One of my favorite characters in the bible as of late is Hannah. After a sermon preached at my church this Sunday, I began to adore Hannah's persistence and strength.
Hannah is a prime example of someone who refused to give up although she had been blocked from her dreams. She continued to go after the desires of her heart. She looked her adversary in the face and pressed forward, praying her dreams into fruition.
If you're unfamiliar with the story of Hannah you can find it here. But in summary, Hannah was married to a man with two wives. One wife had a child for their husband, but at the time, Hannah was barren.
I love Hannah's story because I'm reminded that God's promises will always prevail. Hannah's story reminds me that we should stay committed to our heart's desires in spite of discouragement. The spirit of hope within us should never evaporate because God's blessings are fashioned to come to pass at a time where He sees is best.
Like Hannah did in her time of disappointment, we should remain persistent in prayer. Here's why:
- God has a plan. This seems all kinds of obvious. Yet I'm writing this as number 1 because we often times forget that He does. Well, let me speak for myself. In my time of discouragement, I'm quick to forget Jeremiah 29:11 and what is written in His word. Although your situation seems completely hopeless, you're in that space for a reason. Stay faithful. He definitely has plans for you to prosper.
- Your dreams matter. Those desires were placed on your heart for a reason. That job you want? That business you're pressed to start? That creative vision you're passionate about? It's all a part of your purpose. Don't allow discouragement or disappointment to make you question your heart's desires. Like Hannah, pour your soul before the Lord. Make your dreams known to Him. They matter.
- You've come this far. The fact that you're facing the slightest bit of discouragement shows that you've made progress. So take a step back from discouragement and give yourself a round of applause. Don't confuse progress with perfection. Take this time to breathe, reevaluate your goals, do a dance, and go again. You're doing the dang thing! Press forward.
Last week I had the pleasure of attending a wedding and celebrating the union between two of my friends (and got to wear this lovely blue gown!) During this celebration I was reminded that God's plan always prevails. The beautiful couple has been together for 6 years, some of that time was spent apart in a long distance relationship. Yet their love prevailed. God's plan reigned supreme.
What might look discouraging to some might simply be a chance for God to show you His grace.
Your period of disappointment might simply be a chance for you to take a breather and go again.
And as Eli said to Hannah, I'll tell you this: "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of Him."
I hope Hannah's story resonated with you as it did for me! Oh and if you enjoy my blue gown, outfit details are below!
Dress: Windsor
(Unfortunately this exact one is no longer online! Once I find a smiliar style I'll post the link here ASAP).
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A lot of us have heard that famous West African gospel tune, sung in a call and response:
Call: "When Jesus says yes, nobody can say no!"
Response: "When Jesus says yes, nobody can say no..."
These affirming words probably resonate with a lot of us. We sing it with confidence, closing our eyes, smiling, and nodding our heads thinking of all the things we are sure Jesus is about to say yes to...and cheesing hard because we are just so confident in these "yeses"
Yes to the new job we just interviewed for.
Yaaasssss to the new bae we are sure God brought to us because of our fasting and praying.
Yes to the new flat we just know God opened the door to.
But while singing these tunes what we fail to realize is that YES, when Jesus says yes nobody can say no..but when Jesus says NO nobody can say yes!
We often miss the counterpart of this song. We are too busy rushing through doors we think are open for us and opening our arms to embrace "opportunities" that we think are set aside for us.
Let's pause and take a second to consider these words: when Jesus says no nobody can say yes..when Jesus closes the door nobody can open it.."
Yes, it's true. His no's and closed doors are just as marvelous as His yes. It's time we understand that His no's are guiding, protecting, and covering us - just as His yeses..
Consider these examples:
Disclaimer: some are real life personal examples, others are purely hypothetical ;)
Your prospective new job:
I recently scrolled through my old emails, coming across SEVERAL jobs I had applied for in the past. These jobs were seemingly sooo easy to get. I remember sending my resume in and interviewing for a Telefund position (whattheheck is that??). After the interview, I just knew I would get a call to start working there the next day. I was so sure. But Jesus' no was loud and clear!
Your new bae:
You've gone on 4 dates with this person after all of which you've stayed up all night planning your wedding and filling your Pinterest board with wedding ideas and baby names. Unfortunately (or fortunately) this failed relationship is another version of Jesus' no. A few months or a few years down the line you meet The One! Now imagine if Jesus didn't close that door???
Your new flat (home):
You find the perfect flat. Complete with a newly refurbished kitchen and freshly painted bedroom. On the interior, this place has everything you need. You're so ready to move in but suddenly 30 minutes before your second viewing, your prospective landlord calls you to let you know someone actually just moved in. What? When? How did someone all of a sudden move in? A few weeks later God opens the door for a much better place, less expensive, and closer to your brand new job (which you didn't have at the time you initially viewed this first flat)!
Turning 25 yesterday allowed me to sit back and reflect on my past and dream of my future. Believe me when I say His no's have truly been a saving grace. The last few months of 24 I experienced a period of NOs and slammed doors. Yes, y'all. Slammed and sealed, not just closed. What surprises me is the way in which these doors are slammed sometimes. For example, I'll be so close to an opportunity I thought for sure was set aside for me. Then that door will be slammed shut. No explanation. Nothing I foresaw. Just closed.
Let me pause and say that while 24 was indeed filled with amazing opportunities, renewed faith, abundant provisions, it was also filled with gaining a clearer understanding of my purpose. These no's and closed doors served to guide me and bring me to the exact place I stand today.
So basically, thank you God for seeing in me what I could notsee in myself. Thank you for your infinite wisdom in knowing how to prepare me for today. At 25 I'm ready and willing to let you lead. Thank you for protecting me from your "good enough." I'm ready and willing to put aside what I believe is good enough and accept what You know is BEST.
I urge you: trust God. Praise Him for the no's with as much confidence and as much joy as you praised for the yes. Lean not in your own understanding. Trust that all things are working for your good, in His time. Trust that He is simply not allowing you to accept "good" and wanting you to wait for the absolute best.
Here's to the person God designed, desired, and has determined you will become (in spite of those no's).
---
As some of you know, I recently graduated with my master's in psychology and flew back to Los Angeles in time to bring in my 25th birthday yesterday :D
I spent the day at The Grove in LA and finally got to try a delicious Chai Tea Latte cupcake from the famous Sprinkles!! I was in heaven. I tried to save it long enough for a photo, but as soon as I licked the frosting it was a wrap!
I was so happy the weather was nice and hot for 25! As a February baby this is a rarity! I got to bring out my denim jumpsuit which I purchased from Topshop London several months ago. (If I find it online, I'll link it below)!
One of my favorite stories in the bible can be found in Genesis 22 where God tests Abraham.
God speaks to Abraham asking him to "take [his] son, [his] only son, whom [he] loves, and sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain."
After reading Abraham's reaction to God's request, I can never help but to laugh out loud! The next morning, Abraham simply rose and did exactly as God asked. (Find full story here: Genesis 22).
Can you say obedience on fleek!? Imagine God asking you to let go of something that you love dearly. To take your hands off what you thought was yours. To surrender your will, and your possessions. Now imagine you had the same response as Abraham. He asked Abraham to surrender his only son, who he loved. And without any questions, Abraham marched right up to that mountain ready to do exactly what God asked.
I laugh (nervously I must admit) because I imagine myself having obedience like Abraham. Letting go of all I am and all I have and offering it unto God. I laugh because I imagine the unrelenting trust Abraham had for God. I laugh because I wonder how it must feel to be worry-free like Abraham. He didn't contemplate the what ifs. He did not stop to ask God "why?" He did not consult with his wife, or any other human being. He simply did. He simply let go. He simply submitted.
He was simply obedient.
Sometimes God may require us to let go of and sacrifice the very thing we love- requiring us to only hold on to His promises, requiring us to hold tightly to faith, requiring us to cling unto Him - in order to bring us to the greater thing He has set apart for us.
As this year draws to a close, I urge myself (and of course my dear readers) to consider obedience like Abraham. Imagine how our lives will look if we simply surrendered all?
**Have you heard the Sunday school song:
Father Abraham had many sons, many sons are Father Abraham's. I am one of them, and so are you. So let's just praise the Lord!
Yup! All those sons are a product of Abraham's obedience!
lObedience on fleek = blessings on blessings! (lol)
Top: Topshop (London)
Black Skirt: Friends Closet :D
Shoes: Primark
God speaks to Abraham asking him to "take [his] son, [his] only son, whom [he] loves, and sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain."
After reading Abraham's reaction to God's request, I can never help but to laugh out loud! The next morning, Abraham simply rose and did exactly as God asked. (Find full story here: Genesis 22).
Can you say obedience on fleek!? Imagine God asking you to let go of something that you love dearly. To take your hands off what you thought was yours. To surrender your will, and your possessions. Now imagine you had the same response as Abraham. He asked Abraham to surrender his only son, who he loved. And without any questions, Abraham marched right up to that mountain ready to do exactly what God asked.
I laugh (nervously I must admit) because I imagine myself having obedience like Abraham. Letting go of all I am and all I have and offering it unto God. I laugh because I imagine the unrelenting trust Abraham had for God. I laugh because I wonder how it must feel to be worry-free like Abraham. He didn't contemplate the what ifs. He did not stop to ask God "why?" He did not consult with his wife, or any other human being. He simply did. He simply let go. He simply submitted.
He was simply obedient.
Sometimes God may require us to let go of and sacrifice the very thing we love- requiring us to only hold on to His promises, requiring us to hold tightly to faith, requiring us to cling unto Him - in order to bring us to the greater thing He has set apart for us.
As this year draws to a close, I urge myself (and of course my dear readers) to consider obedience like Abraham. Imagine how our lives will look if we simply surrendered all?
**Have you heard the Sunday school song:
Father Abraham had many sons, many sons are Father Abraham's. I am one of them, and so are you. So let's just praise the Lord!
Yup! All those sons are a product of Abraham's obedience!
lObedience on fleek = blessings on blessings! (lol)
--
Outfit Details:Top: Topshop (London)
Black Skirt: Friends Closet :D
Shoes: Primark
October marks one year since I moved to London. This year has been completely life changing and God-filled to say the least.
Let me tell y'all about my God.
When I first arrived here mid October 2014, to say I was scared would be an understatement. (You can read more about my experience here). Yes, I loved London so much that I wanted to live here (it was not by force loll). However once I did, I was in tears literally everyday for the first few weeks. I wanted to quit and move back to California ASAP. But as luck would have it, God had other plans. I learned to cope with homesickness, depression, and downright dissatisfaction. I learned to be grateful, appreciate life, and vowed to travel the world. I told God that if he wanted me to stay here he would have to give me an amazing testimony. He sure did (and it is still blossoming).
How I coped:
- Having an amazing support system: When I first arrived, I didn't have many friends. Yes y'all. I was all by my lonesome for sometime. I went to school and came home. So I leaned heavily on my stateside family and friends. (Thank God for apps like What's App, Viber, and Skype). My family and friends kept me sane with their love, prayers, and understanding. I knew I could call them whenever..for a laugh, pep talk, or prayers.
- Holding on ever so tightly to the word of God: 'Til this day, I believe that God used my period of loneliness to draw me nearer to Him. It was in the time I was fully able to talk with Him. I read, prayed, read, prayed and repeated. My relationship with Him grew as I learned more about who He is and more about who I am through Him.
- Therapy: (Okay retail/food therapy is still therapy y'all!!). The weather here can be very gloomy and coming from Southern California, the lack of sunshine led to so many depressing days. I learned what made me happy. Sometimes it was upbeat/inspirational music, other times it was ice cream, but most times I would just shop (or window shop) at my favorite stores. (I know all my chronic shoppers can relate to this! lol).
- Travel!!: I challenged myself to break out of my comfort zone and explore places I've never visited. I found amazing places in London (like coffee shops, parks, etc) to simply sit and do homework. I had the opportunity to travel to some parts of Europe to explore, visit friends, and learn.
 |
| St. James' Park, London |
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| Sitges Beach, Barcelona |
Although it is still developing I'll share a little bit of my testimony with you all:
God has never left my side. Throughout my whole journey He has been guiding, protecting, and providing for me. He has given me countless opportunities.
Academic wise, I was successful in all my courses. Job wise, He has opened and closed so many doors which have blessed me tremendously. He has ordered my steps accordingly and caused me to cross paths with people and experiences that have changed my life. I'll definitely share more later, but I wanted to write this post simply to share how good God is and hopefully encourage you.
If there is nothing else I have to give God all the glory for allowing me to pursue my dream of living in London + completing my masters degree.
That dream you've been holding on to..that goal that's on the top of your list...go for it. Allow God to lead you. Trust Him and he will never forsake you. He will provide for you, He will keep you, He will love you.
Don't allow your fear to disrupt your progress. Don't allow those what-ifs to hinder your drive.
That country you've been wanting to visit? Go.
Allow God to make a way.
That program you've been thinking about applying for admission? Do it.
Let His will be done.
He is faithful.
And anything else that falls into
the category of fear, unhappiness, and dissatisfaction.
If you asked me if I was a worrier, with confidence, I would answer no. I've always considered myself as in control. I've considered myself as a planner, a doer, and as proactive. Most importantly, I've considered myself as someone with strong faith. But truth be told, panic is usually my first reaction to stressful situations rather than feeling the peace in uncertainty that is associated with faith.
Worry by definition is to feel or cause to feel anxious or troubled about actual or potential problems.
Worry causes delay to your potential (and it won't let you be great!). In a sense, worrying is a coping mechanism we develop in an attempt to manage our situations.
I noticed that I suddenly became prone to worrying about everything...recently it has been how long my hair will grow (ha!). But more seriously, I would find myself panicking over most every situation. I would find myself staying up late to ponder over how I would fix my problems -- problems that were beyond my control. I found myself creating scenarios that I imagined I would have to deal with in the far future.
I remember discussing worry in one of my bible classes at Westmont College. We discussed what it means to worry as a Christian and how being fixated on our problems in this manner simply tells God that He cannot move your mountains. Worrying is telling God that your problems are bigger than Him.
When you worry, you spend more time doubting that believing.
During this season I made a conscientious choice to be intentional about not worrying.
First I had to understand what causes worry: anticipating something you cannot yet see... you're anxious to obtain something that is not yet within your grasp.
I made sure to acknowledge these "problems" which caused me to worry. Acknowledge that I have bills to pay (in spite of being a full time student); acknowledge that some of my relationships were struggling; acknowledge that some of my goals and dreams will be difficult (but attainable!!).
I talked about intentionally giving up worry—
To me, being intentional about this is like anything: making a firm & mindful decision-- deciding to be happy, deciding to let go of anger, deciding to have a good day, deciding to smile. It's a decision that you can make in order to cease thinking about what you have no control over.
As a Christian what helped was praying about my situation and knowing in my spirit that it would be taken care of. By dwelling on God's promises. By remembering how He loves. By knowing that He has done it before (Hebrews 11:4-39).
Worry is a sign of distrust. By letting go of worry and making that commitment within your spirit, you are telling your problems that something is bigger than them...that something is in control of them..
so your problems no longer have a hold of your being & can no longer consume your thoughts.
Focus on who God is.
Surrender all--that includes surrendering a habit (or coping mechanism) I've formed over the years.
God never fails. So why worry?
If you asked me if I was a worrier, with confidence, I would answer no. I've always considered myself as in control. I've considered myself as a planner, a doer, and as proactive. Most importantly, I've considered myself as someone with strong faith. But truth be told, panic is usually my first reaction to stressful situations rather than feeling the peace in uncertainty that is associated with faith.
Worry by definition is to feel or cause to feel anxious or troubled about actual or potential problems.
Worry causes delay to your potential (and it won't let you be great!). In a sense, worrying is a coping mechanism we develop in an attempt to manage our situations.
I noticed that I suddenly became prone to worrying about everything...recently it has been how long my hair will grow (ha!). But more seriously, I would find myself panicking over most every situation. I would find myself staying up late to ponder over how I would fix my problems -- problems that were beyond my control. I found myself creating scenarios that I imagined I would have to deal with in the far future.
I remember discussing worry in one of my bible classes at Westmont College. We discussed what it means to worry as a Christian and how being fixated on our problems in this manner simply tells God that He cannot move your mountains. Worrying is telling God that your problems are bigger than Him.
Lent
During lent we are meant to give
up certain luxuries and exercise patience. People who worry do so because
we desire the luxury of certainty. We fail to be convicted of things not
seen (Hebrews 11:1).When you worry, you spend more time doubting that believing.
During this season I made a conscientious choice to be intentional about not worrying.
First I had to understand what causes worry: anticipating something you cannot yet see... you're anxious to obtain something that is not yet within your grasp.
I made sure to acknowledge these "problems" which caused me to worry. Acknowledge that I have bills to pay (in spite of being a full time student); acknowledge that some of my relationships were struggling; acknowledge that some of my goals and dreams will be difficult (but attainable!!).
I talked about intentionally giving up worry—
To me, being intentional about this is like anything: making a firm & mindful decision-- deciding to be happy, deciding to let go of anger, deciding to have a good day, deciding to smile. It's a decision that you can make in order to cease thinking about what you have no control over.
As a Christian what helped was praying about my situation and knowing in my spirit that it would be taken care of. By dwelling on God's promises. By remembering how He loves. By knowing that He has done it before (Hebrews 11:4-39).
Worry is a sign of distrust. By letting go of worry and making that commitment within your spirit, you are telling your problems that something is bigger than them...that something is in control of them..
so your problems no longer have a hold of your being & can no longer consume your thoughts.
Focus on who God is.
Surrender all--that includes surrendering a habit (or coping mechanism) I've formed over the years.
God never fails. So why worry?
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