One thing that always concerns me when I share the stories of my walk with Jesus, is if people think I am patting my own back. Boasting, if you will…
I recall, years back, when the Lord spoke to me about this blog. Initially, this was a space where I shared stories, information and tips about writing, however, almost a year to date into hosting this blog, I heard Him clearly state, “I want you to turn this into a space dedicated to me…into a place where you share your witness, for me.” I was quite taken aback but did not hesitate. “okay, Lord…if that is your desire, I shall obey but You’ll have to provide the words…He certainly came through!
I dug into the archives and found the first mention of the new focus:
“Where God is taking us via this venue…
By | March 3, 2013 | Comments
I am being led to #blog more on my relationship and revelations in Christ and how my #writing relates to my walk. This will be happening slowly #blogging is not my top priority but more and more, I am being shown that it is how God will use me. I know this already but believe He is planning on it being a bigger arena than I would ever personally desire it to be.”
Never in a million years would I have suspected the amazing, yet scary ways the Holy Spirit has urged me to share the most intimate parts of life, with the world. I was never that person who shared her true feelings, let alone with strangers. God has used writing this blog to bring about a deep healing within me; His desire is for others to read, relate, then recognize that a living god, namely Jesus, saves and sanctifies. He imparts life into the cracks in our our fallible humanity. Oh how He loves us! Based on the comments and emails I’ve received from readers, God is reaching whom he desires to reach.
However, it isn’t just the healing or work in my life I’ve been blessed to share, especially in the last year or so, rather how God moves and uses this open vessel in the real world. The ministry of agape love the Lord Jesus has used to heal me, he now sends me out to reveal to random people, all over! A woman in my life group through the church I attend told me the night she met me, she saw a person whom God uses to reach people others cannot. I was floored! Yet, I look back over the people the Lord has put before me, and must agree. It blesses my heart so very deeply to be trusted and used by my Lord!
Why do I share the stories…isn’t that vanity and boasting? Not if your heart is right! Here is proof enough to me that God desires his saints to share such instances with the world, so they know He is near:
“O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore. Remember his marvelous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth…” (Psalm 105:1-5)
“For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He also is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and joy are in His place.” (1 Chronicles 16:25-29)
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:17)
“Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all.” (2 Corinthians 9:13)
The one thing that leaves many at an impasse is when they witness family destroying their lives. It seems no matter what good God does, certain members of their earthly family can’t seem to receive God’s love and allow him control in order to love them through the tough times. Personally, I’ve prayed and prayed for family members seeing little or no fruit but I can now (happily) say I am. There is one family member in particular whose lifestyle choice has me gravely concerned for her soul. She is young and impressionable, but in the past three years, I’ve witnessed God at work in her life.
She has come to me many times seeking answers to difficult questions about God and her life. I prayed she would turn away from the lifestyle she has chosen, but instead, went deeper in. I didn’t give up, I merely pressed in harder. Then, a week prior to her recent move across the country, she came to me with some really tough issues and I finally felt released to speak the whole truth, gently but honestly. She received the Lord as her savior a few years ago but her life has been marred by lots of upheaval; I know she was at least praying and reading the Bible I gifted her, but not attending church. Now, with this move, she decided it is time to go to church. In fact, she asked me to help her find a church. (I agreed, then researched churches near her new home and sent her a narrow list.)
When she left my home that evening, I fell to my knees in tears, thanking the Lord for one last opportunity to sow into this precious young lady. It was a very humbling moment, one I am still completely flabbergasted over. Most of all, grateful God finally released me to speak absolute truth, whereas in the past, I was led only to relay how her choices were between her and God, while directing her to what His word says. I was also able to start praying effectively for her new spouse, a young lady with a world of hurt inside. I absolutely believe God is going to move mountains in the lives and hearts of both of these girls. Please, pray His will be done!
Two weeks prior to this, God sent me to Kroger of all places…the woman whom He sent me for I will never forget. I am ever grateful to have understood the quickening of the Holy Spirit that morning, and was obedient! (I’ll share that story soon.)
These are the moments true disciples of Christ live for. Times for which we obey, sacrifice and labor to see take shape. But the humble recognize it is Christ who lives within us, drawing people near enough so we may pour His sweet aroma over them; opening people up to His healing love and grace.
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do,
do everything for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31)