A Change Worth Remembering (Ep.3)
"He's going to give you double for your trouble" - referenced from the story of Job in the Holy Bible
Christ is looking for a host of believers that will withstand the attacks. 2 Timothy 2:3 instructs us to "endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (KJV). As we continue, the burden increases. And as it becomes heavier for a bit, the load eventually lightens. We possess the strength and know-how to continue our journey steadily.
Psalm 16:8
I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
end of series “A Change Worth Remembering”
I believe this for someone: the change you see coming or experiencing now is worth remembering. Let the reinventing season begin. Today presents an opportunity to take a chance! Newness opens up new possibilities that encourage growth. Let your dreams soar! Your most miserable state gives you the fuel to be better. You can be better! I am sure, like my own, the pandemic did a number on your family. All the pieces we were trying to glue together suddenly collapsed. I must testify, never once did I blame God.
Yes, was I sad?
Yes, was I angry?
Yes, was I disappointed?
There have been days when I was an emotional mess. However, I appreciated God's warning. I remembered Job's life. His life became super rocky, and he was unsure why. He had no warning! Lord, I thank you. I remained in the book of JOB for some time, reading how his commitment to God poses an opportunity to encourage millions that followed. Despite his circumstances, inspiration grew from his loyalty to his God. I was reminded of the importance of trusting God even when I did not understand why. Things happen, and life continues. Job’s devotion gave me the strength to trust God in dark times.
I encourage you to take a couple of nights to read the story of JOB. Let the issues of his life connect with your own. Open yourself up to ask God the HARD QUESTIONS you’ve been neglecting to face. Write out your feelings, and let your tears fall as they may. Don’t become angry with God but ask Him the questions you’ve been keeping inside of you. I must say, it is refreshing.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Reader, trust God. We are not guaranteed good days. But we do have a chance to live eternity in royal status. I used to think I was required to live a problem-free life because I was a child of the King. Coming from someone who grew up in a dysfunctional household, I’m not sure why I felt this way. When you are dysfunctional, you become familiar with the dysfunction and remain unaffected. Our Father in Heaven knows this. He knows we exist in dysfunction, darkness, and confusion. Our happiness cannot be manufactured! If we are not careful, our circumstances will create a false sense of reality. Trust God. Allow God to fix what you can't. Because He is the way, the truth, and the life we desire, our commitment to Him expands our territory.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Sometimes we do not realize how much we depend on God. When we go through circumstances beyond our control, we expect God to see us through. But the reality is that in most cases, we do not want God to control our choices, life, or any other aspect of our lives. We are selfishly aware that while we expect God to fix the big things, we deny His attention to the small intricate parts that make up the big elements of surprise. We ignore the fact that God is the creator of life and His will is perfect. He knows what is best for us. He desires our trust, submission, and surrender to Him. The peace we seek follows our surrender, even in times of trouble. I want to pray for your that you may continue your walk with Christ.
Great King and Lord over our lives,
We thank you for the opportunity to give you praise, honor, and glory for being our God. We thank you for seeing us as we are and being present as we strive to change. Lord, help the reader today. Give way for them to commit solely unto you. The hardship we endure nowhere supersedes the sacrifice you made for us, but we need you even the more. Help us to live with our heads up high and content with where we find ourselves. Change our hearts and make us whole, dear Father. We have questions, and you have the answers we need. Allow us to become bold to ask what is in our hearts so that we may be ready for thy Master’s use.
We thank you in advance.
Amen.
As I bring this post to a close, I want to encourage you to change for the good of God’s plan. I know that makes no sense at times, however, we were created to honor God. Our duty is to transform and show the enemy that he has no authority over God’s children. Each of us has the opportunity to assert our authority in this land for the greater good. I am sold out to this life of surrender. It’s not easy, but I see every day the example of rejecting Christ. His way is the best way. In a lawless world, know that there is a “just” plan created by God that requires our willingness to forgo our desires and wants for a better way. So, this is my invitation to you, not only do I invite you to blog (whether paid or unpaid), I invite you to my church.
If you need a church home or need to talk with someone as you endure changes in your life you can come to
Grace Apostolic Church at 4417 Dix Street, NE Washington, DC 20019
(202) 399-7774 | gacmediateam@gmail.com | https://www.graceapostolicchurch.net/pray
Calling all the #prayer warriors out there.
Elder Willie Hines Jr. of #Spartanburg, SC is hosting a Prayer Conference: #HigherGround this September.
Join us for #prayer, #leadership, and #accountability to the clarion call. Register at www.iopconference.com and use CODE: IOP50
This is pRAI$e fOr thOUghT, a space for all my creative ideas as they take shape.