Sleepless Yet Productive

It is 12:47 am. I just finished working on sending some e-mails out regarding tasks for church. New Beginning Fellowship (NBF) has come into my life at just the right time. I always say, "God is right on time, isn't he?"

As I lay here, still excited about the Women of Worth (W.O.W.) ministry, I realize that this is just the beginning. God has already mapped it out. We cannot see it, and He wants us to remain faithful, even though His plans are not tangible. That is powerful! Therefore, I cannot sleep. So I decided to be productive and pull up the blog God has encouraged me to use as one of His tools to reach out to women after His own heart!

I am reading Joyce Meyer's book, Knowing God Intimately, for the second time. And I am learning to increase my faith in God, to trust Him completely, and let Him do His wonders.

One subtitle in her book has caught my attention:

"You cannot win your battles without God's help."

2 Chronicles 20:15 says, "The Lord says this to you: Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's."

And then Joyce goes on to say the following:

"The Amplified Bible gives a definition of faith in Colossians 1:4 that I really love. It says that faith in Jesus is 'the leaning of your entire personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness.'" These are just some of the many inspirational messages God uses Joyce to share with us in this book. I am so inspired, inspired by God's on-time messages. He wants us to lean entirely on Him. We cannot journey through this world under our own power. It simply is not possible. We have our own plans, yet God mandates that we follow His plans. He already has the plans for us, plans to prosper us, and His promises are guaranteed.

For so long, I was afraid to express myself. My heart was willing, and my flesh was weak. I was afraid that people would not accept me if I voiced my feelings, thoughts, and ideas. And years later, after college, I finally got the message from God. And that message was, "April, I accept you and that is all that matters." God told me to put my trust in Him and not into people. He will never disappoint me. He will never hurt me. And it took me a long time to receive this message. And here I am, expressing what I believe God has put on my heart to share with other women (young and old). I once was afraid, and now I see that I don't have to be. God is behind me, beside me, and within me. This blog encourages me to grow stronger in seeking God's purpose for my life, and empowers me to empower others through His power. What a blessing!

This late morning: I encourage you to stop being afraid of those things that are causing you turmoil. Stop letting fear interfere with God's plans for you. "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into ministry." - 1 Timothy 1:12. God is faithful and just, step out on faith. God is doing a new thing for us as we diligently seek Him. The plans He has for your life are already planned. All you have to do is grab hold of faith and embrace His promise. We have been given freedom to choose His way or our way. He will not let you down. Though you may stumble, He will always be there to keep you on the path of righteousness.

What are you afraid of? Pray. Trust. Believe. Pray. Trust. Believe. God will handle your needs. Don't continue to hide in fear. He is ready for you to step out boldly, willingly, and favorably.
The choice is yours. Don't delay. Be faithful and do it God's way!

May you faithfully lean on God for all your needs.
Best wishes and many blessings,

**Until next time...
ats