Years ago I had a divine encounter with someone at Starbucks (remember this, Brad Ownby?). It was just one of those things that unfolded and before I knew it I had gained a friend (so blessed to call you friend, Eddie Ramirez), was inspired to read "Experiencing God" and we all stood in awe of God and how He brings people together in His perfect way!
All these year later I'm still blessed by that book and the things I learned in it. Being someone who grew up in church where more focus was placed on the outside (what you do, say, wear) than on the inside, the idea that we're created to experience God struck a chord with me. I had experienced God in SO many ways but Henry Blackaby put it into words so perfectly.
As The Lord called us to start our own business this past summer it was a huge test of faith. While certainly it was about freedom, being able to watch the kids grow up and building something together, more importantly it was about experiencing God in ways we never have before. Here's a quote that I love so much:
"Most people want God to call them to a big assignment. However, they try to bypass the love relationship... the love relationship is why God created you. That is far more important to Him than what you do.
"So anticipate that God will start working with you and drawing you to an intimate love relationship that is real and personal. When the love relationship is right, God will be free to begin giving you assignments at His initiative. Whenever you do not seem to be receiving assignments from God, focus on the love relationship and stay there until the assignment comes." -Blackaby
A couple days ago Brandon was reading the day by day devotional and it was noting how often Jesus prayed when He was facing an important decision. "When He was being tempted to do things by the world's methods instead of the Father's, He prayed (Matt 4). When it was time to choose His disciples, He prayed the entire night (Luke 6:12). If the Son of God required a night of prayer in order to determine the Father's mind, how long might it take us in prayer to clearly determine our Father's will?" (from Experiencing God Day by Day 1/9)
This has been the theme with this new chapter God has us in. I feel more and more that being in the center of His will is less about what we're doing and more about seeking and experiencing Him. Here's some final encouragement from the devotional that spoke to me so much.
"It was prayer that set the agenda for Jesus' ministry. Prayer preceded the miracles (John 11:42-43); prayer brought Him encouragement at critical moments (Luke 9:28-31); prayer enabled Him to go to the cross (Luke 22:41-42); and prayer kept Him there despite excruciating pain (Luke 23:46). Follow the Savior's example, and let your time alone with God, in Prayer, set the agenda for your life."
Thanks for reading!
xoxo
Deanna L