Every year I take an annual solo self care unplug trip. I know that’s a mouthful. I basically travel alone and unplug from work, ministry, family, and friends. This allows me to have some time to experience a reset, renewal, be refreshed, and ready for all I need to tackle when I get back to my normal routine and even new things that God wants me to begin. 

Last week I went to Panama City, Panama for 6 days. Day 2 I woke up and had mild sharp pains in my stomach. I noticed and acknowledged them, but it wasn’t anything that I couldn’t handle or that would stop the movement of my day. I started getting ready to head downstairs for breakfast and started having symptoms of nausea. While waiting for the elevator I laid hands on my stomach and started praying and commanding for whatever is in my stomach causing this pain and uneasiness to come out now in the name of Jesus. I got on the elevator, made it downstairs for breakfast, sat with my food in front of me for a good 5 minutes. I couldn’t eat it. I asked for a to go box, boxed up my food, got up from my table, and I knew I wasn’t going to make it to my room. Then boom…my prayer was answered!

I now felt completely fine. I still decided to take my food to my room and rest for a little while then I would try to start my day again.

I received a few revelations and reminders from this that I would like to share and I hope that it blesses you, encourages you, and activates you to operate in the power and authority that Christ has given you.

1. Don’t Delay Prayer, Cover Yourself Always 

Before I got on the elevator I was going to text a friend to let her know how I was feeling and to pray for me and in the moment God said no, you can pray for yourself. Sometimes our immediate response is to have someone pray for us when we haven’t even taken the concern to God for ourselves. Now, I’m saying that you can’t reach out to others for prayer, there is power in intercession, but make sure that you are praying and using the authority that Christ has given you too. There may be some times and circumstances when you may not even have the words to pray and you depend on the prayers of others, but when you are able make sure you are covering yourself. Have faith and dependency on your ask to God. 

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6

Pray without ceasing, 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, Ephesians 6:18 

2. Ask Immediately! He Will Respond and He Can Respond Quickly! 

I was reminded of the power of prayer and how quickly God can respond when you ask. What if I hadn’t prayed? What if I just thought oh I ate something bad, which I was thinking that maybe I had gotten food poisoning and neither was even the case. What if I hadn’t prayed and my whole trip was ruined? 

May our first response to everything no matter how big or small, be prayer. There is nothing too small or too big for God to handle. 

In my prayer, I had also prayed that whatever plans or tactics the enemy has released to try and prevent me from enjoying this unplug trip be canceled in the name of Jesus. Be specific in your prayers and ask immediately so that God can start working on your behalf.

Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15

3. What Attempted to Harm You Will Work Out For Good.

Although this could have been a tactic of the enemy, God was working it out for good. Now, I didn’t have a ton planned for this trip because the point was to relax. I did have activities to do each day, but nothing overwhelming. What I received is that I truly needed to rest. When I went back to my room, I didn’t wake up until about 4pm or 5pm. I had slept for almost 6 hours in addition to the 7-8 hours I had gotten last night. In my mind, I was thinking how did I sleep so long, I wasn’t even tired, but what I needed was rest. I basically felt like a new person waking up. Went to the pool and jacuzzi and just chilled and relaxed until dinner. What an amazing feeling. Rested & refreshed! 

You don’t always need to feel tired to rest. 

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Matthew 11:28 AMPC

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Psalm 23:2-3

Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

What is it in your life or in your family that you are facing that you need God to intervene and fix? Do you believe that there is power in your prayer and that God will answer it? Are you bold enough to pray and command for it to align with God’s word? Speak God’s promises and word over your situation and wait patiently for Him to answer. God’s healing and miraculous power is available for you to experience. No matter how big or small your need is.

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