While in prayer yesterday morning, the Holy Spirit put a message in my heart for my Sisters. It was short and sweet. He said, "Tell the women to begin to consciously prepare themselves as My Bride. They need to strengthen themselves for what lies ahead. Tell them to purposefully prepare themselves spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically for all I am about to do. We are about to SHINE!"
I took this message to heart. When I was in my 3 months of forced rest earlier this year, I received the same challenge. I knew that I was at a crossroads. I had to take God's direction seriously and respond with obedience OR possibly limit what He could do in and through my life. This required big changes in perspective, attitude,and behavior that altered the life-style I had maintained for nearly 30 years. Change didn't come easy, but it actually wasn't as difficult as I expected! As I yielded to the Holy Spirit and leaned on His Divine enablement, grace flowed.
These past six months have resulted in my turning off the computer more and capturing my evenings again for rest, family, and fellowship (best of all, without any guilt!). I've developed a new pattern of diet and exercize that isn't so much based on needing to lose weight as it is being healthy and less stressed. As I prayed, the Spirit of God led me to the plan that would work for me. I'm actually enjoying the changes!
The changes I love most have been in my thinking and my relationship with God. There's a new flow of life and revelation. Religion is being stripped away. My Bibl is ALIVE! My prayer life is moving to a new level. My vision and calling are clear and the God-given gifts within have been activated in new ways. I'm loving life everyday. I love God's people more. I even like myself! (Smile)
All this to say...go for it, Sisters! Seek God as to how you can best strengthen yourself for the days ahead. God is calling you as His beautiful Bride to stand beside Him and shine with His glory in the midst of the deepening darkness all around (see Isaiah 60:1-4). Let's face this challenge together.
Please take a moment to post your response to this challenge by clicking on the "comment" portion below. What could we do to encourage one another to grow?
Much Love,
Pastor Carla
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1 comment:
I know for myself, God has been stripping me of all my "views" of what ministry, motherhood, marriage, etc. looks like and challenging me to see it His way for ME. It has meant adjusting my schedule and focusing on what truly matters most. God said, "I would rather you fall short in all of this excess stuff, than fall short in what's important." I realized that I had been getting so busy with the "to-do's" I was falling short in the most important areas! It feels so freeing and wonderful..and joyful to be doing what God wants HIS way. Great word!
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