Here we are, a few weeks into a new year. Like most people, I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for me in 2012. If these first weeks are any indication of what’s to come, then I believe that for me, and many others, this will be a year of manifestation. And I’m not just saying that to pump up anybody’s emotions. But I really believe in my heart that for those of us who have been tried and tested, and remained steadfast in our faith, and are walking upright before the Lord, we will begin to see what He has said concerning our lives. You don’t have to hi-five your neighbor or turn around three times proclaiming “It’s My Season.” All you have to do is stay aligned with the will of God and trust Him. Amen?
In the first week of January, the Lord brought to manifestation something that He spoke to me almost a year ago. Around the beginning of 2011, the Lord told me that He was moving me into entrepreneurship. I totally laughed it off initially, because it seemed so far-fetched. I’d never even thought about being a business owner, and I was fine with the job I had. So I brushed it off as a random, passing thought, and kept moving. But when He began to speak those same words to me over and over and over again, my spiritual ears perked up. Once I started to listen, I realized that God was really giving me a vision.
Uncertain of how God was going to bring together the vision He’d placed in my heart, and thinking it was crazy for me to walk away from my job, I decided to trust Him and step out on faith. Let me just tell you, walking by faith is not a cake walk. But when you know in your heart of hearts that you are being led by the Lord, you have to obey Him no matter how crazy people may think you are, or how insane you may feel. I faced many dark, doubtful days and questioned whether I’d heard the Lord correctly. Just when I was beginning to lose hope in what God had said, He showed up and showed out. He poured out His favor and reassured me that this was a God-thing, and my faith had not led me wrong.
As you read this, I am officially a business owner, and God gets ALL the glory. If the details of how He brought this all together weren’t so personal, I’d share them with you and it would blow your mind. God was so strategic, and He is so faithful. Although I know that this is only the beginning, there is no doubt in my mind that the God who has brought me from such a LONG way, will take me even further.
When I think about the goodness of Jesus…you just don’t know!
I am fully confident that He who has begun a good work in me will continue to perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)
I don’t just believe that for myself, but I believe it for you too. It may not seem like it right now, but the Lord has begun a good work in you. Despite setbacks and sidetracks; trials and tribulations; despair and distress; pitfalls and pity parties; God is working in you and for you. He has a specific plan for your life, and He is strategically piecing together the puzzles of your life to bring it to manifestation.
One of my favorite scriptures is Jeremiah 29:11. It says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." You may not know the plan, but that’s alright because God says HE knows, and He has it all mapped out. His plans will prosper you. His plans will not hurt you. His plans will give you a bright future. His plans will give you hope.
It is the enemy that comes to make us think that our lives have no purpose, and that God’s plan for us is null and void. But he’s a liar, and only wants us to give up hope. Be encouraged to trust that God indeed has a specific outline for your life, even when you don’t see it, or understand how it will come together.
I’ll leave you with a scripture that always helps me to keep my focus on the Lord’s will for my life: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
LaKeisha Rainey-Collins, freelance writer and professional editor, is a wife and mom of three sons. LaKeisha is the owner & operator of LRC Editing (www.lrcediting.com), a Christian writing business specializing in proofreading, editing, ghostwriting, copywriting, and transcription services geared towards helping small business owners, self-published authors, non-profit and ministry leaders, and individuals reach their writing goals. She shares editing/writing tips on her business blog at http://lrcediting.blogspot.com.
LaKeisha is also an inspirational blogger who enjoys sharing encouraging messages with everyday women. Check out her blog, Real Woman, Real God at http://lakeishacollins.blogspot.com.