, I took a quiet moment to thank God for the gift of 2026. Having been entrusted with a new posting and greater responsibilities, I became aware of the weight that comes with this season. Alongside the excitement, there was also a subtle sense of insecurity within me.

In that stillness, the Holy Spirit gently whispered, “The Lord who has brought you this far will surely bring you further.”

Those words settled my heart.

I responded in prayer, telling the Lord that more than anything else, I long for a deeper, more intimate knowing of Him in this season. As I step into new responsibilities, I am determined to fix my focus on Him alone—choosing to walk in obedience, trust, and dependence on the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to lead me each step of the way.

I am someone who has big dreams and desires. Desires beyond my own capabilities, sometimes I ask the Lord why do I have such desires. But today, I decided to surrender these desires unto the Lord. I told the Holy Spirit to use me for His Kingdom.

I am a simple girl from a small town, but I am convinced I am the child of the Most High God. Knowing the Lord Almighty with me gives me the assurance that I can do great things for His glory alone. I am so done living a life of struggle and striving. I am so done struggling through life. It is exhausting—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Today, I choose a different posture. I choose rest over resistance, trust over toil, surrender over survival. I choose to walk forward not burdened by striving, but carried by grace, led by faith, and sustained by His presence.

Psalm 91:1 (ESV): “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”

Let us meditate on this verse together. Dwelling in the shelter of the Most High reminds us that our strength and safety are found in continually abiding in His presence. Dwelling is not a one-time visit—it is a daily choice, a posture of the heart.

In the busyness of life, when our schedules are full and our priorities compete for attention, we often forget the importance of remaining in Him. Yet this verse gently calls us back. It reminds us that there is power in dwelling—when we choose to dwell in Him, we naturally come under the shadow of the Almighty.

To dwell in His presence is to live covered, protected, and sustained. It is there, in the quiet place with Him, that we find rest, direction, and renewed strength.

Whose shadow are we abiding in today?
Are we living under the shadow of our own human strength, limitations, and understanding—or are we choosing to abide in the shadow of the Almighty?

I thank the Holy Spirit for the Word that He has released to me through this note today.

When we walk into a place filled with chaos, whose shadow are we bringing?
Are we carrying our own human shadow—marked by fear, striving, and limitation—or are we bringing the shadow of the Almighty?

This is not something we can produce through human strength or effort. It is only made possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. And that power flows from one place alone: our willingness to abide in His shelter.

The measure of His shadow we carry is directly connected to the depth of our abiding. The more we dwell in His presence, the more His peace, authority, and covering are released through us—especially in places of chaos.

Friends, don’t look for shelter outside. It is within you. Take time to reflect on this verse, journey through Christ, and watch what the Lord has done and will continue doing for you in 2026.

Two years ago, when I was 39—standing on the threshold of turning 40—I had the opportunity to meet John Hannah, a renowned speaker and prophet of God. That encounter left a deep and lasting imprint on my spirit.

He shared powerfully on the importance of being continually filled with the presence of God. I still remember his sermon so clearly—the imagery of dwelling in God’s presence, moving from the ankle, to the knee, to the waist. His message was simple yet profound: never stop at one level. Do not settle. Keep going deeper. Always be filled with the Holy Spirit.

One statement he made has stayed with me ever since: “Life begins at 40.” He shared how his own ministry, his family life, and the fullness of his calling truly unfolded after 40. That word resonated deeply within me—not as a timeline, but as an invitation to deeper surrender, greater filling, and renewed purpose.

Looking back now, I see how the Lord was already preparing my heart—to dwell, to go deeper, and to trust that the best is not behind me, but ahead, in Him.

When I look back now, I realize how true those words were. Life truly began to shift when I turned 40. And as I continue to journey through my forties, I can sense that I am stepping into a season of renewal and rejuvenation. I cannot fully explain it, but there is a quiet certainty within my spirit—a fresh strength, a deeper clarity, and a renewed purpose. In these moments, I am reminded of what was spoken years ago: life begins at 40. And now, I see it unfolding, not as a coincidence, but as God’s appointed timing.

Abba Father, I surrender this decade—and the decades to come—fully into Your hands.
Let them be seasons lived for Your glory alone: every step guided by You, every breath reflecting Your grace, and every victory returning honor back to You.

May the fruit of this surrender extend beyond my life, touching generations to come. Let my obedience today become a testimony for my family and a legacy of faith for those who come after me, all for Your glory.

Anyone who would like to check John Hannah Ministries. Check the website below.

https://johnfhannah.com