It's Still God's Will


It is so easy to say and believe the Word of God in a situation when the end result is what we THINK should be in our favor.  “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose, Rom. 8:28” or “For I know the thoughts that I think (plan I have) toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end, Jeremiah 29:11.” Last week in talking about blessings, it’s a lot easier to see the light after a struggle when there is a reward: a promotion, better health, more money, a mate, some type of tangible asset. So what happens when life does not produce outcomes that we perceive as favorable?

As we sympathize with the families of Kobe and Gianna Bryant and the other seven passengers aboard the helicopter crash that took their lives, many ponder as to why Kobe, why now? Tests of our faith often follow-up with these questions. As humans we tend to turn to each other for comfort and answers, but as true believers we tend to forget the answer of all answers, the Word of God!  Please, pleeeease do not take this observation as an act of self-righteousness because I struggle with reading the Bible just like the next, and no I do not read it every day! Personally an exegesis of Genesis to Revelation is not where I am in my walk but I do know that if you ask God for scripture relating to your situation as well as pray for clarity, he will give it to you. Right now many are displaying acts of love and saying “I love you” those that they cherish. Some are like myself, asking why, why now, why them. How could this happen to a person with a good heart and an inspiration to others?

We know God’s time is not our time and that everything happens in its own, appropriate season (Ecclesiastes 3). Is it wrong to use events such as this as an eye-opener for our own lives…not at all. This tragedy makes you think twice about how you treat others and what situations to engage and which to walk away from. As we revisit the definition of encourage, (to give support, confidence or hope; to inspire with courage, strength, or purpose), we as women should be encouraged today to live our best lives, do good deeds for one another, and to comfort each other when life happens.

I challenge each woman who reads this to encourage someone this week. Send a hello text to someone you haven’t talked to in a while. Call someone you know maybe going through and talk about anything just to get their mind away from the here and now. Go visit a senior that might not have much family round. Reach out to a student and encourage them in their studies. This is still God’s time and it is not our job to try to change that but to help one another get through these times, especially the not so good ones.

Prayer:
God, help us as women to encourage one another, especially when our timing doesn’t look like Yours.
Help us to understand that you make no mistakes.
We pray for wisdom, guidance, and understanding as you continue to fulfill Your promises.
Amen.

Song: “I Need You to Survive”, Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Choir
(I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHT TO THIS MUSIC)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUUHPDUsLJ0

Founder of W. E. Fellowship (Women Encouraging through Fellowship) and writer of Words for Women-Encouragement for Daily Living, .Erika has been involved in Women's Ministry since 2006 including serving as ministry leader and Women's conference coordinator. Her leadership and volunteer initiatives include The Genieve Shelter and Dress for Success as well as the birth of the G.E.M.M.S. (Girls Empowering Mentoring Ministry Society) in 2003 at the church where she was raised. Additionally she has served the kingdom through the music ministry and worship arts. Currently Erika serves as an Intercessor and Direction Coach, assisting those who have made the decision to follow Christ and/or join the fellowship and leads orientation classes. She is a Board Certified Mental Health Coach with the Association of Christian Counseling and is currently studying to receive her Certification in Christian Counseling. She lives by the scripture Philippians 4:13 "I can do ALL things through Christ which strengthens me!".

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