Your "Aha" Moment

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” — Isaiah 60:1

Have you ever had an aha moment in life?

Of course you have. We all have.

Archimedes had it in a bathtub.

Newton had it under an apple tree.

And Christians—believe it or not—have it again and again.

Today, the 6th of January, marks one of the greatest aha moments in human history.

Twelve days after Christmas, the world outside the Jewish community met Jesus for the very first time. The wise men arrived, knelt, and worshipped. And in that moment, the light of Christ stepped beyond Bethlehem and into the nations.

This is why we call today "Epiphany"—the day the world said, “Oh! This is who He is.”

It was the divine "aha" moment that changed everything.

🌿 Why does Epiphany matter to us today?

Because the story of Epiphany is not just historical.

It is deeply personal.

There are moments in our walk with God when something suddenly clicks.

A truth we’ve heard a hundred times becomes alive.

A Scripture we’ve skimmed for years suddenly breathes.

A burden we’ve carried for too long suddenly lifts.

These are the Aha moments of epiphany—

holy interruptions where God turns on the light inside us.

Epiphany is not merely about understanding; it is about recognition.

It is the moment when the heart catches up to what the mind already knows.

It is when Jesus—who has been walking beside us all along—becomes unmistakably visible.

Your Personal Epiphany

Ms. Francis Taylor describes it beautifully:

“Think back to the moment when you accepted your faith in Christ as your Savior. Perhaps it was a gradual realization that what you have been taught over the years was true. Perhaps it was a particular event of joy or sadness that caused you to welcome Jesus into your heart. This was your epiphany.”

Your epiphany may not have involved a star in the sky or gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

But it involved something far greater—

the King of Kings revealing Himself to you.

And the truth is, God doesn’t stop at one epiphany.

He keeps giving them.

He keeps opening our eyes.

He keeps surprising us with light.

Your history is Not Your Destiny.

Today is the first day of the rest of your life!

Think about that.

There is something incredibly powerful about the clean slate of January 1st. It’s a natural moment to exhale the weight of the past year and inhale the possibility of the new one.

But what does ​Scripture say about this?  

​"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." — Isaiah 43:18-19

​​We often treat the phrase "the first day of the rest of your life" as a motivational cliché, but spiritually, it is a profound truth. In God’s economy, His mercies are new every morning. This means that your history—whether it was defined by mountain-top successes or valley-low mistakes—does not have to be your destiny.

When I look at my history, I shudder with fear for the future. But the fact is - that is not my destiny. My destiny is to serve the Lord.

​The "rest of your life" doesn't start when you reach a certain goal, lose the weight, or fix the relationship. It starts the moment you decide that today is the pivot point.

​so, 

Break that Rearview Mirror!

​It is impossible to run forward effectively if you are constantly looking over your shoulder. Dwelling on "what could have been" or "what went wrong" acts like an anchor, keeping you tethered to a version of yourself that no longer exists.

​To embrace this first day, you must give yourself permission to:

• ​Release the Guilt: Forgive yourself for the habits you didn't break last year.

• ​Release the Glory: Don't let yesterday’s trophies make you complacent today.

• ​Accept the Unknown: You don't need to see the whole map to take the first step. There are some who also take a leap of faith - a step into the unknown.

​Living as if today is the first day of your life brings a sense of holy curiosity. When everything is new, you notice the details. You listen more closely. You treat people with more kindness because you aren't carrying the baggage of old grudges. You approach your work with "beginner’s eyes," looking for ways to grow rather than just ways to finish.

​Let's think about this: 

• ​If I truly believed today was a completely fresh start, what is one "weight" I would choose to stop carrying right now?

• ​What is one "new thing" (a habit, a mindset, or a goal) I feel a nudge to begin today?

​At the end, remember - Today comes every day. Not just on the 1st of Jan.

How Can I trust God?

We often hear these buzz words - "Trust in God". We hear it sermons and most of all we hear it from well-wishers when we are in some trouble or a possible rock bottom. Its even printed on currency as - "In God we Trust". 

It's easy to say; easy to hear; but very difficult to listen and do. Often this line becomes "jargon".

So how can we actually develop trust in God?

First let's get it clear: Building trust is an ongoing process. It's not overnight and instantaneous. It requires faith, patience, and a willingness to surrender control. It's about believing in His plan and timing, even when life is uncertain. Here are a few things we can do:

Get to Know God

Every time I read the Bible, I learn something new about God. Charles Spurgeon, a renowned preacher, once said, "Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years." This emphasizes the idea that the Bible is an ever-deepening source of wisdom and revelation. The Bible is God's Word and the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance. Reading and meditating on scripture helps you understand His promises and character. Verses like Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding," provide reassurance and encouragement. Furthermore, sharing your hopes, dreams and problems is essential. Regular communication with God through prayer is essential. Share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns with Him. Prayer is not just about asking for help but also about building a connection and seeking His presence. How many times have we prayed - "Hi God, how are you today?"

Understand that trusting God is a journey. Embrace the process and be patient with yourself as you grow in faith.

Learn to recognize God’s Faithfulness- Recall times when God has been faithful and answered your prayers. Reflecting on past blessings can strengthen your trust in His ability to provide and guide you. Also get inspired by other's stories and testimonies.

Surrender Control - again, easier said than done. Trusting God involves surrendering control and letting go. This can be challenging, especially when facing difficult situations, but it's a crucial step in developing trust.

Recognize FEAR for what it is (FALSE EVIDENCE APPEARING REAL. Remember, Satan is a deceiver). Let Faith replace fear. Faith is hope and belief that God will do us no harm. He wishes the best for us. Find His assurances in His word. Find His promises. Without knowing what He can and will do, how can anyone build trust and faith?

Trust often involves waiting for God's timing, which may not align with our own. Patience is key to trusting that God is working behind the scenes and that His timing is perfect.

Practice Inclusive Decision making - every day, every minute we are taking a decision. The choice is do we decide with our own will or God's? Involve God in all your decisions. He will guide through His word and through various circumstances, opportunities and/or failures. Yes, failures too guide us on the right track.

Finally - and we have said this before - cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Thankfulness helps shift your focus from what you lack to what you have, deepening your trust in God's provision. Become thankful and dependable. Become trustworthy to God as well. Do what you promise to do or do not make any promises. For example, we may recite the Lord's Prayer every day, but do we do what we say we will do? 

As we become trustworthy to God, we will build our own trust as well. 

Where is God?

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Captain Tom Moore, a 99-year-old war veteran, set out to raise funds for the UK's National Health Service by walking 100 laps around his garden. His initial goal was to raise £1,000, but his effort resonated with people worldwide, and he ultimately raised over £32 million. Captain Tom's determination and generosity inspired millions and provided much-needed support to healthcare workers.

The Spanish Flue was another large scale disaster. The pandemic, which occurred from 1918 to 1920, was one of the deadliest in history, infecting around 500 million people and claiming at least 50 million lives worldwide. During this time, many nurses stepped up to provide palliative care, despite the high risk of infection. They worked tirelessly to ventilate rooms, administer remedies, and ensure patients were warm, nourished, and hydrated. Their efforts were crucial in alleviating the suffering of those affected by the flu.

One notable example is the story of Nurse Clara Maass, who had previously contracted and survived yellow fever while working as a nurse. During the Spanish Flu, she volunteered to participate in an experiment to find a cure for the disease and ultimately succumbed to it, sacrificing her life in the hope of helping others

There is a lot of good work being done in the world and we saw the human side of humans coming out in empathy, for the affected people. Whether covid time or not, many, many people across the world need financial support, recognition and moral support. The latest tragedy we are seeing is in California, where it has been challenging for firefighters and residents alike, with mandatory evacuations in place for many communities. The fires have highlighted the need for better community planning and infrastructure to prevent such devastating events in the future.

In all these disasters and pandemics, we may well ask "where is God?'

During challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, many people turned to their faith for comfort, hope, and understanding. Believers found solace in knowing that God was present with them, even amidst the trials and uncertainties. Here's a perspective on where God was during the COVID-19 pandemic:

1. In the Hearts of Healthcare Workers:- Many healthcare workers displayed incredible bravery, compassion, and dedication. Their selfless acts of caring for the sick and vulnerable reflected God's love and mercy.

2. In the Acts of Kindness: - People around the world came together to help one another, whether by delivering groceries to neighbors, donating to food banks, or supporting frontline workers. These acts of kindness and generosity were seen as expressions of God's grace.

3. In the Strength of Communities:- Communities united to support each other, showing resilience and solidarity. Virtual worship services, prayer groups, and community initiatives helped people stay connected and find strength in their faith.

4. In the Moments of Reflection:- The pandemic provided an opportunity for many to pause, reflect, and deepen their spiritual practices. People found comfort in prayer, meditation, and reading scripture, drawing closer to God.

5. In the Comfort of Prayer:- For many, prayer became a source of solace and strength. Seeking God's presence and guidance through prayer provided peace and reassurance during uncertain times.

6. In the Healing and Recovery:- Stories of recovery and healing offered hope and a reminder of God's power to restore and renew. Medical advancements and the efforts of researchers and scientists were seen as blessings and answers to prayers.

7. In the Hope for the Future:- Faith provided hope for a better future and the belief that God was working through the situation to bring about good. Trust in God's plan helped many navigate the challenges with hope and resilience.

While the pandemics brought immense pain and loss, many found comfort in their faith and the belief that God was with them, providing strength, guidance, and love. Today, whatever our situation - God is there for us to find. Within us and around us. 

Too Many Miracles

 

           “I’ve Seen Too Many Miracles to Doubt God’s Existence”

Miracles happen around us everyday, we only need to open our eyes to them. In our own family, we realized our blessings in a hospital.

Standing there at the foot of her bed in the emergency room, all one could was pray as the Doctors and nurses tried to find the cause of her illness. And then you see the miracle happen as your prayer gets answered.

(If you have a healthy family, you are blessed; count the blessings you usually take for granted).

Since some time now I have noticed prayers being answered and realized they always had been. We were too busy in the business of life to notice. Covid also brought a realisation that He was looking out for us, everyday, in every way. We never felt a days want for food or any necessity. It was always provided in some way.

Each day we lived, and live, is a miracle. Whether it was health, sickness, finances, jobs, business, relationships - you name it. We are grateful and thankful for each one because in retrospect, when we look back we realize what a blessing it has been.

In truth, we should not be celebrating thanksgiving once a year but everyday, because each day He blesses us with Miracles. Small or big does not matter.

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

Please pray with us for those who need it at:  

https://thisweekwithjesus.blogspot.com/p/prayer-requests.html

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Are you ready to face your Goliath

Are You Ready to Face Your Goliath?

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:34–49

There are moments in life when a challenge stands before us so large, so loud, and so intimidating that it feels like a Goliath. It taunts us. It exposes our fears. It reminds us of our limitations. And yet, Scripture invites us to look at this familiar story not as a children’s tale of courage, but as a blueprint for how ordinary people overcome extraordinary battles.

David was not a king when he faced Goliath.

He was not a warrior.

He was not trained, armed, or experienced in battle.

He was simply a shepherd boy — but a shepherd boy who knew his God.

And that made all the difference.

1. Bravery: The Courage That Comes From Knowing Who Walks With You

David didn’t brag about his strength. He simply stated the truth: he had faced lions and bears before, and God had delivered him every single time. His bravery wasn’t reckless; it was rooted in history — his history with God.

Most of us would run from a hungry lion. David ran toward it.

Not because he was fearless, but because he was faithful.

Your Goliath may not be a giant with armor. It may be a diagnosis, a financial burden, a broken relationship, a habit you can’t shake, or a fear you’ve carried for years. Bravery doesn’t mean you feel strong. It means you step forward because you know God is with you.

2. Humility: Giving God the Credit Before the Victory Comes

David didn’t say, “I killed the lion and the bear.”

He said, “The Lord who rescued me… will rescue me again.”

Humility is not thinking less of yourself — it is thinking rightly about yourself.

David knew he was capable, but he also knew he was not the source of his capability.

Humility positions us to receive strength that is not our own.

3. Faith: Trust Built on Yesterday’s Deliverance

David’s faith wasn’t blind. It was built on evidence.

God had shown up before.

God had protected him before.

God had empowered him before.

So David believed — not because the situation was small, but because his God was big.

Your faith grows the same way: by remembering the lions and bears God has already defeated in your life.

4. Complete Dependence: Choosing God Over Human Armor

Saul tried to equip David with armor, sword, and helmet.

David tried them on — and immediately took them off.

Why?

Because they didn’t fit.

Because they weren’t his.

Because they weren’t what God had used in his life before.

David chose dependence over equipment.

He chose God over strategy.

He chose trust over technique.

Sometimes the hardest part of facing your Goliath is removing the armor others put on you — expectations, advice, pressure, comparison — and standing before God with nothing but faith.

So… Are You Ready to Face Your Goliath?

Your Goliath is not the problem.

Your dependence on God is the real battle.

Victory doesn’t begin when the giant falls.

Victory begins when you decide to trust God completely.

Like David, you don’t need to be the strongest, the smartest, or the most prepared.

You just need to be the most surrendered.

The battle is not yours. It never was.

The battle belongs to the Lord.