All Things Work Out for Your Good

A friend recently texted me a summary of Romans 8:28 which says "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

I didn't want to believe my friend because I've had a really rough summer.  I was fired from a job without being formally told so, and I quit another job because... it just wasn't working out.  I currently have no work and it seems as though whenever I get the opportunity to, God shuts the door on me again.  Time after time, the doors have been shut for job opportunities.  I've probably applied to 60 jobs in the past month, and I've only received two phone calls without advancing.  People have asked me to work for them, then last minute, decide not to.

Today I was at my absolute low point.  I gave up today.  I was so angry and so upset that I probably looked like a 3 year old having a temper tantrum.

I received a text from my dad saying, have you looked at your recent financial aid package? I said no... I just checked yesterday and it was finalized.

I checked again today, and I've received a grant from the government.  The grant is for students who are full time students and married.  Even if I don't get work this semester, this grant will cover our expenses until we relocate.

I feel so ashamed thinking that God could not help me in my situation.  The God of this universe died for my sins.  He gave me new life.  He gave me a husband who loves me no matter what.  Not only that, but He has given me a house to live in and I don't have to pay for it.  Why did I think that God could not help me? Is being unemployed too much for God? The answer is no.  He knows our needs and gives us what we need just at the right time.  And even though it was hard for me to trust, God was gracious and loving enough to provide for me when I clearly did not deserve it.  I'm so amazed at the love my Father in heaven has for me.  I'm utterly thankful and giving all praise to Him today.

The Foreknowledge of God

Romans 8: 29 "For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."


Throughout Scripture, God is described as a holy figure that is not constrained to time.  When God first called and made himself known to Moses in the burning bush in Exodus 3, Moses asks if the Israelites want to know His name, what they should call Him.  God simply replies "I am has has sent me to you."  God is "I AM," a God and most holy being who is, always, and forever.  

I am starting to grasp onto the idea about how my life is already planned by My Father.  I've started to notice all of these certain connections in my life that lead to my future.  My most recent example of this is how I have recently moved into a house, like I mentioned in my last post.  I was put into that house for a reason, and I am finding that all of my life has a purpose, and is planned by my God.

My husband wants to go to seminary as soon as I finish my undergrad.  He recently has been looking at seminaries, and is really excited about one seminary.  I'm happy for my husband, knowing that God has called him to the ministry and to be a pastor for the Word of God.  I'm estatic!

I'm blessed to say that God has provided funds for my husband and I to go visit his number one choice of seminaries.  Because we have moved into a house and do not have to pay rent, we have been saving up for the trip.  Not only that, but, other followers of Christ have understood our need for help, and are also helping us make the trip possible.  It amazes me how much foreknowledge God has on my life, and how every step and every change in my life will only help me to grow, understand, and to conform me to the image of Christ.  Visiting Sterling's possible future seminary and him furthering his education as a pastor is another step toward becoming me more like Christ, and I'm so blessed to know that My Savior is looking out for me and giving me what I need and when I need it.

None of this would be possible without me being obedient to Christ.  With the acknowledgement of Jesus as my only Savior from destruction and by obeying His Holy Word, He will continue to provide for me.  

After Moses gives the Ten Commandments to the Israelites, he says this to them.  As long as we love the Word and obey the Word, the blessings will be many.

Deuteronomy 28: 1-3 “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God.

Abundant Blessings

Over the course of this year alone, God has blessed me with many wonderful things.  In His Word, Jesus tells on His sermon on the mount that God knows what you need before you even ask Him.  One of the main things that I have learned is that if I follow My Father faithfully and live out His word everyday, He will not only give me what I need, but He will bless me with His love and protection.

I've been living a house for about two months now.  Four months ago, my husband and I knew that we needed to move because the apartment we were living in was getting to be too expensive for us.  We had about two weeks to find a new place.  But, the thing is, God knew.  God knew that we needed to live somewhere else.  He knew that we would have settled for anything, even if it meant living in a place that wasn't as nice as we were before.  

God blessed us immensely.  We are currently house sitting until the owner can return to their home.  They are letting us stay there rent free, as long as we take care of the home.  It's amazing how God has blessed me and my husband, always providing for us, but, giving us more than we ever imagined.  

I feel blessed knowing that God will always take care of us, no matter how tough or how hard the situation may be.  And I hope to continue to write about the blessings and answered prayers of our wonderful God.

Matthew 6: 8b "For your Father knows what you need before you ask him."

The Battle is Won

A month ago, I performed my BM degree recital.  Ever since I was diagnosed with severe TMJD, I have been contemplating dropping my performance degree, because at the time I didn't believe I would be able to perform an entire 45 minute recital.

I had been preparing for my recital since last August.  I had most of my repertoire picked out, and I had exactly 45 minutes of music.  God has revealed to me that He wants me to perform, so that His glory is shown through my TMJD.  Although I didn't know what was going to happen the day of my recital, I prepared diligently and seriously.

My recital went well.  Surprisingly well!! Doctors have told me ever since April of 2011 that I wouldn't last this far playing the horn.  But, I have found that doctors do not have the final say.  God has a different and unique path for my life.  Even though I will suffer with TMJD for the rest of my life, God's plan for me is to perform, so that His strength and love is heard and seen with my performances.  I used to always say "never" with anything related to my TMJD, but now, I can say "always," because everything is possible with God.


Luke 18:27
"But [Jesus] said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God."


Thank the Lord on my soul, for giving me the strength when I have none.  Thank you God for giving me the perseverance when my jaw is on its last thread.  Thank you Lord, for loving me and for helping me conquer my TMJD.


I will be posting a piece from my degree recital soon, so please come back to hear it!

Receive the Best Gift of All Time

This post you are about to read has been put on my heart for a long time.  And God has finally given me the words through His Holy Spirit.

 
I am poor, but blessed. This is why.
 

My husband and I are completely on our own financially (except for college loans).  We have been ever since we got married.  Our life is not extravagant. We see people we know spend money as if it doesn't matter. For months I hated the fact that I could not live like they do.  I wanted to live freely and spend money so that I could feel better about myself, so I could be happy.
 
God has revealed one of His many truths to me, and I would like to share with you.  Please know that I share these things out of love and respect of my Father in Heaven, and I want him to receive all the glory.  And I hope you see the goodness of God.
 
I have experienced two different lifestyles.  The first lifestyle is mine, where I wait on God to provide everything that we need.  The second lifestyle is of another's, where they immediately buy what their impulses tell them, whether it is with expensive food, clothing, or any of the like.
 
This second lifestyle I experienced for a couple of days.  Instead of trusting God, the God who loves me so much and died for me on the cross, and providing what He knows best for my life, this other lifestyle bought me everything.  When I was only a little bit hungry, I received food right then and there. I just ate and ate and ate. And I was never satisfied.


When this other lifestyle was buying all of my needs and wants, there was no room for God.


I was really taken aback by what I experienced.  Ever since I've been married, God has provided so many great things for Sterling and I, and revealing His goodness to us.  When we were running low on food, God provided for us, and friends would give us their leftovers they didn't eat.  When we were tired and were far away from home, God provided a place for us to stay, and others offered their homes for us to rest at.

I am poor, but blessed.  Because God, with His mighty strength and power, can provide for me. No matter how impossible it is.  Because everything is possible with God. Blessed are those who are in need, for God will provide.

Luke Chapter 6, The Sermon on the Mount, by Jesus Christ

And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said:
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
“Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied.
“Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.
“Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.

 

When you are in a pickle, do not worry. Your problem is never too big for God. It is never a burden to Him. He delights to provide for you. You just have to receive the best gift of all time: God's Love.