Beauty of Waiting

I’m currently studying the book of Romans, and I came across something today I cannot believe I haven’t noticed before! I feel like this is the type of passage that I skim over a lot, not really realizing the depth of what it is saying and the life changing effects that it could really have on my life. A major part of my struggles in my life have originated from discontentment and anxiety. Discontentment from not being where I want to be and anxiety resulting from me taking the reigns in life. I always tell myself God has a plan and a purpose for where I am, but believing this is a different story. Most of the times, I feel like I don’t know where God is going with where I am in life, and for the most part that is true. God’s ways are not my ways and I am never meant to know everything that God has in store for me because part of the reason He doesn't reveal everything at once(like when things will happen) is to increase my faith. 

I honestly never truly understood that until today. When reading Romans 4:20-21, I felt true affirmation in waiting for God and His promises. It reads, “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.” This is the purpose of our waiting and our seasons where we feel like we are in a desert. Faith is something that I will never fully comprehend. There is always something more to learn about my faith in God, and because of this, it constantly has to be molded and refined. Faith is an ever growing concept. It would have to be with the kind of God that I serve. He is far too complex to grasp, therefore it would make sense that having and keeping faith in Him is not easy. There will always be tests and trials to mold and refine our faith (Romans 5:3-4). As we wait, our faith grows stronger and we are able to see more and more of God’s character. Abraham was fully convinced of what God said He would do at the end of His waiting period, because of God’s beautiful hand sculpting his faith into an art that would glorify Him in the end. 

I truly believe that is one the reasons God wants us to wait for the amazing things that He has lined up for our journey. Faith is so important to Him, because it is the basis of our true intimacy with Him, all of this made possible because of Jesus(Romans 3:27-30). Which is what we were created for first and foremost. It’s deeper than our desires being gratified instantly. God has to make sure our purpose of being relational with Him is being fulfilled, and He uses different ways to do that. It is so common for us to ask the question “when is God going to [fill in the blank]?”  But it’s not our job to worry about that and it’s not our job to take matters into our own hands. God is the Creator of this entire universe. He is fully capable of handling any situation. Surrendering our timelines to Him shows such an awesome act of submission to our Savior. We are saying we trust His timing in it all. He is the Father of time. He’s well aware of how much time has passed and it’s our job to just trust Him. 

This is obviously not easy, because if it was God would not speak so much of faith in the Bible. Psalm 27:14 states, “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” I think the thing that is so brave and courageous about waiting on the Lord is the fact that it is SO difficult and there are so many things in our heart telling us not to wait Him. When things are so easily accessible to us, it’s hard to wait on anything. It’s a terrifying thing to take ourselves out of the driver’s seat and allow God to do all that He needs to in this desert we feel we are in. When discontentment threatens to steal our joy, we need to have the courage and strength to ignore what Satan is throwing our way and keep our faith. This may seem impossible and that’s because it is. Without God, we are weak and have no source of joy. That’s why it’s so important to seek Him and literally cling to Him when we are feeling our weakest, because in ourselves alone there is no strength to beat the enemy(2 Corinthians 12:10). But God is our strength. 

This passage is so important because it illustrates the correct way to tackle this situation. The longer we wait, the stronger our faith can become. In this period of waiting for Him, finding all of our joy and contentment in Him WILL increase our faith. But we have to remember to keep looking straight in His direction. Don’t look for the answers anywhere else, keep your gaze on Him.

Hebrews 12:2, “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God’s throne in heaven.”

The beauty of waiting is in the end product of that seemingly impossible task. Waiting produces renewed faith throughout it all, and with that faith we are able to glorify God in ways we never imagined and have such an amazing intimate relationship with Him.

About the Author :

Whitney Friday is 20 years old, and currently a senior in the school of nursing at the University of Michigan. She enjoys baking, blogging and shopping. She is a lover of life, laughter, Jesus, sushi and sunsets.

Dearest Daughter, Part Two

Dearest Daughter,

I want you to stop what you're doing and breathe.

Breathe in the air around you and embrace My presence that is with you- always.

Let Me anoint you with My presence. Enjoy my radiance.

I want to share with you something I hope you never forget.

I won't let go.

I am the Anchor for your soul. I outstretch my arms to you on a daily basis. My arms could never tire of welcoming you in.

There aren't enough seconds, minutes, or hours in any day that last long enough to let you know just how much I love you.

Neither life nor death can separate us.

Sometimes you grab hold of things and give them the attention I deserve; the attention I so effortlessly give you; the attention we both deserve .

I understand that you make mistakes, and I forgive you for them. But I want you to let go of what you're holding on to so tightly and replace it by grabbing ahold of My outstretched arm. Reciprocate to Me what I constantly give you. Partake in a relationship with Me, My beloved.

Hold on to Me, My daughter. Grab on to My hand and don't let go.

I want what is best for you, and some of the things you tend to hold on to at times just aren't that.

Your heart deserves happiness, joy, peace, comfort, love; every good fruit that I bear is for you. You.

Fill your basket with my fruits. They are as fresh as the dew that blankets each morning. 

“You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you." -John 15:16 (The Message)

"But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely." -Galatians 5:22-23 (The Message)

My dearest Daughter, I love you so much.

Walk in My grace.

Live fully.

Live freely.

Serve selflessly.

Smile constantly.

Love others.

Bear fruit.

And do all of these things in My name.

Never forget Who I am.

And always hold on to the One who will never let go of you; Me.

"Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
    Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
    your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
    give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
    your wine vats will brim over.
But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline;
    don’t sulk under his loving correction.
It’s the child he loves that God corrects;
    a father’s delight is behind all this."

-Proverbs 3:5-12 (The Message)

About the Author :

Emily Townsend is a 20 year old southern girl who has a heart for loving Jesus, loving others, and serving the world. She is currently pursuing a career in ministry as she continues to fall madly in love with Jesus by the day. You can also find her blogging on her personal blog The Joy of My Joy.

Whole Spotlight: Ronne B on God-Centered Success

"I was called to serve, empower, and help people reach their full potential...I'm not fulfilled, if I'm not helping others become successful." - Ronne B

Whole Spotlight was created to shine the light on women who are impacting their community and the world. Amazing women of God who are stepping into their purpose that God has called them for. 

For the month of June, we are honored to be spotlighting Ronnessa Brown (Ronne B) founder High Heels and High Goals alongside Jennifer Lucy Tyler, an organization existing to educate, encourage, and empower women all over the world to set the bar high and reach for the stars! All while keeping God at the center of it all!

"Ronnessa Brown is a woman who has defeated odds, stepped over stereotypes, and transcended barriers. This Washington, DC native’s story is one that leaves “no excuses” to the person who wants better for their lives." - HHAHG

Check out our eInterview below:

WM: Ronne, can you share with our readers a little bit about your upbringing?

R: I was raised in Washington DC, in what was considered one of the roughest neighborhoods in the DC area. By the time I was 13 my mom and dad split up.  Watching them go through the separation was really difficult.  With too much free time on my hands, and my dad working around-the-clock, I ended up pregnant by the age of 16.  That alone gave me the motivation to want to be more and do more with my life.  This huge responsibility at a young age ended up being the foundation of my testimony.  I was scared, doubtful, and confused about how I was going to make it with a child.  I turned that negative energy into the positive determination I needed to overcome it all.  I was determined to not become a statistic.  I went straight to work so that I can make ends meet and support my son.  

WM: How were you introduced to Jesus personally? 

R: Faith was instilled in me at a very young age.  I remember having Bible study with my mom as a little girl.  As I grew older, my relationship with Jesus wasn't as strong but I knew he was always by my side.  While experiencing life, love, trials, and tribulations, God continued to show me that no matter how much I felt I could do on my own, there was nothing I could do without Him by my side.  My purpose is clear and I know that God chose me to be a vessel, a testimony, and an inspiration to young moms and women who simply want more out of life and tap into their full potential.

WM: Can you tell us a little about High Heels High Goals Movement and the vision behind it? 

R: High Heels High Goals is a membership based women's empowerment organization with a mission to empower, educate and engage women from all walks of life. Within this membership my Co-Founder, Jennifer Lucy Tyler, and I provide weekly motivational emails, monthly empowerment calls that span a range of personal and business development topics, and quarterly networking events that are designed to uplift, educate, and empower women.  The birth of this organization is directly tied to my mission in life to help women see and seek their full potential.  More information about the organization and how to join can be found at www.HighHeelsHighGoals.com.

WM: What advice do you have for other women on achieving God-centered success?

R: My advice would be to seek God first in everything you do.  Keep your focus on Him and ask for his guidance to ensure you are fulfilling His will and purpose for you in this life.  Pray and meditate on His word daily.  Ask God to constantly reveal Himself to you and give you clarity in your walk with Christ.  God will lead, guide and bless you abundantly when you keep your eyes on Him.

WM: What inspires you to press on, when the going gets rough? 

R: My children, my family and the many women out there God is planning to send my way for me to lead and pour into.  I am determined to leave a legacy behind for my children.  Just knowing that I am living on purpose is such a blessing and an honor that motivates me to stay focused and motivated to keep going everyday.  

WM: What advice do you have for young women who are interested in launching their own non-profit organization someday? 

R: First pray on it and ensure it is in line with what God has for you to do.  Next, do your research and set it up the right way with an experienced professional.  Finally, just do it!  Get the right people in place to help support the mission.

WM: What do you want to tell the young women out there that had the same struggles you did?

R: If I can do it, so can you!  Struggles are experiences God purposely send your way to make you stronger. God is preparing you for greatness.  Stay in tune with Him and allow Him to be your guiding light. He will seamlessly show you the way.

WM: What are 3 bible verses that have blessed you and why?

R: Proverbs 15:21- "Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense.  A sensible person stays on the right path."  This verse helps to remind us how important it is for us to live on purpose and stay in our lane.  God has a divine plan for each one of our lives. 

Colossians 3:17- "And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the father."  If we live through Him, stay focused on Him, and be thankful to Him, we will find peace and show love in all we do, as the Lord did.

Ephesians 4:2- "Always be humble and gentle.  Be patient with each other, making allowance for each others faults because of your love."  I love this scripture because it teaches us how to be true to ourselves and show the love to others that God shows us. 

WM: How can we stay connected and up-to-date with you?

On the web at www.RonneB.com

On Instagram and Twitter @MsRonne

On Facebook at www.Facebook.com/keepupwithRonneB

Learning to Trust God

Many times we are the best at giving what we rarely get…and what we deeply and sometimes desperately desire.  

The things we deeply desire tend to tell us a great deal about the relationships that are a part of our lives.  These relationships communicate the powerfully unspoken language of our hearts.  This language is a spiritual song that plays constantly, filling the atmosphere, even when we are unaware.  This is why I believe God’s word says to “guard your heart.”  

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Proverbs 4:23, New Living Translation).

We have to be careful because our lives do not stop speaking, even when we are not talking.  

What song is your heart singing?

Is it singing loneliness, abuse, prayer, worship, God, love, Christ, hurt, pain, frustration, anger, joy, peace, faithfulness, honesty……the list goes on.  

Take a little time to listen, care, and allow yourself to be vulnerable so that you can hear what your heart is saying to you and others.  

It is amazing how we are afraid to let go of the relationships, voices, things, experiences, or situations that keep us plagued and bound.  Sometimes we can find an unhealthy ease in the dead areas of our lives.  We keep going back to these lifeless places trying to resuscitate what does not exist; killing ourselves by using our God-given breath to breathe into these dead things.  

A relationship is not singular, and it does not involve isolation.  We cannot grow alone.  There is a difference between isolation and being alone; and if you are in a relationship with dead things and people then you are isolated. There is no breath or life flowing that keeps you nurtured and growing strong.  I think we hold so tightly to the dead because we are afraid of the realization that we are not in control and we are fearful of being alone.  So then we try to control everything we can, not giving room to allow ourselves to be vulnerable enough to be guided, comforted, led, and directed by God.  I have learned more and more with time, that it takes an enormous amount of strength to truly trust God; knowing how to follow makes you a much better leader.

We also need to know that we are not in this race by ourselves.  We are not alone, though we would like to think that we are.  During my prayer time with God, I mentioned how I sometimes I am alone in my struggles and God told me, “The problem is that you believe that you are alone and you are not, I am always with you.”

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1, English Standard Version).

In our times of trouble, it is difficult to really allow ourselves to trust that someone will and truly understands how to take care of us.  We forget that trusting God does not take perfection or us having all the answers; God has the answers.  He is all knowing and He is always there.

If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night, even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you” (Psalm 139:11-12, English Standard Version)

 As you go deeper and get closer to God, the answers will not be easy but they we will come when needed.

Why not take a chance and trust Him in this moment right now?  

What do you have to lose?

About the Author :

Francine Ott is truly thankful to have a relationship with God and is seeking Him daily for guidance and any opportunities to walk closer with Him in truth and love. Francine is a choreographer/dancer, teacher, and soon to be counselor who has a heart to see God's transforming power, renew, restore, and heal the minds, souls, and bodies of people's lives.

Top 10 Maya Angelou Quotes

Many around the world are remembering Dr. Maya Angelou who passed away in her North Carolina home on May 28, at the age of 86. 

As Maya Angelou's wisdom poured through our timeline, I decided to share the top 10 quotes.

1. If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love.
   
   
2. A woman's heart should be so hidden in God, that a man would have to seek Him just to find her.
   
   
3. If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain.
   
   
4. While one may encounter many defeats, one must not be defeated.
   
   
5. There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.
   
   
6. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
   
   
7. Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently.
   
   
8. I found that I knew not only that there was God but that I was a child of God, when I understood that, when I comprehended that, more than that, when I internalized that, ingested that, I became courageous.
   
   
9. Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
    I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
   But when I start to tell them,
   They think I'm telling lies.
   I say,
   It's in the reach of my arms
   The span of my hips,
   The stride of my step,
   The curl of my lips.
   I'm a woman
   Phenomenally.
   Phenomenal woman,
   That's me.
   
   
10. If God loves me, if God made everything from leaves to seals and oak trees, then what is it I can't do?

Sin Sickness

Dear friend,

There is a sickness in this world that is worse than cancer, worse than AIDS. Rather than attacking the physical body, this sickness attacks deep within, eating away at the very souls of men and women. While one may look healthy on the outside, on the inside one is broken, battered, bruised and bleeding. Jesus referred to this sickness in Luke 5, when He said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” What was He speaking of? Quite simply, the sickness of sin! The end result of this horrific disease goes beyond mere death.  Dying from this ailment means eternity in hell. However, I have good news for you today! There is a cure to this sickness, but only one. There is only one medicine that can banish it forever. And what could that be? The blood of Jesus!  How is His blood applied? Well, by calling on His name and asking Him to do the job.  It is that simple. Do not wait another moment, do not give sin another second to eat away at your soul.  Call on Jesus today, ask Him to set you free.  He will do it, no questions asked.

For 24-year-old Nompulelo, life was a constant roller coaster+ of emptiness and frustration. A single mother of two, she was tired of living the same, sinful way. Nompulelo was searching for more. When she heard our MATATIELE Gospel Crusade being advertised on the local radio station, she became eager to attend. “I could not resist coming,” she said. “While I was not sick physically, I assure you I was sick spiritually. I had countless boyfriends, drank alcohol and went to clubs. I was doing many bad things.” The night she came to the crusade, was the night her life changed forever. “I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour,” she explained, bubbling with joy. “During the prayer I felt warmth all over my body. I felt guilty because of the wrong things I have done, but then, such relief and freedom.” Excited about her new future in Christ, she desires to serve Jesus with everything she has and is. “I want to tell people about Him. I can see myself joining the worship team and serving God wholeheartedly.” Nompulelo is now a living testimony of our Lord’s life-changing love!

About the Author :

Tamryn Klintworth is the founder of In His Name Ministries an evangelistic organization devoted to winning Africa and the world for Jesus, through the holding of mass crusades. She resides in Cape Town, South Africa.

Fight The Good Fight

I never had a wedding. My husband and I got married on a Monday in our casual clothes while standing in the living room of a total stranger. It was just the two of us. Sometimes when I look back on that day, I wonder if we really understood the largeness of the decision we had just so casually made.

Dangerous Indifference

"I feel like we're nothing more than roommates!" 

I hope I'm not the only woman who has ever said that. 

Or, the only woman who has felt her revealed heart pierced by a husband who glanced up from his video game, the back of the sports page or his fishing lure to say, "What?" 

Or the infinitely worse scenario, a husband who refuses to avert his eyes from a selfish distraction mumbling only, "MmmHmmm."

But I have said those words. Shortly thereafter I followed them with, "Fine. We'll just live like roommates. I will mind my own business and he can keep doing his own thing."

The moment the words fell from my lips, I felt a cold, clear shield slide over my heart. I would no more be hurt by one-sided conversations, sideways hugs or the absence of common kindness. I too, could be indifferent. Maybe that was for the best. We could be married, monogamous, faithful in body and let our spirits roam the expanse of other relationships for emotional fulfillment. 

It worked for a while. But the longer I contained my feelings and refused to expose them to my husband's insensitivity, and the longer that I emptied my heart only to girl friends over cozy cups of coffee, the wider the chasm stretched between my husband and me. 

I thought about making up the guest bedroom, adding my bedside table, a lamp, a desk. I contemplated stocking the pantry with ready-made items so my husband could cook his own meals. In true roommate form, I thought about insisting that he vacuum the house every other week. But, it dawned on me, that would never work. He would never do it. 

The problem with indifference is that it eliminates the possibility of anything ever being different. 

Hours before Jesus went to the cross, He sat across the table from his twelve disciples and listened to them argue about which of them was the greatest. I imagine Jesus listened quietly for a while, then sighed and raised His voice just slightly above the clamor of their argument.

"'The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves...I am among you as the one who serves.'" (Luke 22:25-27)

When I have been hurt or betrayed, my first reaction is to close up my heart; to pull down a clear, cold shield to protect myself. However, here is Jesus, mere hours from deep pain and betrayal by His closest friends, still entrusting them with truth, still fearlessly pouring His very nature into them. 

John 16:32 says, "Behold, the hour is coming indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me."

There have been many times in my marriage when I wanted to withdraw and revert to roommate status with my husband. But Jesus calls me to continue unveiling my heart, pouring my energy and investing my life into my husband even when he fails to do the same. He calls me to find comfort in the Heavenly Father who never abandons me or hides His love.

The truth is that my husband will never meet all my needs, and our marriage may never measure up to all my expectations. There will be seasons when I feel lonely and hurt. But according to Christ's example, I must remain vulnerable, communicative and loving. The Father's love is sufficient. 

"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary."Galatians 6:9

About the Author :

Abby Kelly is a Christian writer on all manner of topics relating the Christian faith. Her specific passion is offering encouragement, empathy and resources to women struggling with eating disorders. Visit her site at Predatory Lies

His Masterpiece

I enjoy art. There's nothing like casually strolling through a art museum and viewing all of the beautiful pieces that a gifted artist meticulously crafted. Artists are indeed visionaries that typically see what others don't see. Andy Warhol, an American artist who was a leading figure in the pop art movement, said the following, "Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it."

How many women go through life each day, not seeing the beauty they possess as God's creation? Not seeing that they are a masterpiece crafted by the Master Craftsman Himself?

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

Let's look at the definition of "Masterpiece". Masterpiece: (1)A person's greatest piece of work. (2) Anything done with masterly skill. 

That is who you are. God's masterpiece. His handiwork. You are God's greatest creation. 

Contrary to what your past or circumstances may say, you are not a failure. You are not the mistakes you might have made. 

You, precious one, are fearfully and wonderfully made. Loved by your Father with an unfailing, unconditional love. A love that nothing can separate you from. 

(38)And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. (39)No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38, 39 NLT)

As women, we must pray and ask the Father to open our eyes so that we can see ourselves as He sees us. When He looks at you, He sees the beautiful masterpiece He fashioned and created. He doesn't focus on the "stuff" we sometimes beat ourselves up about.  He is a God that always sees you as a finished masterpiece. He is a God that sees the end from the beginning. 

(Isaiah 46:9, 10 NKJV) 

(9)Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, (10)Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’ 

God has already declared your end. He knows the plans He alone has for you. And, when it comes to His plans for your life, His purposes shall prevail over any negative word, situation or circumstance. You have to believe that God has ordained good for your life, in spite of what may be happening at this very moment.  

Ask God for grace to see yourself the way He sees you. As beautiful and greatly loved. 

He looks at you with eyes of love and passion. You are His and He is yours. Today, release all negative emotions and thoughts that lie and tell you anything contrary to what God says about your life. He loves you with an everlasting love. You are His daughter.  His masterpiece. His beloved. 

Prayer:  Father, thank you for so graciously opening my eyes that I might see myself as you see me. May I see the beauty that I possess. I chose to believe that your plans for me are great and good. And, that your plans for my life will come to pass. Thank you for making me beautiful to behold. 

About the Author :

Pastor Pamela Bell is a passionate, lover of God, who desires to see God's people walk in the knowledge of who they are in Christ. She resides in Mobile, AL and serves as an Elder at her church, Gulf Coast Christian Center. Pastor Pamela enjoys reading, spending time with friends and all things chocolate.

Listening For The Whisper

It would be so much easier if I could text God. An email, maybe? Come on, I’d even take a burning bush. It worked for Moses, after all. The Bible says that God talked to him face-to-face (Exodus 33:11)! How is that fair? I wish God would talk to me like that. I feel like I can’t ever hear him. Or maybe he just doesn’t talk to me at all.

Does that sound like you? Do you ever catch yourself complaining that you can’t hear God’s voice? It’s so common for us in our busy lives not to hear the Lord speaking to us. We might even think that he’s being silent. Have you ever considered, though, that you’re listening for him in all the wrong places?

We tend to think that God will speak to us in an extremely obvious way. And sometimes he does. But I’ve found that a lot of the time, God’s voice is a lot quieter and simpler than we expect it to be. Maybe that’s why we sometimes don’t hear it. We are waiting for the clap of thunder and miss the whisper.

Let’s look at part of the prophet Elijah’s story. Elijah was a prophet of the Lord during the reign of King Ahab and his wife, Jezebel. Elijah spoke very boldly against the worship of Baal. He eventually issued a public challenge to the priests of Baal: Let’s see whose God is the real thing. On top of Mt. Carmel, 450 pagan priests set up an altar to Baal, and Elijah set up an altar to Yahweh, the true God. The challenge was to see which God would prove his power by lighting a prepared sacrifice with fire from heaven. The priests of Baal prayed for hours and hours, cutting themselves to add their own blood to the sacrifice, doing dances, trying everything they could think of to get their “god” to listen. Eventually, Elijah decided to up the ante a little and dump water on his altar three times so that it was soaking wet. Then he prayed to God, who lit the entire thing on fire, proving that he was the true God over Baal. Then Elijah ordered the deaths of all the pagan priests. Unfortunately for him, though, Jezebel was an avid Baal-worshipper, and she was not very happy when Elijah had all her priests killed. She had people sent to kill him, and he was forced to hide in a cave on Mt. Horeb. This is where we’re picking up the story:

“And the word of the Lord came to him: ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’

He replied, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.’

 The Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.  When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

Then a voice said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’”

(1 Kings 19:9-13, NIV)

You can read the rest of Elijah’s story in 1 Kings, but that’s where we’re going to leave off. God showed Elijah (and us!) a massive truth in this passage. He caused an earthquake, a fire, and a wind, essentially a tornado. All of these things are natural disasters that we would associate with power and force. They are unstoppable. What can you do to stop an earthquake? Nothing. It will shake what it wants to shake, destroy what it wants to destroy, and crumble what it wants to crumble. An earthquake is beyond powerful and entirely out of our control.

But God didn’t use the powerful, obvious things to speak to Elijah. He did not manifest himself in any of the ways that we might expect the Almighty to appear. It wasn’t about the appearance, the obvious, the bravado. God spoke to Elijah in a still, small voice.

Who would have expected that?  God showed Elijah his power through his control over natural disasters. But his presence wasn’t in them. It was in the whisper that followed them. Do you think you would have heard it?

How often do you think we miss God’s still, small voice because we are waiting for him in the earthquake? This is not to say that God doesn’t ever speak to us through our earthquakes. But more often than not, a nudge in your spirit or a thought you know wasn’t your own will pop up. And that’s God’s still, small voice. You’ll miss it or write it off as nothing if you’re not waiting expectantly for it. Do you think Elijah would have heard the whisper if God hadn’t told him explicitly that he was about to pass by? He might have assumed that God had spoken through one of the natural disasters and that he just missed it. But God had told him that he was about to pass by, so Elijah wasn’t prepared to miss that. He was waiting in expectation. That’s what we need to be doing.

Look for God in the less-than-obvious places. Don’t try to put limits on how or when he can speak to you. He is God. Almighty, all-powerful, able to do anything. He may choose to speak to you in an obvious way… But don’t be surprised if you get a still, small voice rather than an earthquake.

About the Author :

Hannah Bryant is a worship-leading, cat-loving, pizza-eating redhead who doesn't take much seriously apart from her relationship with Jesus. She is currently finishing up her Bachelor of Arts degree in English Education at Southern Oregon University.

Cocoon Season

During some heavy prayer I recently heard from God that I am in “cocoon season.”  This is a season of being under construction.  It is hiding in the protection of God's cocoon.

 

Cocoon:

1.      A silky case spun by the larvae of many insects for protection in the pupal stage.

2.      Envelop or surround in a protective or comforting way; Wrap, swaddle, cloak, envelop, protect, shield, shelter.

In the cocoon, the caterpillar’s old body dies (or shall I say it disintegrates) and a new body forms inside of a protective shell. The caterpillar digests itself, releasing enzymes to dissolve all of its tissues.  The only thing that survives this process is a certain remarkable group of cells known as imaginal discs. It literally becomes a completely new creature!

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”-2 Corinthians 5:17

A cocoon is not a resting place as many would think.  The caterpillar is hard at work transforming into a new creature.  This requires that the old caterpillar body be broken down and turned into something new. 

Why is this season so important?

*It is God's way of growth and protection.  In the caterpillar world the butterfly metamorphosis happens inside a protective shell known as a chrysalis.

Along with the ability to occasionally twitch in response to threats, this shell is what protects the caterpillar while it transforms.  Just like in our transformations, the caterpillar is unable to protect itself during the process, but the shell keeps it protected.  In our case it is the protection of God's “shell.”  It is amazing to think that even though like the caterpillar, we are still out in the open during this season of complete transformation, He provides camouflage and protection.  Often this is a major reason why we may feel invisible during this season.  Though we may be invisible to others during this process, we are in God's direct supervision and focus.

*The cells needed to become a butterfly called imaginal discs remain dormant throughout the caterpillar's life until the cocoon process takes place.  Those cells form the wings, antennae, legs, eyes and all the other features of an adult butterfly or moth.  Just like all that God has called us to be remains dormant in us until this process takes place in us with Him.

*It is required so that we may go into the next season, butterfly season.  Butterfly season is where our beauty and talents are revealed.  If we skip or shorten the cocoon season, we will never make it to the next season.  According to what I have read about the cocoon process, getting a look at this metamorphosis as it happens is difficult; disturbing a caterpillar inside its cocoon or chrysalis risks botching the transformation. We must not disturb or hastily abort the process.  We must submit and trust the process, God's process.  “What the caterpillar calls the end of the world the master calls a butterfly.”-Richard Bach

We must be patient and avoid running before the transformation is concluded.  Even though this process may seem as if it will never end and brings out many emotions and fears, we must trust that per Philippians 1:6, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion”

“Patience doesn't mean making a pact with the devil of denial, ignoring our emotions and aspirations. It means being wholeheartedly engaged in the process that's unfolding, rather than ripping open a budding flower or demanding a caterpillar hurry up and get that chrysalis stage over with.”-Sharon Salzberg

I pray that all of you reading this are encouraged.  I have been straining with this process and at times my emotions have gripped me.  I want to turn into a butterfly, God's butterfly and in God's way and time no matter how I feel.  Know that He WILL COMPLETE the process He has 'started in you, in your life (all areas in your life).  He is NOT a man and CANNOT lie.  I am praying for each one you, emerging butterflies. 

About the Author :

Leilani is a single mom to a beautiful 4 year old little girl. She is in love with the Creator of the stars. Her mission is simple yet so big, to encourage and bring Jesus to all in need. To bring hope by loving people, writing, photography, music, poetry/spoken word and meeting people right where they are. Gods Grace is her air.