I kinda feel like I'm on a treadmill. But, I am keeping my eyes on the prize - and no, it's not french fries or chicken or any of my other favorite snacks. Spiritual growth and living a life that pleases God - that's the prize. I mentioned last week that this week would keep me rolling - hence the treadmill thingy. I thought I would pop in tonight for just a minute to update you - and really, more than that, to let you know how awesome God is in the midst! 


The ref blew the start whistle on Monday. I ignored him until he kept blowing and blowing. (oh - the ref is my alarm clock). Anyhooooooo - after I satisfied the ref, I was up and rolling. I got so much accomplished Monday despite the fact that I felt D.R.A.I.N.E.D all day long. Did I mention ALL DAY?, cause I really mean all day. I was so drained that I thought something was wrong with me. So, I gave myself a bed time and failed to keep it. You knew that was coming, right? I don't know why I bothered with the time crunching...you know how we do - I need to get X,Y and Z done before X time so that I can get into bed. The plan was made and the plan was dropped just as quickly. But the wonderful thing about God is this - when I did finally crawl into bed, I slept like a champ. I woke up Tuesday refreshed as if I'd sleep 8 hours. Whoooa! Good times.


Tuesday was another testiment to the grace of God. For Tuesday, I woke up early and got to work late. I don't know what happened really. It had something to do with those pants I ironed I guess. Anyway, 15 minutes late, I'm on-fire for the job. I breeze through some of my workload until I see an email redirecting my efforts for a considerable part of the day...throwing my plan off schedule. But you know what? The wonderful thing about God is that even though I had a plan, His plan was better - even if it included a request that I had not accounted for. I missed my personal deadline yesterday, but I met my revamped deadline today. Awesome God! 


So, as you can tell, Wednesday is running pretty smooth. I've spent the evening studying for my class and preparing for my talk on Saturday in Fayetteville. Everything is looking good. And I'm rolling around with sheer joy in the realization that God is in every single detail. He's there. All we have to do is to acknowledge Him. Three more intense pressure days lay ahead of me, but with God, all things are possible. I know He won't let me fall. 


Hope you're having a great week. And if you get a chance, pray for somebody that you know is having a tough time - whether it be a tough day, week or season, lift that person up in prayer. I have personally experienced our God in an intimate way this week knowing that He is faithful to meet us in our every need. 


Cheers!

More recently than I'd care to admit, my faith has been challenged. I'd been fighting this thing off of me for some time and I finally got a little weary. Uh oh... I needed to recharge my faith batteries and get back to the place that no matter what, I trusted and believed that God would solve THIS situation. That's right, even this one. Yet, the more I tried to pump up my faith, the less my faith was pumped. I liken it to trying to pump up a bicycle tire with a foot pump with the nozzle improperly placed. You hear the air being pushed out of the pump but it's not going into the tire. End result: exhaustion, frustration and a flat-tire...still.

After a series of "game-escalating" activities, I came to this conclusion. It's not the things that I am trying to do that keep failing. It's what I'm trying to do to get to the answer. Instead of seeking His face, knowing that He will provide for even THIS situation, I've been seeking His hand - doing any and everything to try to get Him to tell me that He's going to work this thing out. But, that's already been revealed to me in His Word. Have I been asleep these years of my life or what?

So, now I rest in knowing that instead of trying to get God to answer me, I will just live a righteous life in faith knowing that God knows what I need. And, when He is ready, He will address THIS situation. To Him be the glory!

So, take a hint from me today. If you are struggling with God over an answer to a situation, stop now and just believe. Believe that He is going to work it out in due time and you don't have to worry about it. Just believe. Just trust. For the righteous live by faith!

Oft times we want a reason. We say to others "give me a reason why I should xyz." We also point this question to God in the midst of our frustrations. We say "give me a reason why I should continue to follow You." I know you may not admit to this. But, it's okay. I know it to be true for some.

I know that following Christ can be difficult at times, especially when our flesh would much desire to be doing something else. I know that to take up our cross daily and bear the weight of it all seems a daunting task at times. I know. And, I sympathize with you. But, I cannot let you off the hook.

If I look around, I can see many people seeming to prosper in the things that I lack and am waiting on God to grant me. But, I'm no fool. God never called me to compare myself with others. The enemy wants me to focus on what they have and what I lack. But, God has already told me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am unique because I am His workmanship. My path is different - everyone's path is different and uniquely theirs. That's what makes it their story.

So, I know what it is to look around and be tempted to compare but we have to resist that temptation. I cannot let you off the hook. We have to persevere in Christ. You want a reason to keep the faith, pick any of these:

1. There is no greater reward than Heaven
2. As Christians, we belong to Him
3. In belonging to Him, we are to obey His commands
4. He knows best for our lives and has left instructions for us to live abundantly
5. He is God. He doesn't have to explain Himself to us.
6. He has sent us a Comforter
7. He is a very present help
8. He is a wonderful counselor and friend
9. He is the Great I AM
10. He foresees.

I really could have stopped with five - He is God. We don't question Him. We obey Him. So, He does not have to give us a reason. We need to supply ourselves with reasons found in the Bible.

Why do we press on? Because of His sacrifice.
Why do we press on? Because He is our example.
Why do we press on? Because of His great love for us.
Why do we press on? Because He is our Father.

I press on because at the end of my race, I want to hear , well done. I press on because in doing so, I develop a track record with God. And, as result, my faith increases.

And, that's the key. When our faith develops strong and mighty, we no longer have to ask God for a reason for anything. We just trust Him.

Hey! I'm back from PT. This time, it wasn't so bad.

Now, on to the good stuff. Bible Study last night.

Pastor talked about a lot of good things but the one thing that sticks with me today is the perspective that we have on things. We discussed how you may get a bad report from your doctor or even from your job or a myriad of other places - no matter what, you get some bad news.

At that point, once you've heard the news, you have a choice. You can either go down in defeat or trust in God.

I never really thought about limiting my choices. You know I like options! But, if I limit my choices to just those two things - having a defeatist mentality or having a trusting-in-the-Lord-no-matter-what mentality, then guess which one I'm going to choose?

Now, this is easier said than done. Not too long ago I got some rather interesting news myself. But, praise be to God, everything is working out. I refuse to believe that my faith has to bow down to any bad news. How about you?

It's when we go through that our faith needs to shine through us. That makes sense doesn't it?

Feeling blue? - let your faith shine through! (Hey, I like that - the Lord just gave it to me!)

Anyway, I guess the whole point of this blog post today is to encourage you to keep the faith. Have more than a little trust in Jesus. He is bigger than your circumstances and obstacles. Afterall, when those winds and waves were beating those disciplines on that boat - Who came out walking on the water - none other than Jesus - demonstrating that He is Lord over everything. (God gave that to my Pastor to give to us last night!) So, cling to the One that knows how to really control your life and it's issues. If God tells you to move on something or to go somewhere - just do it. He's in control.

Following God is not a difficult thing to do when you just do it. Get the right perspective!

I cannot believe it’s October. It’s October and I’m still not wearing a coat to work in the mornings. What’s really going on people!?! Global Warming? End-times? What?!!

Okay – on to my point. I had a conference call this morning so that’s why I’m running behind in posting (plus the fact that I slept past the time I was supposed to get up so that I could post early. Sorry! Wink, wink…)

Yesterday, I nearly lost my cool. It’s like that when you birth something and somebody else tries their level best to take it away from you. I was crying and upset and couldn’t understand it (and I still don’t ) but like Patti LaBelle said … ou oou ou ou oooooouuu I’ve got a new attitude.

I spent a rather significant amount of time receiving wise council. And, well, now I’m set to do what must be done. With my face set towards God, I will step back and give God room to work the way that He intends.

You see, what happened to me yesterday is not a surprise to God. He’s seen it done before at the hands of the same people. God does not like "ugly" behavior. God sees, He knows, He cares. And, He handles folks too – He will repay. So, therefore, why should I get in His way? He is going to work this thing out in a way that gives Him the glory. And, I’m not going to interfere with it.

Now, knowing me, you recognize already that you are going to have to keep me in your prayers, right? It’s hard to turn something loose that means so much. But, whether it be at the hands of a thief or at the hands of God, when it’s time to let go, we’ve got to do just that. Let go and let God have His way in our circumstances and situations. We say that from time to time, and now here is the test.

If God intends for me to receive it again – since He’s the one that gave it to me and allowed me to prepare and present it, then I will have it. But, if this is the end of the road per the intentions of God, then it’s the end of the road. It’s really that simple. Somebody else cannot keep what belongs to you if God ordained it for you. So, please pray for me as I walk in faith, trusting God that He will restore me during this time. I grieved yesterday for the thing God allowed me to birth and now I have to trust Him, NOT man, with the growth of it.

I am doing a Bible Study with my friend Angela. We just started the study this week and I have to tell you - I'm really enjoying my time in the Word in this new way. The study is called Abundant Grace: Lessons from the Family, and if you are interested, I believe that you too can be a part of this pilot study. Go to her website here and sign up by letting her know that you are interested. This week, our study has taken us to an examination of our own family as well as an examination of those in the Bible. I bet you can guess who was part of the study... you got it, Abraham.

I love examining his life. His life is such ministry to me because Abraham experienced God in many powerful ways. His faith and trust and devotion to God blows my mind. I cannot imagine what it must have been like to be Abraham. To become a father in his old age - to stand on the promise - I'm talking about Isaac instead of Ishmael here. But, to be able to see a miracle walking around each day - Isaac was a miracle. And, then to have to turn around in obedience and lay Isaac down for the sacrifice. I think I would have had an issue there quite personally. But, obedient Abraham went forward having faith in the promise still - believing that even if he slaughtered Isaac that God would bring Him back from the dead. Amazing faith!

The study does not end there. The next day we roll over into a new family setting. I won't tell you who in the event that you decide to participate. And, even if you don't, will you take a minute to examine your family, and praise God for each and every one of them? Yes, "that" uncle too!

Family is so very important. If there be any among your family cluster that stand in the need of any thing great or small, would you now take the time to pray for them and pray for yourself that God will show you exactly how you are to help them. They are your family. If they need salvation, pray for it, if they need a job, pray for it, whatever they need, pray for it! And you can also help in a "right-now" practical way, so please be sure to inquire of the Lord for that as well.
And, do not give up on your family members that may not be "acting right." Instead, have amazing faith in God to bring that situation about in a way that gives Him glory! Celebrate your family in prayer and practicality - they are God-given.

We could go on and on about what it takes to make it the Christian journey successful. We could trade insight and testimonies about this thing and that, to God be the glory. But the main driver of your success is your relationship with God.

I named this series “Faith and the Long Haul” because I wanted you to recognize that going through difficulties and long stints of unpleasant experiences does not mean that God has abandoned you. In fact, He will never abandon you. Instead, when the road gets rough, the spiritual disciplines that you have within you should increase – just like that long road.

I like the spiritual disciplines because they give me a written out place to “start” in deepening my relationship with God. But, they are not set in stone – no one author’s list is the end-all-be-all list for every single believer. But, that’s the beauty of it. I will say that every list, at minimum, must include prayer and mediation on the Word of God – which of course also includes reading the Word of God. I also think fasting should be included. If Jesus needed to pray then we surely need to pray. If Jesus read and knew the Word of God, then surely we need to read and know. If Jesus fasted, then surely we need to do the same.... You see where I am going. If we are going to be like Jesus, then we are going to have to discipline ourselves to be that way.

I want to end this post by saying that I believe that each of you has what it takes to endure the road set before you. Have Faith. Take confidence in knowing that God loves you and wants the best for you. The best is God Himself. If we will take and learn of Him, and truly become His disciples then we can endure, even as Paul, looking at each turn in the road not as a hindrance or disappointment, but as another opportunity to give the Lord His due praise.

May God continue to bless you!

It amazes me how my level of prayer and walking with the Lord affects my reaction to things that occur in my life. When I am “prayed up” and feel super close to the Lord, it seems as though the fiery darts from the enemy don’t burn me. It feels like I can say “is that all you’ve got – humph!” My shield of faith is in place extinguishing the flames.

But, at other times, when I have been spiritually lazy and slack in my studies, I seem to get burned even as I try to assess my situation. It is like standing too close to a flame and feeling the heart – or at times, getting your hair or eyebrow cinched. YIKES! Too close for comfort.

Knowing that these are the results of prayerfulness and study or laziness and slack does not seem to always motivate me towards the positive situation. At times, my flesh struggles against discipline and glorifies in the freedom to do absolutely nothing.

Have you been there?

So, what’s a girl to do when a crisis comes along when we’re in lazy-mode?

The next few posts will talk about Crisis Christians and our response, but, just know that the first step should be prayer.

I don’t think that God is not looking for some eloquent prayer when we are in crisis. In my mind, that would be like calling 9-1-1 and saying some flowery speech which, that at some point in the middle, gets at the problem that you are having. In your crisis, get before the Lord, tell Him what’s going on in your words (He already knows anyway) and then wait for a response. It’s like waiting for instructions from the 9-1-1 operator. You called them, now what to see what they will tell you. You went to God in prayer, now wait to see what He will tell you.

Sometimes, He may send the fire trucks and the ambulances and other times He may not. Sometimes the answer is quick and other times the answer is not as quick as we would prefer it to be. No matter how He chooses to address the problem, know that He will address it. He will not ignore your call. You just need to be willing to hear the answer and/or resolution to the issue. So, we wait and we listen.

The next post will deal with what to do while we wait in the state of our crisis – moving from lazy mode to resting in the safety of the Savior.

In our last post, Part 2 of Devious Devils, we spoke about the sneaky ways of the enemy. He is so very slick. But, we don’t have to fear. We have an answer to deal with his tactics.

The second part of that passage of Scripture tells us:

“You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.” – 1Peter 5:8-11 (The Message Bible)

Or, once again from the King James Version:

[9]Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. [10] But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. [11] To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Let’s examine this briefly (you can do a more thorough investigation in your study time).
1 – You are not alone
2 – Fainting is not an option – hold on!
3 – Suffering is universal to the Christian experience
4 – God will mature you and establish you – strengthen and settle you. You will be on your feet!

So, don’t fall out when the going gets rough. As a Christian, you are in this for the long haul and the rewards are worth the effort.

My pastor sings a song that I think was originally performed by Douglas Miller. The words are something like this …. “though the storms keep on raging in my life…and sometimes it’s hard to tell the night from day… the hope I have within is reassured…as I lift my eyes upon that distant shore…I know that He will lead me to that blessed place He has prepared...but if the storms don’t cease…and if the winds keep on blowing in my life…my soul has been anchored in the Lord!” Now, don’t get on my inability to get all the words right – just catch the point behind the lyrics. (smile)

Just like the passage of Scripture, this song tells us that we must remain stedfast in our faith. Our suffering or going through is not a surprise to our Father in Heaven and He can use these things that are going on in our lives to do something positive for us. He will make us more mature and stronger in our faith.

When I think of this passage, I also think about a plant or a tree. As the plant grows from a seed into a real plant with roots and leaves, maturing and establishing takes place. And before long, that seed has turned into a healthy plant, strong and mighty. The same with us – we must go through to get to the place where God wants us to be. Most times, our adversaries will throw things in our way – as sneaky as they are - but praise be to God, we are already victorious! God has the last say-so! So, kick those devious devils to the curb!

I was listening to a song whose verses chant “I won’t stop.” The artist is singing about experiencing difficulties in his walk with the Lord but continuing to push to evangelize despite the odds. And, well, that spoke to me.

I think that I sometimes get comfortable in my walk with God, and in so doing, when things get a little hard, I get a little lazy. And, I don’t believe that I’m the only one. This song challenges my perseverance. We all need to persevere for our faith – that God be glorified.

I thank God for giving the artist those lines. I won’t stop. Abraham didn’t stop. Moses didn’t stop. Paul didn’t stop. We cannot stop!

I challenge you today to let your witness be – “I didn’t stop!”

Have a great Tuesday!

If I walk another step, I may just fall down!

I have been walking and walking and walking today. I wish I had a pedometer on me today. I think I may have walked 20,000 steps! I have walked and walked and walked but, I guess I've already mentioned that.

Today, I attended a trade show - the biggest in my industry. So, everyone was there. All kinds of suppliers. And, I walked by multiple booths, watching and walking...walking and walking. I kept expecting something to wow me, but alas not so much. I walked more and more.

And, well quite frankly, it brought me to the point of thinking about perseverance in the Christian faith. Sometimes, even when we cannot see what we are expecting, we are still to press on. We are to keep walking and keeping the faith.

So, if you are in a place where you cannot see what you'd hope for, please keep my exhibit hall experience in mind. Walk, walk, walk. Keep the faith. You may not get to see what you'd want to see, but God has something else for you in the experience. Even with all of my walking, I now have enough information for a report. So, walk on - press on. There's something in it for you - even if you cannot see it right away.

My pastor recently preached a sermon entitled “The Upside of Being Down.” It was as if that sermon was preached with my situation in mind. God has a way of speaking directly to your situation. I received that word of faith that Sunday morning and have determined to keep myself stayed on trusting in the Lord. Sometimes it is a lot easier to give up on God and return to our normal state of depending on ourselves which leads to worry and confusion. But, I am reminded early this morning to rely solely on the Lord. It does not much matter what the circumstances look like. It does matter that God is still in control. So, I trust Him this morning.

Whenever I get a little shaky and want to resort back to my normal state of trying to understand and analyze everything, I encourage myself with Scripture. I would like to share a few verses with you this morning. It is my prayer that you will be encouraged and reminded that there is nothing impossible with the Lord. He has a good plan for your life. If you stay connected to Him, even through the tough times, everything will be alright. It will all work out for your good.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

“”Ah Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you…” Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” – Jeremiah 32:17,26-27

“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” – Psalm 37:7

As a result of my past, I have had the most difficult time expressing my true emotions. It seems, that by the time I’m comfortable with saying how I really feel, I’m too late. And while this has been a repeat pattern in my life, I am still not able to speed up the process.

In prayer, I have asked the Lord to help me. And, I’ve gotten better. I’m still not “fast enough.” For the past few years, I’ve lived my life behind a fortified wall of protection. But, now, due to a particular interest and the effort of a single person, I’ve been living life outside of the wall. Now what?

I feel alone, vulnerable and exposed for all to see. I feel uncomfortable outside of the wall, but on some level, I feel better as well - free. What can I make of this jumble of emotions?

Right now, I do not have the answers. I quite frankly am not sure of what to do. And, so, in this time, I’m going to do the best thing that I can do. Pray and wait for an answer from the Lord. The Bible tells us that God is not the author of confusion – therefore I have to find a way to silence these racing thoughts in my mind. The only way to do that is through utter submission to the will of my Father.

It seems that around every major holiday, there is an attack from my adversary. He always tries something so why I’m not aware and always caught off guard I’m not sure. I guess I need to open my eyes wider! But, now that I’m fully aware of what is going on, I’m determined to fight – on my knees – in prayer. Jesus came, lived, died and rose again so that I could have the access to the Father. I cannot think of a better gift to give Him for His birthday than to show Him my ever increasing faith. Times are emotionally tough for me right now, but I trust God. He is my hope, and my ultimate answer.

If you find yourself going through a bit of emotional roughness during this season, for whatever reason, I do pray that you will turn your eyes upon Jesus now. For He alone is worthy to be worshipped and adored. I pray that you will give Him the gift of your ever increasing faith.

Be Blessed!
Sanya

I was talking with my Grandfather not too long ago. I generally will talk to him a couple of times per week. Our “conversations” go like this…I doing all the talking and he does the listening. No surprise there right? Anyway, on this particular day, I was discussing how I felt about a particular subject. I felt that it was unfair for God to xyz or allow xyz. The tone of our conversation immediately changed. My Grandfather, who is always kind and loving, got very stern with me. He schooled me right then on the fact that we do not tell God how to be God. He is sovereignly in control of all things and His will is perfect – even if I do not understand it.

It was in that moment that two things occurred to me. First, I recognized what the Bible meant when it refers to the “fear of the Lord.” Secondly, I recognized that my own fear and reverence for God needed a shot in the arm! Now, let me straighten things out for you a little bit. I fear the Lord – He is, afterall, my creator. But, in talking with my Grandfather, he spoke as a man that has walked with the Lord for such a long time and has complete confidence in the Lord – all trust – no doubt. At the end of my journey – when I am somebody’s grandparent – will my testimony and devotion be as strong as my Grandfather’s? I pray so – if not even stronger!

The only way to get there is to start now by really giving God His due. It’s more than showing up on Sundays and for Bible Study and Church Conference etc etc. It’s more than the things we do before others. I’m discovering that it’s in the secret places that our faith and adoration grows. It’s in those quiet moments with the Creator God.

As you spend time with your Father in devotion and quiet time, will you take a moment to really explore Who He is – What He is like and why it’s so wonderful to be called His own? That’s what I plan to do. And, I believe that will make this wonderful path all the better – our faith will increase as our knowledge of Him increases.

I looked in the mirror today.

I know that's a strange statement considering the fact that we all look in the mirror every day to brush our teeth, comb our hair etc. But today, I really looked. I was not examining a new pimple from my latest bout with adult acne. I was looking at me - beyond the surface. And guess what, I saw/realized something.

I am God's creation. And that's a wonderful thing. He is constantly molding and shaping me into His likeness. Every time I really look in the mirror, I see something new. Lately, God has been building my faith. I've been traveling to low places and climbing steep mountain sides. With the help of God, I made it through! And now, as a result of my recent experiences, I look in the mirror and I see that my eyes look brighter and my face has a certain glow - not brought about by skin products - but by the assurance that my Father loves me! He cares for me! And, that knowledge just makes me feel so warm and fuzzy! I'm glowing as a result! I did notice another gray hair popping up - but I'm counting that as joy too! That MUST mean that I'm gaining wisdom along the journey. :-)

For a period of time, looking in the mirror reminded me of what I am not. But, now, trusting and loving God as I do, looking in the mirror reminds me of Whose I am. Everything else is of little consequence.

Will you look in the mirror today? Try it and let me know what you see!

I struggled and strained against this. It's not exactly how I wanted to live out this period of my life. I want to do fun and exciting things. But, alas, I submit to the will of God. I am in the valley. I tried for a period of time to pretend that I was not here. I made my surroundings seem "normal." But, we all know, there is nothing normal about a valley situation. That's why it's a valley. It demands a response. For me, this valley demands a response of faith. I'm being tested.

I never was one for testing. I don't like test - especially the standardized test like the SAT and GMAT. However, they are requirements for the degrees that I wanted and now have. And so is this test. The difference - my instructor and proctor for the test is the One and Only Living God. And this test, when passed, will launch me into my next season. The get out of the valley, this test is a prerequisite.

The thing about this test that I detest the most is that it is an uphill battle. I've got to climb to get out the valley and I'm also faced with opposition. So, I have to fight (on my knees in prayer). I'm faced with faceless villians attacking me - you know "that kind." And, I'm also faced with the physical manifestations of opposition through people being used by "that kind." I've run out of options within myself - as God knew that I would. And, know, my faith MUST come in.

I'm in a spiritual fight of faith. I pray that as you read this post that you will partner with me in prayer that I stand strong on my faith and that my faith in God will increase. Afterall, all things are possible to them that believe. I believe that God is going to work this situation out. And, I know that however He works it, I'll be satisfied with the end result.

Remember me in prayer,

Sanya