First and foremost, I want to wish my momma and every mother reading this a Happy Mother's Day!
I am
truly blessed to have the mom that I do, and I could not image life without her. She is my strength, encouragement and support; a source of unconditional love and lots of laughter. She inspires me to be selfless and giving; to forgive quickly and to see the best in others.
I am so grateful for her in my life, and today I hope she felt the love from our family as we celebrated this holiday with her.
As I reflect upon today, I cannot help but think that today has been blessed. I do not typically go to church <for a laundry list of reasons> but today I made the decision to go. The service was truly incredible and uplifting. The spirit was in the atmosphere and it felt so good to lift up HIS name. The sermon delivered by the pastor was EXACTLY what I needed to hear. I feel as though I have been going through some rough patches lately. Many days I feel as if I am in this game of life all alone, as though I am trying to do and say ALL the right things, and I am giving all of the effort I can muster. And yet, it seems as if no progress is being made. As if I have not grown and that I cannot see the fruits of my labor. Day after day, week after week, month after month, I have felt like I take ten steps forward only to take twenty steps back. I have been so frustrated for so long, that I do not even remember what it's like to not feel so defeated and lost.
It was just last night that I cried out to the Lord, asking for him to reveal to me why I have been in this place for so long. I told him I wanted to make sense of this all, that I needed clarity, to know that all of these trials are happening for a REASON. And I wanted to see the reason, because I am tired of walking in the dark, of going through trial after trial and seeing no breakthrough. Well, at church today the pastor spoke of the importance of having patience and allowing God to direct our steps. He talked about trusting in God's perfect timing, in knowing that when he has made a promised, it will be fulfilled. The catch is it will be fulfilled on his time, and not ours. The pastor also spoke about the importance of seeking God's strategy to play the *game*. That if we are waiting for him to tell us what direction to move in, victory will be won in the in end. How incredible is the timing of God's word. I know that it is no coincidence that that sermon was given today. And even greater, it was no coincidence that I was in attendance at the service today.
If it wasn't already God's will that I attend church today to hear that sermon, then it was surely his will that I open up this email from Joel Osteen tonight <as I cleaned out my inbox>:
"I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase and
the trees of the field yield their fruit." (Leviticus 24:4, AMP)
"God has set up seasons in our lives. It’s easy to get frustrated when our dreams aren’t coming to pass on our timetable, but every season is not harvest season. There are plowing seasons. There are planting seasons. There are watering seasons. Sure, we would love for every season to be a time of increase left and right, good breaks here and there. But without the other seasons, we wouldn’t be prepared. For example, it’s during the plowing seasons that God brings issues to light that we need to deal with. He’s getting us prepared for promotion.
If you’re not making as much progress as you would like, the key is to not lose any ground. Don’t go backwards. Hold your position. Keep a good attitude and do the right thing even when it’s hard. When you do that, you are passing the test, and God promises that your due season of harvest is coming. Be encouraged because your appointed time of increase, favor and promotion is on its way, and He will fulfill every dream and desire He’s placed within your heart. Remember, harvest is coming!" - Joel Osteen
I want to start this week on a positive note! I need to retrain my thinking and CLEARLY strengthen my faith walk. It has also become obvious to me that I need to work on my patience for God's timing and to spend more time meditating on his promises and his word. Thank you father for today's blessings and allowing me to enjoy yet another day in the company of loved ones. Thank you for allowing me to feel a fresh wind, and a new energy. Help me to take each day, moment by moment and to trust in your will, promises and perfect timing. It is going to be a good week - and I will find many more things to be thankful about.
