THE BEAST!

My best friend and I have always been one for adventure, but this trip to the Virgin Islands for my 50th birthday was more than I could have imagined. It was not just a celebration but a chance for reflection, growth, and new beginnings. My oldest daughter just graduated from

college, so she also joined us for this adventure. A native of the island, my best friend gave us the best tour ever. We arrived at the resort perched on a hill with a breathtaking view of the turquoise water below. The beauty of the place was undeniable, but it was a journey on The Beast that would become a true test of our faith. 

The road called The Beast was infamous for its darkness and treacherous turns. With no street lights and driving on the opposite side of the road, it was a challenge even for the most seasoned drivers. Every time we left or returned to the resort the thrill and anxiety of navigating the Beast greeted us. Our first night we headed to my birthday dinner. My bestie guided the wheel. The sun had just set and as we descended the steep hill, the headlights cut through the thick dark revealing deer, horses, and other creatures that roamed freely. The sight was both mesmerizing and eerie.

One night after a delightful dinner at a local restaurant driving back to the resort. The journey on The Beast awaited us once more. As we drove, my daughter asked a question that had lingered in my mind for some time. “Mom, if someone offered you two million dollars to walk The Beast at night, all alone, would you do it?” Two million dollars is a lot of money. Yet, walking The Beast alone in the dark with only the moonlight, or yeah did I forget to mention she said I could use the flashlight from my phone to guide me seemed like an insurmountable task. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and strategies. I imagine myself on the winding road, my footsteps echoing the silence, the creatures of the night watching me and the shadows. We were told that the resort was featured in a few old movies. It was a place of history and mystery, attracting people from all over the world.  Every year there is a Marathon where participants ride their bikes on The Beast. We saw people walking the beast during the day. 

I envisioned various ways to accomplish the mission.  I delved deeper into the scenario, I realized that the fear of the unknown, of what might be lurking in the darkness, outweighed the allure of the reward. So I told her the only way I could get through this, with the help of the Lord. I told her the only way I truly can conquer The Beast is with the Holy Spirit. I would speak in tongues and pray the entire way putting everything to silence. My friends and daughter laugh. “ I can see you doing that, they said. 

So my question to my readers today: are you facing a Beast in your life that feels too hard to overcome? We all have those moments. But with God, all things are possible for those who believe. I believe in being transparent about my walk with Christ so that others know they are not alone in dealing with difficult times. After sharing this with you, I know it's the best answer for me. Fear and intimidation will try to pop their ugly heads up, of course. It’s their job. But I would do exactly what I said: pray, praise, and sing my way through. It’s my job!

 I will ask the Lord to silence every creeping thing in the woods. I believe that he would do it because he gave us dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So I have the authority to speak and declare my dominion according to Genesis 1:26, and I would ask my guardian angels whom the Lord has given Charge over me in Psalm 91:11-12 to protect me from seen and unseen danger. This flesh would be jumping and probably overreacting in the beginning because we serve a God who can do all things and who created all things. I would ask for a calming spirit to get through it. Prayer would be my strategic plan, inviting the Holy Spirit to join me on this journey that may seem unbearable and achievable but with Him, it has already become attainable.

 I just wanted to encourage someone today: Strategically pray, strategically invite the Holy Spirit for guidance and direction. You will OVERCOME THE BEAST in your life. GOD is BIGGER, GOD is GREATER, YOU ARE BETTER, and YOU ARE A CONQUEROR! 

The trip to the Virgin Islands became more than just a celebration of my 50th Birthday. It was a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, a reminder that strength comes not only from facing fears; but also from knowing when to seek help and when to embrace the journey I am called to with the love of God on my side. Allowing my faith in God to be my guiding light, helping me navigate the challenges and celebrate the beauty of the path walk. 

Allow me to pray for your today:

Father in the name of Jesus I pray for the person who is reading this story and I touch and agree with them by faith that whatever they may be facing right now that may seem to be a Beast in their life, I am here to remind them that you are bigger and greater than any beast, and you told us in your word that you will never leave us nor forsake us. So even now allow them to feel your presence. Remind them to know that they are not taking this journey along. Give them a strategic strategy in prayer to overcome the very thing that they may be fearful to face. I decree and declare they are more than a conquer through him that loves us. Your perfect love casts out fear.  I decree and declare that they  will get through this challenging time, they will overcome their beast, and they will see the light at the end of the road in Jesus name, amen!