Has God ever showed up and showed out for you? He has for me. Let me share with you what he did. I normally sell my devotionals on the weekend and there are certain events that I tend to avoid. This is to ensure I’m in an environment that is conducive to my genre. Sometimes I get it right, sometimes I don’t. I wasn’t sure about this particular place or group of people, but I decided to try.
It started out very slow, and I found myself getting discouraged? It was a nice crowd and people would stop by to talk, but I wasn’t getting any sales. It wasn’t just me, the ladies next to me were experiencing the same thing. So, typical me, I started to complain in silence to the Lord, saying, “Lord these devotionals are your idea, I’m out here trying, but look what’s going on.” So, after a while, I sat back and just watched the crowd, allowing myself to become discouraged. I was so discouraged that I didn't do my normal go-live video. I've made it a practice of doing it at each event.
As I was sitting there, I thought about the word I had been receiving for the last few months. I had been getting the same scripture repeatedly, Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].” (Amplified Bible) I had placed my trust in my expected outcome, to sell books. I had not placed my trust in the one who provided the books and was in control of the outcome. Once I reflected on the scriptures my attitude got better, and I eventually sold 6 books.
When I started to pack up, someone suggested I do the red-carpet interview. I went to go do it and ran into the sponsor of the event. He mentioned he hadn’t made it to my table. I laughed and told him it was because he got stuck at the pretty young ladies table next to me and we both laughed. He asked about my devotionals, and I shared with him.
He purchased both books and gave me a $100.00 seed offering. Making my total book sales 8 for a day and a seed was sown into my business.
What valuable lesson did I learn? To not lean on my own understanding. Don’t focus on the outcome, focus on the one who can provide the outcome. Don’t judge your current situation by what you see, trust that God knows what He is doing.
Don’t lean on my own understanding. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Focus on God. “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2
Don’t get discourage. “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
By doing these things…over time, I’ve been learning how to incorporate Christ into every area of my life.
Below are two books that God has inspired me to write. "The Flip Side" and "Blinded By Sight: The Heart Matters" both available now.
So… what’s this book about?
“The Flip Side” depicts the possible feelings and emotions of lesser-known Biblical characters as they navigated their lives in the shadows of the more popular characters in the Bible. While the Bible gives us snippets of their stories, we are usually left in the dark about their true motives, desires, and thoughts concerning the situations they are in. However, one certainty is that despite how little we know about these characters, they were often the catalysts to pivotal moments in the main characters’ lives.
So… what’s this book about?
Join me on a journey of self-discovery. “Blinded by Sight - The Heart Matters” is a compilation of short biblical devotions. These stories are not conclusive. They are depictions of how God is revealing my heart to me.
My prayer is, Lord, make it real for me, show me your heart, show me my heart, and give me the wisdom to change what hinders my relationship with you. I am learning that my perception is my biggest obstacle it affects my mind, what I think, and how I process my experiences. What I have experienced in my mind is expressed through my feelings and these experiences dictate my choices either consciously or subconsciously.
This devotional will allow you to explore and evaluate your past and present situations that have hindered you from seeing the heart of the matter. Simply put, look at the heart – it does matter. Your future depends on it!
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalms 34:4
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