Categories
The Overcoming Believer

Reflection Friday 🪞

Happy Friday my people! 👊🏾❤️

I’m almost a year older, yep tomorrow it’s my birthday 🎈 and I just want to share a little bit about my year so far. Lol , what a hard year it’s been. It was so hard that I just laugh bc wow! I started off so optimistic and full of faith. But by February, I realized something: I thought I had faith. I thought I had patience… until life started happening.

Believe me, my three hardest years have been 2014 (when my dad passed), 2021 (when I faced heavy attacks), and 2025. This year, I saw the real meaning of warfare. But guess what? God pulled me out every single time. And through it all, I just kept on going. God’s sustaining grace kept me from drowning and from getting burnt by the fire.

I had some great memories too. My friends and I went wedding dress fitting and boy oh boy we looked like heaven! Too neat! ✨ I attended some of the best conferences in the world at HOT, met new people, and even tried new foods. Oh, I ate egusi yesterday and my next stop is Korean food! 😄 This year, I also wrote and self-published two books (which I HOPE you already have copies of!). My career picked up; I had some clients and learned so much not just from studying, but through experience. It’s true what they say: the more we do something, the more we learn.

Why am I sharing all this with you? To remind you that we all have ups and downs in a year. Not everything is bad, and not everything is good but through it all, we’re still here. We still have purpose in our hearts, and we keep moving forward. This year, God taught me that He is my only source. He gently shifted my eyes away from people, from anything or anyone I had placed my trust in even myself and helped me focus completely on Jesus. And that has strengthened my faith in ways I can’t even explain.

So, don’t be discouraged where you are. Don’t give up. Don’t faint. Don’t lose hope. And whatever you do, don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Remember, you’re uniquely you! Today as you reflect in the mirror, l want you keep in your mind, you have come too far to give up now. Don’t waste your pain. Don’t waste your scars that came from resilience in battle. Don’t give up on God.

I’m reminded of Esther an orphan who probably never thought she’d even meet the king, let alone marry him. She likely never dreamt that far. You know how there are dreams we have because we know they’re within reach… and then there are those dreams we don’t even dare to imagine? Yep those ones. Esther was just living her life, unaware of the divine setup unfolding behind the scenes. Vashti did her drama, the kingdom was shifting and Esther had no idea that her name was next in line for destiny.

That’s how God works sometimes. You have no idea what’s about to happen for you, but heaven is already rearranging things in your favor. One day, you’re just a “nobody,” and the next you wake up in the palace as the Queen. “Argh, but not me. I don’t even know any Mordecai.”

That’s where faith comes in. If we could calculate how the blessing would unfold, then it wouldn’t be God’s blessing. His ways are usually mysterious big, mind-blowing, sudden, and miraculous. It’s never something you’d think of on a normal day. I mean, Joseph went from prison to governor and as a foreigner! How? You can’t explain it, right? That’s exactly how it’s going to be for you.

Believe God. Keep holding on. See you on Monday! ❤️

I love you!

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Categories
Yielding the mind

Was Elijah suicidal?

Okaaaay! Welcome to the Yielded Center. I love you. My name is Vanessa, which means butterfly 🦋 that’s how I fly into people’s hearts daily and refuse to leave (LOL).

Newsflash , I’m an author hehe! My book came out yesterday and I’m so excited! Yesterday, God reminded me of all those years I was writing for the shelf, writing so much but never quite breaking through as an author, even though it’s been my greatest desire. This year, I self-published two books. Then God said to me, “You have broken a threshold. You have broken the limitation.” And I was like, “Wow! I didn’t even realise it!” The enemy tried to stop me before but I’ve punched him in the face twice! 💥

I’m sharing this to remind you: sometimes the prayer you prayed yesterday has already birthed something new you just haven’t seen it yet. Give it a few days or weeks, and you’ll know. Anyway, go buy the book it’s only R180 . “That’s too expensive!” Some will say? Well, I’ve learned something: what one person says is expensive to buy from you, they have bought the same thing from someone else for the same price or more. It’s not the price, it’s you. It’s not the product , it’s who is selling it. Now, let’s talk about something that’s been on my mind…

I was reading a message one of the ladies I know wrote yesterday, and it got me thinking deeply about the mental health crisis in the church something we’ve merely brushed off with phrases like, “You’re being too dramatic,” or “Just leave this depression talk; you’re just sad for no reason.”

Now, I’m not saying this because I’m a counsellor. I’m saying this because I’ve spoken to people who, without a doubt, were depressed and even suicidal, yet they couldn’t find a safe place of expression. Why? Because they feared being judged as weak believers people who “don’t take the things of God seriously.” But here’s the truth: we have no idea what people are going through in their homes. Behind every smile could be a battle, a silent cry, a heart hanging by a thread.

Does the Bible talk about depression? Nah. Not in those exact words. But when you read closely, you’ll meet people who, by all accounts, were discouraged, suicidal, worried, stressed, and completely disconnected from joy. One of them was Prophet Elijah. He literally says, “I’ve had enough, Lord. Take my life.” (1 Kings 19:4) Wait, what? You’re a prophet talking like that? I thought people in ministry don’t go through such things!

Jokes on you. 😅

Elijah had just come from a mighty victory he’d called down fire from heaven, embarrassed the prophets of Baal, and witnessed God’s power firsthand. Yet right after that, he wanted to die. It makes you pause and ask, “How can someone feel so low right after a big win?” After a conference? My people, you know the answer.

Before I became a counsellor, I still spoke to many people. Looking back, I realised I was too tough on them, and I’m truly sorry. I was very hard on some people. I’d say things like, “You need to get up! Nobody is coming to save you. Don’t remain weak!” And I meant well, but I was wrong in how I approached it. It took me actually studying and gaining understanding to realise something important:

If you’re not well-informed about a situation truly informed then please, keep your advice to yourself. Don’t go around counselling people just because you have a few “wise words.” Don’t try to explain situations that are beyond your enlightenment. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply listen and offer prayer. Why? Because many times, without realising it, we’ve added to someone’s depression. Now, am I saying we should entertain the spirit of depression because yes, it is a spirit? NO! I’m saying we must first acknowledge that it’s there, and then find a way to pull people out of that pit with a gentle hand.

Prophet Elijah, Why are you suddenly speaking of death? Don’t you want to run the race anymore? You don’t want to minister to people anymore? Why?Why are you now talking about sitting down while others serve? Are you okay? Why don’t you show up joyfully like before? What’s on your mind, dear prophet? I thought you were fine just by looking at you but it seems you’re not. Prophet Elijah, why is your best option to die? Can’t you at least say, “Lord, strengthen me”?

Ah, people of God sometimes we don’t even know how to pray because we are so overwhelmed. I see you, and I understand. And most times, you’re alone, because even those around you are wondering: How can a prophet be asking for death?An apostle? Someone everyone looks up to? God forbid! But my people, it’s there. It happens. And I want us to be very careful about how we handle such people. Again, it’s better to offer prayer than to speak rashly about what you don’t understand.

Your friend says they’re suicidal, and you reply, “You’re ungrateful, you have food at home!” Can you just shush for a moment and listen more carefully? Because if you listen long enough, you’ll find a line or two a clue that leads you to the real problem. I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again I’m sorry. I did not handle some cases well because, truth is, I just didn’t know.

There’s a difference between advice from someone who cares for you as a friend and advice from someone who has actually studied mental health. And I’m not saying this to sound like I know it all. I’m simply drawing a contrast between the me who used to advise and the me who now counsels. Two completely different people. Why? Because now, I can listen to you and actually discern what the real matter is. By the way Elijah just needed food and strength.

And maybe a good trip, because right after that, he travelled for forty days. 😅 Sometimes, that’s all you need too a hug and a little money. I just came on here to tell you this: The same God who saw Elijah’s sadness and helped him up has seen you, too. And He will lift you up. I love you, and see you tomorrow.

Head over to https://buymeacoffee.com/ziyambivanx to purchase my book or support my blog with a gift. Thank youse! ❤️

Categories
The Yielded Believer

Pray about it first

Happy new week, my people! By God’s grace, my new book The Seer In The Hills will be out today by 16:00 hrs on my website, which I’ll embed at the foot of this page. My other book, A Thing Called Time, is also available, and you can purchase either a hard copy or a soft copy. I’m excited to share that A Ticket To Tarshish will be published by the last week of November, and that will wrap up my releases for 2025 (lol).

To those who loved my novels on Wattpad, I have news for you , all those books will be taken down and rewritten to reflect and suit the transformed believer I am today. My purpose in writing has shifted; it’s no longer just about inspiring people, though that’s a beautiful thing to do. I’ve come to understand the power of words, both written and spoken, and I now desire to use that power to minister to hearts. Through writing, I have the privilege of speaking my voice and being heard in your heart (not with your ears) You don’t have to see me to hear me you just need to read what I wrote. So yes, get ready for many, many more books. Now, let’s talk about something very important!

I’ve been thinking lately about the prayer life of a believer, about my prayer life. Why do I pray, and what has prayer truly accomplished in my life? This reflection came during a season of warfare, when I found myself facing decisions that would eventually shape my destiny in significant ways. My mind had already begun to feel crowded with noise, and I said to myself, I must pray about this.

But why was prayer necessary? Why not just make a decision and move on? Because through prayer, we discern the will of God and align ourselves with it in yieldedness. Let me just say this: I know the weight of decisions I once made without praying and they almost killed me.

Do not take a step without prayer. Do not make a decision without prayer. Don’t even start overthinking without prayer. I honestly don’t care what people say, what your friends think is best, or what any prophetic word declares , go to God first! Nobody has a plan for your life better than God does. In Jeremiah 29:11, God was not trying to excite us with comforting words. We often quote that verse, but we overlook what comes next ; the part that says we must seek Him. The plan exists, yes, but you must seek it from God through prayer.

Even if the most anointed person tells you, “I feel you should buy the green dress,” still go to God and ask, “Lord, should I really buy the green dress?” I always tell people even if I give you a word, go to God and confirm if it’s truly from Him. Why? Because we live in a world driven by emotions.

People make destiny-defining decisions simply because they fell in love. Then they end up marrying someone who does not align with the purpose of God over their lives. I’ve had to tell myself firmly: nobody will pressurize me because of age to marry. I will marry only when God says it’s time, and only the person He has chosen for me.

We live in an emotional world that says, “It’s exciting, it’s beautiful, it’s appealing , just take it!” But don’t you remember Eve? The fruit may actually have been the tastiest, and she could have said, “Ah, it’s in the garden, so it must be meant for me.” What she needed to do was run to God and ask for clarity: “Lord, I’m confused. Something in me is saying this is the fruit I need, but I came to ask You should I eat it?” Then God would have reminded her of what He had already said or given her a new word altogether.

Oh, what about those times we think God said something just because we liked it? “I heard God , He said you’re my husband.” I recently saw that comment under two celebrity posts, and I couldn’t help but think how often people say “God said” when, in reality, He didn’t. You were simply led by a crush maybe you fancied the idea of being married to Minister Ebuka so much that you convinced yourself God had spoken, when in fact, it was you speaking to yourself in a voice of deception. This is why it’s so important to pray before making any decision no matter how small it seems. Even if it’s a move to a different city, pray first. Don’t move before God speaks. Move only after He has spoken.

I give you this advice today, pray about it. Tell God about it. Before you move in any direction, ask Him first. When you pray, you don’t just receive divine alignment and leading; you also protect yourself from the vulnerable state you’d find yourself in if you moved without God. So pray about that issue today. Don’t rush. Let God lead.

Let’s continue this conversation tomorrow. Below is the link to my website for books, counselling, and any form of support you may need.

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Categories
Dealing with self

Reflection Friday

Okayyy, here’s the mirror.

Who is this person who is so powerful? When you stand in front of the mirror, who do you see? Is it normal or even possible to stand there and see another person? Another man or woman? No. The mirror reflects what is before it, and to a degree, what’s in the corners depending on where it’s placed and how big it is. It is true that the mirror only reflects what stands before it. It shows what’s really there , not who you wish to be or who others think you are. Welcome to Reflection Friday.

If someone who desires a body shaped like a number 8 stands in front of a mirror, knowing very well they are a size 10, yet expects the mirror to show what they wish to see instead of the truth, that person is not so smart. You get angry that the weight isn’t going down when you’re not doing anything about it? Or expect someone to compliment a lie? Think of the times we’ve lied to ourselves, trying to change the image we saw in our reflection. Anyone who refuses to believe their own reflection is either mentally unstable or simply ignorant.

Why do people go to the gym? Why do they spend time and money just to achieve a certain shape? It’s because of something they saw in the mirror that they didn’t like. Guess what? You can change what you don’t like , you just have to choose to. I spent my morning listening to different speakers from across the globe at a summit. Why? Why stress myself? Because I want to change my understanding. Why? Because I am not satisfied with the level of illumination I currently have. This means embracing discomfort, losing sleep sometimes, and pushing through the hard parts because change is difficult, but most times, it’s necessary.

Before you blame companies for not hiring you, ask yourself what level of competence do you have? Even heaven has a standard for workers. Scripture says that if you put your hand to the plough and look back, you’re not fit for the Kingdom. There’s a fitness requirement. There’s a level of readiness expected. It’s the same in every aspect of life. I learned a painful fact, if you’re not what they want, they have a right to reject you.

“They must like me. I have potential.” Baby, people don’t believe in potential anymore , they want to see results. You look in the mirror and discover your skin is dry and patchy, yet you expect people not to notice? They will. They have eyes. The only real change comes from you.

I’ll continue this particular blog next week because there’s more we need to unpack. Why should an investor invest in your business? Because you prayed? Yes, prayer is powerful but if you think that’s all it takes, then you haven’t read your Bible carefully. Why should someone propose to you? Because you have a good heart, but you’re always untidy? Think again and think McCain.

All I’m saying is, you have what it takes to change. The person in the mirror deserves it. Give it to them. And when you do, proudly clap your hands for them. Every effort counts. See you on Monday.

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Categories
The Yielded Believer

Worship Wednesday

Helluuuuur! ☺️🥰

I hope you joined Day 1 of the Hallelujah Challenge, it was so powerful! As always, God moved. But we go again tonight. And I truly pray you’ll sacrifice these 25 days and show up.

Let me share something I’ve learned: To get what you’ve never had, you must do what you’ve never done. Yes, it may disrupt your sleep. Yes, it may stretch your energy. Yes, dancing and shouting praises in the AMs can be uncomfortable for some . But it’s necessary either for this season or for the next level God is calling you to. We’ve been talking about birthing, and here’s the truth:

Can a woman in labour say, “I won’t push because it’s painful?” No. Why? Because in that moment, pain is part of the process. Refusing to push can cost both her and the baby their lives. This is a word for the comfortable ones , those who never go the extra mile in prayer, fasting, or giving. You will remain limited. Some things only break open when you stretch beyond your normal. Even if a woman avoids natural birth because of pain, a C-section still comes with its own pain, stitching, recovery, etc. One way or another, the baby must come out.

No one stays pregnant forever. After 9 months, anything beyond that is no longer normal. It becomes dangerous , even an abomination. That’s what some people are carrying: Overdue pregnancies in the spirit. Visions from 2020, assignments from 2019… still not birthed because we avoid the discomfort of obedience. It’s time to PUSH. It’s time to SACRIFICE. It’s time to BREAK OUT of comfort zones.

I’m saying all this to encourage someone, you’ve done warfare and all, now praise and worship, see what God will do.

Share one song you listen to all the time the one that never gets old for you and tell us the story behind it. Maybe it was during a tough season… Maybe it reminds you of a breakthrough… Or maybe it just stirs something deep in your spirit every single time. Let us know in the comments , we want to hear your testimony or how that song made you feel the first time you heard it.

(And yes, it must be gospel 😂)

Don’t come here saying “Lose Yourself” by Eminem or I’ll block you from the blog 😭😂 I will drop mine in the comments too, can’t wait to read yours! 🙌🏽💬👇🏽 Those of you looking for a new playlist this is your shansse!

Remember, praise & worship is a lifestyle for a believer not just a worship Wednesday event.

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