The great majority of us have family, friends, associates and the like. However, it is through our trials and tribulations that the true nature of these relationships is revealed. The past week of my life has done just that for me.
When the unexpected happens, our minds quickly begin to think of ways to fix what's going wrong. We form an unrealistic list of things we need to do in order to correct the problem. Phone calls are made to those we believe can help us. When life takes hold of us...turning our worlds upside-down, we simply react in the natural, if only for a moment. In all honesty, we all slip into this trap from time-to-time. We reACT instead of taking ACTion.
Taking ACTion means reflecting on what God has done for us in the past...the times He has delivered us from certain situations...the brink of death, financial debt, etc. We must praise Him for those times and thank Him for what He is about to do in our lives. Yes...give Him praise. Even though things and people are being removed from our lives, there is a praise somewhere in the midst of the hurt. There is something going on that we don't see...a breakthrough or another much-need blessing. The enemy expects us to go into depression, and withdrawal...until we eventually give up on ourselves and God.
Praising God isn't the only part of our ACTion. The most difficult part comes in when we exercise our faith in what God can do in our lives. That requires diligence and strength because it is when we stand that the enemy's attacks come even more frequent and pack a terrible punch. We must put our faith, no matter how much we actually have, into ACTion. Trust that whatever is going on in our lives, God is working to turn it around in our favor. When the enemy starts to play those mind games that he's so good at, our faith helps us to maintain a type of "tunnel vision", paying little attention to what takes place around us or directly in front of us; we are without worry.
When God's hands are upon us, it's quite evident in our behavior. The praise that once resided in our hearts moves to the lips and on to the ears of others. We become equipped with the ability to minister to individuals who may be suffering...even though we too are in the eye of our very own storm. Not allowing the obstacle before us to cause stagnation. Instead of plugging into what's seen in the natural, our perception becomes more spiritually founded. God does everything for a reason. And all things are done for our good. If we trust God completely, the ways of the world and those not-so-sunny days will not change what we already know to be true: "God is able..."
Focusing on who God is and what He can do in our lives is such a better strategy when the struggles seem to wear us down. Sure we can turn to family and friends. They are true blessings. But turning to God, the Father, can change our entire being; turning to God gives us peace, joy, comfort. God will send the right people whenever our lives become too overwhelming and He always knows just who to send. He can touch our souls in such a way that we are calmed instantly. Many relationships are tested during difficult times. Some progress positively while others are destroyed. That is why it is so important for each of us to establish and maintain a relationship with God. If we have God in our hearts and on our minds, we will be more apt to follow His divine instruction...staying within His Will. In doing so, the enemy's tricks will not deter us from what God has planned for our lives.
Take ACTion when trouble comes and enjoy the peacefulness of not worrying about the storms that rage in our lives. "He maketh the storm a calm, So that the waves thereof are still." Psalm 107:29
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
When You've Done All That You Can Do
When you've done all that you can, just stand on the promises of God. God promised each of us a long time ago that He would never leave or forsake us. Some of us also have a genuine understanding that our trials and tribulation are not to weaken us but to make us stronger. The past four years of my life are a testament to that...
In January 2006, I was faced with the possibility of losing someone near and dear to my heart, my husband. His time was slipping away right before my eyes. Even though the doctors had very little hope of recovery for him, I stayed in prayer. I knew who God was and that He could hear my heart crying out. I won't go any deeper with that but I will say this: "God brought my loved one back from the brink of death..."
That was a turning point in my life. God began to reveal my true strength to me. I never knew that I could take care of another adult, raise 3 children (teenagers), and attend school full-time, with almost no income and not lose my mind. The position I'd worked so hard to gain was now a memory. I was forced to give up a good job in order to take care of my husband 24/7. Starting over with a family was difficult but this turned out to be a new beginning filled with a greater connectedness to God.
With every passing moment, God gave me a new story to tell. I can remember a time when a bill was due and the money was nowhere to be found. All I could do was pray. I left home to run errands, but when I returned there was an envelope waiting for me...a check. It was enough to cover what I needed in order to keep the lights on. I didn't question God. I just thanked Him for His grace and mercy on myself as well as my family. I thanked God for being the provider in my life. God was working miracle after miracle right before my eyes. Doors began to open...and windows too.
When I was finally able to work outside the home again, I went to a temp agency. God's favor followed me there too. The interview went well and I was working by the next week. God was still blessing me in so many ways. My faith was on the rise...increasing and growing me up spiritually. God placed me in the midst of others who loved and adored Him. I had people around me who nurtured my inner being. They encouraged me to move closer to God. I was also able to give testament to what the Father had done in my life.
Although money was tight, my family and I were always taken care of. God provides for His own. I know that firsthand. So many have helped me to learn that truth. My home church, New Gallilean in Jackson, Mississippi (Pastor Nathaniel Booker), came to my aid on a number of occasions. The Brotherhood of the church would keep our yardwork done. They would pray with us. The church paid bills within the home. Our family was adopted by members of the church one year for Christmas which led to us becoming angels for another organization. Unexpected blessings...glory to God for unexpected acts of kindness, generosity and humbleness.
The experiences I've had are a part of me. Each kind act or gesture has worked within my soul, leading me closer to God. My relationship is so much better than before. Not only do I now know who God is, but I also know what He can do. God has shown me how faithful He is. God has proven to me that I am not alone. He has dried many tears over the past few years. And as I continue to cry out to the Father, I understand that my voice reaches Him. He is quick to come and see about me.
It took something drastic to bring me into the realization that God has work for me to do. God has revealed that in the midst of my suffering and pain. He uses my past hurts to help others who are going through similar ordeals. God has opened my eyes to the fullness of Him. There is so much more for me to learn but I'm thankful for my past experiences because through them my life is taking off in the right direction. My life is being transformed into something wonderful...blessed beginnings...restoration...and joy. God is refreshing me...spinning me on the potter's wheel, removing things that shouldn't be and bestowing on me the goodness of His presence.. Oh how sweet it is to know God for yourself. Although I still face challenges daily, the confrontation is much different. I can now meet my problems with great faith, trusting that God has it all under control.
In January 2006, I was faced with the possibility of losing someone near and dear to my heart, my husband. His time was slipping away right before my eyes. Even though the doctors had very little hope of recovery for him, I stayed in prayer. I knew who God was and that He could hear my heart crying out. I won't go any deeper with that but I will say this: "God brought my loved one back from the brink of death..."
That was a turning point in my life. God began to reveal my true strength to me. I never knew that I could take care of another adult, raise 3 children (teenagers), and attend school full-time, with almost no income and not lose my mind. The position I'd worked so hard to gain was now a memory. I was forced to give up a good job in order to take care of my husband 24/7. Starting over with a family was difficult but this turned out to be a new beginning filled with a greater connectedness to God.
With every passing moment, God gave me a new story to tell. I can remember a time when a bill was due and the money was nowhere to be found. All I could do was pray. I left home to run errands, but when I returned there was an envelope waiting for me...a check. It was enough to cover what I needed in order to keep the lights on. I didn't question God. I just thanked Him for His grace and mercy on myself as well as my family. I thanked God for being the provider in my life. God was working miracle after miracle right before my eyes. Doors began to open...and windows too.
When I was finally able to work outside the home again, I went to a temp agency. God's favor followed me there too. The interview went well and I was working by the next week. God was still blessing me in so many ways. My faith was on the rise...increasing and growing me up spiritually. God placed me in the midst of others who loved and adored Him. I had people around me who nurtured my inner being. They encouraged me to move closer to God. I was also able to give testament to what the Father had done in my life.
Although money was tight, my family and I were always taken care of. God provides for His own. I know that firsthand. So many have helped me to learn that truth. My home church, New Gallilean in Jackson, Mississippi (Pastor Nathaniel Booker), came to my aid on a number of occasions. The Brotherhood of the church would keep our yardwork done. They would pray with us. The church paid bills within the home. Our family was adopted by members of the church one year for Christmas which led to us becoming angels for another organization. Unexpected blessings...glory to God for unexpected acts of kindness, generosity and humbleness.
The experiences I've had are a part of me. Each kind act or gesture has worked within my soul, leading me closer to God. My relationship is so much better than before. Not only do I now know who God is, but I also know what He can do. God has shown me how faithful He is. God has proven to me that I am not alone. He has dried many tears over the past few years. And as I continue to cry out to the Father, I understand that my voice reaches Him. He is quick to come and see about me.
It took something drastic to bring me into the realization that God has work for me to do. God has revealed that in the midst of my suffering and pain. He uses my past hurts to help others who are going through similar ordeals. God has opened my eyes to the fullness of Him. There is so much more for me to learn but I'm thankful for my past experiences because through them my life is taking off in the right direction. My life is being transformed into something wonderful...blessed beginnings...restoration...and joy. God is refreshing me...spinning me on the potter's wheel, removing things that shouldn't be and bestowing on me the goodness of His presence.. Oh how sweet it is to know God for yourself. Although I still face challenges daily, the confrontation is much different. I can now meet my problems with great faith, trusting that God has it all under control.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Faith
We all need to learn to walk with authority and great faith. Our faith should be limitless because God is not limited in His abilities. He is a healer, deliverer, restorer...and much more. Whatever we are in need of, God is able to supply. If we simply believe that God is able to do, and have faith in what we're asking of Him, miracles will happen. As a society, we all tend to take matters into our own hands first..and ask for God's guidance second (usually after we've made a MESS of things). That is completely out of order. The Word tells us "But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness;..." Matthew 6:33 We need to get in line with God and His Will for our lives. In doing so, there would be no need for worry or complaints. Our faith would be to us like the air we breathe. The need to evaluate and re-evaluate our little issues would be eliminated. God wants us to trust Him. He wants us to live each day without worrying about the next. Honestly, if we truly are Children of the King, where is the negativity coming from anyway...?? Those fears are not of God. Negativity breeds darkness and the God I serve exemplifies "light".. I pray that God continues to increase in our lives...as we decrease more and more until He is seen in all that we say and/or do. God bless you all...
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