It’s been a while since I took a moment to reflect or chat with you. Honestly it hasn’t been because I haven’t had anything to say, it was more that I was waiting for the release to say what I needed to say at the appropriate time. When I started blogging two years ago, it was so that I could connect with others during the lock-In of the pandemic and we could release our frustrations discussing varying topics.
What I got week after week was private messages about the subject matters and how it may have helped, and I even blogged one week about “shared experiences”. It was powerful. This was evolving into something more and I was not sure if I wanted to take on that role or if I had the band width to do so.
Life got really busy, I switched jobs, became a Deacon, got more involved in other ventures and the excuses started to pile up. I couldn’t find the time to sit and chat for a few minutes because I had a “designated period” in which I would like to do it. Then I turned 50 and had a most wonderful prayer encounter with God that was both reflective and prophetic and realized it was time to get back to it. My encounters this week surrounding my birthday only confirmed it.
Prayer is powerful. It really does change things. It is not enough to just speak the words out loud or to yourself, you have to believe it in your heart. My petitions to God over the years have come from places of hurt, anticipation, expectation, joy, faith and SINCERITY. I not only believe he can do a thing; I stand in expectation that he will. I also know that it does not always work out the way that I WANT, but it always works out for the best.
Last night I went to dinner with my best friend/brother. We were talking about a prayer he had prayed when he spoke about how God will tell you, yes, no or wait. That led to a bigger conversation about obedience and I reiterated to him a conversation I had just had with our Pastor earlier that day.
Twenty plus years ago, I had my pickings for a job in Human Resources. Five offers were made. One of them was a lateral move from where I was planning on leaving a bit out of the way in distance. I never really considered them in my mind. Two of them were great for where I stood in my life at that time and even today. I laid out the offers, prayed and asked God to show me where to go. The next morning, clear as a verbal voice, he gave me the one that I didn’t want. I thought I was hearing things. I pushed back and it was clear again. Take the job where there was no pay increase, no real excitement and I had further to commute. Sidebar, I was not a fan of working in NYC and this was in the heart of it.
I took the job and hated every moment of the actual job. At 29 years old I suffered a heart attack at my desk. Never in my life had I experienced workplace bullying however that is exactly what I got there as well. 98% of the people HATED me. Why did God send me there? I met a man; he became my forever. By far outweighing anything that was said or done. He needed me and I needed him. Neither of us knew it at the time, BUT GOD.
Obedience… our second prophetic encounter at my church was happening and we were all excited. It usually took place on a Friday night. One of my bonus children had been in the ICU for close to 30 days and I was not seeing much of my husband during that time. The night of the prophetic he wanted to take a break not knowing I made plans to go to the encounter. I knew he needed me and I also knew I needed to be in church. I could not be in 2 places or 2 states at the same time. I painfully told him I would see him afterwards knowing it could be weeks before we would have time like that again.
The NEXT MORNING, our daughter was released from the ICU. I was able to spend the afternoon with him and visit her at the same time. God will always make a way when we prioritize and put him first.
I have hundreds of testimonies where I can SHOW YOU how God has shown up. Is it because I’m special? Not really. I think I am but not anymore than anyone else that may be reading this. The key to unlocking the favor of God is not a huge secret. It’s really quite simple.
I am a flawed individual. I make mistakes and do not always act in accordance to a Christian life. I have a heart to serve and will always love my neighbors as I love myself, something we forget to do. Love is the key. My love for people is genuine and heartfelt, even when they do me wrong.
I said my petitions to God include hurt. People will test your very last nerve. Take it to God and leave it there. Don’t let it harden your heart and close you off from loving others. My inner circle is smaller than most think because my love is wide open for the masses. Everyone feels like they are my best friend.
Be encouraged today. Keep praying. Pray with sincerity and an open heart. Be prepared for God to send you in a different direction than where you want to go. TRUST that HE knows BETTER than YOU!
Be Blessed.
Until Next Time, whenever that may be.
Love you all!
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