Matthew 9:2 Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”

Additional Scripture: John 16:33; Matthew 14:27

TAKE HEART or Be encouraged, are some of those words we can read over and become too familiar with. We have to become aware of our tendency to become numb, even to God's encouragement and instead receive God's word as Life-giving and Spirit stirring so that it will be activated in our lives. When Jesus says Take Heart, remember He knows your story, He knows you have some battles to fight and some mountains to climb. He knows you're going to need more strength (wisdom and power) than what got you here!

So when Jesus says, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” He knows you need more than physical healing or more than what money can do for you. He knows you need salvation because it connects you to living water and puts you in relationship with the heavenly father. He knows how difficult your circumstances are and how deep your hurt is and how you'll need HIM to be able to Rise up and walk! Today He is saying Rise Up and Walk, your journey does not end here! He will use your faith and do more than you can anticipate.

John 16:33 "Take heart, because I have overcome the world.” We cannot foresee everything life will bring, or take it for granted that we will remain the same after the storm. But TAKE HEART when life's hardships do not go as you expected. As a child of God you can expect that Jesus, the one who has overcome the world is living in you and has not left you alone to figure it out! He does not make promises He cannot keep. You can Trust him as the Potter, He is molding and refining you through the changing seasons!

Matthew 14:27 “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” Look up there is a miracle in the storm! Take heart even when you don't see clearly. Instead of shutting down and turning away from Jesus during confusing times, we must open up to Him so that Hope is stirred in us. It is in trying times that the Lord shows himself strong. He alone is the difference in your story!

Pray that you would realize the strength the Lord has placed in you, that you would see the Victories, that you would freely receive His encouragement; that The Lord can use you in more ways than you realize!

Take Heart,

Pastor Kudzai