Have you ever been angry/mad at God? Have you ever hated Him? Now before you answer the last question and you say no, let me give you the definition of hate.
Hate (as defined by Merriam-Webster) - (n) - intense hostility and aversion unusually deriving from fear, anger, or sense of injury
When I looked up this meaning I will be honest and say, yes, I have just recently felt hatred towards God. I was so angry that there were thoughts and words running through my mind that I haven't thought in almost 18 years. I was angry, I was mad, and I hated God. Now let me very clear here. I still loved God, and though I was having these feelings I never thought about turning my back on Him nor was I wanting to give up my relationship with Him. It was actually the exact opposite. I wanted my intimacy back in my relationship with Him. I was just hurt and extremely angry.
You see, I am about to turn 40 years old this year and my life is not anything like I thought it would be. I thought I would be married by now, have a couple of children and be in full-time ministry. And....I don't have any of that. I have had people tell me that is my fault and I have had people tell me that He has a much greater plan for my life. My greatest desires have not yet been fulfilled. I have had people and even relatives tell me that maybe I'm not meant to be married and have children. Or people like to tell me the story about Sarah who was barren and then God have her a child in her 'old age'. Let me tell you something, none of these brings comfort or peace. It causes hurt and pain. I wanted to tell them to shut up. I probably have said that to some people. LOL! But it still doesn't stop them. Being the good little Christian that I am I just smiled and ignored the comments . The whole time I'm thinking when is it going to happen God! I'm so tired of all this! I was tired of hearing it! People do not realize how much power their words hold!
Proverbs 18:21 (MSG) - Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit - you choose.
So I started reading a book written by one of my Mentors/Spiritual Mom (Rebecca Greenwood) called "Defeating Strongholds of the Mind." I have only made it to chapter 3 at this point where she begins to list several different strongholds and I land on the one titled, "Unbelief." She states, "Unbelief does not accept the promises of the Lord; it causes those held captive by its lies to question the goodness, power, and faithfulness of God's Word. It paralyzes faith. Those who are bound by unbelief do not believe God for the possible or the impossible. They struggle to accept the love of the Father and to believe prophetic words concerning their destinies." And then she goes on to list several questions for you to answer to see if you may have this specific stronghold. Of course I realized at this point, yes I am dealing with unbelief. I can tell you prophetic word after prophetic word that I have received and several of them from different people that spoke some of the same things to me almost word for word. But nothing has come to past.
"Where Do Strongholds Come From? The traps that lead us into bondage can include trauma, betrayal, abuse, rejection, abandonment, accidents, bullying, ungodly control, angry family members, and so on." - Defeating Strongholds of the Mind by Rebecca Greenwood
I was also dealing with a horrible break from a ministry I walked beside for almost 5 years. There was an accusation that everyone knew was not true. And not one of my close friends stood up for me. Even though everyone involved and those who knew what was said, knew that I had done nothing wrong, I was still horrified, embarrassed and hurt. So I did what I thought was expected of me as a Christian and I was trying to fake it 'till I made it. In other words I forgave and acted like I wasn't horrified, embarrassed and hurt. I never dealt with the wound and pain.
But I had to make, the choice to believe what other people and the enemy were telling me, or what God was saying me. I am like the father of the son in Mark chapter 9 asking Jesus if there is anything you can do to help me and Jesus replied in verse 23 "'If you can! All things are possible for one who believes." and in verse 24 the father says "Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, " I believe, help my unbelief!"
So you want to know what happened when I went to God about my anger and hatred? I told Him exactly how I felt. I said things to Him that I never thought I would ever say. It was an all out fight! I held nothing back...I mean NOTHING! I told Him exactly what I thought of Him and how I felt. I told him that I felt justified in feeling what I felt. And then I asked Him to prove me wrong. Do you know what He said to me? He took me back and reminded me of things that were said early in my life and even things that have been said to me now. And He said, if none of that was said to you, you would not have an issue with turning 40 and not being where you think you should be. In other words He was telling me I would be perfectly fine with turning 40 and still being single with no children and not in full-time ministry. And you know what? He was right. And I know that a lot of people will read this and think they could never approach God this way. And I would say that is part of what is wrong with the Church today. A real relationship has it's ups and its downs. There are things in your heart and if you continue to deny they are there then you will end up where I am. All it does is form strongholds and the hardest part is dealing with the ones that have been their for a very long time. I covered up my pain by trying to help those closest to me through their own dark times. I thought it really didn't matter what I was going through and if I let others know then I was being 'needy'. I didn't want to put that on anyone. Well, that is completely wrong thinking. While I am still not outspoken about what I go through. I realize that my life does matter and I no longer have to deny myself and my feelings and act like everything is fine. Yet the Church today still thinks they have to fake it 'till they make it and cover up their pain and put on a happy face a ignore their own pain (at least that's what I thought I had to do). I thought just because my feelings were not lining up with the word of God (Fruit of the Spirit) then I have no right to feel that way. That is wrong! God wants you to come to Him with your heart. If you are hurt and angry He wants to take care of it. I refuse to act like everything in my life is all sunshine and rainbows when I am hurting and need most of all my Father. I need Him to show me truth even when I feel like I am right. I need Him to heal me. I need His love! And most of all, I need my intimate relationship with God back.
I am not perfect and I have never claimed to be. All I can say is what I am walking through right now, God has been good and gracious to me. Let God know how you feel. Let Him show you truth. Let Him break the stronghold that the enemy has set up in your mind. I would recommend getting this book "Defeating Strongholds of the Mind" by Rebecca Greenwood. You can get it from her website, http://www.christianharvestintl.org.
This is MY story from my heart to yours,
Sandy
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Gotta love those Rabbit Trails!
Do you remember a time where you took a so called 'rabbit trail'? Maybe you have taken several of them in your lifetime so far. You knew you were supposed to be headed in one direction but you decided to take a 'little' rabbit trail instead to see where it would lead you? Not that it was a bad thing to do, you just didn't know what would come of it and of course you always hope for the best. But then when things don't turn out like you thought they would you wonder why in the world did I do that? And of course you then begin to beat yourself up for doing that and you feel as though you are right back where you started before you made that decision. You feel as though you wasted your time and the Lord's time and you probably think you have prolonged the destiny and calling on your life. Here is the thing about the rabbit trails that you have taken....God knew from the very beginning that you would make that decision. He used that to do something in your life during those times that He knew that rabbit trail was very much needed in order to produce and form in you what is needed in order to fulfill your destiny and calling. And I'm sure there will always be more of these times and seasons in our life, but they will never be wasted.
But know that it is how you come out of the season is what matters. When you look back at the season you were in, you will be able to see the strength and freedom that God formed in you during that time. Also I know one thing that I have learned and am learning is to trust God in all area's of my life. People will think you have it all together when in essence you are just trying to keep your head above the water and not drown! LOL! But that's when you really learn to trust God. When you can't see the next step, when you can't feel that passion and desire you once had, or even feel His presence as you did. I know so many times we wish things would have turned out differently. But wouldn't you rather know that you decided to follow what the Lord has for you instead of what you wanted? I know my life is in God's hands and not mine nor anyone else's and that is true peace of mind!
Philippians 2:1-8
Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
From my heart to yours,
Sandy
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Breakthrough
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. - Romans 12:12
How many people have gone or are going through a season of affliction? It doesn't matter how you got there or why you are there. The fact is that you are in the season and you really want out of it! I don't think I have ever had such a season of affliction as I have had recently. A relationship ended (and it wasn't pleasant by any means), I was accused of something that was completely unfounded, and despite all my prayers I didn't think I would make it out whole. The devil really worked me over to the point I was finally ready to throw in the towel and walk away from everything and everyone.
Here's the thing...If I walked away...It would mean that I surrendered to the enemy. While at that point I really didn't care because it seemed as though everything was just stripped away from me. But God..... I love saying that! But God....You see there is a reason why we go through certain things in our lives. I don't fully understand why I have had to go through this specific season, all I can say is that it is and will be part of my testimony!
I remember I finally got to the point of telling the Lord that I will fulfill the calling and destiny that he has placed on my life, but the feelings and emotions I have will not go away. As my eyes filled with tears I looked down at my IPad...I had a bible app on it opened and as I looked down my eyes fell on this scripture:
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:4
Of course the tears then just streamed down my face! But I think what is even more surprising is what that Psalm actually means. So many people don't really realize what "delight" really means. According to the hebrew translation, "delight" literally means to be delicate or feminine. In this particular context, it means to be dependent upon God and to derive one's pleasure from Him.
Wow! I have been meditating on this for awhile now. So you have to ask yourself...Do you find more pleasure in other things or other people than you do of the Lord? I know I have fallen short of this at times. So as I seek to 'delight' myself in the Lord, I pray you would also. There is nothing else that will bring greater breakthrough than you delighting yourself in the Lord! Sometimes its in these seasons where all you can do is worship God for who he is. I love a quote from Pastor John Kilpatrick that says: "However long it has taken for you to be restored to what God has for you is a clue to how big the recovery will be!"
Listen...As far as I am concerned there is only one path and that is straight ahead. There are times where we will see it clearly and then there are times where we don't see it at all. This is called walking by faith and not by sight.
So if you are in a season such like mine...I just want you to know all seasons have to come to an end....And here is a little encouragement...Though mine has taken almost 6 months...I finally see the end of it....I'm not going to look at the amount of time I was in the season, but that I can finally see the light and that God has brought truth to so many lie's that the enemy has tried to speak against me. Praise the Lord!
There is no turning back. If you ever want to turn back let me just say this....Remember Lot's wife....That is NOT how I want to be remembered!
From my heart to yours,
Sandy
How many people have gone or are going through a season of affliction? It doesn't matter how you got there or why you are there. The fact is that you are in the season and you really want out of it! I don't think I have ever had such a season of affliction as I have had recently. A relationship ended (and it wasn't pleasant by any means), I was accused of something that was completely unfounded, and despite all my prayers I didn't think I would make it out whole. The devil really worked me over to the point I was finally ready to throw in the towel and walk away from everything and everyone.
Here's the thing...If I walked away...It would mean that I surrendered to the enemy. While at that point I really didn't care because it seemed as though everything was just stripped away from me. But God..... I love saying that! But God....You see there is a reason why we go through certain things in our lives. I don't fully understand why I have had to go through this specific season, all I can say is that it is and will be part of my testimony!
I remember I finally got to the point of telling the Lord that I will fulfill the calling and destiny that he has placed on my life, but the feelings and emotions I have will not go away. As my eyes filled with tears I looked down at my IPad...I had a bible app on it opened and as I looked down my eyes fell on this scripture:
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:4
Of course the tears then just streamed down my face! But I think what is even more surprising is what that Psalm actually means. So many people don't really realize what "delight" really means. According to the hebrew translation, "delight" literally means to be delicate or feminine. In this particular context, it means to be dependent upon God and to derive one's pleasure from Him.
Wow! I have been meditating on this for awhile now. So you have to ask yourself...Do you find more pleasure in other things or other people than you do of the Lord? I know I have fallen short of this at times. So as I seek to 'delight' myself in the Lord, I pray you would also. There is nothing else that will bring greater breakthrough than you delighting yourself in the Lord! Sometimes its in these seasons where all you can do is worship God for who he is. I love a quote from Pastor John Kilpatrick that says: "However long it has taken for you to be restored to what God has for you is a clue to how big the recovery will be!"
Listen...As far as I am concerned there is only one path and that is straight ahead. There are times where we will see it clearly and then there are times where we don't see it at all. This is called walking by faith and not by sight.
So if you are in a season such like mine...I just want you to know all seasons have to come to an end....And here is a little encouragement...Though mine has taken almost 6 months...I finally see the end of it....I'm not going to look at the amount of time I was in the season, but that I can finally see the light and that God has brought truth to so many lie's that the enemy has tried to speak against me. Praise the Lord!
There is no turning back. If you ever want to turn back let me just say this....Remember Lot's wife....That is NOT how I want to be remembered!
From my heart to yours,
Sandy
Monday, February 25, 2013
Trusting God....Yes or No......
When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me? All day long they distort my words; All their thoughts are against me for evil. - Psalm 56:3-5
I'm going to be really honest and transparent here. If you would have asked me 3 months ago if I trusted God completely and in every area of my life I probably would have said YES! And I would have said that, not realizing what was to come. Or should I say, what God was about to show me. At the end of December right before the new year I entered a season that I would call a season of 'Affliction'.
He gives you grace to count the hardest spot the sweetest place. - J Danson Smith
And the Word of God has been my constant companion during this season. I found journaling has been really healing in the washing of the Word over my dry and cracked soul.
One of the most valuable lessons I am learning in this season is about trusting God completely in EVERY area of my life. In my personal and ministry relationships. Listening to that still small voice again and even listening when I don't hear it. It never ceases to amaze me how God's love pours out on the broken-hearted. And how He brings you back to the road when you have gone into the ditch! Though I will have to say I wasn't in a ditch. I'll be honest I was in one of the deepest, darkest pits I have ever been in! I'm beginning to see the light. And in God's great love I find myself dreaming again! I haven't done that in a very long time! Which is my own fault.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. - Romans 12:15
I have to say...I have the most amazing friends! This scripture has come alive in this season. I truly do have friends that will rejoice and weep with me...sometimes all at the same time! LOL (yes it is possible)
If you'll give your heart to God, He'll bring you a measure of understanding where puzzle pieces start coming together. God has a purpose in all that you have gone through. - Beth Moore
Great hearts can only be made by great troubles. - C.H. Spurgeon
All I can say is in this season I have learned to lean on my friends and family. They have become my Aaron's and my Hur's. I used to go through hard seasons alone not because I thought I could handle it, but because I didn't want to bother anyone. A friend of mine said this: Trudge through it alone = depression, hypertension, stress and lack of joy; Sharing = discovering you're not the only one whose going/gone thru the situation. You get words of wisdom & encouragement from those who've been there done that. So let me encourage you, if you are going through a hard season, lean on your friends and family and let them help you. There will be seasons where you will need to do that and that's why God has placed certain people in your life during that time. They always encourage and pray. They never discourage. Mine, like I said, are AMAZING!
And make sure you stand on and claim the Word! It's life giving as only God can give you. No one else can! He is your security and your safety! It's not meant to be found anywhere else.
Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your justice as the noonday. - Psalm 37:3-6
Just remember....It's only a season, not a lifetime; though in the season, will be the outcome of your life! And it's going to be amazing! It may be hellish going through it! I know it will be totally worth it! All I know is I'm grabbing hold of the LORD and not letting him go until he changes my name! I refuse to come out of this season the same way I came in! I will be changed for the glory of the LORD! And what a testimony that will be! It's all about falling in love with Him all over again! Trust Him, he will never lead you astray! You may not understand what is happening now, but you will when you come out! Remain on your knees and ask for His grace!
I'm with you all in this!
From my heart to yours,
Sandy
I'm going to be really honest and transparent here. If you would have asked me 3 months ago if I trusted God completely and in every area of my life I probably would have said YES! And I would have said that, not realizing what was to come. Or should I say, what God was about to show me. At the end of December right before the new year I entered a season that I would call a season of 'Affliction'.
He gives you grace to count the hardest spot the sweetest place. - J Danson Smith
And the Word of God has been my constant companion during this season. I found journaling has been really healing in the washing of the Word over my dry and cracked soul.
One of the most valuable lessons I am learning in this season is about trusting God completely in EVERY area of my life. In my personal and ministry relationships. Listening to that still small voice again and even listening when I don't hear it. It never ceases to amaze me how God's love pours out on the broken-hearted. And how He brings you back to the road when you have gone into the ditch! Though I will have to say I wasn't in a ditch. I'll be honest I was in one of the deepest, darkest pits I have ever been in! I'm beginning to see the light. And in God's great love I find myself dreaming again! I haven't done that in a very long time! Which is my own fault.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. - Romans 12:15
I have to say...I have the most amazing friends! This scripture has come alive in this season. I truly do have friends that will rejoice and weep with me...sometimes all at the same time! LOL (yes it is possible)
If you'll give your heart to God, He'll bring you a measure of understanding where puzzle pieces start coming together. God has a purpose in all that you have gone through. - Beth Moore
Great hearts can only be made by great troubles. - C.H. Spurgeon
All I can say is in this season I have learned to lean on my friends and family. They have become my Aaron's and my Hur's. I used to go through hard seasons alone not because I thought I could handle it, but because I didn't want to bother anyone. A friend of mine said this: Trudge through it alone = depression, hypertension, stress and lack of joy; Sharing = discovering you're not the only one whose going/gone thru the situation. You get words of wisdom & encouragement from those who've been there done that. So let me encourage you, if you are going through a hard season, lean on your friends and family and let them help you. There will be seasons where you will need to do that and that's why God has placed certain people in your life during that time. They always encourage and pray. They never discourage. Mine, like I said, are AMAZING!
And make sure you stand on and claim the Word! It's life giving as only God can give you. No one else can! He is your security and your safety! It's not meant to be found anywhere else.
Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your justice as the noonday. - Psalm 37:3-6
Just remember....It's only a season, not a lifetime; though in the season, will be the outcome of your life! And it's going to be amazing! It may be hellish going through it! I know it will be totally worth it! All I know is I'm grabbing hold of the LORD and not letting him go until he changes my name! I refuse to come out of this season the same way I came in! I will be changed for the glory of the LORD! And what a testimony that will be! It's all about falling in love with Him all over again! Trust Him, he will never lead you astray! You may not understand what is happening now, but you will when you come out! Remain on your knees and ask for His grace!
I'm with you all in this!
From my heart to yours,
Sandy
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Will you make it......
....Do not be shocked, nor fear them. The LORD your God who goes before you will Himself fight on your behalf, just as He did for you in Egypt before your eyes, and in the wilderness where you saw how the LORD your God carried you, just as a man carries his son, in all the way which you have walked until you came to this place. - Deuteronomy 1:29-31
I wonder how many of us find ourselves in a season of wondering if we are going to see the end of it and the beginning of the next season. I know for myself I wondered that in the last month or so....
It has been a wild and crazy ride! If you are crazy enough to ride those horrendous roller coaster rides that scare you half to death and make you sick you will know what kind of 'ride' I am talking about! LOL... Last year I had a friend of mine talk me into riding in the very first car of this kind of ride at Six Flags Great America...now...I have never had a problem with the roller coaster rides that have the cork screws and even go upside down...but...I have NEVER in my life ridden in the very first car of the ride....that is until last year....lets just say that was the first time and the last time that will EVER happen! LOL So what happened you may ask? Well....Everything was fine in the beginning...even with the steep drop in the beginning of the ride....it wasn't until it went into the very first cork screw that everything decided to turn black...nope...I didn't close my eyes and it didn't go into a tunnel nor was it dark outside...I started to black out!!!! All I could think of is if I black out I am going to fall off this ride and drop several stories to the ground...so what did I do? I prayed so loud I didn't care who could hear me! hahahaha It worked and I didn't completely black out...
Why do I tell this story? It goes so well with what the LORD is doing all across the nations in His bride (children). He is taking you on this crazy ride that you really want to get off and run the other way and you are not sure you are going to make it through. All I can say is yes you will make it through and He will remind you of the promises that He has given you! Sometimes all you can do is grab ahold of God and cry out until your voice is hoarse and your tears are all dried up. But if you could even try to imagine what the 'other side' of this ride holds you will hold on for dear life and push your way through. I know for myself He had me face some fears that I have had since I was a child and some really religious mindsets. I'm still in process but I have had such an amazing breakthrough in both of these areas! Praise Jesus! Was it easy? Heck no!!!! And I really didn't know if I was going to make it! But GOD!!!! He reminded me of several of the promises He had given me and I held on to those with my life! I continue to push through...because the vision's and promises He has given me can only be fulfilled as I walk through each season. I can't stop. I HAVE to push through. And I am! The sweetness of my quiet time with the LORD has been revived and renewed. And just tonight He gave me another little nugget of what has to happen at times in order to reach your promise land sometimes....
He brought us out from there in order to bring us in, to give us the land which He had sworn to our father. - Deuteronomy 6:23
In order to walk on water, you have to leave your insecurities on the shore! You will walk into your promise land! Take hold of the promises of God! You can do it! If I can, then anyone can! Love you all so much and the best is yet to come! Love Jesus will all your heart, mind, soul and strength!
From my heart to yours,
Sandy
I wonder how many of us find ourselves in a season of wondering if we are going to see the end of it and the beginning of the next season. I know for myself I wondered that in the last month or so....
It has been a wild and crazy ride! If you are crazy enough to ride those horrendous roller coaster rides that scare you half to death and make you sick you will know what kind of 'ride' I am talking about! LOL... Last year I had a friend of mine talk me into riding in the very first car of this kind of ride at Six Flags Great America...now...I have never had a problem with the roller coaster rides that have the cork screws and even go upside down...but...I have NEVER in my life ridden in the very first car of the ride....that is until last year....lets just say that was the first time and the last time that will EVER happen! LOL So what happened you may ask? Well....Everything was fine in the beginning...even with the steep drop in the beginning of the ride....it wasn't until it went into the very first cork screw that everything decided to turn black...nope...I didn't close my eyes and it didn't go into a tunnel nor was it dark outside...I started to black out!!!! All I could think of is if I black out I am going to fall off this ride and drop several stories to the ground...so what did I do? I prayed so loud I didn't care who could hear me! hahahaha It worked and I didn't completely black out...
Why do I tell this story? It goes so well with what the LORD is doing all across the nations in His bride (children). He is taking you on this crazy ride that you really want to get off and run the other way and you are not sure you are going to make it through. All I can say is yes you will make it through and He will remind you of the promises that He has given you! Sometimes all you can do is grab ahold of God and cry out until your voice is hoarse and your tears are all dried up. But if you could even try to imagine what the 'other side' of this ride holds you will hold on for dear life and push your way through. I know for myself He had me face some fears that I have had since I was a child and some really religious mindsets. I'm still in process but I have had such an amazing breakthrough in both of these areas! Praise Jesus! Was it easy? Heck no!!!! And I really didn't know if I was going to make it! But GOD!!!! He reminded me of several of the promises He had given me and I held on to those with my life! I continue to push through...because the vision's and promises He has given me can only be fulfilled as I walk through each season. I can't stop. I HAVE to push through. And I am! The sweetness of my quiet time with the LORD has been revived and renewed. And just tonight He gave me another little nugget of what has to happen at times in order to reach your promise land sometimes....
He brought us out from there in order to bring us in, to give us the land which He had sworn to our father. - Deuteronomy 6:23
In order to walk on water, you have to leave your insecurities on the shore! You will walk into your promise land! Take hold of the promises of God! You can do it! If I can, then anyone can! Love you all so much and the best is yet to come! Love Jesus will all your heart, mind, soul and strength!
From my heart to yours,
Sandy
Friday, September 14, 2012
Hope or Hopeless
Hope deferred makes the heart sick....
How many times do we find ourselves in this type of position? I pray not many...but I do know that we do come to that point at times because of our expectations, or might I add what we have been taught over numerous years has not been the truth. I myself have been there recently (still there). This definitely has not been one of my bright and shining moments and find myself thinking of how could I have done it differently....should I have accepted the help that was extended to me? Or was this really something I needed to do on my own. (talking about my own circumstance that landed me in this place that seems hopeless)
I have been reading a book called '10 Lies the Church Tells Women' by Lee Grady. Its really a great book for both men and women to read and very biblically sound. I'm not that far into it, but I do have to say that just reading the introduction at the beginning of the book already started to mess with my world of what I had believed. For some reason throughout the years I started to believe things about ministry and marriage dealing with women that were not biblical at all. Why? I guess its because those that were saying it were what I would call great men and women of God. I looked up to them. To me I didn't have to demand them to show me where that was in the bible, I just took it at face value. So here I am years later only to find myself in this place of realizing I have had some really wrong mindsets. This book from the very beginning will stir up anger (in a holy way) at how the church has viewed women over the years and still does. You find yourself at times weeping only because of how sad and how long you have believed these lies...Then you find how freeing it is to not be under the 'weight' of what is 'expected' of you (according to the religious mindset of some) and what your 'position' in ministry and marriage should be. But it really shows you what the Word says about women in ministry and how a real biblical based marriage should be. No wonder why we have a divorce rate in the church that is just as high as the one outside of the church. I find myself even as I am typing this......weeping...partly because I hurt not just for myself but for those that still believe these lies. Oh how the devil has counterfeited the purity and holiness and partnership of marriage. Talk about hopelessness! Of course we would experience this hopelessness especially living under this kind of religious mindset!
So ladies....if you are like me and have lived under such fear of being in a marriage where no matter what happens the man is always right and you do as he says without question (i personally know of marriages like this) and/or under the belief that you can't go into full time ministry without being married and your husband leading the ministry while you sit quietly by...Learn the truth from God's word.....Its okay to question people of their beliefs...You're not saying they are wrong....you are just seeking God's word for yourself....Pray and ask God to show you His truth....NOT man's....I have learned a very valuable lesson in this time...Do NOT seek counsel from everyone that is close to you about what you should do..you will get answers from each end of the spectrum! believe me! I know! This only brings confusion....seek God first always!...it is okay to have someone who gives godly counsel (which is normally your pastor...in my case it is my pastor and I should have listened to him) but don't ask everyone that comes in your path...lol...
Anyways....I would say...get this book! I'm not even halfway through it and each time I read it I am a weeping mess! (which is on a daily basis! lol) But I continue to get set free from mindsets that have held me back from the blessings He has placed in my path.... So my hope is in the Lord! Not in my circumstances....I know some of this blog is a little scattered, but that's what happens when you blog at 1:30 in the morning! LOL
So my hope is in the Lord!
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips will praise You. - Psalm 63:3
From my heart to yours,
Sandy
How many times do we find ourselves in this type of position? I pray not many...but I do know that we do come to that point at times because of our expectations, or might I add what we have been taught over numerous years has not been the truth. I myself have been there recently (still there). This definitely has not been one of my bright and shining moments and find myself thinking of how could I have done it differently....should I have accepted the help that was extended to me? Or was this really something I needed to do on my own. (talking about my own circumstance that landed me in this place that seems hopeless)
I have been reading a book called '10 Lies the Church Tells Women' by Lee Grady. Its really a great book for both men and women to read and very biblically sound. I'm not that far into it, but I do have to say that just reading the introduction at the beginning of the book already started to mess with my world of what I had believed. For some reason throughout the years I started to believe things about ministry and marriage dealing with women that were not biblical at all. Why? I guess its because those that were saying it were what I would call great men and women of God. I looked up to them. To me I didn't have to demand them to show me where that was in the bible, I just took it at face value. So here I am years later only to find myself in this place of realizing I have had some really wrong mindsets. This book from the very beginning will stir up anger (in a holy way) at how the church has viewed women over the years and still does. You find yourself at times weeping only because of how sad and how long you have believed these lies...Then you find how freeing it is to not be under the 'weight' of what is 'expected' of you (according to the religious mindset of some) and what your 'position' in ministry and marriage should be. But it really shows you what the Word says about women in ministry and how a real biblical based marriage should be. No wonder why we have a divorce rate in the church that is just as high as the one outside of the church. I find myself even as I am typing this......weeping...partly because I hurt not just for myself but for those that still believe these lies. Oh how the devil has counterfeited the purity and holiness and partnership of marriage. Talk about hopelessness! Of course we would experience this hopelessness especially living under this kind of religious mindset!
So ladies....if you are like me and have lived under such fear of being in a marriage where no matter what happens the man is always right and you do as he says without question (i personally know of marriages like this) and/or under the belief that you can't go into full time ministry without being married and your husband leading the ministry while you sit quietly by...Learn the truth from God's word.....Its okay to question people of their beliefs...You're not saying they are wrong....you are just seeking God's word for yourself....Pray and ask God to show you His truth....NOT man's....I have learned a very valuable lesson in this time...Do NOT seek counsel from everyone that is close to you about what you should do..you will get answers from each end of the spectrum! believe me! I know! This only brings confusion....seek God first always!...it is okay to have someone who gives godly counsel (which is normally your pastor...in my case it is my pastor and I should have listened to him) but don't ask everyone that comes in your path...lol...
Anyways....I would say...get this book! I'm not even halfway through it and each time I read it I am a weeping mess! (which is on a daily basis! lol) But I continue to get set free from mindsets that have held me back from the blessings He has placed in my path.... So my hope is in the Lord! Not in my circumstances....I know some of this blog is a little scattered, but that's what happens when you blog at 1:30 in the morning! LOL
So my hope is in the Lord!
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips will praise You. - Psalm 63:3
From my heart to yours,
Sandy
Saturday, July 14, 2012
50 Shades of Grey and Magic Mike....Really ladies?
I first heard of 50 Shades of Grey through a co-worker. He asked me if I had read this book yet. He said his sister told him is was really great and that he needed to read it. I asked him what it was about and he said something about business but he wasn't really sure. So I thought well okay....I'll have to find out more. However, before I could look it up, he did. He said it looked like it was about a man and woman and said something about it being erotic. I said absolutely not! I will not read something like that. He understands my point of view and where I am coming from. He knows I'm a Christian and that I don't entertain myself with things of that nature.
Well it wasn't too long after that, that I noticed Christian women posting on how great this book is and then comes the comments about how great the movie Magic Mike is. At first I really didn't know enough to get into a conversation about these two so i just let it go. That is until a couple of days ago when a great friend of mine posted on Facebook how she doesn't understand how Christian women can defend reading and watching this stuff. So I decided to do some research...Which I always enjoy doing...When I read the information on Magic Mike I was appalled! How in the world can someone say they thought watching the movie was fine and that it wasn't sin? This movie clearly glorifies the stripping industry in which I am completely against! Let me just explain something about the stripping industry. First and foremost the women who are in these clubs...I don't care how upscale they are, the women are continually beat, stabbed and then raped. Now you may say well its the lifestyle. No it's not. The majority of these women had nothing to turn to because they never had a healthy family life. Many were abused growing up and most were raped by family members or friends of family members over and over again. Some were sent to foster home after foster home. And men and women around the world are funding this! And they think its okay just because they are not actively participating, they are just watching. Interesting, sounds like what women are doing with these books and movies.
So in talking about Magic Mike and 50 Shades of Grey, a friend of mine called it 'soft porn'. I call it porn at its worse! How in the world are we to teach our daughters and sons its not okay to have sex before marriage when their parents are watching this stuff and saying its okay because I just wish I could have a body like that? Yes, someone really said that. Really? Lets be honest here, that's not the only thing you are thinking. This is exactly how the enemy hooks Christians into the sexual perversion that runs so rampant in the United States as well as the world. When parents allow this perversion in the house, you open up your children to this as well. Right now if you were to ask your children's principal at school if they have a problem with sex in the school, they will most likely tell you yes. Right now in the US there is an epidemic in the schools of kids even in grade school having oral sex because they don't think its sex and they just want to fit in. Really? I wonder where this mind set came from? I wonder if parents know that it's their daughter participating in this. If you don't stop allowing this stuff in your home its only going to get worse. You are allowing the fleshly desires to run rampant in you as well as in your home! Jesus said in Matthew 5:28:
Well it wasn't too long after that, that I noticed Christian women posting on how great this book is and then comes the comments about how great the movie Magic Mike is. At first I really didn't know enough to get into a conversation about these two so i just let it go. That is until a couple of days ago when a great friend of mine posted on Facebook how she doesn't understand how Christian women can defend reading and watching this stuff. So I decided to do some research...Which I always enjoy doing...When I read the information on Magic Mike I was appalled! How in the world can someone say they thought watching the movie was fine and that it wasn't sin? This movie clearly glorifies the stripping industry in which I am completely against! Let me just explain something about the stripping industry. First and foremost the women who are in these clubs...I don't care how upscale they are, the women are continually beat, stabbed and then raped. Now you may say well its the lifestyle. No it's not. The majority of these women had nothing to turn to because they never had a healthy family life. Many were abused growing up and most were raped by family members or friends of family members over and over again. Some were sent to foster home after foster home. And men and women around the world are funding this! And they think its okay just because they are not actively participating, they are just watching. Interesting, sounds like what women are doing with these books and movies.
So in talking about Magic Mike and 50 Shades of Grey, a friend of mine called it 'soft porn'. I call it porn at its worse! How in the world are we to teach our daughters and sons its not okay to have sex before marriage when their parents are watching this stuff and saying its okay because I just wish I could have a body like that? Yes, someone really said that. Really? Lets be honest here, that's not the only thing you are thinking. This is exactly how the enemy hooks Christians into the sexual perversion that runs so rampant in the United States as well as the world. When parents allow this perversion in the house, you open up your children to this as well. Right now if you were to ask your children's principal at school if they have a problem with sex in the school, they will most likely tell you yes. Right now in the US there is an epidemic in the schools of kids even in grade school having oral sex because they don't think its sex and they just want to fit in. Really? I wonder where this mind set came from? I wonder if parents know that it's their daughter participating in this. If you don't stop allowing this stuff in your home its only going to get worse. You are allowing the fleshly desires to run rampant in you as well as in your home! Jesus said in Matthew 5:28:
but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
This is also for women.
Listen. In this day and age we cannot allow the enemy to come in and continue to wreck havoc in our homes, or in this nation. If we do not begin to stand up and say no to these movies and books, we will continue to see more of this come out. If you want to see the divorce rate in the church go down then you will begin to say 'No' to this sexual perversion that you have allowed in your home and say 'Yes' to purity. The only way we can begin to see the purity of the Lord sweep this nation and the nations of the earth is to purify what we allow ourselves to watch and see. Jesus said in Luke 11:34 & 35
The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Then watch out that the light in you is not darkness.
Please I beg you! Begin to stand up for righteousness and purity! Help us to stop these movies and books that are coming out! Stop funding these projects! They are harming you and your family for generations to come!
From my heart to yours,
Sandy
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Crossroads
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. for to be can ally minded is death but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.-Romans 8:5, 6
There are times in our lives that we find ourselves at a crossroad. One way is where our desire for something is so great that we can step outside of God's timing and choose a path that will take us longer to get to our destiny, or destination. The other way, while it doesn't always seem to be what we had in mind in order to fulfill our destiny or reach our destination, its where God is leading.
I know I myself am at a crossroad in my life. To some it may seem a simple decision, to others...well they are glad they don't have to make the decision anymore. lol So then how in the world am I going to make the right decision? Is there even a right or wrong decision in every decision you have to make in life? I myself believe that depending on the decision you make can at times mean life or death to your destiny. Some decisions if you make the wrong one may not keep you from fulfilling your destiny, but it will just take you longer. Obviously I am talking about life altering decisions, not the every day decisions that you make.
I'm reminded of the rich young ruler who when Jesus said to go and sell everything he had and to then come and follow the Lord went away sad because he knew he wouldn't sell everything. So in essence this young man decided his desire for riches was more important than following God. This young man's desire for riches was more important than doing what the Lord was requesting of him. I wonder what would have happened if the young man had sold everything to follow the Lord. I wonder what would he have done for the kingdom. I'm pretty sure it would have been amazing!
So how do you make the right decision? Pray, Pray, Pray!!!!! All I know is that if you continue to spend time in prayer and the word, you can't miss God. There is absolutely no way! What happens if you hear the opposite of what you were hoping for? Well I guess that's when you will be in the same place as the rich young ruler. Have you allowed your flesh to run rampant in your life or have you allowed the Spirit to take control and lead and guide your steps? Only you can answer that. I have chosen to walk down the road that God has for me. What does that look like? Well, only I will know that answer. :) All I know is sometimes it comes with great heartache, but the heartache will soon turn to joy. And sometimes it can be effortless as you just allow God to do what he desires to do. Either way, when you follow God's road and plan for your life, you just can't go wrong. I love Him with all my heart!
May He grant you according to your heart's desire, And fulfill all your purpose.-Psalm 20:4
From my heart to yours
There are times in our lives that we find ourselves at a crossroad. One way is where our desire for something is so great that we can step outside of God's timing and choose a path that will take us longer to get to our destiny, or destination. The other way, while it doesn't always seem to be what we had in mind in order to fulfill our destiny or reach our destination, its where God is leading.
I know I myself am at a crossroad in my life. To some it may seem a simple decision, to others...well they are glad they don't have to make the decision anymore. lol So then how in the world am I going to make the right decision? Is there even a right or wrong decision in every decision you have to make in life? I myself believe that depending on the decision you make can at times mean life or death to your destiny. Some decisions if you make the wrong one may not keep you from fulfilling your destiny, but it will just take you longer. Obviously I am talking about life altering decisions, not the every day decisions that you make.
I'm reminded of the rich young ruler who when Jesus said to go and sell everything he had and to then come and follow the Lord went away sad because he knew he wouldn't sell everything. So in essence this young man decided his desire for riches was more important than following God. This young man's desire for riches was more important than doing what the Lord was requesting of him. I wonder what would have happened if the young man had sold everything to follow the Lord. I wonder what would he have done for the kingdom. I'm pretty sure it would have been amazing!
So how do you make the right decision? Pray, Pray, Pray!!!!! All I know is that if you continue to spend time in prayer and the word, you can't miss God. There is absolutely no way! What happens if you hear the opposite of what you were hoping for? Well I guess that's when you will be in the same place as the rich young ruler. Have you allowed your flesh to run rampant in your life or have you allowed the Spirit to take control and lead and guide your steps? Only you can answer that. I have chosen to walk down the road that God has for me. What does that look like? Well, only I will know that answer. :) All I know is sometimes it comes with great heartache, but the heartache will soon turn to joy. And sometimes it can be effortless as you just allow God to do what he desires to do. Either way, when you follow God's road and plan for your life, you just can't go wrong. I love Him with all my heart!
May He grant you according to your heart's desire, And fulfill all your purpose.-Psalm 20:4
From my heart to yours
Friday, March 30, 2012
Why I pray.....
Philippians 4:5-8 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I am learning this almost on a weekly basis!
Have you ever been stuck in those "what ifs" moments? Where you find yourself continually thinking well, "what if" i was wrong, "what if" this could work out, "what if" it just wasn't the right time, "what if" I just give it a little more time, "what if" I heard from the Lord wrong? Do you know how destructive that can be? This type of thinking will bring doubt and confusion. It will even at times cause you to stay in a situation because you are waiting for the doubt and confusion to clear. Well, let me just say this....The doubt and confusion will stay as long as you don't remove yourself from that situation. And believe me when I say God will remove you if you are willing. When you choose to look at it from God's perspective then you will clearly see the truth. If you look at your situation through scripture you will see what God's perspective is. Does how the situation affect you build you up or tear you down. Does it lift you up and bring life, strength and growth to you? Or does it just bring confusion and discouragement?
The enemy has come to kill, steal and destroy your life. He has no rules. It doesn't matter what the situation is or what it looks like. He will cause you to think you are in the wrong and bring you to the point where you continue to stay in the situation and thus holding back your freedom and destiny.
I will, for the most part, look for the growth and/or learning opportunity in just about every circumstance. It drives some people nuts....lol But I completely believe that what I go through is meant to be passed on so others can learn from it and not have to go through it themselves. The Lord told me one time that what He has given me is not for my benefit, but for the benefit for others. So when I experience trials and tribulations I know that what God is doing in me through that is to bring healing and freedom for others. What God has given me I will not allow the enemy to steal. I completely believe that when you do not feel the peace of God, then you need to remember back to where you lost it. Even in hard times you can and will sense the peace of God. It never leaves.
John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will now the truth and the truth will set you free.- John 8:31,32
So why do I pray about everything? Because the Word tells me to.
From my heart to yours,
Sandy
I am learning this almost on a weekly basis!
Have you ever been stuck in those "what ifs" moments? Where you find yourself continually thinking well, "what if" i was wrong, "what if" this could work out, "what if" it just wasn't the right time, "what if" I just give it a little more time, "what if" I heard from the Lord wrong? Do you know how destructive that can be? This type of thinking will bring doubt and confusion. It will even at times cause you to stay in a situation because you are waiting for the doubt and confusion to clear. Well, let me just say this....The doubt and confusion will stay as long as you don't remove yourself from that situation. And believe me when I say God will remove you if you are willing. When you choose to look at it from God's perspective then you will clearly see the truth. If you look at your situation through scripture you will see what God's perspective is. Does how the situation affect you build you up or tear you down. Does it lift you up and bring life, strength and growth to you? Or does it just bring confusion and discouragement?
The enemy has come to kill, steal and destroy your life. He has no rules. It doesn't matter what the situation is or what it looks like. He will cause you to think you are in the wrong and bring you to the point where you continue to stay in the situation and thus holding back your freedom and destiny.
I will, for the most part, look for the growth and/or learning opportunity in just about every circumstance. It drives some people nuts....lol But I completely believe that what I go through is meant to be passed on so others can learn from it and not have to go through it themselves. The Lord told me one time that what He has given me is not for my benefit, but for the benefit for others. So when I experience trials and tribulations I know that what God is doing in me through that is to bring healing and freedom for others. What God has given me I will not allow the enemy to steal. I completely believe that when you do not feel the peace of God, then you need to remember back to where you lost it. Even in hard times you can and will sense the peace of God. It never leaves.
John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will now the truth and the truth will set you free.- John 8:31,32
So why do I pray about everything? Because the Word tells me to.
From my heart to yours,
Sandy
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Prayer? Really?
You know there are so many times that i just don't feel like praying. But then i have to realize that what the church has defined as prayer is....actually a religious view point. Do you know how many times i have been so frustrated over how the church has placed prayer so far down the list of the things they want to do? It's grieving. Not only that but the prayer ministry and most of all the intercessors have been pushed to the back and made to be in the back ground that sometimes it's even hard to know if there is prayer taking place in the church. I know this to be true. They have labeled intercessors as weird and kooky (granted there are some) that they have become so discouraged they have come off the wall! What happens when the watchman are no longer on the wall? The enemy can come in without being detected! You wonder why the Bride of Christ is being so attack? They have placed more emphasis on how many people they can get into their church than they do on prayer.
Isaiah 56:7 these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."
If I could define prayer in my own words it would be this: The amazing conversations that you have between you and the Lord with no one else involved.
How we have made this such a religious act that no one even wants to pray or spend time with the Lord. They think reading their bible every now and again and going to church on Wednesdays and Sundays is enough. What they don't understand is that in prayer, wether you are worshipping the Lord, reading the Word or in intercession...it brings great joy! There is a refreshing that happens as well as a intimacy with the Lord that you can't get doing anything else. The Lord doesn't want to hear a list of requests from you, He wants to talk to you. One on one. You and Him! My mind can't even begin to comprehend that Jesus wants to talk to me! And spend time with me!
When we choose to spend more time trying to build our own "kingdoms" we leave God out completely. We leave no room for Him. Now I'm not a theologian...I'm a very simple person....So even I understand that if you don't spend time with someone you really don't who they are...You have to spend time with someone in order to truly know who they are and what their hearts desire is. You will also know if there is something you can help them achieve and/or attain. This is the same with spending time with the Lord. Sure we know His heart by reading the Word, but how will you know how to bring reformation to a region without getting to know Jesus' heart ticks? What I mean is only He can give you that revelation through revealing His heart to you and He isn't going to reveal or intrust you with His heart if you don't have a relationship with Him. Prayer is the key that unlocks the door of His heart to yours.
One thing that I like to remind people is God wants us way more than we could ever want Him! He is God and He is perfect! His emotions are perfect where ours have faults. He wants you! Are you willing to cultivate a relationship with Him? And not just to know how to bring reformation but just because you want to know Him?
From my heart to yours,
Sandy
Isaiah 56:7 these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."
If I could define prayer in my own words it would be this: The amazing conversations that you have between you and the Lord with no one else involved.
How we have made this such a religious act that no one even wants to pray or spend time with the Lord. They think reading their bible every now and again and going to church on Wednesdays and Sundays is enough. What they don't understand is that in prayer, wether you are worshipping the Lord, reading the Word or in intercession...it brings great joy! There is a refreshing that happens as well as a intimacy with the Lord that you can't get doing anything else. The Lord doesn't want to hear a list of requests from you, He wants to talk to you. One on one. You and Him! My mind can't even begin to comprehend that Jesus wants to talk to me! And spend time with me!
When we choose to spend more time trying to build our own "kingdoms" we leave God out completely. We leave no room for Him. Now I'm not a theologian...I'm a very simple person....So even I understand that if you don't spend time with someone you really don't who they are...You have to spend time with someone in order to truly know who they are and what their hearts desire is. You will also know if there is something you can help them achieve and/or attain. This is the same with spending time with the Lord. Sure we know His heart by reading the Word, but how will you know how to bring reformation to a region without getting to know Jesus' heart ticks? What I mean is only He can give you that revelation through revealing His heart to you and He isn't going to reveal or intrust you with His heart if you don't have a relationship with Him. Prayer is the key that unlocks the door of His heart to yours.
One thing that I like to remind people is God wants us way more than we could ever want Him! He is God and He is perfect! His emotions are perfect where ours have faults. He wants you! Are you willing to cultivate a relationship with Him? And not just to know how to bring reformation but just because you want to know Him?
From my heart to yours,
Sandy
Friday, March 23, 2012
Seasons come and seasons go......
Let's be real....One thing you will find consistently over and over on my blog is I will be ruefully honest...And I don't mind if you don't agree with me...That's part of what the family of God is all about...The difference in how each one of us works and how we together make a whole body. One of the most amazing things is how God made us so different from each other because He knew what one person had is exactly what we would need to accomplish a task He has called us to do. We need each other so that we can bring transformation to a generation, a nation, and ultimately change history! We can't do it alone. God never intended us to do it alone either.
Sometimes we get into these seasons where we look around and think, "my gosh what on earth am i doing here and how in the world Lord are you going to get me to where I am supposed to be?" Now I know I am not the only one that has thought that in certain seasons of my life. I remember thinking I would never be in youth ministry....low and behold that is exactly where God started me! I always thought God had a sense of humor and when that happened I knew He did! But this is the thing....I learned so much about leadership in that time. I saw some of the greatest healings (emotionally) come to some of the youth that I still talk about them to this day and that has been over 6 years ago now. We have to learn never to despise the season that we are in. We may not always understand what God wants us to learn in some of them...and sometimes we don't see what we learned until after we have entered into the next season. But know this....God has always had a plan and a destiny for your life. No matter where you come from...No matter your age....God ALWAYS has a plan. I also know how hard it is to sit still sometimes, especially when you want to do every ministry that comes your way. But God says just sit and be still. That is so much easier said than done. Then there are those seasons where it seems all you do is ministry and you think...I asked for this but didn't realize I wouldn't have time for family and friends....or even to get to know someone in order to start a family! lol I have been there too! (still am!) But know this....God has always had a plan and even though you think you have no idea how some things will come about, God knows and you can rest in knowing He has it all under control. And in each season He is making us into His image, Praise the Lord! So when you don't know what to do, who to turn to, or maybe you can't even see the way out of a season, just rest in Him! We have all been there. Just remember seasons come and season go. Try to enjoy each one you are in. Have I always enjoyed them? Absolutely not! But now? Yes I do! Even the hard ones because I know when James 1:2-4 says: Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
This is the real word of God! It rings true in every facet of life.
So what season am I in right now? Well I guess you would say I am right where I am supposed to be! Praise Jesus! Do I know God's complete plan for my life? Absolutely not and I am okay with that because I know that He has amazing things in store for me. My hearts cry is to know Him! To know the very heart beat of God.
From my heart to yours,
Sandy
Sometimes we get into these seasons where we look around and think, "my gosh what on earth am i doing here and how in the world Lord are you going to get me to where I am supposed to be?" Now I know I am not the only one that has thought that in certain seasons of my life. I remember thinking I would never be in youth ministry....low and behold that is exactly where God started me! I always thought God had a sense of humor and when that happened I knew He did! But this is the thing....I learned so much about leadership in that time. I saw some of the greatest healings (emotionally) come to some of the youth that I still talk about them to this day and that has been over 6 years ago now. We have to learn never to despise the season that we are in. We may not always understand what God wants us to learn in some of them...and sometimes we don't see what we learned until after we have entered into the next season. But know this....God has always had a plan and a destiny for your life. No matter where you come from...No matter your age....God ALWAYS has a plan. I also know how hard it is to sit still sometimes, especially when you want to do every ministry that comes your way. But God says just sit and be still. That is so much easier said than done. Then there are those seasons where it seems all you do is ministry and you think...I asked for this but didn't realize I wouldn't have time for family and friends....or even to get to know someone in order to start a family! lol I have been there too! (still am!) But know this....God has always had a plan and even though you think you have no idea how some things will come about, God knows and you can rest in knowing He has it all under control. And in each season He is making us into His image, Praise the Lord! So when you don't know what to do, who to turn to, or maybe you can't even see the way out of a season, just rest in Him! We have all been there. Just remember seasons come and season go. Try to enjoy each one you are in. Have I always enjoyed them? Absolutely not! But now? Yes I do! Even the hard ones because I know when James 1:2-4 says: Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
This is the real word of God! It rings true in every facet of life.
So what season am I in right now? Well I guess you would say I am right where I am supposed to be! Praise Jesus! Do I know God's complete plan for my life? Absolutely not and I am okay with that because I know that He has amazing things in store for me. My hearts cry is to know Him! To know the very heart beat of God.
From my heart to yours,
Sandy
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