Sometimes we are blessed with a notice or warning before life starts life'in, or when our plans unexpectedly take a hard left turn. Perhaps you received a warning about the ending of a relationship with a loved one or the confirmation of a long-term detour that takes you in the opposite direction of your intended plan.
If this has happened to you, what do you do? Do you prepare your life for the necessary changes to come? Some people ensure they have a strong network of resources and individuals for comfort and support. But what happens when everything and everyone you set in place doesn't work out the way you intended? Maybe the savings you assumed would be available are not enough. Perhaps the friends or family you 100% knew were in your corner, are not enough. What do you do?
I learned, and I am still learning that in the darkest of times when I am at my weakest, God is strongest in my life, but I have to choose him. Just as I set up resources, a strong support system, or a daily exercise regimen-I have to choose him.... first. How do we do that? While I can't speak for anyone else as I am living my life one day at a time, thank God. I can share with you what consistently helps me.
Be Intentional: Choose God first. Everybody has a journey whether they know it or not. Life has peaks and valleys. Perhaps the people within your immediate circle are experiencing some pit falls of their own. Don't take it personal. It's probably not even about you. Avoid resorting to petty behavior when people don't respond or meet you in your time of crisis. As it relates to a support system-You are not alone. Seek God first. Be open to fostering relationships with like-minded God-fearing overcomers, support groups, therapy, community assistance outreach, and your local church.
Invest in your one-on-one relationship with God: Commit, even when I don't feel like it. Soon as I open my eyes, thoughts of the day ahead come crashing in. Responsibilities, appointments, deadlines, bills, physical ailments, hurt, etc. With sleep in my eyes, barely awake I thank him out loud and tell him I love him and let it sink in for a moment. Next, I read his word and meditate on what it means to me. Then I pray, asking God to open my mind and heart to receive it and live it.
Submit, Trust, and Release- Submit my doubts, feelings, and hurt, tell him all about it. TRUST-Even when I can't see my prayers being answered right now-the key word here is MY. MY relationship with him does not compare to anyone else's. I cannot look to the left or to the right of how someone else has or has not received. I have to keep my focus on him and our relationship. His promises to me! And then, RELEASE- Leave it. Go on with my day. Keep my ears and eyes open and actively listen. Within that, I ask God to provide me discernment, protect my mind, heart and actions. Help me to know when its him speaking and give me the wisdom to know how to respond accordingly.
God said he will never leave or forsake us. This is a practice that helps me. Does it produce immediate results? Not all the time. But it does consistently give me peace throughout this thing called life. Because as I mentioned above, sometimes life be life'in! If you know you know.
What do you do that works for you?
Until next time...
Lati....
I dedicate this writing to my sister from another mother-Lisa Hawkins. You always did things your own way, between you and God. No more pain. Rest easy sis. I love you.
References...
Provided to YouTube by Curb Records Things I Wish · Anointed If We Pray ℗ Word Entertainment LLC, a Curb Company Released on: 2001-01-01 Artist: Anointed Auto-generated by YouTube.