Do Not Be Afraid of a Little Storm

Society has taught us anytime you experience a trial, it is due to some form of inconsistency with you. You bring certain things upon yourself because of lack of dedication and awareness. In some cases both of those statements could be absolutely true. However, what would you say if I suggest some trials are God's way of not only getting our undivided attention which requires obedience on our part, but to also prepare us for a blessing?

Deuteronomy 8: 1-5

Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land that the Lord promised on oath to your forefathers. Remember how the Lord your God lead you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your father had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you.

If you are not careful you will miss the the lesson God is attempting to teach you. Remember each trial you endure is to strengthen your faith. It also provides the opportunity for you to be humbled, so you will know what it is like to do without. That way when you come in contact with someone that is less fortunate, you will be more apt to lend a helping hand. Every trial serves as a testimony of God's unwavering grace and mercy towards us. When that trial is over you can better appreciate the blessing that follows. So the next time your storm comes, slip on your raincoat and rubber boots. And by all means do not forget your umbrella. This time when the rain ceases, and sun evaporates the remaining drops of water, the rainbow that emerges will be truly symbolic of the calm after the storm.

Be Blessed,

Lady 4.0

Doing Your Part

There comes a time in your life when you have to decide is it in your best interest to continue to please those around you and remain in a state of what if, or take a leap of faith and pursue your own aspirations. If everything you have ever done in your life was to please someone else, does that mean the life you are currently living a mere fabrication? God has a plan and a purpose for each one of us. He instills specific gifts and talents to each of his children. Believe it or not the gift or gifts you possess may be outside of your comfort zone. This almost always is a bit challenging. Sometimes that is why you can get caught off guard because you think whatever gift God has given you to share would surely be something that is pleasant and easy to achieve. Keep in mind God does not give us unattainable tasks, but rather tasks that will deepen our level of commitment and faith in Him. However if you are pursuing someone else's gift and not your own, you are not following God's divine plan for your life. What that means is that you are missing the opportunity to move closer to God as well as be a blessing to those in need. According to

Romans 12: 1-2

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Be Blessed,

Lady 4.0