GUEST BLOGGER FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER: Healing and Faith

Have you ever been weak physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually? I know that even in the past week I have experienced some challenges in some of these areas to some degree.

I am a 6^th grade Social Studies teacher and I deal with children on a daily basis from 7:15 to 5. Needless to say, by the end of the day, I am mentally exhausted and emotionally drained. 

Everyday, two other teachers and I meet at 6:45 and pray. We pray for the students, their families, our leadership, and that God will have his way.

Faith-

A Time of Consecration

(Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. Acts 3:19-21 ESV).

Day 49

So a little over 49 days ago, I decided to go on a 60 day consecration. Why? Because I felt stuck. I felt spiritually trapped and frustrated.  I felt complacent in my spiritual walk and I was tired of it.  I couldn’t find a way to grow closer to the Lord or move deeper in worship and prayer and I knew where I had one wrong.

Let’s take exercising for an example. Have you ever been at a place where you were doing great—going places in your workout, seeing improvement in your body, experiencing growth in your endurance—and then for whatever reason you stop? Maybe you got busy or distracted. Or maybe you just didn’t feel like doing your workout for those two days that then easily spiraled into a careless two months?  Sooner or later, frustration sets in when you realize how much transformation would have taken place, if you had only continued to be faithful and committed to the process.

So like I said, I got fed up.  My prayers became little more consistent and aggressive; my worship a tad bit more violent. I asked the Lord, “what do I need to do to get closer to you? What do I need to let go? Who do I need to let go?” I was desperate to do whatever it took to get God’s attention. I started to reflect on my life and search for any signs of distractions that could have possibly taken my attention or focus.  After having some difficult conversations with myself and others, I declared the start of my consecration and rededication to the Lord. (Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. -John 12:25 ESV).

I’ll tell you something—it was the hardest decision, but by far, the best one I could’ve made.  So for the past 49 days, I have been in a state of intentional discomfort. I intentionally deny myself so that my flesh may die  (And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.- Luke 9:23). The Lord has been doing a work in me and through me, and I can’t wait to see what the last 11 days will bring.  I will continually take joy in the process :)

So I implore you. The Lord is calling  all of us  a little higher—a little deeper. Let this time be a time of consecration in your own life! If you do what you always did, you will get what you always got. Challenge yourself!  There are people around us who we are called too. Their deliverance is pending.  Jesus is coming back sooner than we know and we must be ready. Our families, friends, and the body of Christ must be ready. Be the change you want to see! The race is not given to the swift nor to the strong, but to the one who endures. (referenced in Ecclesiastes 9:11).

Here - Kari Jobe - Where I Find You

GUEST BLOGGER FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER: JAMIA