3.31.2023

Welcome to April.  It’s a beautiful day to be alive.  As March was coming to an end I had encountered a lot of the people in my life becoming free from their cancer journey which was super exciting.  In the midst of the joy for them I couldn’t help but ask G-d what about me…almost like an orphaned child.  It was the first time in many years that I asked that question.

The truth is that I know what about me… I know G-d has a good plan for me as well.  In the midst of everyone else’s freedom I felt still chained to the wall. I had to check my emotions, I had to check my thought process, I honestly had to check my heart.  Why did I think I deserved their story when I didn’t walk their journey?  G-d kept reminding me that what He has for me is specifically and unique for me.  Don’t look to my left and my right but straight up from where my help comes from.  It was my own little freedom in an oasis of comparison, pride and jealousy if I am honest.

I share this with you today because we get an opportunity to do it over.  G-d’s word says we are transformed by the renewing of our mind and also that His mercies are new every morning.  I don’t know where you are in your walk with G-d but I want to encourage you this morning that it doesn’t have to stay where it is.  What the Almighty has for you is uniquely designed for your individual experience to then be shared as in the tapestry of humanity.  

Please do not rob yourself of the experience of increased faith because of increased pain.  Today I ask you to invite G-d into your secret places, the pain, the shame, the guilt, the disappointment, the EVERYTHING.  Freedom is on the other side of all that.  G-d will not push Himself on you.. 

Scripture:

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Prayer:

Father G-d, Almighty, the Great I Am, I submit my prayer to You today for a clearing of my secret places.  Bring them to light, allow me to see them and You the way You intended it.  Help me release the sinful nature that is within me, help me release the desires of my flesh to comfort and lean into YOU.  As I confess my sins in a safe community G-d I pray that You equip me with the skills and ability to walk away from unG-dly behavior that doesn’t bring honor to You or myself.  I pray for Your will be done in the mighty name of Jesus amen.

I am so excited for what G-d is doing in my life even though it’s extremely cloudy in the midst of the storm.