The Thing that Leads to the Thing

Have you ever had that moment where you've asked yourself, "How did I get here?"  I’m sure you can reflect on the series of choices and life events that led to it, but why “here”?  Well, I was having that very conversation with myself.  (I have a very complex relationship with myself. LOL!)  And as I reflected on life’s events, a quote that I always tell my daughter came to mind - “Sometimes you may not be doing the thing you’re purposes to do, but it might be the thing that leads to the thing, so don't give up.”

More often than not, God uses our experiences, gifts, talents, strengths, faults, short-comings, triumphs, defeats, losses and even disappointments to prepare us for our purpose. How else do we get prepared for that “thing” except by all the “things that lead to the thing”?  

Ephesians 2:10 says "For we are God's handiwork, created in Chris Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  You see, none of this takes God by surprise.  He prepared us in advance.  He is the potter.  We are the clay (God's handiwork).  He knew when He was creating us exactly what "good works" He was creating us to do.  Therefore, these 3 things are true:

1.  He equipped us (in advance) with the tools we would need to fulfill our purpose. 
2.  He created us to do good works.
3.  He made no mistakes!

What good works did God create you to do?  Sometimes that very thing that challenges you is the thing that will lead to the thing that produces your good works.  Ask God to show you how to use every gift He's given you, because every experience along the way just might be a tool for your purpose...and His glory!  So don't give up and don't get stuck.  Keep moving forward and trust God's plan!

Love Always,

Shy

http://lovealwaysshy.blogspot.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovealwaysshy/

Privileged!

Have you ever known someone who you thought was "privileged"?  You watched how opportunities seemed to open up for them because of who they knew or who they were connected to.  They were always a phone call away from getting what they wanted or needed.  They seemed to have the right friends on their side.  What a privilege. 

I can remember as a child hearing my mother sing a song called "What a Friend We Have in Jesus".  Back then, it was just a song to me.  Yet, as I've matured, the words have come alive and have become a truth that I cling to daily.  The words of the song go like this.  

What a friend we have in Jesus
all our sins and griefs to bear
What a privileged to carry 
everything to God in prayer

Oh what peace we often forfeit
oh, what needless pain we bear
all because we do not carry 
everything to God to in prayer

When those words came alive for me, I thought "Why would I bare needless pains instead of going to God in prayer?"  Needless pain...  "Why would I forfeit peace?"  The only way I could see this happening is if I didn't understand the privilege of having Jesus as a friend.  It's true - who you know has it's privileges!

Now understanding that I have a friend Who I can go to in prayer, I take full advantage of being privileged.

When I am sick, I can go to Him for healing.  Privileged.

When I'm in need, I can ask Him for provision.  Privileged.

When I am trying to move past my mistakes, I can ask Him to order my steps.  Privileged.

No matter what we're going through, we have a friend who is always there to listen, help, heal, restore, comfort, soothe, and love.  Who wouldn't take advantage of calling on a friend like that in time of need?  Oh, what a privilege it is to be called His friend!  (John 15:13-15)

No matter what you may be going through today, exercise your privilege and carry everything to God in prayer.  

Love Always,

Shy

http://lovealwaysshy.blogspot.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovealwaysshy

Ain't No Valley Low Enough!

If you know me, you know I'm a Diana Ross fanatic!  I have loved her ever since I was a child.  I know all her songs and movies and have been blessed (yes blessed!) to attend a few of her concerts.  Yes!  Truly blessed!  LOL!

Well, last night I attended "A Night of Inspiration" at my church, which was a night for our women's ministry to worship together, receive an inspiring message and just fellowship together.  What a wonderful evening it was.  

Although I loved fellow-shipping with my sisters in Christ, enjoyed the beautiful arrangement of sweet treats and very much looked forward to the message to come, I must admit they had me at the opening song - Diana Ross's "Ain't No Mountain High Enough".  I'd never viewed that song in the context of worship, but when they sang the words "Ain't no mountain high enough, ain't no valley low enough, ain't no river wide enough to keep me from you", I was like "Yesssss, Jesus!"  Those words rang true in my heart.

I have had some LOW valleys, but I can truly say that none of my valleys have ever been low enough to keep Him from getting to me.  I recalled several years ago when I was in a serious, dark and what felt like a hopeless valley.  It seemed as though every area of my life was being challenged all at the same time.  I felt surrounded by darkness.  It's one thing to have one area of your life being challenged and still have other areas that are bright, hopeful outlets.  But what do you do when darkness is all around?  Well, that's where I was - in a low, dark valley.

That's when I learned that there was no valley low enough to keep the Heavenly Father from getting to me. During this time, I had nowhere to turn, but  to God.  So I prayed.  I read the word.  I got quiet and listened for a whisper that would give me hope.  In Psalms 23:4a, David said, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, because you are with me."  One thing I've learned in life is that it's not always about what your're going through, but who's with you.

So let me remind you:

No matter how dark your valley is, when God is with you, He is the light.  (John 1:4-5)

No matter how low your valley is, He never leaves you.  (Hebrews 13:5b)

No matter how bad your circumstances may seem, take heart!  He has overcome the WORLD.  (John 16:33)  THE WORLD!  

The good news about a valley is that the only way out is UP!  Be encouraged by the fact that God can and will carry you up and out of the low places in life.  He knows where you are and has promised to never leave you.  No matter how low your valley is today, always remember ain't no valley low enough to keep Him from you!

Love Always,

Shy

http://lovealwaysshy.blogspot.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovealwaysshy/