Look Up

October 22, 2025

Where you look determines what you see, look to God, not your problems.

Today, let's explore a powerful truth from Scripture that can transform how we face every challenge in life. Our focus determines our reality, and where we place our attention shapes our experience.

Standing on God's Promises

In 2 Chronicles 20, we find a powerful reminder of how previous generations passed down wisdom about facing difficulties:

"Your people settled here and built this Temple to honor your name. They said, 'Whenever we are faced with any calamity such as war, plague, or famine, we can come to stand in your presence before this Temple where your name is honored. We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.'" - 2 Chronicles 20:8-9

This inheritance of faith teaches us that when disasters, famines, problems, or challenges come, we shouldn't run away. Instead, we should come before God, praise Him, and call upon Him. He will hear us and save us.

When facing opposition, we can remind God of His promises to us:

"See how they reward us for they have come to throw us out of your land, which you gave us as an inheritance." - 2 Chronicles 20:11

Just as the people claimed their physical inheritance, we can claim our spiritual inheritance. When sickness, disease, or poverty comes against you, you can declare, "Lord, you have said by your stripes I'm healed. This sickness cannot come against me because healing is my inheritance."

When something threatens your peace, remember that God has promised,

"All my children are taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children." - Isaiah 5:13

The fruits of the Spirit in Galatians are your inheritance, and nothing can come against that.

" the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness" - Galatians 5:22

Eyes on God, Not on Problems

In times of uncertainty, we can follow Jehoshaphat's example:

"Oh our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help." - 2 Chronicles 20:12

Where you're looking matters. When you look at your problem, you magnify the problem. But when you look at God, you magnify God. Most of the time, our eyes focus on our problems or the people around us who might help. But like Jehoshaphat, we need to fix our eyes on God.

Seeing Through Faith, Not Fear

In Matthew 14, we find a powerful illustration of how fear distorts our perception:

"When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear they cried out, 'It's a ghost!'" - Matthew 14:26

Even though Jesus was walking toward them, their fear made them see a ghost. How we see matters. When we look through the lens of fear, even Jesus can appear frightening. But when we look through faith, we can see ourselves as more than conquerors even in the midst of challenges.

Jesus responded with three powerful statements:

"But Jesus spoke to them at once. 'Don't be afraid,' he said. 'Take courage. I am here.'" - Matthew 14:27

These three declarations form the foundation of victorious living:

1. Don't be afraid

2. Take courage

3. I am here

Every day, when we face challenges, we need to see them through these three truths: don't be afraid, take courage, God is with us.

The Command of Courage

This message is reinforced in Joshua 1:9:

"This is my command - be strong and courageous! Don't be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9

Notice this isn't a suggestion but a commandment, an order from God. We are commanded to be strong and courageous, not to be frightened or dismayed, because God is with us wherever we go.

Joseph understood this truth. When he was thrown into a pit, sold as a slave, or imprisoned, he knew he didn't need to be discouraged or dismayed because God was with him. In Genesis, we read that "the Lord was with Joseph and he was successful." The true definition of success isn't about money or finances but knowing that God is with you.

God promises:

"No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you." - Joshua 1:5

No person, sickness, or problem can stand before you. Problems may come, seasons may change, everything may seem to be against you, but nothing can stand against you, your family, or your children in Jesus' name.

God continues:

"Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them." - Joshua 1:6

"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do." - Joshua 1:7-8

Claiming Your Inheritance

Think of it this way: If your father has written a will giving you a large piece of land, and you discover someone has built a small house on that land without permission, what would you do? You would take your paperwork and boldly declare your ownership, saying, "This belongs to me. If you don't leave, you'll be in trouble. I'll take you to court because this land was given to me by my father."

Today, you have divine paperwork. Jesus has done everything on the cross, and you have His will in your hand. If Satan tries to establish a foothold in your body through sickness or tiredness, you can declare: "This body is the temple of the living God. Satan, you have no authority here!"

If the enemy attempts to plant negative emotions in your heart, you can proclaim: "Get out of my emotions! They are filled with joy and the goodness of God because I have the paperwork written in the blood of Jesus."

Conclusion

Remember these three things daily: Do not be afraid. Take courage. God is with you. These simple truths will help you inherit all the promises God has given. They're already in your name; you just need to claim them.

Where you look matters. Look up to God rather than around at your problems. See through eyes of faith, not fear. Stand on your inheritance and claim what is rightfully yours through Christ.

Reflect on This

1. What problems are you focusing on today that need to be replaced with a focus on God?

2. How can you practically apply the three-part formula (Don't be afraid, Take courage, God is with you) to your current challenges?

   
   

Prayer

Father, I thank you that I don't need to be afraid. I take courage in you, knowing you never leave or forsake me. Your presence, power, anointing, healing, favor, and mercy are with me. I declare this day to be a day of success, healing, peace, and goodness. I stand on your promises as my inheritance, sealed by the blood of Jesus. When the enemy comes against me, I hold up my divine paperwork and claim what you have already given me. In Jesus' name, amen.

Key Takeaways

• Where you look determines what you see; look to God, not your problems.

• God's promises are your inheritance; claim them boldly when challenges come.

• See through faith, not fear; even Jesus can look frightening through the lens of fear.

• God commands us to be strong and courageous because He is with us wherever we go.

• Remember daily: Do not be afraid, take courage, God is with you.

  
  

All content on this blog is the property of Henley Samuel Ministries. For permissions or inquiries regarding the use of any material, please contact us at contact@henleysamuel.org.

To dive deeper into this powerful message, watch the full sermon on our YouTube video below.