Stop and Do a Spirit Check

Habakkuk 2:2-3 – “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets; that he may run who reads it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”

Sometimes, I feel like a failure…inadequate for the calling that God has placed upon my life. It’s rare, but it still happens. I’m a planner, and when the plan doesn’t come to fruition, or takes significantly longer to implement than I’d expected, I can be pretty hard on myself. The journey towards the fulfillment of the vision God has given me, despite all of my planning, has truly been a years-long struggle; and sometimes, I just want to throw in the towel and take the easy road…the road of least resistance…abandon the call and do something that’s just not so…HARD.

It’s in those moments that I do a spirit check. Meditating on the Word and praying about whether I truly believe that God has called me to accomplish the task at hand. Did He really choose flawed, unprepared me to fulfill this seemingly huge undertaking?? The answer is always the same—a soul encompassing, resounding YES. I can’t avoid it! Every time, I come to the same conclusion. With this certainty in mind, I pull up my bootstraps and get back to work! Walking away is no longer an option, and I move forward confident in my purpose and knowing that in time, the vision WILL be fulfilled.

Delays, difficulties, and setbacks can easily deter us, and occasionally discourage us, from fulfilling our purpose and the calling on our lives. I think that we often assume that if it’s something God called us to do, it will all come easily and quickly (I’ve definitely heard that opinion several times). And sometimes it does! But other times, the long journey to the fulfillment of the vision helps to prepare us for the role we must ultimately play. Just look at Joseph, who had a vision of his future as a boy, but had to endure betrayal, enslavement, and incarceration before he saw it come to fruition. What about David? He was anointed to be king as a youth, but went from being a renowned hero to a fugitive running for his life before he ascended to the throne. The important thing to remember is that even in the midst of, and despite, these trials, both men maintained their faith in God and in His promises; and in time, they moved into their God-ordained positions.

Has God called you to a certain role, ministry, or form of service? The road to fulfilling that calling may not always be easy; but in those moments of difficulty and doubt, just do a spirit check. If you know the work is something God has called you to do, know also that, in time, the vision He has given you will come to fruition. Learn the lessons along the way; be open to grow and develop; and above all else, trust that God is with you, moving and working in ways we cannot see to ensure the ultimate fulfillment of the vision He has placed upon your heart.

Shine Your Light!

Thoughts, reactions, or testimonies? Leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Take That First Step…

 

Have faith and take that first step! Fulfill the vision! Make your move in 2017!

Moving Forward…

So, today marks a new day for me, and this blog entry is the first since the completion of my 40-day fast that began in January. As I move forward into this new year, I am excited about what God is doing in my life, and anxious to see where He leads me. I’m expecting big things in the coming weeks and months!

Though the 40 days are over, I believe that I am going to continue journaling and blogging for as long as the Spirit moves me. These reflections have been as cathartic and instructive for me as I hope they have been for others, and I hope that you will continue with me along this journey for the next 325 days…(Note the new blog title! 🙂 )

RELEASE

Philippians 3:13-14 –“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Reflections: I know a lot of people who, like me, are hoping that God will move them forward into bigger and better things in 2014. In this new year, so many individuals are hoping for renewal and restoration, to put the old things behind them and press on towards the mark…the goal(s) that God has put before them.

So often we petition God to help us move forward to a new level in our lives, but how often do we inhibit the process by getting in the way? We hold on to the old things that keep us bound and stuck in the same old place, and wonder why God hasn’t stepped in and lifted us to a higher level. We have to do the work, first, and we have to let go of those people, behaviors, or beliefs that did not serve us in 2013. Are you holding onto habits or relationships that continue to hold you back? What about old grudges or people you have yet to forgive? Whatever is keeping you from moving forward in 2014, now is the time to make a choice to release these past things and press forward to those things which are ahead. Experience the freedom of letting go, and clear the way for God to do a new thing in your life!

Let Go and Let God…

Shine bright!

Thoughts, reactions, or testimonies? Leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Song: Moving Forward by Israel Houghton

The Seed Inside You…

POTENTIAL

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

“Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed.” ~ Robert Schuller

Mind. Blown. 🙂

Reflections: I don’t know why I was so affected by this quote, but it really gave me pause this morning. Maybe it’s because I know what it’s like to feel inadequate for the task that God has put before me, or the role he wants me to play. I also know what it feels like to be chastened by the Spirit for my doubt and reminded that God does not make mistakes. He knows what he’s doing and calls the perfect person for each endeavor. Now, this does not mean that the person is perfectly prepared for the task at hand in that moment of calling. On the contrary, the exact opposite is often true. But that truth does not matter, because God looks beyond our present level of preparation to see the seeds inside us just waiting to bear fruit. He knows that we are capable of far more than we ever imagined, as long as we stay connected to Him and allow Him to use us and equip us for the calling. Apart from God, we can accomplish only a fraction of our potential, but with him, we can achieve the seemingly impossible.

Has God placed a calling on your life that you are struggling to accept? Do you feel ill equipped to face the road ahead? Find courage in the knowledge that you don’t have to do it in your own strength. In fact, you have access to the limitless power of God, placed inside you by the Holy Spirit through your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Just trust God, and know that you CAN fulfill the vision. In time, it WILL come to pass, and your efforts will bear much fruit.

See Also:

John 15:5 – “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

Thoughts or reactions? Leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Shine Bright!

WRITE THE VISION AND MAKE IT PLAIN…

VISION

Habakkuk 2:2: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come…”

Testimony: God calls each of us to fulfill a certain purpose, and at some point or another, He places a vision in our Spirit of a specific role He wants us to play. I’m no exception.

God began revealing His vision of my future to me many years ago, and as time passes, He reveals a few more details about the path that will lead to the fulfillment of that vision. I have to say that so far, the path has not been a cakewalk. In fact, it’s been wrought with challenges, as the enemy tries to convince me that God’s promises will not come to pass. During this time, though, God has shown Himself mighty and strong, and I am amazed and humbled by the way He has cared for me, giving me hope and strength, and constantly confirming that I am on the right path.

Just this weekend, I had a moment of weakness, and I found myself questioning it all and praying to God for help, guidance, and confirmation—and MAN did He deliver! Not only did I receive more help than I imagined (and direct confirmation during the process that the help came from Him); but also during service on Sunday, God truly spoke to me through my pastor.

During a message titled, “Another Day, Another Battle,” pastor spoke about how, as Christians, we are going to face battles; but we must face them with the right attitude, knowing that God is with us and has already promised us victory. He began to encourage us to be determined, stick with it, stay on the path, and refuse to quit, because OUR LABOR IS NOT IN VAIN. Then he just starting saying, “Don’t quit! Don’t quit!” over and over again. He paused to say, “I’m speaking to someone in here who needs to hear this—Don’t. Quit. See it through to the end.” I, once again, was floored by God’s ability to use the people around me to help, guide, and confirm, just as I’d requested!

As I begin this week, I am strengthened, renewed, and empowered to move forward in my purpose and keep pressing toward the mark.

Has God placed a vision in your heart and on your Spirit? Does it feel like the vision will never come to fruition, or is the road of preparation becoming too much to bear? Whatever you may be experiencing, don’t quit! The vision is for an appointed time, but in the end, it will surely come. Write it down, remind yourself of what God is calling you to do, and believe that in time, with faith, determination, and the power of God, you WILL see God’s promises come to pass.

Shine your light!

See also:

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will [direct your paths].”