The Lifting

When God lifts me, He begins by elevating my spirit. It might not be immediately apparent in my physical state to the casual observer, but as I reflect on my past self and observe the transformation in my mindset, I start to comprehend the intricate process of mental renewal. Through this process, I can discern the changes that God is orchestrating spiritually, and eventually, the elevation will become evident in the physical realm. Romans 12:2 (KJV) tells us “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

I am reminded of the story of David, anointed as a King yet still shepherding sheep. Spiritually, his mindset has already shifted to that of a king, but the physical manifestation of his kingship is yet to become apparent. He had to undergo a refining process before the physical transformation could occur. This illustrates that when God lifts someone, it's not hasty or premature; it is a gradual transition. He shapes the mind and refines the character before bringing about the physical manifestation of His will.

It is my opinion that God elevates us when we least expect, but our hearts must be open to the process of refinement. He meets us wherever we are and takes us from our most challenging state to a place of prominence, all for His glory. While the world may not recognize us in our current state, when God lifts us, He catapults us into spheres where eyes have not seen, and ears have not heard.

It's essential to allow God to do the lifting and be patient with His timing. You can go from being an orphan to a queen or a fisher to a fisher of men for His Kingdom and His glory. Never underestimate the transformative power of God. He can lift anyone, from a prostitute to a drug addict, and turn their lives into a testimony of His grace and redemption. Let us avoid looking down on anyone, for the person you may be underestimating could hold the key to curing diseases or achieving remarkable things for the Kingdom of God and the betterment of humanity.

When your season has come for God to lift you, never doubt that God will move anything that stands in your way for His glory to be revealed in your life. Ensure you are intentional about being in expectancy for that moment. Stay Lifted…

Celebrate Me

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As I celebrate this month, my birth month, I find myself looking back on the incredible journey that has brought me to this point. It's a time to reflect on all that God has done for me and express my profound gratitude for the path He's led me on. Though I may not have seen the complete physical manifestation of His plans as yet, I've caught a glimpse of the extraordinary things He has in store for me.

As humans and especially as people of faith, it is essential to draw back the curtains of memory, as the song suggests, and take a peek at where God has taken us from. We should sit and reflect for a moment, asking ourselves, "What if?" What if we had made different choices? What if we had let the trials and tribulations of life consume us? What if we had given in to bitterness, like Naomi, after experiencing great losses? What if we had been like Ruth, desperately trying to find our place in a new and unknown land? What if we had faced rejection from those, we expected love and support from, like Joseph?

But as I draw back the proverbial curtains of my memories, I see an abundance of reasons to be grateful. My life may not be exactly where I want it to be, but I know that God is at work, orchestrating everything for my good. I find myself in a good place, one where I have discovered what I was searching for, even though it was right there in front of me all along. In this moment, I found myself. I looked at myself through God's eyes and saw what He saw in me. I realized that I am more than enough, and that realization is good enough for me.

Today, I choose to celebrate myself, embracing both my scars and victories. Through Christ, I can conquer all the challenges that lie ahead. I am still waiting for greater exploits, but I know that they are just a moment away. The next time I write, I might find myself on the precipice of achieving those very dreams.

Much like Ruth in a new country, I am learning new things and embarking on a fresh chapter in my life. However, amidst the new experiences and challenges, I have not forgotten the God who has guided me to this point. So, for the rest of this month, I celebrate the new me, who was always destined to do great things. So, like myself, I hope I am inspiring you to celebrate and embrace your own unique self.

The Promise and the Purpose

As I reflect on "The Promise and the Purpose," it takes me back to a time when my life was far from what it is today. I can't help but think about Rahab, a character from the Bible who, like many of us, had a past filled with choices and actions that didn't align with God's plan. Yet, there is something profound about Rahab's story that the Bible doesn't explicitly mention the existence of her relationship with God.

In the depths of our old lives, many of us could relate to Rahab. We may have made choices we now regret or lived in ways that were contrary to God's will. But Rahab's story reveals something crucial she had a connection with God even before the arrival of the Israelite spies. This connection allowed her to possess privileged information about the spies' true identity. She knew they were not ordinary soldiers but children of God, and she recognized that God was about to move mightily in her city, Jericho.

It is worth noting that Rahab's relationship with God was likely not widely known or accepted by society. Yet, God's grace extends to all, and the Bible reminds us in Romans 8:1 (NIV), "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Just as Rahab found forgiveness and redemption through her faith, so too can we, regardless of our past.

When the glory of God enters our lives, true transformation is inevitable. However, the enemy and his agents often attempt to use our past against us. They remind us of our mistakes, our shortcomings, and our previous sins. The enemy seeks to hinder our progress by dragging us back into the shame and guilt of our past.

But here is the key to victory: we must remember the promises that God has spoken to us personally and through His Word. God has a unique plan for us, and His promises are unwavering. As He told me certain things that were deeply personal and specific to my journey, He also conveyed timeless truths through His Word, available to all His children.

In Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV), God assures us, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This promise is not confined to Rahab or me alone; it is a promise for every child of God.

In conclusion, "The Promise and the Purpose" reminds us that our past does not define us when we are in Christ. Rahab's story is a testament to the transformative power of God's grace and the importance of holding onto His promises. As we face the enemy's attempts to use our past against us, let us remember that God's promises are our shield and our strength. Through faith and trust in Him, we can walk confidently into the purpose He has ordained for our lives, free from condemnation and full of hope for the future.