Category: challenge

assignment · challenge · cultivation · follow · forerunner · grow · keep moving forward · Perseverance

Run Hard

AmandaLeave a comment

“Run Hard. Persevere. Keep Moving Forward.” I tell myself these things every single day. They are the inner motivation I need to remain constant and consistent to the path I’m walking down with Holy Spirit. And the motivation is good. It does help me press forward in moments where I could become complacent; however, I do wonder…. 

What overwhelms you the most about following Holy Spirit’s lead? Is it acquiring the focus to listen to Him and then drawing near to truly hear what He’s saying? Or, do you find yourself challenged to discern and understand what He’s spoken and the direction He’s pointing you in because you’re conflicted between what your spirit believes versus how your soul might be interpreting? Or, are you like me… Finding yourself in several tough moments where you hear Him and understand Him, but don’t necessarily want to move forward because it’s going to require you to really endure more challenging moments than before?

I’ve been in a sprint for what seems like three months now. I’ve been in a moment that’s caused me to really press in and run as hard as I can with the direction of Holy Spirit, while pulling from Heaven as I need it. And the sprint has been good. The sprint has actually produced several significant breakthroughs, followed by a flow of revelation, wisdom and understanding that I didn’t have before; however, the sprint… The run hard moment has also left my soul feeling weary because it still wrestles with submitting to my spirit and operating from a place of rest, while my spirit paves the way forward in the sprint.

And though I can’t really share the reasons I am sprinting right now, I can tell you I do hear Holy Spirit, my angels and a vast cloud of witnesses like never before. I do hear all of their voices and input about how I can really become great at sprinting in moments where I am aiming to cultivate the mental toughness to arrive on time at the end of the sprint, gaining everything I’ve been pursuing for the Kingdom of God.

Yesterday, after making a business decision that will advance things greatly, I heard Holy Spirit say, “I see you’re here seeking direction. Remember Heaven will give you everything you need. We will make it look flawless. The run hard moment was for this moment. I know you are so weary in your soul from this journey. I see all of the hope deferred inside of you. I see your longings and I hear your cries. Amanda, I haven’t forgotten about you, but you must not cave in right now. Rise above what your soul is feeling. Rise above it and access the faith of your spirit. Access the divine nature of your spirit. Do not be afraid of it at all. It is so useful and helpful for such a time as this. I know this journey has been long and filled with seasons of disappointment, delay and frustration, but you must… I repeat you must keep moving forward. Always. That is My order to you. Do not be afraid either. There’s nothing to fear.”

And I don’t know if you are challenged with following Holy Spirit; however, I am here to encourage you to keep going. Don’t give up on the plans He’s laid before you and the path He’s placed you on. Be brave in moments where He’s leading you into more levels and layers of refinement so that you can come forth ready and willing to develop, mature and grow into all that He has for you. And, most importantly (I have to tell myself this a lot), remember that following Holy Spirit is a lifestyle. It’s a cultivated lifestyle. We are all in different lanes with Him according to the assignments He’s created for us. We are all growing and maturing at different rates. Each one of us has different layers of iniquity or past moments of darkness that try to hold us back from moving forward, but it’s okay because His grace divides the darkness of who we are and who we’ve been from who we are truly meant to be. Also, we aren’t in a race with each other. This isn’t a competition where we compare our growth rates and patterns. Instead, we are following Him to continue to help reveal the Kingdom of Heaven in the earth. And some days seem easier than others. But, more than anything, be encouraged to just keep going. Do not become stagnant in your spiritual walk. And please, find a community of people that are open to helping you mature and grow into every ounce of destined potential Heaven has written and recorded about you. 🌱

challenge · keep moving forward · seasons

Seasonal Milestones

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It’s dark, tight and completely isolated, but not in a divisive, evil or wicked way. More so in a deeply concealed and ingeniously crafted manner.

I am confident. I am strong. I firmly believe moving forward with great courage and tremendous hope is the only way now.

And I hear Him saying, “Run with perseverance. Run hard. Do not look to the left or to the right with jealousy, pride and covetous. Do not look behind in grief, disappointment and frustration. Do not look ahead with fear, unbelief and worry. Instead, run with perseverance. It’s going to take everything I’ve deposited in the depths of you to breakthrough into the next season.”

But then I do ponder past seasons… So intricately and carefully designed, they are eternal fuel firing from the depths of my spirit, heart and soul. They are calling me higher and propelling me forward.

Actually, the past seasons of refinement, development, maturity and growth appear to be indispensable and multifaceted gifts… Gifts that have actually morphed into the faith I need to keep picking up the assignment of forward movement. 

And I’m sharing this with you because I understand how challenging it is to hear Holy Spirit’s voice and then blindly follow His very unknown, uncertain and ever-evolving ways for years without breakthrough. I understand how challenging it can feel to wonder, “How much longer until we reach the promises You hold so dear to Your heart God.” But then I am also beginning to embrace that I’ve needed each season He’s led me to and led me through in the past. Because each season, each season is a milestone. Milestones filled with intricate chaos. Milestones dashed with process and progress. Milestones that have cultivated the very faith my spirit, heart and soul need to finish this leg of the race! 🌱 #cultivatelife

authority & dominion · challenge · grow · keep moving forward · mature · rule & reign

The Jagged Path

Amanda2 Comments

A few days ago, my mentor prayed with me. While she was praying, she said, “I see you on a path. You’re walking across jagged rocks. It’s uncomfortable. And you might feel like you’ve gotten off of the path God has placed you on, but you haven’t. You must move forward to get to the smooth part of the path. The jagged part will teach you something you need.”

Now, although “jagged” is NOT the word I particularly wanted to hear, I do believe this is where my path of spiritual maturity is leading me. Why? Well, when I look at my life through my soul’s eyes, nothing really makes sense in the least bit anymore. However, when I view my life through the lens of my human spirit, the complex pieces and parts of God’s direction, wisdom and revelation connect together very, very well.

And because they connect together so well in the spirit, I’ve decided to take the advice of one of my friends. She said, “Well if the path is jagged, you should put shoes on. It will make the journey less intense.” 

And you know… Once I put the shoes on, I realized, “I’m definitely going to have to walk in maturity. I will have to embrace the intensity of the journey across the path, all while living from a place of peace and complete confidence in the Godhead and how they are orchestrating everything. Oh and I’ll also have to rule & reign from my spirit’s throne in the 3rd Heaven without any excuses or complaints. But, most importantly, I will have to cultivate the capacity to rule over the kingdom of darkness so that I can reign on earth when the time is best.

You see I believe Holy Spirit is pushing those that follow Him in a deeply intimate way into a place of profound maturity right now. And because of the maturity, He is asking that we operate from our human spirit at ALL times. And I understand that operating from the human spirit is challenging, especially if it’s inactive, locked in a box or fractured up all over the place; however, if we want to truly subdue the evil and darkness in the 2nd Heaven and on the earth, then we must perpetually live and operate from our human spirit.

Because when we do… When we collect wisdom, knowledge, understanding and revelation from the 3rdHeaven, then we can take it and apply it properly. We can walk into a situation, look at it from a Kingdom of God perspective and then provide a sound and solid solution that edifies and changes the absolute structure of our world for the better. 🌱 #cultivatelife

authority & dominion · challenge · heart · keep moving forward · process · soul · weary

Weary for Nothing

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“Ew… You’re whining and complaining again Amanda!! Remember, we’ve outgrown this place. And I know it’s challenging to understand where Holy Spirit is leading and why He’s pointing “that way next,” but we don’t whine and complain because of our heart and soul’s lack of understanding. Instead we power up the giftings and tools He’s equipped us with and move forward.”

And so… There it is… The continuous conversation I will have with myself until my heart and soul learn how align with my spirit and then persevere past this place of obvious weakness.

And I don’t know about you, but perseverance can be very exhausting. Which is why I found it very interesting when I heard Holy Spirit say, “I want you to be weary for nothing. You must come to a place in Me where you don’t become tired with moving forward. You must get up and go at all times.”

“Oh okay… Amazing. So you want me to ignore my soul’s weariness even though I am fully aware that I don’t know what “next” is. And you want me to do it in my 30s… A time when my entire life is laying before me and I still want to do what I want to do, but I won’t because my heart’s desire has become to fully follow You no matter what… Okay…. I will do it.”

It’s been like this with Him lately. He’s been opening up vast realms and dimensions of His Kingdom to me, all while pushing me to fully participate in them at once. Why? Well because I am an active player in His Kingdom. And, when you’re an active player (we all should be), you don’t get to go sit on the sidelines and rest when you’re tired. Instead, you keep moving forward when He says, “KEEP GOING.”

And so now you might be wondering, “Okay, Amanda… How do you move forward then? How do you find the energy, the will and the tenacity to stay His course?”

Well, first and foremost, I plug my human spirit into the presence of God as much as possible. Yeah, that’s right. I get into His presence and allow Him to pour more of His energy and power into me. And then… Then I operate from my human spirit as much as possible because it contains the energy, will and tenacity to keep going.

And it’s been a process to learn how to do this; however, I’ve learned that the more I allow my spirit to lead, the less likely my soul will scheme up an escape plan because my spirit’s strength outweighs my soul. And the more my heart aligns with the heart of Father God, the more confident, secure and at peace I become in my purpose in any given moment.

Also, cultivating a lifestyle that continually combats the kingdom of darkness has revolutionized my world and those around me. I just don’t give myself excuses anymore when it comes to spiritual warfare. Instead, I allow my spirit to be the “superhero” God intended her to be. I give her the reins when speaking to principalities, demons on assignment and demonic weaponized energy sources. I let her rule and reign from the throne God has entrusted her with, all while channeling what He’s deposited deep within.

And I know this might all sound weird; however, this is how I live. Actually this is how I’ve gradually lived as I’ve learned how to cultivate the lifestyle I am currently living from. And sure… Give it some time and there will be a higher level of where I am right now, but today… Today, we persevere. 🌱 #cultivatelife #keepmovingforward

challenge · focus · freedom · healing · satisfied

Satisfied?

Amanda1 Comment

Last week I shared how vital it’s been for me to “capacitate“ in life.

But… You know… I was kind of vague when speaking about capacity because I didn’t really delve into the areas inside of me that are being pressed to the limit.

So here we go…

Being specific about where I’m growing with God right now seems slightly chaotic. I mean… He is stretching me in so many different areas. However, the place that feels most pressing to share with you is an area I am aiming to master.

You see it’s a challenge for me to be satisfied with the things of God.

And, because I feel challenged in this area, I’ve asked Him to help me. Which usually entails a breakdown… I need some understanding and application from Him about HOW I am to be satisfied with Him and only Him.

And guess what He told me?… He said, “Amanda, I just need your entire focus. I give you what you need daily. Every Single Day I provide you with what you need to live in peace and harmony, but you choose… You choose to allow your heart and soul to gaze on other things. To become consumed with things that have nothing to truly do with where I am leading you. And so, you struggle in your heart and soul. You flip back and forth. Questioning me. And why? I have given you what you need. You have leaned into your inheritance in Me and I have provided for you. So why… Why are you looking at things that are less than what I’ve given you?”

Now I know what you might be thinking… “Well He really told you.” And, you’re right… He did. He does. That’s how my relationship with Him is. He’s the father and friend that drops the hammer and pushes me back into line so I can develop, mature and grow properly.

He’s the one that says, “Umm, I’ve healed you from the inside out and set you free of demons, darkness, death and decay. I’ve refined you and matured you. I’ve opened up entire realms and dimensions of life for you as you’ve pursued Me and My ways. So why… Why do you allow yourself to become focused on material, insignificant matters of life? Why don’t you keep yourself: spirit, soul, heart and body directly focused on Me and My Kingdom? Because when you do, you will continue to find yourself satisfied with all that you’ll ever need in life.”

And He’s right. He’s 100% honest in what He’s saying. And I can’t think of an excuse that’s good enough to object Him.

And, because I can’t find anything worthy enough to object Him, I have to also accept the rest of what He’s said. Which is, “Amanda, you are acutely aware of the nonsense that plays out in society. You see how your culture buys into every selfish want and desire, in an aim to fulfill their souls inward need to feel like they are achieving ‘life.’ But that satisfaction of ‘life’ can only really truly be found within Me and my Kingdom. You must keep choosing it. Time and time again.”

And so I will. I am. I am making a conscious effort to keep my soul quiet as my spirit aims to expand and focus intently on where He’s leading. And I hope, I truly hope you will also become fully satisfied in Him. That you will see life through the eyes of your spirit, and really delve into all that there is to be satisfied with. 🌱 ♥️ #cultivatelife

 

 

challenge · flourishing · freedom · heart · justice · lies, deception & manipulation · vulnerability

What’s Going On In There?

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I don’t want to write. Honest to God, I don’t want to at all. It’s become somewhat of a challenge to keep moving forward in this area.

But I must… I must mustard up what’s inside of me to get this done because it’s what Holy Spirit is asking.

Which makes me wonder… Where is my heart right now in the midst of everything? What’s it saying? What’s it doing? How alive and thriving is it? Am I passing constant judgment based around what I see others doing or not doing? Am I talking about people behind their back because it’s in “private,” so they’ll never truly know? Am I praying for those in real, true need? Am I using my God-given dominion and authority to speak to darkness and death and command them to be still and come no further?

What’s going on in there?

And the answer is simple. I am doing all of the above. I am alive. I am thriving. I am passing judgment. I am talking about people behind their back. I am praying for those in real, true need. I am using my God-given dominion and authority to speak to darkness and death.

So… A lot is happening in my heart.

And maybe that’s too honest for you. Hey… Maybe that’s too honest for me. But, well… It’s the truth. And I live by the truth because it sets me free.

Which is why… Deep down, past all of the dark and light inside of me, I want to encourage you to pursue truth. Truth that sets you free from any pride, fear, bitterness, deception or manipulation that have control over your heart. And, in the midst of that, I hope the freedom leads you straight to the heart of God. Because His heart… His heart has the love to heal and restore our newly freed hearts 🌱 #cultivatelife

authority & dominion · challenge · follow · heart · listen · power · relationship

Get Lost

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At the beginning of January I heard Holy Spirit say, “Something very scary is about to happen in the city and the world, but I will protect you and your family. Do not be afraid. Do not live in fear. Just continue to pray. Pray for your family and friends… Pray that I keep my hand on this nation… That my glory sustains it.” A few days later I found myself following the virus in China and knew in my spirit THIS was the scary “something” He was talking about. And so I’ve prayed. I’ve been violently praying for everyone I love and adore. I’ve been praying for my city, for my country and for my world. It’s what He asked me to do, even before I knew what He was taking about. And if you know me, then you know I listen, I believe, I follow and I live as I cultivate life with Holy Spirit. Which is why I want to express something very dear to my heart… Within all the chaos and fear that’s being force-fed to us through the media and social media, I challenge you to “get lost.” Get lost in the isolated presence of God. If you know Him, ask Him to reveal Himself you in an increasingly more powerful way. If you think you know Him and realize you don’t, ask Him to reveal His true self to you… A God that doesn’t pertain to the limits and boundaries religion has taught. And… if you don’t know Him at all, I challenge you to ask Him to reveal His love and peace to you. Because… Well I believe if we can just stay focused on Him, His Son and Holy Spirit… Well then I believe we will find a place of confidence, authority and security. And, I also believe He will show us HOW TO cultivate life… The life that’s ahead of us as we move forward in these chaotic times 🌱#cultivatelife #justlive
challenge · family · keep moving forward · teamwork

“Help. Me.”

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“Help. Me.” is what I quietly screamed at my sister across the gym yesterday. The weight I tried to load onto my shoulders for lunges was entirely too heavy for me to lift.

Of course she quickly looked at me like, “What am I supposed to do Amanda?! You think I can help you lift 80 pounds?!”

But she did. My sister helped me pick up the weight and then together we placed it on it’s stand.

And that’s what this entire journey has been… A constant series of two sisters helping each other move forward right when the other seems like she might crumble.

Those are the things no one sees though… The moments where we both want to give up because God’s system for living isn’t working the way we imagined it would.

You see it seemed so simple when He showed me a picture of the outcome. But then I didn’t consider that my choices would lead me to a place that would look like this for so long. I didn’t realize there would be years and years and years of refusing to cave.

And I also didn’t realize my response would consistently be… “Well, I consulted God and He said, ‘No. No, don’t do that. Don’t sell out. Don’t go that route. Don’t buy into what’s cheap, fake and entirely insecure. Keep following me. It will all come together in My timing Amanda. You have to keep trusting Me.”

And so I do… We both do. Actually we all three do. Mom included. Even with the soul-ripping, sudden loss of dad. We have chosen to band tighter to God and go even higher with Him and His ways.

And sure… Sure it hasn’t been easy. But I can promise you this… My choice to trust God and take risks with Him and His ways have been the best choices I’ve ever made because they’ve made me confident, secure, whole, complete and at peace with the out-of-control world around me. And no, no He doesn’t always make sense. And yes, yes spirituality is almost always terrifying because it means we have to let go and trust in things we might not believe are real. But I just want to encourage you to trust that He’s there. Trust that He’s waiting to lift the 80 pounds you cannot lift alone off of your shoulders. And trust that He will guide you after the weight is gone so you can #cultivatelife 🌱

brokenness · challenge · Fullness of Jesus · kingdom · process · relationship · strength

The Fortress

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If I take you and shake you, will you break? Will you crack under the pressure of things that are out of your control?

If I ask you, “what defines you?” and then searched for that truth would your truth and that truth be synonymous?

Now… When you’re shaken, I hope you don’t move. I hope you’re a fortress. One that’s founded in and surrounded by the glory of God. And, when things are out of your control, I hope you don’t crack under pressure because of fear, stress, worry and anxiety.

Also, when your truth reveals itself to be different than the actual truth hidden in your foundation, I hope you’re humble, brave and honest enough to grasp what’s truly there.

Because to be a fortress, we can let things in but we can’t allow them to rule and reign over our hearts and minds. They can’t become the defining, motivating factors that propel us forward.

So… if being a fortress means we must trust in God, His Kingdom, His system, His Son and His Spirit over the money, power, fame and material success the world offers… Then I do believe we are on a path of righteousness. 🌱 #cultivatelife

challenge · faith · fear · follow · heart · keep moving forward · process

“She Gambles with God”

AmandaLeave a comment

“Does trusting the Lord and not worrying mean we’re coping out?”

“No Bill. It just means we’re doing what God told us to do.”

That… That was a conversation my grandparents had several years ago as they continued to follow Holy Spirit wherever He led them.

And… You know, this… This is exactly how I feel right now. My lack of worry almost makes me feel like I’m doing something wrong. Like I’m “coping out” on life.

Because, normally, when we say we “trust God,” we still secretly harbor anxiety and worry in our hearts. And then we just keep that “smile” on our faces… You know, the one that says, “I’m good! I’m fine!! I’m trusting God!!!”

However, faith… Faith truly is a lifestyle for me. It’s a real walk that requires so much risk… So much risk that I feel like my forehead constantly reads, “She gambles with God!”

And I guess I’m saying all of this because I want to remind myself and you that it’s okay to wholeheartedly trust God. Actually, it’s 1000% healthy and normal to embrace that initial wave of fear we all feel when we step into the unknown, but then it’s also so healthy to have so much of God within us… So much of Him that we ride over that wave of fear with so much confidence, courage and strength in our hearts… Enough to say, “I will not carry the fear I feel… This fear that would like to collide with my heart and drown me.” 🌱 #cultivatelife