Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show
you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom... (Proverbs 3:5-7 NLT)
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. (Psalms 34:18 NLT)
Confession: I have FLAWS! (shocker, huh?:) I tend to trust people too easily. I'm emotional. I'm gullible and easily fooled. I
was actually voted "Most Gullible" in high school! (not kidding!) Well 13 years after high school I still often find myself being
"duped" or "caught off guard" in life. Because of this I often pray for DISCERNMENT and REVELATION. Left to my own
heart and mind I would make a complete disaster of my life so I consistently ask God to show me the who, what, when and the
where. I trust that wherever God is leading and ordering my steps I can confidently follow.
For the past 2 weeks I was led to start praying for discernment and revelation in the area of my relationships. Because I've
been betrayed and hurt by friends and boyfriends in the past I'm quick to ask God to show me who he wants in my circle,
who I need to cut out and reveal peoples motives. I took this area before God daily in my prayers and quiet time.
So I shouldn't have been too surprised when last week I experienced a difficult interaction with a friend. My intuition was
telling me something was "off" and within days truth was revealed and disappointment followed. Initially I found myself very
much "in my feelings”: emotional, upset and confused. As I came down from my emotional high (and a good nap!) I was
reminded of my recent prayer request. Discernment and revelation. That's exactly what God gave me. The “revelation”
wasn’t pleasant but it was indeed an answered prayer! My answered prayers aren't always packaged as pretty as I would like
but they do always have purpose.
The recent situation has made me grateful for a couple of things:
1. For a God that listens and answers prayers
2. For the holy spirit (a*k*a*) intuition, to alert me when something is wrong.
3. For pushing me closer into fellowship with Christ.
Once I peeled back all the layers of disappointment and confusion, I found that Jesus was at the center of it. God is always
right in the middle of the hard stuff. He uses difficult situations to draw us closer to him, and remind us why we NEED him as
our Savior! His consistent presence comforts and gives me peace in the midst of any disappointment.
If you are facing disappointing circumstances search for Jesus right in the middle of it. He is there. In him you will find the
peace, strength and confidence you need to keep pressing.
Blessings!
~Toya Nicole Music: Kari Jobe "You are For me" posted by @karijobe on YouTube
Thank you Toya. I've had to remove a few friendships from my life in the past, but I believe that God blessed me even greater by filling those empty spots with some of the very best of friends.
I know how hard it is at the time though. Prayers for you. <3]
Toya, I always find people not gullible but so truly loving and caring that they can't imagine others aren't the same. Surround yourself with Winners - true believers. I'm proud of you realizing your prayers were answered. I'm old enough to be your mother and it sure took me a lot longer to learn. The best is yet to come.
I loved your post, my friend. I sat here, nodding as I read through your heart-felt post. I recognise those emotions, which often walk with me.
I am in awe of how our loving God answers our prayers. This year I have been growing in discernment, which can be a difficult path, but one that leads to a greater, deeper relationship, with our Lord, who will never leave us, hurt us, or disappoint us.
Thank you Toya. I've had to remove a few friendships from my life in the past, but I believe that God blessed me even greater by filling those empty spots with some of the very best of friends.
ReplyDeleteI know how hard it is at the time though. Prayers for you. <3]
That's a beautiful Kari Jobe song.
OMGee!!! I love that song! I have Kari Jobe on repeat!!
ReplyDeleteToya, I always find people not gullible but so truly loving and caring that they can't imagine others aren't the same. Surround yourself with Winners - true believers. I'm proud of you realizing your prayers were answered. I'm old enough to be your mother and it sure took me a lot longer to learn. The best is yet to come.
ReplyDeleteHi Toya,
ReplyDeleteI loved your post, my friend. I sat here, nodding as I read through your heart-felt post. I recognise those emotions, which often walk with me.
I am in awe of how our loving God answers our prayers. This year I have been growing in discernment, which can be a difficult path, but one that leads to a greater, deeper relationship, with our Lord, who will never leave us, hurt us, or disappoint us.
Blessings in His name on your beautiful heart.