A Change Worth Remembering (Ep.1)
A Change Worth Remembering (Ep.1)
"He's going to give you double for your trouble" - referenced from the story of Job in the Holy Bible
There is much to say about loving God with all of your heart. When we talk about loving God with all you have, a change occurs. We know that as we grow, things change. Priorities and purpose are forced to shift. There is growth and one becomes mature in God. The importance of life changes and how we respond to them also take a surprising turn. The changes around you can create a feeling of being out of place. Our worldview is shifting and moving from what it used to be.
There is no comparison to our human nature of feeling or even love, for that matter, as it relates to God. However, as a mother, I sort of understand God's commitment to us. Being a mom and navigating through 14 years as a natural guardian for my now teen, I can see what God saw when he looked at the man. Despite our flaws, He cannot fathom our death. He has left that choice to us. Overall, He desires that we come to Him true and full of life. He wants us to live and live fully. Of course, His meaning of "fullest" differs greatly from what we interpret it to be! I watch my daughter, then look at the world around me and I am in awe. Fear follows. I see so much she could create and build, then I look at the world around her crumbling. I am empowered by her strength. At the same time, I am scared that the world will kill her boldness and love of life.
I also see how He can become so upset with us. I understand the disappointment of creating something and watching a disconnect grow between you. His unconditional love and sacrifice for us require our commitment and appreciation. Our devotion should be unquestionable. That is not the case. I cannot imagine continuing to be disappointed. The majority have not acknowledged Him as their Father. His loyalty is far from returned by many! They are two-faced and disconnected despite His acts of love, mercy, and grace. I cannot comprehend this. Continued rejections! However, this is what God endured for His human creation. That power to choose Him. What a wonderful gift He gave each of us. So many of us have rejected Him and continue to do so generation after generation. I am grateful, however, that He knows the end from the beginning. So He bore the pain of all, to ensure death was not our only option. Thank you, Lord.
When I look at the story of Job, I see a father very pleased with his son. He is a father in awe of his son and wishes to reward him for his commitment. According to biblical description, Job was "perfect and upright, and feared God and eschewed evil" (Job 2:3). God showed Satan the honor, faith, and loyalty of his son, Job. He wanted to prove to Satan, that although the world is turning mad, aligning with your agenda and dishonoring me, there is still a piece of me in this land. (SELAH) By providing Satan with limited freedom to impose pressure on Job, God created an example we should use as a benchmark for excellence. I don't want to make light of Job's situation; he suffered a lot. I'm so grateful for his life. Through his suffering, I am able to say that I can make it thru. I give all Glory to God but am grateful for Job being an upright man of God. Here lies the beauty of his story, his willingness to suffer long.
Job's trust in God during his trials and tribulations is notable. Despite Job's numerous trials, his faith was remarkable and unwavering. The message here is pure. We must trust God to see us through our struggles and adversities. No matter how severe the situation, we must keep our faith in motion and trust God in all circumstances. I am still learning this very valuable principle. I do believe, however, our surrender consistently to God is effective in this learning process. Yes, we must surrender to God in all things. More importantly, this is a daily process. Part of Job's strength was his trust that God would not put more on him than he could bear. When we allow ourselves to trust God with our lives, we create unmeasurable security. The storms may come and then waves may crash, but this is a great way to ensure your faith is unwavering (2 Corinthians 13:5). In this hour, we must examine ourselves. This is the finest way to honor God and demonstrate our love and respect for Him. We must remember that God is always with us and never leaves us, no matter what we face.
The saying "faith moves mountains" is often used, but this saying also speaks to loyalty that is not discussed. The mountain referenced is not displaced by force! No, the mountain moves because the right formula came along to release it from its position. The season shifted, resulting in the mountain needing to relocate but not being instructed to do so. Let God be praised! Job's family members were not religiously alike. Their sinful intent met its match. While it is a horrible tragedy, there is another lesson here. Not only is faith important, but we must obey God. Every element on Earth and within the galaxies must obey God, why is it that we feel this command is in error? As we obey, our potential grows. The mountain's potential is that it doesn't have to stay in one place. Hallelujah! The adversary of this world wants us to believe that. But it's not so! Job's loyalty to God opened a season of his life that never exposed itself nor did Job see it, but it was there. God notes our surrender. His gratitude is expressed through the movement of mountains. He has even us the authority to speak to it, and if it be His will, it shall move. While God allowed the mountain to find residence in Job's life, He also secured a spirit of newness to it. A refreshing beginning emerged. Not that the previous one was terrible, nor that his loved ones will not be remembered. But God restored to Job what he had, and it increased exponentially.
God notes our surrender. His gratitude is expressed through the movement of mountains. While He allowed the mountain to find residence in Job's life, He also secured a spirit of newness to it. A refreshing beginning emerged. Not that the previous one was terrible, nor that his loved ones will not be remembered. But God restored to Job what he had, and it increased. Job not only stayed loyal to God, but he also served as a witness to the unfailing love and commitment God has toward us. He also grew in his faith. The changes forced him to level up in his witness. Yes, he complained and was perplexed by the situation but he had an opportunity to see just how God viewed his stand for the God he served. The double he received was more than just tangible items. The inner man of Job also reaped a wonderful portion of the increase. That’s the best part of this change. I am sure, that’s what he remembers most. We must not forget our hardships. There are many that we create on our own, however, there are some that are set-ups for God's Will and Glory.
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 or call…
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
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