I know it has been over a year since you last heard from me. Life has been life-ing. In early 2022, I heard the Lord tell me to sit down from a couple of ministries and later that month I found out that I was pregnant. I had a difficult pregnancy and childbirth, but we will get into all that at a later date.

Just know that it’s been a minute since I have written anything because He said so and admitidly I am a little rusty LOL. Anyhow, there is so much I can say and so much I want to say but I will focus on making the main thang the main thang. Let’s talk about HIM. I live for and honor the GREAT I AM…. the one true God who exists in three distinct persons (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit). So be mindful that as I reference God throughout this blog post that is who I am speaking of.

I would like to spend our time today sharing 7 ways that I experienced the goodness of God in the past 7 years.

In September of 2016, I took a leap of faith and moved over 700 miles away from my hometown, away from everything I knew and away from many things that I held dear. I moved to a city where I did not know a soul believing God for His provision, direction, and protection. During this time, God has really taken care of me. I would like to give Him glory by sharing some of the ways that I have experienced Him.

God Provides (Jehovah Jireh) – I literally moved with (-$2,000). That is not a typo, yes, I said negative two thousand dollars. I am now in a better place financially (still in the valley but not in need). Over the years God has rained down manna from heaven 😊. Literally anytime there has been a big financial need God has made a way out of no way. If He has done it for me, He will do it for you! Thank you, Jesus! (See Genesis 22:11-14)

God Guides/Directs (Jehovah Raah) – The Word of the Lord says that many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails (Proverbs 19:21). There have been many times I have tried going my own way and I have even gotten off track on a number of occasions but each and every time God politely put me back in my place. He is my Shepard who has led me out of the darkness toward true love and light that can only be found in His presence. Shepherds feed or lead flocks of sheep to pasture (see Ezekiel 34:11-15). I can vividly recall a number of trips and plans being cancelled last minute… seemingly out of nowhere later to find out that it was Gods divine direction and many times His protection. He has been ordering my steps showing me the way to go. A lot of the time I just have to get quiet and listen.

God Protects (Jehovah Nissi) – The first year I moved here I had my car hit several times and 4 years ago my car was totaled with me in it. I even wrote about how God helped me through that traumatic experience (see previous blog). After my car was totaled, I was blessed to walk away only having a few aches and scratches because God protected me. The Lord has been my Banner, fighting my battles and thwarting the fiery darts of the enemy. I cannot tell you how many times over my entire life the enemy has tried to take me out BUT GOD! I got a testimony! I have a story to tell! God has been so good to me! Thank you, Lord! Jehovah Nissi is a name that symbolizes God’s protection and guidance over His people.

God Heals (Jehovah-Rapha) – Wow! This one right here! When I tell you I could write a book about my healing journey and the process by which the Holy Spirit has been taking me!!! I will not get into the full detail, but I will just say that there were many spiritual matters that God has led me to face and grow through during this time. There are also many things I have had to work on and implement (boundaries, daddy issues, people pleasing, etc.). It has been a very personal and spiritual journey. However, the Lord has also led me to work some of these things out in therapy. I had to ask the right questions and come to grips with some HARD TRUTHS. It has been a journey, but I would not have had the courage or time to battle inner me while trying to survive in a toxic environment (my hometown). So, thank you Jehovah-Rapha “The Lord Who Heals” for the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual restoration. I ain’t done yet so I look forward to more healing.

God promotes (El Shaddai) – Psalm 75:6-7 says that promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, Nor from the south. But God is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another. “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.” The Hebrew word for God Almighty is El Shaddai (the God who is more than enough, more than sufficient).” Over the past several years I have truly been increased and its only by the grace of God. I went from mentee to mentor. I went from a Bible student to a Bible teacher. I introduced more than a few people to Jesus. I went from woman to wife and from wife to mother. Throughout this time God has truly been a God who is more than enough for me.

God redeems (Jehovah Go’el) – Even with every loss I have suffered and every hit I have taken, I know that I can be confident in Lord. For more than 30 years through every trial and tribulation God has never left me or forsaken me. I cannot say that I have experienced that level of love and consistency from anywhere else in my life. I can confidently say that Jesus loves me. I feel very blessed and fortunate to have experienced His redemptive love even in a fallen world and during a life of much suffering. “I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh, and they shall be drunk with their own blood as with wine. Then all flesh shall know that I am the LORD your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” Isaiah 49:26

God reveals your purpose (Jehovah Hoseenu) – Beautiful creation of Gid, do you know who you are? I bet you have not even scratched the surface of all God has called and created you to be. I have learned that God hides gifts and talents inside of us. Whatever you think your talent is I am almost certain that God has something BOLDER and MUCH BIGGER than anything you can imagine. From my own personal experience, God will place talents inside of you that you cannot foster without Him and dreams that you aren’t ready to believe for. Spend some time with God and get to know who He called and created you to be! You will not be disappointed. “Lord, you are the Master Potter, Jehovah Hoseenu, the LORD our Maker. We are ready to be molded and shaped in a fashion to glorify you. We were created for purpose – your purpose.” See II Corinthians 5:17 and Romans 8:29

7 years ago, when I chose Christ, I chose life! Growing up on the southside of Chicago, I never thought that I would live longer than my early 20s and look at me 10 years later no longer settling with just surviving. Is this what thriving looks like? I don’t think so but I am on the path with Jesus as my pilot. He calls the shots! I just have to be ready, willing, and open to listen. I dare you to take a personal journey where you decide to wholeheartedly (and to the best of your abilities) walk with Christ. 

The Word: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

The Story/Lesson: Let God be your everything!

Resources for additional information:

• Take a listen to Because of Who you Are by Vicki Yohe and focus on the lyrics. This song has been in rotation for many years in my heart and my household. May it bless you as you create an atmosphere of worship in your home.

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