Five years ago, today, I published my first blog, below! Never could I have imagined the commitment or the blessings that would follow. Over 1300 blogs later, I have made new friends, reconnected with friends from my past (even 1st grade) and share bonds with so many of you. I never look at numbers but today I looked and almost 400 blogs go by email each day. That is God! He always does, "exceedingly abundantly above all that I can ask or imagine!" Ephesians 3: 20, "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us..." Thank You, Jesus!
For quite a while I have felt God nudging me to do a blog. I did not even know what a blog was! I love to write and find it very therapeutic but this would be for everyone to see which makes me very vulnerable. Recently I started "stressing" over blogging when I let the negative thoughts creep in. "I am not good enough"; "No one will want to read it"; etc. I even thought, "what if they know my sins?!" Thankfully God forgives and He uses sinners! Vulnerability has a negative connotation but God wants us to be real - including the good, bad and ugly. He made us to relate to each other which means sharing our stories to bring glory to God. God has been so good to me how can I not be obedient?
I was reminded of the first time God nudged me to give a talk in front of people - my greatest fear! After many tears and prayers I asked God for a sign. No, actually I asked for a billboard! The next morning at church we sang, "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms." The words reassured me. "What have I to dread, what have I to fear, Leaning on the everlasting arms? I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, leaning on the everlasting arms." I felt those words in a way that I knew that was my sign. That was the first of many talks. They have all been difficult but God has provided triumph over fear. God has blessed me for being obedient.
We are our own greatest hindrance to God's blessings in our life if we do not surrender. We cannot fulfill His purpose for our life it we do not surrender. Surrender does not weaken us; it strengthens us! Don't focus on the problem but focus on the problem solver! With Him all things are possible! Let God help you to be all that you can for His purpose! I'm trusting You, God! Today I surrender and step out on faith! Here's my first blog! All glory and honor is Yours, Father! Job 22:21 "Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you."
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