“MY EYES ARE ON THE PRIZE, BABY!”
That was me to my daughter, Ember, a short while ago. I wanted to call her from Nigeria, but thought to myself that I didn’t want to wake her up in the US, and unbelievably, within one minute, my sweetie daughter called. She is a big part of the reason that I’m keeping my eyes on the PRIZE – God’s blessings, love, and favor over my life. Let me tell ya, GOD EXCEEDS MY EXPECTATIONS. Even right after talking to Ember, my husband invited me to share his brunch with him in his office. I first declined, but then when he put it that it would be nice to enjoy a meal with his wife, I couldn’t say no. It was such good food that I ate every little bit of it! God, You’ve AGAIN blessed me with more than I can ever ask or pray for. To be back in Nigeria (COVID FREE!!!) with hubby and my sons, I’m feeling EXTREMELY GRATEFUL – everyone is safe, healthy, and happy. ALL GLORY GOES TO GOD!
So much so, I have to continue these posts telling you guys the GREAT NEWS about God, DESPITE EVERYTHING I HAVE GOING ON. But I’m learning that even the difficulties, challenges, problems, and stresses are from the hands of a loving God who knows what we need to help us become the best versions of ourselves. I was so excited that my nephew, Duro, told me about this appointment with God he had WITHOUT me from our meditation book, Jesus Calling:
“BE PREPARED TO SUFFER FOR ME, in My Name. All suffering has meaning in My kingdom. Pain and problems are opportunities to demonstrate your trust in Me. Bearing your circumstances bravely—even thanking Me for them—is one of the highest forms of praise. This sacrifice of thanksgiving rings golden-toned bells of Joy throughout heavenly realms. On earth also, your patient suffering sends out ripples of good tidings in ever-widening circles.
When suffering strikes, remember that I am sovereign and that I can bring good out of everything. Do not try to run from pain or hide from problems. Instead, accept adversity in My Name, offering it up for my purposes. Thus your suffering gains meaning and draws you closer to Me. Joy emerges from the ashes of adversity through your trust and thankfulness.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. – James 1:2-4
It was such a joy getting on my knees to pray with family last night with Joshie saying, “God, thank You.” I’m thanking God for the good, bad, and ugly because everything helps draw me so close to Him. I also loved an appointment with God on Tumblr.com reading these posts
“Thank You for the pain, it made me raise my game.”
“Just because things could’ve been different, it doesn’t mean they’d be better.” (Give thanks in everything!)
“Don’t sell the sun to buy a candle.” For me, the sun is a strong relationship with God that we sell distracted by other things, plans, pursuits and people (ME INCLUDED!). Let’s all commit our lives to a closer walk with God, doing His will. Have your appointments/alone times reading or listening to anything spiritual that connects you with Him. I promise you, THE BEST LIFE IS ONE LIVED CLOSE TO GOD filled with peace and joy where He personally directs You with His wisdom, love, and strength! “Don’t sell the sun to buy a candle.” Wink! Wink!
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