My Abraham experience – There is a RAM in the Bush

A while ago, God began speaking to me about leaving my home. He gave me a few instructions on the physical move. I was to move 15 hrs. away from home to a state where the only person I knew would be close to 4 hrs away.

Like Abraham, I was obedient. I moved my son & myself and only took what God told me to take with us. I was truly starting out on a journey... a new adventure. I was excited about my fresh start, living in a new city, and it’s possibilities. I believed I was moving for better financial opportunities. God allowed me t o go back to school and complete my degree this year. I saved up a little money. I was ready for MY new adventure

What I didn’t understand yet was that God also had HIS own agenda. Did you know that when God gives you instructions, it’s on a need to know basis? The plan I mapped out worked well for a while. We live off my savings. I sent my son back up home to live in the dorms. I even kept interviewing. Everything was fitting into plan.

Then my savings began to get near to none. Now, what? Did I miss God? I normally don’t just pick up & half hazardly and do stuff like this. God used the time after my son went away to college... my alone time to minister to me.

He reassured me that I wasn’t crazy. Then, we continued on with HIS journey. He ministered to me through various words. As mentioned in my previous blogs, I kept my attitude right. I despise not small beginnings. I remained thankful. I confessed daily what He spoke to me through his word that this was my DUE SEASON. While I waited for Him to do what only HE could do, I continued by faith.

This week, during Bible study, the Pastor used Abraham as an illustration. God asked him to sacrifice His son. In the end, we know that God had already provided the provision = the Ram in the bush. But, Abraham didn’t have that knowledge when He started out by faith.

I could relate to Abraham’s experience. Like him, I heard from God and now I’m all the way out here. You begin to doubt yourself. Through this experience, I learned that I may live alone now and I maybe in a new city alone, but I am not alone. For, God is truly with me. This journey was about obedience and trust. It’s a test.

And just as it was with Abraham, I took hold of the word that God had a Ram. Pastor said get ready for a “Get ready for a turn around.” I confessed it. Today, just one day after bible study, I received a job offer. God is a faithful God! I’m so thankful for the experience of getting to know God on this level. He is my Fortress, my Way Maker, my Provision, the Good Shepard! I give Him praise!

Small things

If you have been reading my blog long, you know that it is dedicated to those who dare start over and make a change. A time comes in our lives when we make a decision and say to ourselves that’s time for a change. This change maybe a relationship, a career, obtaining a degree, relocation, taking better care of ourselves, etc. Whatever it maybe, our mind is made up and begin to take the necessary steps toward realizing our goal.

Often when we start over, we have to go backwards (so to speak) and begin a new. For example, you make be a powerhouse in the boardroom at work. But you have decided to change careers. Now, you’re in school starting over and going to class with people young enough to be your own child. For every goal, there is a beginning. And in beginnings, we can often become frustrated. If we are not careful, we begin to complain by saying such things as “My business isn’t making enough money yet”, “ I relocated and don’t know anyone”. “ I started a new job, but I’m at the bottom again” or “ I can’t find a job”. I understand these are legitimate frustration and I have been through them. So, if this is where you are, I sympathize with you.

I write to encourage you to hang on. Trust that you have not made a mistake when you decided to start over. Don’t give up and throw in the towel yet. Persevere just a little while longer. And whatever you do, do not despise small things. It’s the little things that matter. Be thankful for what you do have and the dream that is inside you that will come to fruition. During this time, it is easy to complain. Don’t. Keep a positive grateful attitude. If you do not give up, remain faithful, and keep pulling away, in due season, you will have the harvest you are looking for.

I believe that God bless all who does not despise small things or new beginnings just because their situation may not be glamorous. God also looks for those who are thankful where they are no matter what. Can you get to a place where you are content even through your life is now in transition and maybe uncertain compared to before? Lastly, as we look for our endeavor to be successful, I would advise you to look for ways to be a blessing to others. We truly reap what we sow. Even major corporations have this concept down. I have been employed corporation that have entire departments that looks for ways to give back to the community. They have discovered that in attaching themselves to others, their organization will prosper. Now, you try it.