The suddenlies!

Welcome to my November post! 

God moves in the suddenlies! 

Treasures Of Hope image

From little things, big things grow. When a door of opportunities closes, little grace becomes enough grace. We grope in the darkness of the valley until  a glimmer of light appears. Hope! Just a little hope, is enough hope, so you hold on to that.  

When the unexpected happens, will my mustard-seed faith move the mountain that blocks the way forward? Jesus said, "if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" Matthew 17:20.

Two months ago, I resigned from my job and before I had time to ponder over things, I was on a plane to a conference for Pacific women in Brisbane, Australia. I had prayed about going to this in the past but I'd been so consumed with work and other commitments that I'd forgotten about it. Until now, and I thanked God for His amazing provisions.

That whole weekend I got to sit at Jesus' feet; ate and drank from at a  smorgasbord of teachings/testimonies of men and women and their journey with God. I learned 3 important things, to : (1.) speak prophetically. (2.) preach prophetically. (3.) pray prophetically. Like most people who frequent these conferences, I left feeling spiritually charged with the thought that I could take on anything that God brings across my path. How wrong I was!

I arrived to spend some well-earned rest, time with my family in Brisbane. I have been overweight for several years and when my son challenged me about my weight, it came as no surprise. God sometimes speaks through our children. Reluctantly, I agreed to my new health plan of three simple meals and daily exercises. Oh, how I missed the comforts of being my own boss! Those walks under the Brisbane heat weren't easy for me. Four weeks later, I was on a plane flying back to New Zealand, feeling lighter and healthier. I love my son and I thank God for using him to bless me. 

As I arrived back in New Zealand, the reality that I'm unemployed hit me! I prayed, "Lord, I can't possibly be without a job. There's enough jobless people around." I was so determined and within one week, I was interviewed and started a new job the following week. But the job lasted for only three weeks due to transport issues. Suddenly, I was unemployed again! I prayed, Lord, I need you!

Desire is a strong thing! While job vacancies were plentiful, there was one particular job I desired very much. I prayed to God for that job. Exactly a week after leaving the last job, I was submitting my CV and secured an interview for the following morning. In exactly a week from the interview, I was offered the job. Isn't God amazing!
 
Sometimes we forget some of the prayers we'd asked of God. But God doesn't forget. He promises :  For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ^"Jeremiah 29:11.

As we walk with God, we discover that closed doors become blessings in disguise. Approaching retirement is not an excuse to give up on working and earning a living. God has invested so much into our lives. And He gives the strength, the desires and passions to pursue His calling for our lives.  So when challenges come, we must believe His Word that says, "And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" Romans 8:28^. 

I'm so very thankful to God. 

Will you join me in a prayer :

"Heavenly Father, thank you for the good plans you have 

for each and everyone of us. May we continue to trust you 

and serve you faithfully as we trust in your unfailing love. 

In Jesus Name, Amen