Someone sent me a card that said, “God gives His toughest battles to His strongest soldiers.” I smiled when I read it and appreciated the message, because I have been through some especially tough battles over the past several years.

Oh how I love all the ways God sends reminders that He sees me, He loves me, and He is strengthening me daily. Often, my friend, those reminders come directly from you, which is why I will forever cherish our amazing connection.

Well, as I read the card and thought about some of the other encouraging words it contained, God dropped a thought in my spirit, reminding me that He is in control of all things at all times, no matter what it looks like.

In fact, yesterday, during my time of fellowship with Him, the Lord laid something more specific upon my heart, which is, God is in control of 2020. He began sharing with me that some behave as if 2020 has power to impose its own will, control the events of life, and dictate what is happening to us personally, naturally, spiritually, nationally and globally. They momentarily forget that only God has that power – something David reminds us of in Psalm 62:11 when he says, “Power, O God, belongs to you;”  

In the first verse of this uplifting psalm, David, a man well-acquainted with struggle, talks about finding rest in God and not being shaken by trouble and distressing circumstances. In verse 8, he advises, “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”

We would all do well to adhere to David’s words, and trust at all times that God is in control at all times – even in 2020. That’s how you avoid becoming weary, rattled, and discouraged during life’s difficult tests and vicious storms. Amen?

I know a lot has gone wrong this year, but does God not yet control the times and seasons? Was He unaware of everything that would happen this year before it occurred? Has He not already equipped us to handle and overcome whatever comes our way this year, next year, and every year beyond that?

When you’re dealing with unfortunate situations, struggles, losses, and setbacks, you need to remind yourself that God is not surprised by any of it. And as a precious sister in Christ reminded me, He gives His toughest battles to His strongest soldiers.

I grew up in the Pentecostal church loving a traditional call-and-response song called “I’m a Soldier in the Army of the Lord.” Every time we lifted up our voices and sang it together, I’d clap and rock, and I enjoyed it so much. In my youth, however, I was unaware that being a soldier and taking up the cross of Christ meant that I would be at war with the forces of darkness and battling daily to keep my joy, peace and faith intact. But now I know and understand, and I also meditate on Scriptures like 2 Timothy 2:3 KJV: “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”

Yes, life gets hard, but I’m a soldier, and so are you. I have what it takes to endure, and so do you.

Listen. God, the One who is always in control, allowed this warfare to come. And He knew you’d make it anyhow. He knew you’d trust Him. He knew you’d stand firmly in the faith. He knew you’d declare His goodness and faithfulness. He knew you’d grow in your prayer life. He knew you’d get stronger through it. He knew you’d emerge victorious. And He knew that you would put on the whole armor of God that we read about in Ephesians 6:11-18.

That’s why you can stand against Satan and his schemes. That’s why you can yet declare the promises of God, confidently knowing that He will come through. You are a warrior, a soldier strengthened by God and armed for battle. The woes of 2020 are no match for the power of God that rests upon you. Furthermore, you can rejoice, knowing that this battle is not yours. It belongs to the Lord and is already won.

To remind you that the supernatural strength of God is sustaining you and empowering you, I’m stirring the latter half of 2 Corinthians 4:7 CEV into your cup of inspiration, which says, “The real power comes from God and not from us.”

As you drink down the contents of your cup, rejoice that our all-powerful God, who is always in control, covers you, protects you, secures you, and equips you in every circumstance. Victory is yours and so is His divine favor. Knowing this, go ahead and walk boldly through 2020 and beyond with full assurance that everything will be just fine.

Now, let’s pray.

God, when the storm rages in my life, You are the One who controls the storm and possesses power to calm it. When frustrating and intimidating battles present themselves, You have armed me for battle and already given me the victory. Today, no matter what season I’m in, I know that You are the One who controls the times and seasons, and You secure victory for me in every battle. Thank You Lord that I am more than a conqueror through You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you desire prayer, please allow me, along with my intercessory prayer team, to stand in faith with you for breakthrough. We would be so honored. We have seen God work over and over again. There is power in agreement. Click here to request prayer now.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!