Jesus finds us even when we are trying to hide.
God speaks to us in so many ways and often through unusual sources. Those who are highly religious might not understand what I refer to as God ah-ha moments. But those who have a relationship – an intimate friendship with Jesus – well, we get that He wastes nothing.
Our Place of Need?
What do we really need from the Lord? Deeply buried after years of waiting – of disappointments – perhaps we have allowed our needs to fade into the background. Instead, we pray for others. We decide on God’s behalf that His answer to our need is “no.” We do our best to let it go (repeatedly because it keeps resurfacing).
But God. He Never Forgets.
If we pay attention, we will notice how God uses all of creation to speak to us – to help trigger the deepest needs in our heart. Whether it be a song, words in a book, a verse in a greeting card, an unexpected butterfly that lands on our hand – He makes His presence known. How about this? Have you ever experienced a season when God just bombards you with messages? When it’s clear that He just won’t let you stay the same? It may take a few air attacks before you get it… But. You have believed for so many and now He is asking you to believe for yourself. Zechariah 1:3 says, “’Return to me’ says the Lord of hosts ‘and I will return to you’ says the Lord of hosts.’” A while ago I heard, Satan’s favorite word is tomorrow, while God’s favorite word is: Today. When will you choose for today to be the day you step of the darkness and into the light?
Rekindle Your Passion for Life.
I am not only in the season of rekindling my passion for life, but I have been called to help others do the same. What are you thinking Lord? I argue. I’ve got nothing right now. I’ve been stuck in victim mode – survival – avoiding conflict – ducking emotionally to attempt to protect myself. From what I wonder?
Then, I hear T.D. Jakes say “I refuse to allow how I feel to abort what I’m called to.” Wow, that was a direct hit to my heart. Forgive me Lord. I’m reminded of my second life verse: Acts 20:24. It says, “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
Jakes continues, “You can duck, or you can stand up and take authority.”
Bible verses begin to speak to me… No weapon formed against you shall prosper; Greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world; put on the full armor…
And finally, as I was browsing through a book, I read “Write the prayer that lays at the bottom of your heart.” I jot it down. It simmers in my spirit. My time is up. It’s time to face the hidden places of my heart – to allow God to heal and then show off as I turn the impossible over to Him.
Say: I Won’t.
Fuel for this next leg of my journey are the lyrics from Mercy Me’s song “Say I Won’t” absolutely fire me up.
“I will be dancing when circumstances try to drown the music out.
I’m going to learn what it is to live and not just be alive.”
Yes Lord!
Why do I share all this? Some of the women I serve have settled for survival. They wonder if there is more but find themselves at a loss as to how to begin. At times we become judge and jury of our own story and we forget about God’s kindness, His amazing grace and ignore our deepest needs. Perhaps this is your call to action – to write the prayer at the bottom of your heart. God has called and equipped me to coach, counsel, partner with women on their journey to become all that God has called them to be. He’s called me to comfort others with the same comfort I’ve received from Him. Let’s say: I won’t to the drowning, and yes to The Lord.
Photo by Reign Abarintos
Maggie Sabatier-Smith
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