Lord I Am in Trouble

By Omomaro Okekaro PhD

We are all in need, and God has purposed us for His own name sake. Although He cannot allow us to fail, He respects the gift of the free will that is given to humans.

Omomaro Okekaro interweaves scripture with his personal experiences while on an emotional odyssey that leads believers on a thoughtful journey within so that they, too, can walk through life with unwavering faith, knowing that each step is guided by a higher purpose. While sharing insights into the challenges and lessons embraced by diverse biblical characters, Okekaro also offers inspiration by examining the spiritual inheritance in Christ, encouraging believers to fight the good fight of faith, and sharing miracles of the mouth through positive confession.

Lord I Am in Trouble is an inspiring presentation that blends uplifting stories with scripture to remind believers that they are not defined by their struggles, but instead, how they rise above them.

“ … A raw and emotional journey through the tumultuous landscapes of life. Within its pages, you will find the unfiltered expressions of human experiences—tales of heartache and triumph, of loss and redemption, of faith tested and strengthened.”
—JP Tucker, PhD, professor and clinical therapist

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Mar 24, 2024
• ISBN: 9781663258830

Omomaro Okekaro PhD

Omomaro Okekaro, PhD is an optimistic, energetic, and friendly mental health professional. He is a dedicated scholar with over twenty-five years of classroom experience and fifteen-plus years in mental health and healthcare. Dr. Okekaro does not measure his life by the duration of what he has accomplished, but by the times he has effectively impacted all those he encounters.

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Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. [Biblica]

Scripture quotations from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible.

Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked RSV are taken from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, 1971 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®). Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-6632-5884-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-5883-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023923949

iUniverse rev. date: 03/21/2024

Contents

Dedication

Appreciation

Foreword

Introduction

Chapter 1 Lord I am in Trouble

Chapter 2 Our Spiritual Inheritance in Christ

Chapter 3 Fighting the Good Fight of Faith for Your Life

Chapter 4 Spirit of Canality

Chapter 5 A Miracle in Your Mouth

Chapter 6 Seek First the Kingdom of God: The Lord is Coming Soon

Dedication

To the ones who have weathered life’s storms with unwavering love and support, this book is dedicated to you.

To my family, whose arms have been a safe haven during the toughest of times, and whose words have breathed life into my weary soul. You have been my rock, my anchor, and my guiding light, and I am forever grateful for the love that binds us together.

To my friends, who have laughed with me through the highs and held me close during the lows. Your presence has been a constant source of strength, reminding me that I am never alone on this journey.

To the ones who have crossed my path and shared their stories, thank you for trusting me with your vulnerabilities and for showing me the beauty of shared humanity. Your courage has inspired me to be honest and open in my own journey.

To the divine presence that has guided me through the darkest nights and celebrated with me in the brightest days, thank you for never leaving my side. Your love and grace have been my source of comfort and hope.

To the readers who have embraced Lord I Am In Trouble, may these pages serve as a reminder that we are not defined by our struggles, but by the strength with which we rise above them. Together, may we find solace and strength in the power of shared stories.

And finally, to my inner voice, which compelled me to pen these words, thank you for urging me to share my journey with the world. It is through your persistent whispers that I found the courage to embrace vulnerability and to let my voice be heard.

In dedicating this book to you all, I am reminded that life’s journey is made meaningful by the connections we forge, the love we give, and the courage we display in the face of adversity. May this book be a tribute to the beauty of human resilience and the power of compassion.

With love and gratitude,

Appreciation

Dear Readers,

As I sit here trying to find the right words to express my heartfelt appreciation for your response to my book, Lord I Am In Trouble, my heart is overflowing with emotion. The overwhelming support and love you have shown me have left me humbled and deeply moved.

When I wrote this book, I never imagined the profound impact it would have on others. I simply wanted to share my journey—the ups and downs, the trials and triumphs—with the hope that it might resonate with even one soul out there. But the outpouring of love and understanding I have received from each one of you has been beyond anything I could have hoped for.

Your heartfelt messages and reviews have brought tears to my eyes and joy to my soul. Knowing that my vulnerability and honesty in sharing my struggles have touched your hearts is a gift beyond measure. It is a reminder that we are not alone in our pain, our doubts, and our fears.

As I read your words of how the book has given you strength, renewed your faith, and offered solace in your own trials, I am reminded of the beauty of shared humanity. We are all on this journey together, navigating the complexities of life, seeking hope, and yearning for understanding.

I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for joining me on this emotional odyssey. Thank you for allowing my words to touch your souls and for connecting with the essence of the stories shared within the pages of Lord I Am In Trouble.

To those who have shared their own stories of struggle and triumph with me, thank you for trusting me with your experiences. Your courage to open up and share has deepened the sense of community that this book has fostered, and it is my hope that through our shared stories, we can find comfort, healing, and the strength to face life’s challenges head-on.

As we journey through life’s peaks and valleys, let us remember that we are not defined by our troubles but by the courage with which we rise above them. Together, we can navigate the storms and emerge stronger, wiser, and filled with a renewed sense of hope.

Once again, from the depths of my heart, thank you. Thank you for embracing Lord I Am In Trouble and for allowing its words to resonate within you. Your support has filled my heart with gratitude and joy, and I am forever grateful for each and every one of you.

With love and appreciation,

Dr Omomaro Okekaro, PhD

Foreword

In the depths of human existence lies a profound truth that binds us all: we are not immune to struggles and trials. It is in these moments of vulnerability, when our hearts ache with pain and uncertainty, that we seek solace, guidance, and a glimmer of hope. It is during these darkest hours that we cry out to a higher power, whispering, Lord, I am in trouble.

This book, aptly titled Lord, I Am In Trouble, is a raw and emotional journey through the tumultuous landscapes of life. Within its pages, you will find the unfiltered expressions of human experiences—tales of heartache and triumph, of loss and redemption, of faith tested and strengthened.

Each chapter is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless love and compassion of a divine presence that walks beside us in every step of our journey. It is a journey that transcends the boundaries of time and space, touching upon the universal struggles that unite us all.

As you immerse yourself in these pages, you will meet souls laid bare, their struggles etched on their hearts, and their triumphs etched in their souls. You will witness the transformative power of embracing vulnerability and finding strength in moments of weakness. And, above all, you will discover the unwavering belief that even in the darkest of times, a glimmer of hope illuminates the way.

This book is not a roadmap to avoiding troubles or achieving a life without challenges. Instead, it is a testament to the power of human spirit when confronted with adversity. It reminds us that we are never alone—that even in our darkest moments, the divine presence envelops us in a cloak of love and understanding.

As the author of Lord, I Am In Trouble, you have bared your soul to offer a hand of compassion and empathy to all who read your words. Your courage to share your own struggles and triumphs will undoubtedly resonate with readers from all walks of life, touching their hearts and offering them a sense of kinship on their own journeys.

In reading this book, you will be reminded that there is no shame in acknowledging your vulnerability, for it is through vulnerability that we find our strength. You will come to understand that each trial is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery, and that even in the midst of darkness, there is a glimmer of light waiting to lead you forward.

Lord, I Am In Trouble is not just a book; it is a sacred space—a sanctuary for the wounded souls, a refuge for those seeking hope, and a beacon of light in the midst of life’s storms. It is an invitation to embrace your own struggles, to confront them with courage, and to find solace in the knowledge that you are never alone.

May this emotional journey through the pages of Lord, I Am In Trouble leave a profound impact on your heart and soul, igniting within you a renewed sense of faith and a deep appreciation for the strength that lies within you. May it be a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, the divine presence is there, whispering softly, Fear not, my child, for I am with you always.

JP Tucker, PhD.

Professor/Clinical Therapist

Introduction

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy (Proverbs 31:8-9).

God always is concerned for the poor and the marginalized even when we, human beings tend to overlook this fact. While our churches and religious groups give the necessary attention to spiritual matters, there is often the obvious complete neglect for the physical needs. The Bible makes it very clear in the readings from the books of the Law, Proverbs, Prophets in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, how God exhorts His people to actively care for the poor while admonishing any mistreatment of – or indifference toward – the needy. But we may not have to look too far away from ourselves to realize that we all are people in need before the Lord. And God has set us apart for a time like this for His own name’s sake. We are branded in honor of the glory of God. In Isaiah 46:9-10, the Bible declares:

Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ (Isaiah 46:9-10 NIV)

God wants us who are called by His name to succeed precisely because when God created us, He built success into us. His glory is predicated on his success and our success is de facto His success. Consequently, He cannot allow us to fail for His name’s sake. He protects His own. He puts His glory, His imprint and His true essence in us. When in scripture the phrase, "the glory of the Lord fills the earth" is used, this simply means that the imprint of the Lord is evidenced on the earth. The imprint of God is not in the land, not in the church building, not in the city but in the people. The same word is then used to express importance, honor, and majesty. God’s principles are established. But humans are the only creatures that gave God problem because only humans willingly test God’s laws because of the power of our free will. And so we are encouraged to seek wisdom and fall in love with the law of God.

Recognize that decision determines success. Your future is God’s past. God begins from the end and backs up to your beginning, so He’s got you covered. God knows everything about your existence but gave you freewill so you can choose to remain in His will. Work in His will and in His plan for you because God’s promise declares:

"My plans for you are, plan to save you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and to give you hope" (Jerimiah 29:11).

Psalm 138:2 also says,

"I have exalted my word above my name."

Oh Yes! The word of God is powerful. And the name of God is also powerful. But God said I have exalted my word above my name. Because the word of God is power, if God promises you a future full of hope then begin to rejoice for you belong to the kingdom where God is the King. The king is obligated to provide for the welfare of His citizens. The kingdom is the governing system of the King who rules his territory. You belong to the governing influence of the country of heaven. Imagine the depth, width, height and length of His infinite love for you that knows no bounds. Bless Him for His love for you. Thank Him for his love for with an everlasting love He has loved you. The Bible says that God so loved the world (cosmos - system) that He gave His all. God sowed His seed into the world, not in the church or religion, but in the world governing system to straighten the system so His family will enjoy the fullness of dominion He bestowed upon us.

A word is not fully a word until it is effective. A word is not just a thought and an utterance. A word is both a thought and an utterance, the realization of the word. Thought is not only expressed in word, but it gets its existence through word. Dominion (two Hebrew words: dawa malakat – royal power or dominion) was not given to human beings over other human beings but over creation, to preserve and maintain it (Genesis 2:26). It is all about relationship, right relationship. We recognize that effective relationships are built by investing in character such as good work ethic, honesty, fairness, balance, humility, lifelong learning, empathy, passion, compassion.

Everything begins with a thought. Creation began with a thought; a house, clothes, whatever you can think of that is ever created began with a thought. Thoughts are our conscious mind while the body is the unconscious mind. Therefore, our brain is our memory bank recording all our past experiences. The body on the other hand does not differentiate between what is real and what is imagined. Hence the mind controls what is with the power of imagination.

In summary, it is becoming a better person on the qualities that count. Most people call that emotional quotient, or EQ. In these short exaltations, we will see God taking the lead and acting justly towards us and expect us to do the same and act justly towards one another. Your primary responsibility as a leader is to guide your team to success. Unfortunately, many leaders misinterpret guide to mean tell the team what to do. These leaders essentially talk more than they listen. The following chapters is an exposé of the kingdom domination of God and His influence in our world as we are also invited to dominate our tuff as well.

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One

Lord I am in Trouble

A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.

– Elbert Hubbard

The Official

Once upon a time there was a ruler of the synagogue named Jairus who came to see Jesus. This is self-disclosure from the synagogue official to Jesus. Self-disclosure takes place when one person is verbally communicating information about oneself to another. Now the synagogue has a significant place in the life of the Jewish people. The synagogue is primarily a place of teaching and secondly a place of service, prayer and reading of the word of God. The synagogue has no permanent teacher. This is where we find Jairus. First, Jairus was one of the board members among the elders in charge of the synagogue at Capernaum. This was a dignified position, one who has some authority in the community. Jesus on the other hand, we are told in scripture, was once in the synagogue on a Sabbath day when he was chosen to be the lector for the day and was handed the scroll containing the Torah.

The Torah is the book of the law of God, which is divine, holy and absolutely binding. The Torah was the Supreme rule of faith and life. It was a guide to life; a book that must be carefully studied and memorized. So, it is a big deal to be Jairus. We can appreciate now why it was a very lowly act for the ruler of the synagogue as Jairus to bow before another teacher and in this case, a controversial teacher from Nazareth. Why did Jairus come seeking out Jesus?

We understand that the ministry of Jesus has come to a moment of truth because it is now clear that he has become a very controversial figure, for he has a different mission from the orthodox leaders (Pharisees, Scribes, Sanhedrin, Sadducees and Chief Priests) of the Jews. In the Law of the seed, battle is the seed for territory. The orthodox leaders had a sense of duty to defend their territory otherwise they will be out of job. When Jesus threatened their livelihood with a different philosophy or school of thought, he placed his finger on the very essence of what gives the leadership of the synagogue official purpose. Going back into the synagogue was an act of bravery on the part of Jesus because the Sanhedrin had deputation in the synagogue, and you could not miss them since they were seated in places of honor - in the front row. So, word was spreading about Jesus.

While Jairus was aware of the controversy surrounding Jesus, he also was aware of the miraculous good works being manifested through Jesus’s works. This was long before the days of television and movies. It was even before common people had books. People spread news by talking to other people. Those who had seen the miracles of Jesus told others. Then those people told others, and so on. In my professional life, I have seen so many other professionals including myself who are not able to tell their contemporaries and bosses that they are going through a serious personal experience that is plaguing them and causing a major distraction in their lives. Nevertheless, specialists are increasingly opening up about their experiences of having problems on a level of psychological well-being on blogs and websites to get their voices heard.

Jairus encountered Jesus at a time when God had not sent a prophet to the Israelites for 400 years. That means these people were not used to seeing a prophet and not used to witnessing miracles. When Jesus arrived, teaching a new message about God’s kingdom, and performing miracles was a strange phenomenon, and it made headlines in town, it was the talk of the town - and the countryside! Some may not have considered this Nazarene teacher orthodox; one capable and authoritative to interpret the book of the law. After all, what good can come out of Nazareth? But Jairus, the ruler, was in trouble; he was getting very desperate such that his needs were stronger than his pride.

Have you ever found yourself in trouble recognizing that position is probably not enough to get you out of that kind of trouble? But it may get you access which other less prominent people may not be privileged to have. We may be very familiar with public figures in our contemporary society who gotten themselves in some very hot mess and became very sheepish despite their high position. But their position may buy them the best legal access or medical access or social access whatever the case may be. However, we have seen top ranking officials who have been forced to not only apologize but turned in their resignation from their position in public office and sometimes disappeared into the shadows of history. The list is endless. But what do you do when just disappearing is not enough solution to dealing with the kind of trouble you find yourself? What if this type of trouble is a matter of life or death situation? What do you do when freedom and responsibility clash in your life? What do you do when life feels like you have been thrown out under the bus and even God seemed to wink at your demise? What do you do…? But I report to you this day that when you are attacked by the enemy it is the proof that your enemy already anticipates your success.

Remember when the Israelites came to the edge of the Promised Land and standing between them and the Promised Land is the city of Jericho? It was amazing that the twelve spies recognized the sons of Anak. Although the Anakites were a tough race of giant, a confrontational and warlike people (Deuteronomy 2:10, 21; 9:2) who occupied the lands of Southern Israel near Hebron before the arrival of the Israelites (Joshua 15:13). The Anakites’ lineage has been traced back to Anak, the son of Arba (Joshua 15:13; 21:11), who at that time was viewed as the greatest man among the Anakim (Joshua 14:15). No wonder, when the spies sent by Moses to survey the land saw them, fear overcame ten who immediately saw themselves as grasshoppers in the eyes of the Anakites. They could not see themselves as valuable, likeable, as appreciable and as significant. But the other two, Joshua and Caleb saw the Anakites as lunch and not a hindrance to stop them from possessing what God has promised them for an inheritance.

Joshua and Caleb saw themselves as God’s anointed, sanctified, victorious and valuable. They were able to imagine their victory and occupation of the land. They recognized that the presence of the giants is a proof of the closeness of the promise of God in their life. The question is; how do you see yourself in the presence of your giant? Do you have the bravery and tenacity of Joshua and Caleb to take what belong to you by force? Do you have what it takes to possess your possession? So, stand your guard and be mindful of your surroundings for your enemy the devil prowls like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Don’t be the next victim because you are a victor.

Maybe we can afford to play hardball in some cases when we get in trouble and while bowing out may grant us some reprieve, but we may not be completely out of the woods of our trouble. If our house is on fire, we will need the fire department to respond to our needs. This was the case with Jairus whose daughter was very ill, and it was obvious to Jairus that she was dying, and his last hope was this Galilean preacher named Jesus. His household was in such great trouble; his need became stronger than his pride. This high-ranking ruler, of highest social ranks in the city of Capernaum, sought and found Jesus among the lowliest, the anawin of the society. Jairus crossed the social boundaries and did not mind the social barriers because of his need. His need forced him to disregard the comfort of the rank and file and pressed his way toward Jesus in whom he could sense was the only solution to his trouble. So here comes this dignitary pressing his way through the crowd towards Jesus. The crowd was naturally curious to see what Jesus would do for this very important person (VIP).

Anonymous

Meanwhile, across the border from this personage, was another person who was not known to the society, for society did not even notice her. She was not even identified by any name; she is the Syro-Phoenician woman. She was identified by her problem and her tribe, that which distinguished her and separated her from the rest, as a second-class citizen. What we do know is the picture that the evangelist painted for us - a Syro-Phoenician woman - with an issue of blood (hemorrhage) she has suffered for twelve years. This is significant because her asymmetrical social counterpart, the synagogue official Jairus, has had the privilege of enjoying the joy and youth of his daughter for twelve years before chaos and tragedy began to turn their world upside down. This Syro-Phoenician woman heard the good things.

The Syro-Phoenician woman has a strong will for her personal branding, which anyone can adopt to help sustain a solid vocation, develop a deeper relevant network and help advance your agenda. This woman tolerated her condition for twelve years and at the sight of Jesus, something rose up from down inside of her to both activate her will power and motivate her to change her condition. This woman had an image that was associated with her condition but now was determined to rebrand her image. She decided on what she wanted her brand to be, and then she went ahead to create a plan for building it when she strategized how she was going to hook-up with Jesus who she perceived as her source for the solution to her problem. This woman was intent on living above her persuasion, if only I can touch the hem of his garment, she uninterruptedly said to herself, I shall be healed.

The nature of her disease made her unclean. And being unclean made her a social outcast. The woman was very conscious of her social situation. Hence, she nervously approached Jesus from behind. Her faith at this point rested on hearing rather than on sight. Her conviction causes her to cling onto the Galilean healer thus demoralizing all her critics and chief among them being Satan. Her persuasion in the outcome of this encounter overcame her fear of the reaction of the crowd around her. Her need solicited the healing from Jesus. The woman quickly and easily put what she has learned into practice. After Jesus called her out the woman did not recant her decision rather she kept track of her progress and turn her short-term changes in her condition into a long-term habits of wholeness and productivity when Jesus told her your faith has saved you. There are lots of people who run after healing but do not get saved. Jesus once said, fear the one who can destroy both the body and the soul.

I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has power to throw you into hell Yes, I tell you, fear Him! (Luke 12:4-5)

The Bible declares that the Holy Spirit is the branding of God on His people called to himself.

And in Him you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, having heard and ... in whom also, having believed, ye have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, ... He wrought, by his Spirit, those graces of faith and love, whereby we are made ... through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of first fruits of His creation. (Ephesians 1:13-14)

The personal branding resource is the ideal for determined people who are working hard, but who aren’t getting the recognition that they deserve. This Syro-Phoenician woman worked so hard for years and there are so many people who can identify with her. You work so hard but still struggling to make ends meet. You sacrifice your time and treasure to your employee but instead you get fired or laid off or have someone you trained to replace you. You are paying your fair share but when it is time for you to get the help you need you are turned away. Working class people and tax paying people cannot get the help and support when they get tangled in the psychosocial mess of life. It is the great desire of God that his people feel safe, secure, protected and sheltered in his love and in his power.

The whole shebang in life may be unstable: your health, your family, your job, your education, your society, your world systems that controls your life functioning. Remember those who know their God will do great exploit. Nevertheless, you must stand your ground because of whose you are. In other to achieve this you will have to respond to some key inquiries, including: What makes me unique, and how can I capitalize on this? How does my behavior affect how I am perceived, and how can I make a great impression? How can I get noticed, for all the right reasons? How can I maximize my impact, and start to achieve the success I’ve always dreamed of?

Personal branding is one of the most important skills that every child of God must embrace as a dominant quality all the time and it is never too late to begin to reclaim your brand. Over two thousand years ago, the plan for your rebranding was set in motion by our Lord and savior Jesus Christ who restored us to our former glory, which is in the original glory in the image and likeness of God. Jesus purified us of all sin, filth that taint our brand. Sin is Satan’s Inherited Nature (SIN). Scriptures advise us that Satan came to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10-29). However, Jesus came that we may have life (LIFE means: Living In Freedom Everyday) and have in abundance. When we lost our original brand life, it was SAD (Satan’s Alternative Diet - SAD) that we were not able to have the abundant life Jesus came to restore.

When you continue to feed your appetite, that which you feed will grow. If you feed the nature of God that is in you, it will grow the godlikeness in you, but if you feed the Satan nature in you, then you will lose your brand and it is sad. The rebranding is tagged: anointed, overcomer, blessed, victorious, transformed, and fulfilled, you name it. It is the culmination of many different abilities, talents, gifts and skills that God has blessed us with from the foundation of the world. This is the recipe for the abundant life that Jesus promised us because he desires us to be living in that abundant life every day. No wonder David declares in the Psalms, This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24). As a victorious and blessed child of God you will need to set some vocational objectives, apply promotional strategy, influencer presentation, positioning, content creation and good old-fashioned networking if you want people to take notice of who you are and who you want to be as a child of the Highest God. If you’re looking to boost the awareness of your qualities, get more control of your vocational path, start a personal reinvention or just plain old want to let the glory of God shine through you as you may be the only good news that most people may hear and or read. Consequently, personal branding as a child of the kingdom of God is a must. This is now your responsibility.

I have learnt to take responsibility for my life. I can respond to my God-given ability. I am blessed beyond measure as I continue to discover my purpose and passion in life. Thanks to all who say no to me at any point in my life. It was because of you that I could recalibrate in my life that which is most important and valuable. It is because you say you that I can say I. Before people will ever buy the product, you are selling or buy your goods and services, they are going to first buy into your presentation of yourself because they will see you first before they see your products, your goods and services. Your attitude and your personality will precede you. Promoting your business starts with you. You must network yourself; it is your own branding.

Jesus was the master salesperson ever lived. He was perfect in marketing his brand so much that he mentored only 12. One was lost but very quickly there was a replacement, and before long the movement was spreading like wildfire. But to sell yourself you must saturate other people with your cognitive value, you must appeal to their senses; and by distributing your cognitive value you are in the business of Intellectual distribution. The Bible declares, Let that mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus (Philippian 2:5-11). Jairus had to market himself before Jesus. What are you waiting for? Get going.

Jairus had to learn this through modeling from the Syro-Phoenician woman. Jairus on the contrary because of his need for rebranding broke the barriers of his social façade by becoming less conscious of his social standing and shunning the risk of crossing over to not only seeking help from Jesus but as the evangelist described his action to us, Jairus fell at Jesus’s feet and worshipped him. Thus, capitulating before the supremacy of Jesus, acquiescing for a personality takeover. This was a very lowly act. Jairus knew that his faith rested on stepping outside the box of public opinion, and to seeing Jesus rather than hearing about Jesus from the confines of the insecurities of his religious adaptation.

Jairus pleaded with Jesus to come to his house for his only daughter was dying. Here we see Jesus as the leveling ground for both the rank and file of society and the one in which the unidentifiable could find a place of refuge. Both Jairus and the woman are drawn toward Jesus not by their social status but by their common needs, their human need is the plain field, the trouble in which they found themselves.

Desperate for Healing

The woman desperate for a healing touch held off her fear (False Evidence Appearing Real) and insecurities for she recognized that the best was yet to come. She clings to the promises of God. The woman refused to be enticed into accepting less than God’s very best for her life. This woman recognized that substitutes are common satanic ploys, which she has experienced that for twelve years. But she has come to her year of divine authorization in her life as she comes to her twelfth year of oppression not knowing what life is talk less of having it in abundance. Now she recognizes that Jesus is proof that God cared enough to send his very best. She recognizes that the best was yet to come and that her greater days are ahead. Again, she was very aware that no matter what the enticement, her faith cannot respond to two targets that are diametrically opposed to one another. And so, she never considered any alternative to her miracle. She had no time to tweet, email, or text anyone or go on Facebook. She rather went on Soul-book.

This woman had to create a miracle climate, an atmosphere of praise and worship to unlock her faith for her day of miracles. She chooses to believe in miracles because she recognizes that she served a God of miracles. Miracle being the supernatural intervention of God in the problems of her life. Hence, by believing in the power of God, this woman had nothing to lose and everything to gain. At some point in her life, she was forced to either live (Live In Victory Everyday) in the potential of her faith, or with the consequences of her doubt. She took responsibility for her own destiny. She responded to her own ability.

I have come to recognize that refusing to take responsibility for the harm I have caused others have only led to further damage. Regardless what the situation was that caused our conflict the outcome was the same pain and grief. As the weeks, months, or years pass by, and the lack of communication, unrelenting anger, and hateful emotional exchanges that had at time occurred, all have created incredible apprehension and anxiety. During all the threatening atmosphere created by this tension often I have been tempted to focus on wrongs done to me, rather than taking responsibility for the wrongs I may have committed. Subsequently, I persist in blaming others because it keeps me from dealing with the painful truth of my sinful behavior. When I have harmed someone in the past, I know now that I really need to take responsibility for it.

Some years ago, shortly before the death of my father, there was some tension that caused a strain in the relationship between my brother and me. When my father passed away this tension was increased because of a fundamental difference on how we both wanted to prepare to pay our final respect for our father since he did not leave any will or specific instruction of what he would like to happen after he passed away. We had quite a few heated arguments and he walked away. For years, he was not seen or heard from, and he would not communicate with any member of the family, neither would his wife and children communicate with any of his family members. Upon reconnecting with any old friend, I realized that he has been in contact with my brother. I have come to accept that