Ready or Not

I love playing Hide and Seek. I always have the best hiding spots, and I’m very good at finding people in unconventional places. Its funny how in my adult life, I still find myself hiding and seeking. I am always seeking to better myself and those around me, yet under the guise of being a wife and mother I tend to lose myself in my “to do” list. My dreams and goals are hidden under piles of laundry and doctor visits. I have to make a conscious effort to be me. I have to be deliberate in taking “me” time. Ready or Not here I come. It’s a declaration. It’s motivation. It’s a reminder that I am still in there. I still have wants and desires that I want to pursue. Ready or Not here I come. It’s a war cry. I am going to show up and be all that God has called me to be. Ready or Not here I come. I am telling my obstacles and distractions that I’m back in the game. Don’t believe me just watch!

Blessed Beyond Measure

Exceedingly above. Running over. These are the words used to describe what our expectation of God's ability to bless us should look like in our lives. We should be examples of “blessed beyond measure.” What does that really mean? Does it mean we will not encounter any issues? Does it mean we won’t experience hardship? No. Actually, when I think of some of the most blessed individuals in the bible, they endured the most. Job lost everything. David lived on the run, his child died, and his house was a hot mess. Elijah was tormented by Jezebel. Why would we expect any less? Our blessings are directly tied to our ability to endure hardship. It sounds oxymoronic, but God’s word said he would use the foolish things to confound the wise. People with the greatest testimonies have endured the greatest tests. No matter what you are going through, count it all joy. You are blessed beyond measure.

The Test

I mentioned in my last post that we typically have a test before we have a testimony. We sometimes get caught up in the test and can’t see our way out of it. We are overwhelmed by our problems because we don’t see the solution. We see the obstacles, but don’t see our way around them. Sometimes, the test is really just a matter of perspective. I’m not saying your problems aren’t real. I’m not saying that the consequences aren’t difficult. What I am saying is there is a way out. There is a testimony on the other side, if you pass the test.

Testimony

Growing up in a Southern Baptist church, I always looked forward to testimony service. It was the one time besides announcements and “the welcome” that the members got the mic. Depending on who got the mic, determined how entertaining the service would be that day. You never knew what people were going to thank God for doing, or even give credit to God for doing in their lives. As I grew older, I began to recognize the importance of sharing my testimony. It really wasn't me as much as it was to encourage those who hadn't made it to the testimony stage yet. They were just being tested. Every opportunity you are given to share what God has done in your life, do so. You never know how your testimony can bless someone else.

Passion

Can you imagine knowing that you’re going to die in four days? Can you imagine a friend betraying you for money? I can’t. No matter how hard I try. I find it difficult to imagine giving my life for the very people who would decide to murder me. I struggle with basic forgiveness. I’m so grateful that God saw fit to save a wretch like me. I’m so grateful that God’s passion does not compare to my own. This week I’m reminded of God’s sacrifice for me. I’m grateful for a debt being paid that I would have cost me my life. I’m grateful for the passion of Christ.