Faithful Journey to Bali

Hello, Prayer Closet Warriors!

I recently returned from Bali, and let me assure you, the Lord truly shook things up!

It was never in my plans to travel to Bali with Jiraiya. Even in June, when I heard the Lord tell me, "Get JJ's passport," it didn't dawn on me. To be honest, I thought it was because his dad was also traveling, and assumed that's why God mentioned it. I sought confirmation from his dad, but he said he hadn't felt a similar instruction from the Lord. I remember thinking, "Maybe you need to spend a bit more time with God, because there's NO way He's suggesting I take Jiraiya all the way to Bali. That just can’t be right."

However, things changed in July when I had a vivid dream, which was soon followed by several confirmations. In this dream, I was having a conversation with my mother in a house about securing a passport for JJ. I told her he would be going to Bali with me. She was trying to convince me it was better for him to stay. To which I responded, I’m not leaving him with anyone that doesn’t know about spiritual warfare. He’s my son and I have to protect him. The dream took a dramatic turn with an evil presence trying to breach the house. I started speaking in tongues, grabbed my anointing oil and started covering every door,window, any opening. With my faith prayers and the protection of the Lord, the evil presence left.

After this dream, I sought guidance from God. Grabbing my journal writing everything down. He reassured me, instructing me not to leave Jiraiya behind. He promised to guide and protect us both. Alright, Lord, I understand he needs to be with me, but how is this going to work Sir?? My finances aren't looking great, and Jiraiya is a whole toddler. (For those unfamiliar with my blogs, when I say "toddler," I refer to the transition and growth phase every child goes through. We don’t speak terrible 2’s over our babies.) I've traveled domestically with JJ before, but never internationally, which left me feeling slightly apprehensive.

But God will turn out “God, I can’t see myself doing this” into BUT I CAN. Are you trust me or nah?

God provided everything we needed. Not only did I have the money to JJ get his passport and mine (I'll share my own passport saga another time), but God also directed our journey, ensuring we weren't alone. Yes, I live in Boston but God instructed me to fly from out of NY. We took the Amtrak and upon reaching New York, we joined my sisters Melissa and Iris. They were both also going on the retreat. Melissa accompanied Jiraiya and I and Iris flew out on the following day.

Given the nature of our trip, it's no surprise the enemy tried to deter us. The spiritual warfare was waring! The enemy never rests, especially when you're on a path to glorify God, walk in your calling and to win souls back to the kingdom. Living in a physical world makes these spiritual attacks feel incredibly weighty. So, what the key to victory? Standing firm in the word of God!

Ephesians 6:11-13 says, “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.”

Choose to trust God unwaveringly, regardless of the circumstances surrounding you. Be open and transparent in your relationship with Him. Whenever emotions stir within you, turn to God for guidance and comfort. He understands perfectly how to navigate every situation. Ensure you give no foothold to the enemy.

Before any retreat, we always seek God's wisdom about potential challenges. During our meeting for Bali we all went to God asking this question…God, what attacks will the enemy bring to try to stop me? And followed up with…God, give me strategy to maneuver through those things.

God revealed the obstacles I would face was sickness, transport, and finances (IF I worried). Several of the women also heard an intense attack on our minds as well.

The Lord guided me with the following strategies: take vitamins for both myself and JJ; gargle with Listerine (specifically the yellow kind) three times a day; be mindful of my diet, especially reducing sugar intake; meticulously follow all His instructions concerning transportation; and, regarding finances, place complete trust in Him.

Listen, the Enemy hit every area! From Jiraiya falling ill 2weeks before we left, to financial challenges and even mental battles, we faced numerous hurdles. But God's strategies prevailed! Yes, JJ fell ill, but following God's guidance to give him vitamins ensured he wasn't as severely affected. And while my finances were uncertain, I held onto God's word, affirming His promises and standing firm in His assurances. Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I leaned into His word, claiming His promises. I witnessed God's protection at every step.

In the days leading up to our trip, I grappled with intrusive thoughts, doubting the wisdom of taking Jiraiya. The enemy tirelessly whispered negatives. Telling me taking Jiraiya was a bad idea, it’s going to be too much work, you’ll be tired, you won’t have fun, he’ll get hurt, he’ll be a bother to the other women, just leave him, just don’t go. But we must ask ourselves, whose report will we believe? The Lord promises us that though challenges will arise, they won't overcome us.

Guess what? Taking Jiraiya to Bali turned out to be the best decision. It was heartwarming to see how God worked through him. He relished every part of the journey, from train rides to hotel stays, long flights, and layovers. Fearlessly, he embraced new faces and environments, sparking conversations and shifting the atmospheres. Even before we set foot in Bali, Jiraiya radiated pure joy and navigated through it with confidence. Not to mention, he was incredibly attentive and protective of me. Believe me, at just two years old, he stands ground if he sensed something amiss, especially around his mother.

During a morning prayer session, Destiny prayed over Jiraiya. In that moment, the Lord revealed that Jiraiya's presence was essential because he served as my helpmate or “ezer”. In biblical context, "ezer" denotes an ally or a rescuer – someone who springs into action when others are in distress. An ezer sets aside all to aid those in need, emerging as a true hero. Jiraiya embodied this role flawlessly. Whenever he sensed my distraction or saw tears in my eyes, he'd immediately pause whatever he was engaged in to console me, showering me with affirmations of love, hugs, kisses, and tender gestures of comfort. While I initially believed his presence was necessary for me to protect him, it became evident that God intended for him to be my source of solace and safeguarding.

To you, my dear reader, my prayer is that you boldly embrace what God is leading you to, even when it defies logic. Understand that He is already where He's leading you. For parents and guardians, value the wisdom and insight of your young ones. They often possess divine understanding.

One message that God persistently communicates to me is, "Natasha, this is bigger than you. My daughter, this is so much more expansive than just your journey." I'm merely a fragment of God's grand design in influencing others' lives, be it my children's or a stranger's. To truly grasp this, one must take that leap of faith. And in truth, it isn't blind obedience when you trust that the one guiding you will never lead you astray.

With Love & Blessings.

Natasha

The Prayer Closet Mama ™.