Peace
Last night I dreamt about my Daddy. There was a meeting with hundreds of people all sitting in the front lawn of one of my relative’s homes and we were all talking and asking where my Daddy was because he hadn’t made it there yet…and then a picture flashed in my mind (all in my dream) and suddenly, there he was! He was in one row, and then another, and when I looked, he was all throughout the crowd. I woke up this morning and I dismissed the dream.
As I got my kids up and ready for school, I didn’t think too much about my dream. You see, I lost my Daddy, unexpectedly on October 8th. The devastation of being 8 hours away and my precious Daddy was gone... no chance that I could see him or hear his voice one last time. There were no words. My Daddy was so special to me for so many reasons. He LOVED me in the most intense sense of the word. When I received the call that he was gone, that Sunday afternoon, I honestly didn’t know if I would make it. This was one of my worst nightmares in life. I had literally worried about this very scenario ALL my life. I am an only child and regularly, I would dwell on, “ What if something happened to my parents??” When I say dwell, I mean DWELL! I was to the point of talking to God and asking that He take me first because I knew I couldn’t handle one of my parents dying. They have been with me the whole way and I couldn't bare being without them. I remember telling my husband years ago, “if anything happens to my parents, be ready to commit me because I am going to lose my mind!” I meant those words all those years ago…fast forward, I don’t know 16 years, and here I am…trying not to lose my mind.
“ You still know how to pray and read your Bible don’t you, Nette?”
It has been a little over 2 weeks and I can’t begin to tell you the amount of loss and pain and hurt I have had to try to understand. My Daddy did everything with me. He was at every major event in my life. He was my biggest cheerleader and one of my hardest critics. He would tell me that I needed to be strong but he would also let me be as emotional as I wanted to be ( and that is emotional, let me tell you!). He taught me and showed me the real life meaning behind Luke 6:28: Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. (KJV) Daddy taught me that you have to love everybody regardless of how they treat you; be respectful and upright. God is love was a saying that I have heard all my life.
My Daddy made sure that our family, immediate and extended, were always in contact and together. He was the one who would call and check on all of us to make sure we were ok. My Daddy sang to me, taught me how to snap my fingers and tie my shoes. He played games with me and he taught me that prayer, reading my Bible and being a good person was most important. My Daddy cared for me and this time has been unimaginable. I know who God is and what He can do, but honestly, I have been lost. I miss my Daddy. There are nights that I stand on my porch and cry..I call his name, “Daddy…”. It pains me that he isn’t here…But through my dream last night, I was reminded that Daddy IS here and he will always be here; through me and my children. And by the question he would ask of me countless times, “ You still know how to pray and read your Bible, don’t you, Nette?” I have been able to ask those people to pray for me when I haven't been able to even open my mouth. I have also been reminded of this most powerful scripture in Isaiah 26:3…
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee. (KJV)
God knows I have prayed for peace and understanding. Even though I am struggling to make it, minute by minute, hour by hour..day by day…the prayers of those interceding on my behalf have been working, I do believe. I’m still here! I haven’t lost my mind and God allowed my dream to remind me that my Daddy is not “gone”. He is EVERYWHERE, he’s just away for now. God knows what we need when we need it and I am so thankful to know He understands me even when I don’t have the words to say. He knows I need Him and He knows that the foundation my Daddy built would bring me to remember that I must trust God right now and keep my mind on the things of the Father. So, I will rest in that.
What brings you peace?
How do you handle grief?
Will you pray for me?
Do You Know What This Is?
If there was ever a time to remember.....
....now is the time. Good old fashioned communication. Not many I come into contact with have used or even know what a rotary phone is. I honestly don't remember using one to make calls, but I played with one; in my "play, play" office when I was little. This was what people used for communication. The way they spoke to others who were far away. It was a luxury to have a telephone in your home. It was key to keep in touch. Communication was made easy because hearing someone's voice on the other end was wonderful. The sound of "...Hello?" was always pleasing. Now, it isn't something we do often. We should. Knowing that we have someone we can call is so crucial; even in the age of technology. It is uplifting and comforting. It is necessary.
As we have recently witnessed some of the most tragic times in our country, I would like to share with you the first of the new "TWO" blog post series. "Two" is a group I started on my birthday. Just a group of ladies who, during a difficult time in my life were there. These were ladies I knew I could have a connection with and live out Matthew 18:20. I hope these posts encourage you to be a part of my "Two" community as well as create your own. If there was ever a time to have someone to communicate with, touch and agree in a prayer of supplication, now is the time. During this tumultuous season we’re in right now in the world, know that prayer is the number you dial to get to God; the old school way. Contrary to people in our lives, at times, know this....God will hear you when you call and He will answer.
In everything that we do, there are naysayers, discouraging people, and situations that may seem unimaginably possible. There may be things that happen that may make you feel like God is so far away from you. Don't let that happen. Don't allow a circumstance to sway what you already know. Live in your truth. Walk in who you are and remember to whom you belong...THE RISEN SAVIOR!!! The last thing we should do is stop communicating with Him. We need God now more than ever before!
There is nothing that can separate you from the love of Christ! NOTHING!!! If you need a boost for the rest of the week/weekend, as we have had some of the most pivotal moments of our times in history, please take this scripture with you. Romans 8:37-39. It isn't one that we often hear in relation to tragedy or racial tension, but it is so applicable and relevant to our lives today. Remember who loves you...who died for you. Don't let anything separate you from His love. Know that you can call on Him at anytime; He will always answer.
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 NIV
If Christ didn't allow all of our mess to separate Him from us and He took on all the sins of the world knowing He had all power in His hands to come down from the very cross He died upon, what makes you think that there is anything else that could separate you from Him now?? There is nothing that can happen that would not be able to be discussed with Him in prayer. I recently saw a post on social media that said something regarding the way the world was and the recent events happening, that prayer wouldn't help. The devil is a liar! We can't allow our hearts and minds to be distracted and discouraged from using the very way to God's heart; through prayer and worship. We can't allow our communication to be hindered due to thoughts of ineffectiveness. It is a lie. He loves us and He wants to hear from us.
My son will sporadically ask me, "Mommy, who loves you?" and my expected response is to say, "You do!" I believe that God wants us to hear Him say that to us (because He says it constantly in everything He does). I believe that God wants us to look around and hear Him say, "(insert your name here) who loves you?!" And He is waiting for us to say, out loud, "YOU DO, GOD!" Believe that. Receive that; and as you think about the times we are in now and the stress of a crazy world, remember He is perfect in all of His ways. He longs to care for us and answer our call...there is nothing that can separate you from His love today.
As you go through October, a month that we recognize several causes, please find time to remember that you have someone who is willing to be there for you, you have an advocate and there is nothing that can separate you from His love. There is no tragedy, no sickness, not one problem we may face that could separate us. Find your "Two" and come into agreement with them this week; this month. Touch and agree that change can come to the world. Prayer can change things. This is your line of communication to God. If the line seems busy, don’t stop calling. God longs to answer the prayers of His children. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Please join me in creating a strong community of believers, women and men, who want to find their "Two" to reach the heart of God. Share this message and join the movement.
Are you able to communicate the "old fashioned" way?
Will you continue to pray for change in the world?
What does communication mean to you?
Who is your "Two"?
di·ver·si·ty | dəˈvərsədē,dīˈvərsədē/ |
di·ver·si·ty
1: the state of being diverse; variety.
2 : an instance of being composed of differing elements or qualities
The world prides itself in it’s diversity, but in the same manner, shows it's disgusting lack of that very thing. People either strive to be completely different than everyone around them or they strive to be exactly like everyone they see. The funny part about all of that is, we live in a society that says we should be “individuals” and I use that very loosely. When we look around there are so many people who look so much alike in their “individuality” that they make up their own group. Now isn’t that contradictory?? It’s bananas…for real.
I live in a community that is predominantly populated by people who don’t look like me, aren’t in the same socioeconomic category, educational qualifications, marital status, family makeup..all of those areas that we categorize people in a community. I was one of maybe 4 black people in the entire county. So imagine my dilemma when I moved here in my youth (mid 20’s), and then back here in my early 30’s. It was hard to understand where I was supposed to fit in and why I didn’t. It was difficult to understand why people treated me the way they did without knowing me. See, some people were overly nice because they felt they had to be to make up for those who were downright hateful. Then you had those who were blatantly rude and disgusted at my presence, my relationship, and later my beautifully, culturally, ethnically different family. As a college educated female athlete who was extremely extroverted and charismatic who happened to be black with a college educated alpha male athlete who was the hometown superstar basketball player, who was also extroverted and charismatic AND happened to be white….people were somewhat in awe and intimidated by us. They were amazed, fascinated even, by me because for one, there were people here who had never seen a black person in real life. I know that sounds crazy but it’s true. At the time, I worked with children, and there were days some of them would ask to touch my face…because they wanted to know what it felt like. YES, that is a true story…basically, I had to actually come to grips with this being my real life. It wasn’t what I was used to and it was almost ridiculous to me. In those moments, I was being molded, tested, stretched and made.
There were times, I cried. I was angry, I was hurt, concerned and irritated. There were times that I would ask God to move me, help me change people..and then I stopped. I grew faint in the fight to make people around me culturally aware or attempting to show them how very similar we were despite our obvious differences. I was discouraged.
Four years later, we moved back to my hometown in North Carolina and I was thankful to be home with my family and my familiar surroundings. That time was short because we were called back to southern Indiana and this time, we had children. (Insert terror filled heart, mind and facial expression right here!) I didn’t know how to feel, what to think or what to do. I remembered how I was treated at times and I most definitely didn’t want my babies to have to be faced with that!! Well, I was pleasantly surprised to find that through the years, people remembered me; not because I was different, but because of the impact I made on the lives of the youth I worked with and their families. Despite the treatment I received, I chose to help the children, some of whom belonged to racist parents, and because of my heart and desire to make a difference, I was able to be the difference. I was overwhelmed with the response of the school staff and community leaders and people, who thanked me for the help I had given. It was at that moment I realized there were more people inherently like me. More like me, than those who were not.
We were truly a community that was not diverse; in more ways than others and in a way that most didn't think about or relate. The majority were a group of people who wanted our families to be better than the previous generations. We wanted our children to be exposed to different things in life than we had. We wanted unity amongst different groups and cities. We wanted God to be the head of our lives and our communities. We wanted peace in our homes and our hearts. We all wanted the SAME THINGS! We were all the same type of people who just happened to look a little different and live at different addresses; but we lived the same lives. We had the same routines and responsibilities. We were adults…doing "big people" things now. There was no diversity because the community I came to know was composed of the same elements and qualities. We wanted a better life for our community and families. We were choosing to magnify Christ and in doing so, we recognized how similar we all were. It is funny how getting married and having children opens your eyes to a whole new world!
In essence, we are all the same. There seriously is no diversity in the lives of believers. There is no need to see the differences we possess because those were the things that enhanced our similarities. God needed me to see the vast differences of my two experiences in the very same place to bring me back to know, in Christ we are one. He made us to glorify Him in all that we do. What I hope that can be learned by all who live in the community I live in, the city, the county, the state that I live in, is that we all need to come together and see what we have in common before we hurt others. We need to stand up for those of us who have been wronged by the ignorance of others and help them to understand that right is right and wrong is wrong. We need to show the few who choose to be prejudiced against those who don’t look like them, that there are many who aren’t that way. Don’t stand back and allow families, children and the innocent to be hurt because of traditional ignorance. We must make a difference, even if it is against a generational heritage of hate and bias. Our future depends upon it. Regardless of the trials we face on our journey, we must remember Romans 8:28:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. NIV
God kept me and my family through all of these experiences. So, I charge you to be the example, to be a leader. Be who you want to be treated like. Be a guardian of those like you and a light to those who are blinded by darkness. In order to create diversity, you must first recognize the true differences of those around you and instead of mistreating them because of superficial differences and ignorances, find out what really matters. Find out about their character, their needs, the desires of their hearts. Find out who they are deep down; not on the surface. We need to learn before we can grow and if you never take time to know a person, you will never understand who they are.
What does “diversity” mean to you?
What can you do to break the barrier of outer differences to show inner similarities?
Can I Just Be Like A Good Ole Egg??
There is no doubt that these are eggs…right? Regardless of the color, the size, taste or any other characteristic, you can’t say that these aren’t eggs. I want to be that way. I’m pretty sure I sound a little crazy right now, but seriously, I want to be like an egg. I'm a pretty picky eater and I can honestly say there is not one other food item I can think of that keeps it's character like an egg. You can prepare an egg anyway you want, and people will still be able to say, "That's an egg". Eggs are really undeniable. I want to be recognized as who I am; like eggs are. Despite my circumstances or being shaken, scrambled, fried, over easy, boiled, poached, cracked, under developed, a reject of sorts, put in a box or container, just one in the number….all words, descriptions of how eggs are categorized or labeled. This is an amazingly vast list, but very true. And regardless of the descriptions or appearance, they are still known as eggs.
I want to be the same, no matter what...
Think about it, the eggs that are consumed for eating are really unfertilized yolks or under developed. There are stages in life that we are in that very same place…raw, lacking the final stage, you know, not quite ready. I honestly have felt like all of the adjectives that I have written above. I have felt shaken, scrambled, fried, over easy, boiled, poached, cracked, under developed, a reject of sorts, put in a box or container, just one in the number. A revelation came to me the other day that made me realize that the difference between me and those eggs was simple; CONSISTENCY. When I say consistency, I mean consistency in the sense of the uniformity or regularity of something; not the density or texture. The dependability or reliability of something is its consistency. The difference between me and a good ole egg is that no matter what that egg went through, how it tasted, how it looked or what condition it was in, shell or no shell, it was seen for what it was, an egg. I can’t always say that about myself…
I have had to reevaluate my life recently, and as much as I would love to believe that I am consistently recognized for who I truly am, a child of God, I’m pretty sure that I’m not. Why? Basically, because I’m really not consistent. I’m not always sure of who I am, who I belong to, what my purpose is and how I can fulfill that purpose. Notice, I said I’m not sure. That is where the issue lies. It’s not that I don’t know, because I know…it’s because I allow myself to become unsure.
Growth=(trial+FAITH)perseverance
I love that equation. Multiply perseverance by the sum of your trial and BIG faith and you get growth...wow. As I studied the first chapter of James, I learned a very valuable lesson: Our faith determines our attitudes and actions. Just read as James was speaking to the 12 tribes. His words of encouragement were meant to inspire them to gain wisdom and knowledge from their trials. To cherish the very opportunity they earned from the experiences. Learning to have a constant faith is key.
James 1:2-7, 12, 16-18
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.
Don't let a little scramblin' change you...
In the season I am in right now, I am learning that faith equals consistency. The only time that I lack consistency is when my faith wavers. I don’t act like a daughter of the King when I doubt the promises that have been made to me. When I forget or misplace where my help comes from, it causes my witness, the very essence of who I am, to falter. When faith is lacking for us as believers, we become unrecognizable. When we allow ourselves to bounce up and down like a yo-yo being controlled by the strings of the world and our circumstances, we lose our identity in Christ. We become inconsistent. We don’t sound like Kingdom kids, we don’t look like Kingdom kids, and we don’t live like Kingdom kids. And we all know we become what we believe we are. Our belief determines our actions.
My most urgent prayer for my life right now and the prayer I have for believers all over the world is to be like a good ole farm fresh egg. I want to be who I am called to be, exude the spirit of the One who bled and died for me. I want to be recognized as one who stands firm on the rock of my salvation despite the conditions. If I am shaken, scrambled, fried, over easy, boiled, poached, cracked, under developed, a reject of sorts, put in a box or container, just one in the number, a different color or size, I still want people to recognize me as an “egg.” I want to go through all the phases of life, all the ways that life can cook me up, seasoning me, even changing my composition, knowing that in the end, I am still who I was born to be…In James 1:17 we are reminded that every good and perfect thing comes from the Father, who does not change. God is consistent. He never changes. He always provides and He is always with us. In the Word it tells us early on that we are made in His image, therefore I have no choice but to believe, and that it is in His will that I am to be just like Him. (Consistent and faithful) Thank you, Jesus.
My choice is to be consistent in everything I do. I choose to give God glory by honoring His faithfulness toward me. I will acknowledge Him in all that I do by trusting in His word and looking to Him for guidance in all things good and bad. I want my faith to be consistent.
I don’t want the highs and the lows to dictate my reactions or my life. I want to be recognized as the person God sees; the whole me, the called me, the “egg” me, the consistent me, the faithful me. If I have to be one of a dozen, I'll take that. Check this, though…how 'bout James was speaking to the 12 tribes, right? I made an egg reference by saying "one of a dozen"... (eggs usually come in a dozen) get it??? Dozen, 12 tribes..? I "crack" myself up! Oh my, another one!! (Side note: When I read this part to my husband he had a frightened expression. I suppose he didn't find that too funny, so if you don't it's okay...but I thought it was!!!!!) Ok, I’m done. ANYWAY, let’s all strive to be like eggs. It will be a most egg-cellent decision (shameless pun intended!)
What can you do to be like an egg?
How can we build our faith to be more consistent?
What ways can we help each other?
The Race
Runners have open hands, relaxed bodies, smooth strides, despite the race. If you're holding onto something, let it go. Relax; no matter how many false starts, how many people in your lane… faster runners, relax. When people jump the gun, wait until YOU are instructed. If someone's in your lane, move over. If someone is faster than you, draft. Use their strength to pull you to the finish. Whatever you do, don't stop running.
This was a FaceBook status I posted a few years ago. When it popped up as one of my memories, I smiled. It was something that encouraged me. It was me encouraging myself. Let me tell you a secret…lots of times when I have something to say or share with other people, it seems like that word is for me too! It truly helps me. How cool is it that God will use what we can relate to in order for us to understand? How amazing is it that He will allow us to hear the help WE need from our very own mouths and watch as that message can impact someone else at the same time? I relate to sports, so this reference works for me. I get it. This is real life. "Don’t stop running, don’t stop going"…Words that I tell myself all the time. Doesn’t everything seem like a race?
Every day we find ourselves “running” to get where we have to go. We rush in and out of everywhere to go from one place to the next; one event to the other…it seems like we never see the finish line. I find myself racing to achieve so many goals, and I, in essence, lose sight of the main goal. I really want to achieve…JOY. Do you know how long it has taken me to figure that out??? JOY…not happiness, but joy. I have realized that all of the chaos of life and all the running, the grind of the day to day life has truly been for my happiness. How is that possible, you might ask? Well, let me tell you…I go to work because basically, y’all, I like stuff. SORRY…get ready for this transparent moment. I like to get things for my home, my family, my children and of course myself. Being able to work allows me to do those things. All of the running I do for my children and all three million things that they are involved in, is literally for happiness; theirs and mine. I love to see them smile, achieve and grow. I love it when they do well because it makes me proud! ( I’m human, folks and yes, I am not ashamed to be proud.) I try to surround them with inspiration and watch them be themselves. From the most serious moments in life to catching them being silly in their rooms, I LOVE watching them grow. I try to encourage them through all the "I can't do it!" whines with little bits of inspiration throughout the house...hoping they understand the encouragement and support enough to bring them courage and happiness as well.
I get involved with organizations and groups because it makes me happy to be connected to something and make a difference. All of these examples are ways that I have attempted to find happiness... until they didn’t make me happy anymore. Until I realized that my happiness was tied to circumstances and when those circumstances didn’t go the way I wanted them to, I wasn’t happy. I had to change that mentality because truthfully, in all my attempts to be happy, to create "happiness" and surround myself and my family with "happiness," it actually created more stress and a miserable atmosphere for all of us. And that’s rough, especially when you only want what’s best.
How I Train
I have had to learn that happiness does not constitute my joy. It hasn’t been the easiest concept to grasp but it has been something that I will do my best to keep in mind. There are a few scriptures that I have to constantly remind myself in order to keep it together some days. I have to remember to keep my mind on God, so that everything else seems small. I have to keep my mind on Him to bring me peace and perspective so that I can find joy in even the smallest things; the smallest accomplishments.
Isaiah 26:3-4
Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength: (KJV)
Everlasting strength…that is exactly what we need to finish what we set out to do in life. If I have to run this race, I want to have everlasting strength, and according to the Word, that is what I will be given if I keep my mind and my focus, on Him. When I think of all the races I run and how they literally revolve around my family I think, there is no better feeling than to see one of my babies smile or laughing. To know they are truly enjoying themselves and I can catch that moment, makes my day! That is joy!
Then I am reminded in Galatians 5:22-23…
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (NIV)
So, if I say I am a child of God and I want to portray the image of Christ, and I don't have these characteristics, then am I really bearing the fruit of who I really am? Am I being who I am called to be?? I must admit, I struggle at times to bear all these fruits; especially at the same time ( help me Lord, lol) but, I want to aim for them all. I am the daughter of the most high God! I have been covered by the blood of my Savior and because of the grace given to me by One who was blameless for all the sins He died for, my aim, my goal, is to bear one of these fruits. As I study, I am learning that they are all tied together. If you get one, you can get two and then three and then eventually you will have them all to bear witness. It ain’t easy, but doggone it, I’m going to try.
The last few scriptures I think on are those we have all heard, recited, and shared in parts or in their entirety. These are the verses that help me hit the mark in the dead center of the target.
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (KJV)
This gives me my daily clean slate. This helps me to start my day in the right frame of mind.
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; They will mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
This helps me gain understanding that when I wait on the Lord, and for me, I understand that to mean “serve” Him (like a waitress in a restaurant), that no matter how hard I work to fulfill His “order” I won’t get tired, I won’t get weary, but I will rise up like one of the most revered, majestic birds in the air, an eagle. Regardless of what I have to do to fulfill my calling, His “order”, I will never lose strength. He will forever sustain me for my willing service, and I love that promise.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (NIV)
The Finish...
I am determined to have joy, share joy, teach joy, show joy…If I have to run this race called life that I find myself running regularly, I will continue to remind myself of these verses in order to be who I am called to be, gain the lead by striving to not allow my circumstances to dictate my joy and to realize that when I magnify God in my life and minimize all of the other things, that I have no room for the unimportant issues that bring temporary happiness. When I fully understand that God truly is greater than all the highs and lows in my life, then and only then, can I run this race knowing these things for sure; I will win, I will finish, and I will have joy in doing so because in Christ I have everything I could ever want or need. My joy nor my life can be predicated on my situation. Situations change but our God remains the same.
Whatever you do, don't stop running!
What brings you joy?
Share your thoughts and let's have a conversation to encourage
someone else.
Faithful
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.
Hebrews 11:1
Things hoped for…a hand that you hold and it never lets go. An answer every time you call. Someone who will always be there in the best of times and the worst of times. A love that never leaves, that is unselfish, forgiving, ever-present, and always faithful. These are things hoped for and can sometimes be things that are unseen.
Can you wrap your mind around someone loving you enough to die for you; knowing everything about you, a love that is so strong, that it sees beyond your faults and sacrifices themselves for your need. Is there any love that you know that is so faithful? Is there any feeling so powerful that you have ever felt that can compare to that? I have searched my heart and my mind to try to find a love that I have ever understood to be so faithful and the closest I can understand is the love I have for my children. To know that the moment I knew of their existence how my life forever changed. I was faithful to the mere thought of them. My future changed. My outlook on life changed. My purpose was set and I knew that I would do anything to ensure they would have everything they could ever ask for, need or think of imaginable. At that moment, I realized the love God has for me. As I parent my children, I see how unconditional my love for them is. I recognize that regardless of what their actions may be, I would literally do anything for them. Even when my role in their life is uncomfortable to them, embarrassing at times, hard to understand, but always present. I then had a very conflicting thought/question…WARNING! Here is my moment of transparency..if I had to choose to to die and leave my children, would I choose death or would I not want to leave them because I felt they needed me?? If I had to save them, as a Mother, I wouldn't want to leave them…but God, who is all-knowing, knew His sacrifice, His son, would die on the cross, rise with all power so that I could have everlasting life. I realized that my feelings may be a tad selfish. I am not sure if I could leave them if I had a choice…but I am so human and honestly, my love is limited compared to God. He knew I would need His son, Jesus, and He was willing to make that sacrifice for me…He’s a good Father.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)
Acknowledgment
In relationships we have with spouses, siblings, friends, and family, we long for faithfulness. The ideal family tie is one that wesee as an unbreakable bond. Realistically, that doesn’t always happen. Distance, misunderstandings and lack of communication can cause a breakdown. Our spouses are our best friends, our lovers, our partners and our lifelong soulmates. The connection, in our eyes, is immeasurable; but we are human. Due to that fact, there are times that we are not able to be who we need to be…if we are truly honest with ourselves about it…
Think of this scenario…it is your family holiday gathering and everyone is there. All of your relatives and loved ones are together and when you arrive, you walk through the door and say nothing. You walk through the crowd of all those you know and love, and never say a word. Naturally, there will be some frowned up faces, probably a few choice words and some hurt feelings…it is a completely awkward situation. Now take the same action (walking in a room full of people and not acknowledging anyone there) but the room is full of strangers…no one notices, no one really cares. If you did acknowledge someone, depending on what part of the country you were in, you may get the same reaction of frowned up faces, a few choice words and maybe some offended people (crazy to think but everyone doesn’t smile and say “hello” when they pass. I'm from North Carolina..we say 'hey’ and smile at EVERYBODY! Haha!) So, just look at the two situations that are very similar in content but viewed differently in a sense.
How does this relate to being faithful, you ask? In both scenarios there is a disconnect and because of that disconnect there is an issue that develops. There are people you know that you don’t acknowledge and it bothers them. There are people you don’t know and you acknowledge their presence and that bothers them! With this next question, think about your life, your relationships and interactions. How many people do you know, family or strangers would continue to be close or a part of your life if you didn’t acknowledge them?? How many people would stand by you, in good times and bad, with their hand extended for you to hold, shoulder ready to lean on and there for anything you ever need regardless of you recognizing their presence in your life? How many strangers would do all of those things if you didn’t know them? Not many would…but God. Think about it…the love He has for us is amazing. To know that He is always with us, even when we don’t acknowledge Him being there, He continues to stand by us. Even when He reaches out HIs hand to hold us, carry us, comfort us, and we act as if He isn’t even in the room…but He is always there. He never leaves us, even when we don’t acknowledge His presence in our lives. That is faithful. That is love…the EVIDENCE of things unseen!
God is present for those who know and acknowledge Him as well as for those who choose to walk past Him with no words or only call when something is needed. He loves us all more than we could ever imagine. He knows our every flaw and He sent His son to die for ALL of us, We are all covered by His blood. The choice we must make is that of mere acknowledgement. When you acknowledge something or someone, it makes you pay attention. Paying attention to something is to heed it; to give care or thought to; to mind, regard, respect, to watch, to admire, obey…acknowledge. Once you acknowledge who He is, you have no choice but to recognize that He is faithful. You can search the world over and there will never be friend as dear…He will stick closer than any brother, even the best of spouses. He is there holding your hand the whole time. It is our choice to clutch His outstretched hand, allow Him to lead us or choose to try and take the lead ourselves. Regardless, He is still holding our hand.
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (KJV)
I challenge you to acknowledge God’s presence in your life. I challenge you to show your faith, grow your faith. Create the substance of those things you hope for, by activating your faith and providing the evidence of things unseen. Seek Him…find His presence in everything you may encounter; He is there. Pay attention to the evidence of God in your life. Respect Him, regard His will, watch His ways, admire His works and obey His word. Acknowledge and please God. He is so worthy and in times of our weakness, when you aren’t able to speak or say a word to Him, know that He is always there and He loves you because He is faithful.
How will you acknowledge the faithfulness of God?
What can you to do recognize He is always there?
Share your thoughts.
My Reasonable Service
Wave your flag. It is our duty...to present ourselves as a living sacrifice…that is our reasonable service. Although we have just celebrated the birth of Christ, 2016 was an election year as well. Many felt compelled to do their reasonable service by voting. So how, do you ask, can we as women, (daughters, sisters, wives, and mothers) find time or another way to do our "reasonable service?" Reasonable…what does that mean? Hmmm…When I think of the word reasonable, the first thing that comes to mind is cost. How much something is; what is it worth? What is a reasonable price? What's a reasonable request? When I go shopping and I see a deal, my automatic response is, “That’s a good price! I can’t believe I got those shoes for that!” (Don’t you love how I immediately associated a good price with shopping and shoes?!? HAAAA!) Anyway, I must digress…let’s press on to “reasonable.”
Reasonable: adjective rea·son·able \ˈrēz-nə-bəl, ˈrē-zən-ə-bəl\
a : being in accordance with reason <a reasonable theory>
b : not extreme or excessive <reasonable requests>
According to the definition in the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, the word simply means not extreme or excessive. Basically, nothing ridiculous, unbelievable, outrageous; just a regular request, thought or action. Something sensible and within a realistic scope of things.
With that being said, as I sat in my church’s New Year’s service, I listened to my Pastor read Roman’s 12:1 and it brought me to tears...
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (KJV)
I realized (and not for the first time,) that the LEAST I can do for the King, the Most High God, is to give Him everything that I have to offer. Why? Because, when I think of the things that God has given to me, like new mercies everyday, you know, second chances, peace, joy…EVERLASTING LIFE… grace that is given to me when I don’t deserve it…how can I not offer my worship? How can we not worship, give our minds, bodies, souls and lives to the one who gave us all of those things? Let's think about this...how many people can give a gift and in return receive the exact same gift? It is hard thing to do. Even if I buy my friend the exact gift that they bought for me, I can't give that gift with the same heart and intention no matter how hard I try. I can't accomplish that because we are all slightly different. However, we can do that very thing with God, because we are made in His image. God gave His son, Jesus. Jesus gave His life, so that we may live eternally. All we have to do in return is to worship and adore Him. His life for my life. One gift given for the exact gift in return. Today, let your voice, whether it is used literally or written, be a way to magnify Him. Use your life as a tool, a "voice", to magnify Him.
The Choice
1 Peter 2:9
But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (NIV)
Of all the gifts I have been given, I choose my voice and my life to lift Him higher. My choice is what makes the difference. That is MY reasonable service. The choice to accept the calling on my life. When we make that choice, that is what separates us from the world. My voice, singing or in written word, in my opinon is one of my best gifts. Each time I prepare for worship, my prayer is that if there is anything not like God within me, I ask that it be removed. I pray that people see God through my worship. I pray that they feel His power through my worship. I pray and thank God for the opportunity to usher the presence of the Holy Spirit wherever I am…because that is my reasonable service.
I realize that not only my voice, (rain or shine) but my entire life is a part of my reasonable service. Every word that comes out of my mouth, every word that I write, every gesture, every action, every ounce should be a reflection of who He is. So for you, think on what your reasonable service may be. Reflect on what gift you can give back to the King; to the Kingdom. Is it your kindness? Is it your example or your willingness to reach out to someone who is in need? Whether you sing, write, play an instrument….if you teach or you simply share a smile, your life is your reasonable service. Whatever it is that you can offer to your home, your community, your city....to the world. Take the vision that's inside of you to find ways to do your reasonable service. Write the vision in your journal, share it with a friend, your family. Allow that vision to flow through your little ones or nieces, nephews, any young person that you may play a part of their lives. We want the work to be passed from generation to generation. We want the world to know the name of Jesus. That can be shared by the vision that God has given to each and everyone of us. Remember, where there is no vision there is no sight. Without sight, it is hard to find direction. Without direction there is no movement. We are a people of promise...we must always keep moving for Him.
In the end, reasonable is relative and when you really sit back and think of the sacrifice that was made on the cross…the cost, the debt that was paid for us to have eternal life, there is nothing that we have that could ever equal the cost of the cross. I am thankful that everything I have is worth laying down at the feet of Jesus. Just knowing that every day I wake up and am granted another opportunity to render myself holy, because He says I am enough. That qualifies me to offer Him my reasonable service. Rising every day is my chance to present a living sacrifice. Living. A sacrifice that can be repeatedly offered. A sacrifice that can perform the duty it was created to perform, worship. In the days before Jesus, animals were used as a sacrifice to offer to God. Now, we can be that living sacrifice...We were created to love Him. That love is shown each and every time we choose to offer ourselves to others in the image of God. We are lending ourselves as living sacrifices and that, my friends…is our reasonable service.
Colossians 3:17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him (KJV)
What is your reasonable service? What is your vision?
What can we do to remember the value of our gifts?
Share your thoughts with us!
Jesus, Keep Me Near The Cross
In these last few weeks of the year, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and the beginning of a New Year. I am so thankful for this time of reflection. The humble beginnings of the one born to die for me. The reflection of the year that has passed and the anticipation of the New Year to come. My PopPop used to always say, “Jesus, keep me near the Cross…” I never quite understood what that meant but I knew it was powerful. Last night that was my prayer. With the world as crazy as it is, life as crazy as it is, I ask, “Jesus, keep me near the Cross..” Keep me near that place where you hung, bled and died for me. Even though you knew me, all my downfalls and all my imperfections, you went there for me. When al the world is looking for a finish line, keep me near the place of my new beginning. Jesus, keep me near the Cross. My prayer for today, tomorrow and everyday here ever after. I want to be nearer. I want to focus on the victory won and not so much the journey ahead. I want Christ magnified so that I may see beyond the gaps and the bridges of life. I long to be free of the madness of today. I want to be more like Him and less like me. Jesus, keep me near the Cross.
Reflections Of Every Season To Worship
I find myself always wanting to be near the Cross, wrapped in His arms, in the palm of His blood stained hands…draped in His robe of Glory.
Father, I lift my hands to worship; in surrender to Your love. I bow down at your feet, my God; in submission to Your sacrifice. Your birth gave me hope. Your death gave me life. Lead me down the path, in the Autumn of my life, to find the Cross. It represents the season of Spring. The time of the rebirth of all creation. Lead me there, to the true path of holiness. Keep me there. You are Mary’s little baby. Wise men still seek You. Oh, come let us adore Him! God, thank You for Your sacrifice.
Isaiah 9:6
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
John 4:14 speaks of the true and living water. The well that never runs dry. The true and living water that flows from Cal’vry’s mountain. Calvary…where I find rest. Calvary, where the sinless lamb was slain for me.
Keep Me There
I pray that in the hustle and bustle of life that you remember that no matter how many parties and gatherings you may attend there is one reason we all truly have purpose and our lives have meaning. The babe, lying in a manger. Born the King of Kings in a place where animals fed. We must remember that as in that baby’s story, the beginning was so humble. The life of our Savior was full of great mysteries and wonders. He had the power to save himself but He chose to save the world! Remember that as you embark 2017. Press through, be who God has called you to be...set apart.
1 Corinthians 15:58
58 Therefore, my brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
He is not finished with you yet! So as you go into the New Year, cling to the Cross and see the world in the eyes of the one we magnify, Christ. Take a closer look, pray, believe and stay near the feet of Jesus at the Cross.
What are your prayers for 2017?
Leave your thoughts in the comments section.
Your words are valuable to the Kingdom and to all of us!
An Empty Seat At the Table
As women, we go through many phases of our lives where there are “empty seats at the table.” We go from having a friend go with you to the bathroom, to the lunchroom crew in the school cafeteria…you name it and there was always a partner in crime or girlfriend that you have to go through life.
You know how people are uncomfortable eating out alone? When you are the only one of your friends who isn’t dating and you go to the event as the proverbial 3rd wheel? What about when you are in a relationship and you have someone there, but they aren’t there? Another empty seat at the table. When our children grow up to be the adults we prayed for them to be, and they leave we have children and they become the well-rounded successful adults we have reared them to be…and they leave. Yet again an empty seat at the table.
How do you feel, how do you push through? How do you call on God when you can’t see Him…at the table?
In the world we live in we are almost convinced that through our social media and text messaging connections, that we have no empty seats at our tables. We are convinced that through these connections that we are always “with” friends. When in actuality, we could see our “friend” at the local grocery store and never speak. Until we make real life, tangible connections, we will always have empty seats at our tables. Life is about relationship. What is relationship? The way in which two or more people or things are connected, or the state of being connected. Connection: relation, association, correspondence, bond, alliance.
God Promises Us Relationship
Romans 8:28-29
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, the he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Romans 8:38-39
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
God Is Always There
Isaiah 41:10
41 Fear thou not: for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Psalm 73:23-26
23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
26 My flesh and my heart faith: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
God holds you in the palm of His hand in EVERY situation!
Isaiah 43:1-2
1 But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by name; thou art mine.
2 When thou passes through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
For All Your Labor You Will Be Rewarded
Isaiah 40:31
1 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: For she hath received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.
Through a personal relationship with Christ, a connection where you correspond, relate, a bond, you will learn there is never an empty seat at your table despite what you may see. When we talk to God daily, numerous times, we are able to understand Him. We are able to listen to what He has to say. We can recognize His voice anywhere we are. We are able to distinguish His ways from those who pretend to be as loyal. The same could be said for our friends. When we take time to correspond, check in on them, actually speak to them regularly, we are able to know who they are and we have a true relationship with them. It takes time. It takes effort and once we get back to those things in our lives, we will be so very thankful to know, there is never an empty seat at the table. Just remember, God is always at the table. He is just sitting there waiting on you to start the conversation.
What are some things or situations in your life that
come to mind relating to an "empty seat."
Please share in the comments below.
Five Freckles and a Dimple
Don’t you just love dimples?? And when you see a cute face with a sprinkle of freckles across the nose and cheeks…it makes you smile! Have you ever had something that you personally were not fond of but everyone who saw it thought it was the most amazing thing to ever have? We have all been there. But the difference is, when you personally have to deal with that ‘thing” it no longer becomes cool or cute. For instance, take having curly hair. All the straight-haired folk are praying for just one curl, while the ones with the curls do everything they can to have straight hair. It never fails. We always want what we can’t have, but we never realize what it took to get that one thing. This is very true when it comes to the calling on our lives. We see people who have a calling on their lives and an anointing that creates opportunity, room for their gifts and favor, and we sometimes find ourselves envious or even jealous of what they have been given.
The things we fail to see while recognizing the amazing traits a person may have are their “five freckles and a dimple.”
First, let me explain my fascination with freckles and dimples. I have grown up with a mother and a father who have dimples so deep that you could hide things inside of them due to how big they are. As far as freckles, I grew up with my grandfather, my aunts and other relatives who had freckles and I loved them! I remember wanting to have dimples and freckles because I thought they were AMAZING! It was only until I reached adulthood that I realized that A) I have both freckles and a dimple, and B) these were both considered an imperfection, a defect, if you will. A dimple is known as a small natural indentation in the flesh; a genetic default that is a divide in the muscle that is caused by a shortened facial muscle; a deformity. Freckles are skin cells that contain melanin that helps to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays by reflecting or absorbing them. Freckles are triggered by the exposure to sunlight. For freckled faces, sometimes they are frowned upon as imperfections, when in actuality they are a layer of protection that is only amplified by the very thing that is sent to be harmful. Dimples, a true defect, are seen as amazingly cute features, albeit absolute deformities. But we see them as character features, not flaws. We see them as special and unique because everyone doesn’t have them…the defects are made strong because of their rarity. I have found that as I age, I have inherited one dimple that I love so much. I have also inherited about five freckles that are as cute as buttons. I wouldn’t trade them for anything. That is all because I have learned to embrace the purpose of these two things that I have longed for and seen passed down through generations of both sides of my families.
So, get this. When we see those things in others that we long to have, we always must be mindful of the things they have had to go through to get them. We never know the cost of a calling, or the cost of an anointing on a person’s life. Spiritually, we don’t see the development of another person’s “freckles”; those spots placed on their lives as protection from harmful things. The “freckles” on their lives that are birthed due to situations and the need for protection either by reflecting or absorbing the rays of life’s trials. We sometimes forget about the very thing that was meant to be a defect in their life, a generational deformity. This is seen as a beautiful feature that they have turned around for their good. The thing that was meant to be less than “regular” was made into a beautiful rarity that others find desirable. We tend to overlook the cost of having our "five freckles and a dimple". We forget to see behind the surface and realize that these things take time to develop. These things take strength to carry, and sometimes the calling and the very features that make us beautifully different, begin in ways we would never imagine. God lets us know in Jeremiah 1: 5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. God knew what we were made to do. Regardless of our self-proclaimed flaws, we must remember that we all have the proverbial “five freckles and a dimple”. For everything that we may not like, there is a person who would do anything to have it. So embrace what you are given and make the best of it. No matter where in the process of life you receive your “mark,” love it. Take care of it and use it to the best of it’s potential. Your flaws may be your protection and your trademark. Use them to create your own legacy of beauty.
Where are the "five freckles and a dimple" in your life? Comment below to inspire someone else who may not be as brave. I am so excited to hear from you!
The Silent Exclamation
We learn what punctuation marks stand for in elementary school. So how is it possible, that as an adult, you learn that the mark that “makes the loudest sound” can actually be silent? How can the mark that is so expressive be the most unanimated??
In life, there are times that we have to make a stand and express our love for Christ, our life, and our family. We have to show everything that we are in such a way, that we drown out the things around us. Then there are times that we must be still. There are times that we must be silent. We have to be able to recognize the times that we hear God and know to be quiet. On the other hand, there are times that we have to let our lives and our faith we have scream louder than any word or gesture to who we say we are. All the world is so loud and all those around us have spoken before they have acted, sometimes we doubt the standard. We doubt that we have a place or community of believers that are doers, not just hearers of the word. At every turn, we notice there are fewer people who will stand by the word without compromising. Knowing that, we are naturally inclined to be louder, be stronger, push harder….not so.
Our faith is not predicated on the premise that we have to scream louder, press our beliefs or the promises of God on anyone to entice them to believe or to follow Him. Our faith is also not activated based on what people say or do. All we have to do is believe, trust in His word and know that the promises that He made to us will be fulfilled. When the world is going left and you know the path is right, you have to stand strong and remember, believe there is good while being the good in the world. Your testimony may help someone else. Trust the process and know that God isn’t finished.
In the word we are constantly reminded of how our belief is what gets us through the weight of the world. John 5:5 says, ‘Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the son of God.’ We are destined to overcome the world. Our belief and knowledge that Jesus Christ is our redeemer, the Son of the Most High God, enables us to overcome. In Revelation 12:11, John tells us, ‘And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto death.’
We are not to love our lives, the things of the world, and be so caught up trying to relate to others and be part of the crowd that we allow our testimony to be silenced. Our testimony, our lives, the very thing that has created and shaped our life, should not be muffled. Even when you can’t say a word, you have to be able to let your testimony scream loudly!
Your belief can be the silent exclamation that says, no matter what may come my way, I have a Savior who has promised me to prosper. I am a living testimony of the faithfulness of God. As believers, worshippers, wives, mothers, husbands, fathers, daughters, sisters, sons and brothers…we must know. We must keep and hide His word in our hearts.
But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. - Galatians 3:22 (NIV) As a daughter of the King, I try to keep Luke 1:45 in my mind at all times: Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises.
God is so good, and He is faithful. I choose to make a silent exclamation with my life to show that not only do my words speak of His goodness, but my life and my testimony will be the silent exclamation until the final period of my story has been placed. And after the language arts test of life is over, it can be said, that despite the body of text for my life, I was able to make a grammatical contradiction by proving... there can be a silent exclamation. Just remember, #Hesnotfinished.
Take a minute and share your encouraging thoughts on living
'The Silent Exclamation'.Your words can encourage the walk of someone else.
The Renewal of Everything
BEEP, BEEP, BEEP….eyes closed, mind numb…is that my alarm?? As you open your eyes and look at your phone, which now sits on your nightstand, (in front of your actual alarm clock) hit snooze even though you probably need to get up. So you do. You get up after the second annoying round of 'BEEPS' and it’s time to get the kids up and ready for school…and this is your life. THIS. IS. MY…..LIFE?? Hmmm…
As you walk through the halls of your home, you may stumble over a toy, or notice a few dishes that you weren’t able to clean the night before….Have you ever wondered…how did that happen? Or did you ever stop, look around at your life and say, 'What am I doing, what is my purpose?' You have rushed through the morning and never once took a breath or a moment for yourself and as much as you love your life, you still wonder…what am I doing for the Kingdom?
“The Kingdom…oh no! I didn’t pray this morning. I haven’t had my quiet time and I have to get ready for work!!” Instantly a feeling of guilt and ungratefulness immediately wash over you. With everything you have in your life, how can you not take time for the King?? How can you run through this amazing life and look back over all the things you have been given, the mercy that God has granted on you and your family and you not have at least 5 minutes to sit down and give thanks…?
These are the questions and daily routines that many of us go through day in and day out of our lives. We wonder how all these things happen and how we know we have a purpose and a plan for our lives, but sometimes we don’t feel worthy, qualified or equipped to fulfill the calling on our lives that we KNOW we have. Here is where we stop, take a deep breath and realize that Philippians 1:6 rings true.
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: “ (KJV)
The very thing that was prophesied over your life as a child, teenager, even in the later phases of womanhood, will be completed in your life. God has promised us to fulfill and complete everything that He said He would do. We only need to look at the faithfulness of God. Look at everything that He has brought us through and the mercy on our lives and realize that He is for us. All we have to do is trust Him.
Look at Paul, the author of the book of the Philippians. Paul’s story is one we can look upon and recognize who God is. Paul, who was named Saul, once persecuted Christians. He was a Pharisee, and he knew the law. Paul, one who was against everything that Christ was about, was able to have an intimate encounter with Jesus that forever changed his life. After everything he had done to go against the very Savior who knew the potential of Saul in the Kingdom, despite his actions against Jesus, Saul received a word that he could not deny and took on his calling. He changed his name to Paul and pressed through to the mark. He received a renewal of life. He understood that God had a plan for his life and he was given grace and mercy.
So, if Paul can see that, surely we can!!! Say to yourself, “ I am the daughter of the King, and no matter what I go through, I will live my life to glorify Him!” He loves us and what we need to do is one simple thing, pray daily as the Psalmist wrote in Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (KJV)
You will make it. Renew your mind, your heart and your spirit. You will fulfill the purpose that you were called to fulfill and He will do just what He said He would do in your life…He’s not finished with you yet, so don’t quit!