"I planted, Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was making it grow and [He] gave the increase."~ 1 Corinthians 3: 6
When seeds are planted, they first need to be watered, and then the planted must wait during several seasons, giving the young seedling a chance to take root, and grow. Usually a harsh winter precedes spring, and once the snow has melted, the young sprouts make their way through the dirt. Although sometimes we withstand storms in our own life, eventually the result will be fruit that is born to impact the next generation...if we allow it to.
Two years ago, our business failed, we lost
our home in a fire, had our cars repossessed, and got stranded in a foreign
land (Memphis, Tennessee) with no help from anyone, having been taken advantage
of by a family member, who was also a pastor...
.. Our winter was indeed brutal. But rather than giving up, and allowing those things to overtake us, we attempted to take lessons from overcomers in the bible, such as Job and Joseph, who, although they didn’t understand the purpose of their challenges, continued to allow God to do a work within them that ended up blessing millions worldwide.
.. Our winter was indeed brutal. But rather than giving up, and allowing those things to overtake us, we attempted to take lessons from overcomers in the bible, such as Job and Joseph, who, although they didn’t understand the purpose of their challenges, continued to allow God to do a work within them that ended up blessing millions worldwide.
During our tests and trials, I felt like the
Israelites wandering aimlessly in the wilderness. Now that God is bringing us
out and allowing us to move towards our purpose, I wanted to show you some lessons that God gave
me, that I pray with inspire you to get through your ‘wilderness experience’,
so that you are able to reach your final destination: the Promised Land that
God has for you and your family!
1) Attitude is everything:
Don’t fall into the “Whoa-is-Me” (Pity)
trap. Nothing will keep you stuck in failure longer than self-pity, despair,
and/or anger. Realize that Jehovah Jireh (God who Provides) is your Father who
can do all things. Faith and fear can
operate at the same time. Trust that God has a plan, even when you are not
aware of what it is. Getting angry and God and others will not get you out of
the situation any sooner. If anything, it will extend the suffering you may
experience.
2) Re-Evaluate your direction.
Once we lost our business, I realized that I had little skills in the actual job
market. I took a look at what it would take to get educated, so that I wouldn’t
have that limitation again. I went back to school to get a degree. Not only did
it educate me greatly, and open many doors, but I was able to make contacts
that resulted in the conception of B.L.O.G. Magazine™!
3)
Don’t be ashamed
to seek help.
Local ministries, shelters, Crisis Centers have an abundance of resources that
are willing and able to help you through your temporary setbacks. The state
even offers government assistance for those times. Don’t be too proud to take
advantage of something that you have paid taxes for. Everyone needs a little
help now and then. While seeking help,
do not burn your bridges. If a
friend or family assists you financially, do not fail to repay them, and show
appreciation. You never know when you may need those people again.
4) Move towards Purpose.
Sometimes we are thrown off track because we are not walking in obedience. Many of our trials are
self-inflicted because we are not choosing the path that God tells us to. Seek
God as to if you have possibly gotten out of His Will in any areas. If so,
repent, and get back on track.
5) Yoke up with others that are
already in the direction you seek. Positive, praying
friends and mentors are a must. It’s not always what you know, it’s WHO you
know. Many times a friend came out of nowhere and gave us an important piece of
wisdom needed that opened a crucial door. Be willing to be receptive to
constructive criticism: being defensive and making excuses will keep others
from wanting to give you wise advice.
6) Use the time to develop in your
gifts. During my time of isolation, I was able to develop
a workshop and write an entire book! I was actually in the perfect place to
finally be able to focus without distraction, and didn’t realize it at the
time.
7) Recognize the seasons for what they
are:
an opportunity for God to push you out of your comfort zone and develop
something great within you. It may not always be comfortable, but you will be
more developed in the fruits of the spirit: love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, meekness gentleness, and self-control. I
have found in my own life that these trials have given me a patience and wisdom
that I never would have gained otherwise, and I’m grateful for them, looking
back.
Final warning: whatever you do, Don’t quit! That’s the easiest thing to do. Sometimes your
breakthrough that you need is right around the corner. Giving up will do
nothing but prevent God from having an avenue from which to work in your life.
So the question is...if you had to choose: would you rather
have an easy life without God in it, or a life full of trials, knowing that God
is there with you; molding, shaping and growing you towards His purpose?
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