Patricia King is a respected apostolic minister of the gospel, successful business owner, and an inventive entrepreneur. She is an accomplished itinerant speaker, author, television host, media producer, and ministry network overseer who has given her life fully to Jesus Christ and to His Kingdom’s advancement in the earth. She is the founder of XP Ministries and co-founder of XPmedia.com. In this month’s devotional Patricia shares a very personal message on how even in the midst of challenging times when we wrestle with worry, anxiety, doubt or fear, God will turn them to the good (Genesis 50:20).
As I sit down to write what will be our first devotional of 2017, I find myself in the midst of one of the most challenging and emotional weeks I have had in a very long time. From this place, I want to share a prophetic word of encouragement with you. But first I want to share my heart…
Two days ago my husband Ron had brain surgery. I am a woman of faith. I am a woman who knows God loves us (Jeremiah 31:3), and in His everlasting love always works everything to the good (Romans 8:28). I know Jesus overcame every sickness and disease at the cross of Calvary (1 Peter 2:24); and He is, and always will be, the Lord who heals (Psalm 103:3). And yet there have been times, during this long fight in the spirit and the natural against the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease that Ron has been overcoming for many years now, when emotions have built up and I found myself needing a faith boost. Whenever that has happened, God has never failed to show up. The keys, I believe, are first to always be willing to look past any momentary fear or anxiety and be on the lookout for God’s eternal goodness and faithfulness; and second, never dismiss His encouragement even if it comes in what some might say are “small” or “insignificant” ways.
On the day of Ron’s surgery, I was at the hospital with him and a few of our friends and team. We had met with the doctors and nurses from his surgical team. Everything looked good. Ron was ready to go. We took one more moment together and then the medical team took him off to the operating room. I went and joined our friends in the Neurosurgery Waiting Room. We prayed. We worshipped. We worked on our computers. And overall I was doing well, but my husband of more than 40 years was having brain surgery. The Lord in His goodness knew that I needed a sign of encouragement. And that is what He gave me. Literally! A sign! On my way down to the hospital cafeteria to look for something to eat, the Lord found a way to draw my attention to a small sign that shared the mission statement of the hospital. It read: “Dignity Health and its sponsoring congregations are committed to furthering the healing ministry of Jesus.” Wow! How good is God? Just when I needed a little faith boost, there it was. He had my Ron in a hospital with a reminder posted on the wall that truly Ron was in His hands, His care, and His healing ministry. Thank You, Lord!
In Acts 14:17, the apostle Paul tells us that God never leaves us without a “witness”, that there are always reminders of the certainty of His eternal love and goodness, and that He will always find a way to draw our attention to them. Whether it is a sign on a wall, the breath in our lungs, a passage of Scripture, a divine visitation, or a prophetic word – one is not a better witness than the other. They are all good because they all remind us of Him who is Goodness itself.
I believe that in this New Year the Lord is going to surprise you with reminders of His goodness. I believe that the hospital sign was not only a sign for me in that moment, but it was a “sign of things to come” for all of His people – especially those who have been wrestling with worry, anxiety, doubt or fear. What the enemy has meant for harm, God will turn to the good (Genesis 50:20). He will not only grace you to see His “witness” and reminders, but as you see those things – and rise up above the worry and fear the enemy tried to put on you – you shall be empowered to go forth as a great witness for Him (Acts 1:8), being a comfort, blessing and encouragement to any you encounter who are in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Oh what a glorious year 2017 is going to be!
Prayer Directives
- God is always speaking, and He never leaves us without reminders of His goodness, faithfulness, and trustworthiness.
- He will give us eyes to see and ears to hear the signs He has for us – to encourage us and stir our faith.
- He always meets us exactly where we are. Even if in the midst of a moment of fear, doubt, or anxiety we turn our attention from Him, He never turns from us.
- God is good and He turns all things to the good. Whatever any one of us is going through, we will be expectant of His goodness, we will have faith in His goodness, and we shall see His goodness.
Want More? Then May We Suggest:
31 Decrees of Blessing for YOUR LIFE – Book from Patricia King
God’s Word does not return empty but accomplishes everything it is sent to do. If God said it, He will make it good! 31 Decrees of Blessing for Your Life contains inspirational readings that will turn your attention to the heart of God and His wonderful intentions for your life. Each devotional is followed by ten powerful decrees for that day’s theme – faith-filled words of biblical truth for you to be blessed with love, fruitfulness, friends, wisdom, hope, victory, family, glory, endurance, God’s presence, gladness, and more. Experience multiplication of blessings for your life and watch transformation take place as you daily give Jesus your focus and decree His Word.
THE GOODNESS OF GOD – CD set from Patricia King
When we know, truly and fully know, the character and nature of God, we can begin to live inside of it. As you listen to these simple and powerful words from Patricia, you will be filled to overflowing with the revelation of God’s goodness and love for you and for everyone around you.
She writes, “Being a senior does not mean that we need to sit back and watch the world go by. Most of the time, in our senior years we are finally able to do some of the things we longed to do all of our lives. What is your dream? Do you think you are too old? Too tired? Too sick? … A new perspective on what your years ahead can offer will help you overcome and live well.”
EYES THAT SEE – Book from Patricia King
Do you desire to see into the unseen realm? Are you longing to gaze upon Jesus and His Kingdom? Do you wish to be able to better discern what is going on in the Spirit all around you on the earth? Then you need eyes that see! This book will help you lay hold of the spiritual sight that you have been given in Christ. Jesus has given you EYES THAT SEE, and He has so much He wants to show you!
EARS THAT HEAR – Book from Patricia King
Patricia shares with you what she has learned about hearing God’s voice during her more than 30 years of being a Christian. As you read, you will come to know that you too can hear God’s voice. You will also learn simple and practical ways to step into the prophetic and to begin listening to what the Lord is saying. Jesus has given you EARS THAT HEAR, and He has so much He wants to tell you!
ENGAGING WITH GOD – CD from Robert Hotchkin
You are God’s beloved child, and there is nothing He wants more than to draw you into the fullness of His love and engage you in a lifestyle of never-ending intimacy. Truly knowing the Lord in this place of deep communion is the key to living a Kingdom life. That is why the devil works so hard to whisper lies to you that would keep you from fully engaging with God. In this message, Robert Hotchkin exposes the lies of the enemy that separate us from God, and reveals how simple it is to fully respond to the Lord’s invitation to know Him intimately and engage with Him powerfully.