Have you ever had a God-sized dream dropped in your lap? Have you had a vision that is so much bigger than yourself that only God could make it happen?
I am both challenged and inspired by the words of Heidi Baker in her book Compelled By Love. In it she states that she has no backup plan. If God doesn’t show up than people will literally not survive. Her ministry would fall apart if it weren’t for God’s hand of blessing and provision over it. She states that she lives her life completely dependent upon and desperate for Jesus. And as a result; she has seen hundreds of lives saved, miraculous healings occur and blessings beyond her wildest dreams poured out over her life and ministry.
Has it been an easy road for Heidi? Far from it…every step of her journey has had obstacles that she has had to overcome. And let me add- she has overcome the obstacles not in her own strength but allowing Christ’s strength to bring her through.
Oddly enough this is encouraging to me in this season.
I think that when we say “yes” to God; when we say “here I am Lord, send me”- we can get the sense that it is going to be easy…after all if God has purposed it to happen, than all we need to do is walk it out, right?
Speaking from personal experience, I often times find that after we say yes- every obstacle is thrown at us to discourage us; to make us feel like we should give up on our dreams…Have you ever felt that way? If so, let me share with you some encouragement! We aren’t called to walk out this faith journey alone but to bring life and encouragement to one another…
If you find yourself in the heat of battle, where every day new things are being thrown at you, stop and remember this:
“The battle is already won!” The greatest part is, we have the victory! God equips us with everything that we need to not only extinguish the fiery darts that are coming at us but we also have the word of God as our weapon. When Jesus was tempted by the devil, what did He use- the Word of God! I find that so often we retreat and just try to hide under the shield of faith that we forget to use the most powerful weapon we have been given- His truth!
The next time you feel the attack- open your bible, turn on the worship music, take captive every thought that does not align itself with His word. Stand on His promises and know that your foundation is built upon the Rock!
Another thing I have come to realize while in the midst of the battle is this: God is either allowing or causing the situation to happen. Nothing happens without His knowledge of it. So why not ask Him “Lord, what are you trying to show or teach me right now?” Our greatest opportunity for growth is often when we are being challenged. Look for the lesson in your situation. Remember that God is for you and that He upholds you with His righteous right hand. He will not let you fall. You are more than a conqueror in Him.
Since saying “yes” to God. “Yes, Lord I will be Your voice, Your hands, Your feet” it has been hard. . I know that the devil knows our name and his mission is to get us off course and cause us to quit…but I more importantly know that God cares about the orphans around the world more than we do. I know that He has plans to prosper them and to give them a future and a hope.
I am eternally grateful that God chooses to work through broken vessels like you and me.
God says that He works all things together for our good- and I believe that.
There is a song that I have listened to on repeat- Rita Springer- Worth It. If you haven’t heard it, I encourage your to listen to it and let it bring encouragement to your Spirit.
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t give up.”- Galatians 6:9
Whatever your dream is- keep moving forward. No matter what comes up against you remember the everlasting promises of our God. He is forever faithful!