“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” – George Bernard Shaw
I hope you join me the next few weeks, as I recount some of 2011. I thought I would share some of God’s past and present work on me as He creates this, lump of clay into what will be, in the future, a useable vessel. Psalm 25:10 says “All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful.” God, the Almighty sends His Spirit to work on, with and through each of us. I am what my parents would refer to as a rebellious and stubborn child, at best, but God never gives up.
One of the works God did with me during 2011 would be to work on my “faith” through a group study that GracePointe Community Church did in April. I had been attending GracePointe for several weeks and thought I would probably enjoy a study called “Believing God” a Beth Moore series. A Wednesday night out would be more than welcome.
My husband and I had taken residential custody of his two boys during the last quarter of 2010, changing our home from George and I to four of us. Then in December 2010, my brother-in-law wanted a change of view, and moved from Miami, now there are five. So seriously, I needed time away, with women only. During the first meeting, on the video that was played, the women in the taped audience gave up something. I liked that idea, but what am I willing to believe is a sacrifice and give up? I’ve given up stuff before and taken/started/began again after the challenge. This time, however, I decided it had to be not just challenging, it had to be life changing.
Life changing it would be. I had attempted so many times to quit, at no avail. I’d tried a patch and prescriptions, it just wasn’t happening. No matter how many prayers, I didn’t, I couldn’t, I wouldn’t, stop smoking. I liked my tobacco and liked to find ways to justify my habit. I know and believed, 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 (NIV) “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” I wanted to honor Jesus, His sacrifice and took a step in faith, believing God would help clean up some smoke damage.
So that evening when I left, I headed towards the 7/11, to get a pack, as I began my conversation with God, my Father. I prayed that I could have the faith to believe God to be who He says He is. I prayed He replace the chains of smoking with a new craving for more of Him. He listens, He hears, He answers Luke 11:9-10 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
I know, with first hand knowledge, God can do what He says He can do. I believe I am who God says I am and that I can do ALL things through Christ. I am believing each day that God’s word is alive and active in what I do and say (from Beth Moore; Five Statement Pledge of Faith)… I smoked my last cigarette on the evening of April 13, 2010, not through “will power” or “denial”, but through faith. I am still smoke free and looking forward to 2012 – TYJ (Thank You Jesus)
He Listens; He hears; He Answers…
When I tune out the world, sit, listen, expect. In faith I know that You hear me, You do listen to this heart…
You are never too busy, You are never on vacation And You are never out of area or off-line. You are always available…
You answer every call, every IM, every email, every snail mail, every question, every plea, every request…
You died that I could live, search, grow, chat, text and enjoy this place, I lift my praises To the Almighty Father, My Creator, My Fortress, My Refuge…
And as I faithfully, patiently wait for You, I give thanks to My Lord and Savior, Thank You Jesus…
Next, I’ll tell you about “Dependance”… Have a joy filled week.
Very inspirational!