God never ceases to amaze me. I know His timing is perfect, and yet there are times when I’m anxious, waiting for something amazing to happen but frustrated that it hasn’t yet.
Those who have followed me long know that a twelve year dream of mine was fulfilled last summer; fulfilled through such an incredible story that it could only have been orchestrated by God. I knew it at the time… and I know it now.
In August, just before my business partner got sick and spent six weeks in the hospital, I heard the inaudible yet unmistakable voice of God ask me, “will you trust me when it gets really bad?” I said, “yes, Lord,”… and I KNEW I was in for some rough water.
Shortly after that, as my friend struggled in the hospital, I had to surrender the care of my friend completely to Jesus. I had to give up control of thinking I could help his doctors, who were stumped, and give complete authority over him to my Lord. Oh, the hours I prayed, begging the Lord to spare his life and grant him fifteen more years as He did the King Hezzekiah. God was gracious and restored my friend…. and even again when he was sick in December and January…
Our fledgling studio continued to grow and new students and instructors came… and then Covid 19. While we continue to offer lessons on line, we’ve lost about half of our students (hopefully they’ll return when this is over) and have cancelled our group workshops.
I know in my head that God will provide but I can’t help feeling a bit anxious about details, as I review our books with our accountant and use my earthly mind to think about how best to react. I know the desires of my heart… and I’ve poured them out to Jesus countless times… and I believe with all my heart that this studio.. this God-given dream was meant to fulfill something… some purpose of God Almighty… only I don’t know what it it…
My deepest desire is to partner with people who share my passion… that the whole world will be able to know the way in which God took me from emotionally frail wreck of a life and transformed me into steadfast faith, passionate child of God. I want everyone to live with that same conviction and experience the power of Gods miracles.
He is indeed still on the throne! And there is coming a day when we will all stand before Him. I’ve been far from perfect… not even good, in fact… but I stand cleansed by the power of the blood that Jesus gave for my salvation. And I want the world to know.
Yesterday, in my Facebook feed, a memory from 2010 reminded me of my journey.
Throughout the day, people commented on my post and encouraged me that they are praying for our business. Last night, I received a message from someone I don’t really know well, although am connected through mutual friends…. Her words of encouragement were accompanied by a video clip from the producer of The Chosen.
The Chosen This video was a reminder that my responsibility is to continue to do what God has called me to do. In the absence of any clear direction otherwise, I am to continue using the studio building that He provided and He will take care of the rest. I am, indeed, trusting that… even if my mind is filled with ideas of creative ways to keep the business afloat…More importantly than my business, though, is indeed the message that God is giving humanity a chance to seek Him… a chance that will not last forever.
Friends, I’d like for you all to know that God is a God of restoration… whatever you have done, whatever you have been… God can transform you… He is waiting for you to learn to surrender ALL of yourself to Him. Through His word and His Holy Spirit, He will continue to refine you for His purpose… being in the center of the will of God is the only place to be… there’s a storm coming, my friends… we’ve only seen a part… be ready. Give yourself to Him and let Him fulfill His purpose in your life.
Stay safe, my friends. Be blessed
SB
Journey-For-Life 