Forget Your Feelings

On any given day, if you asked me what I desire most, I would probably answer to sit at the feet of the Lord and bask in His presence. I want to please God. I want to hear Him say someday, "Servant, well done."

But I won't lie and tell you that everyday, I feel like praising God. There are days that I literally wake up sleepy. Not ready to tackle the day or face whatever is ahead. I'd prefer to just go back to sleep because I'm just that tired. There are Sundays when I don't feel like going to church and if I am PMS'ing I certainly don't feel like serving with anybody's ministry. To be honest honey, there are some days that I don't feel like praying when I wake up, studying the word or meditating. Sometimes I don't feel like being nice to people, helping them out, giving them a ride, being a listening ear or whatever. 

Maybe you've never had a day when you're running late, have a million things to do, and places to go. But I have and I know that on those days, I feel like I just don't have time to sit down and study the Bible. Sometimes there are so many other things on our mind that we are trying to deal with or figure out that we just don't feel like we have the energy to spend time in prayer. We figure we can't concentrate enough to meditate anyway. We don't feel like praising. We're so tired that it would be a halfhearted effort and God knows our heart, right? But these are the very times that we should push ourselves and do it anyway. There are times when we know the right thing to do but those feelings take over. It's nothing new sis. Paul said in Romans I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate to do. And if I do what I do not what to do, I agree that the law is good. 

What we have to understand is that we don't praise God, worship God, or obey God because we feel like it. Feelings change. Feelings are based on our flesh and the Word tells us that we are to die to our flesh. (Romans 8:13-14) We praise, worship and obey because He is God! This isn't a matter of what we want to do, sis. It is a matter of what we were created for; to worship and be obedient. It is a matter of what we have to do! The KJV of Isaiah 43:21 says,"This people have I formed for myself; they shall show forth my praise". John 14:23 says, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." Look, I can't speak for you sis, but I certainly want God to make His home with me! 

There are numerous other accounts in the Bible were God's faithful servants who were obedient despite their feelings were blessed. Job probably didn't feel like doing anything anymore. Surely Moses didn't feel like leading such hard headed, ungrateful people.  And I know Jacob didn't feel like working seven more years to marry Rachel. My pastor, Pastor Raley, reminds us often that we shouldn't wait until we feel something to praise God, we should just praise Him until we feel something. 

There are things in life that God has instructed me to do that I really didn't want to do, but I did it because the last thing I want to do is disobey my Father. I want Him to be pleased with me. Pastor Donnie McClurkin once said that you don't obey God because you want to, you do it because you have to. He went on to say, "How many times did your momma tell you to do something and you didn't want to, but you did it anyway." Sure there were times when she told you to wash dishes or take out the trash. You rolled your eyes and mumbled under your breath... but you did it. God doesn't really care about you complaining, He doesn't care how you feel about what He has instructed. Girl... HE IS GOD! Do what He says despite how you feel or whether or not you "think" it's the best thing. 

You can't see what God can see. He is alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. So while you are deciding whether to follow His instructions based on your own knowledge, feelings, perception, intuition, or understanding, He has decided based on a known outcome ......that He created. 

I will say that I am at a point where I am hungry for God's presence, I am thirsty for His guidance, and I seek to be in constant contact with Him. It's just that I don't feel like working at it every second of every day. There are times during the day or on particular days where I push myself to read and study the word. I've even set alarms on my phone that notify me hourly with a note that reminds me to think about Jesus. By now, praying has become second nature but I certainly had times when I woke up, showered, got ready and thought to myself "Did I pray this morning?" It took me pushing my feelings aside and building habits of obedience. We must practice being obedient despite how we feel based on our faith in God. Your faith in Him leads you to obey despite what situations look like or how you feel because you know He has your best interest at heart. 

So despite how you feel, what you want to do, or what you think is right... your best bet will ALWAYS be to obey what God says. 

You might not feel like praying with others... (James 5:16)
You might not feel like feeding the homeless..... (Matthew 25:40) 
You might not feel like refraining from having sex with that man that isn't your husband..... (1 Thessalonians 4:3–4)
You might not feel like being single...... (1 Corinthians 7:34-40)
You might not feel like being kind and compassionate.... (Ephesians 4:32) 
You might not feel like reading the bible today.... (Joshua 1:8)

Think of it like this.. what if God didn't feel like doing any of the things He has done for you? What if Jesus hadn't of been crucified because He didn't feel like it? Sis, your reward is being stored in heaven. God sees your obedience and your sacrifices. He sees when you are serving others and striving to trust Him more than your feelings and flesh. Stop being hard headed and trust God's infinite wisdom over your simple little feelings. The last thing you want is for God to place you in time out....forever! 

With Love, :) 
-Kimyatta 

Daily Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me to die to the flesh and disregard my feelings. Guide me in Your way and instruct me in Your will. Forgive me for being disobedient and give me the strength to obey despite how I feel. 

Scripture to Study: "For if you love Me, you will keep My commandments." John 14:15

While You Wait Part 2

As I alluded to in the previous post, the wait is a test of our faith. When we know that God has promised us something, we want it NOW! But during the period between revelation and reception, we are given the opportunity to show God that we trust His word. We are able to work towards the promise and practice contentment. This is an example of how to "work your faith". When you truly believe that what God has in store for you is coming, you take steps that may not make sense to others. You make decisions and operate as if you are getting ready. Those on the outside looking in will have a hard time understanding your actions. Don't let them discourage you! This is called radical faith and it pleases God. You are taking whatever steps necessary to get ready for what God has for you. Here are some examples of what radical faith might look like:

• Waiting on a husband? - Start practicing home management like cooking regularly, eliminating debt, and personal grooming (You wanna be fine for your man, don't you sis?) 
• Waiting on a baby? - Prepare yourself physically to carry a child and practice better time management to prepare for having to get two people ready instead of one. 
• Waiting on a promotion? - Research what the job entails, dress the part, ask for more responsibilities to prepare yourself.
• Waiting on a new job? - Update your resume', have interview attire ready, and start practicing interview questions. 
• Waiting on a financial breakthrough? - Tithe on the amount you are expecting, sow in faith, write out a budget for the increase to prepare proper stewardship over the money. 
• Waiting on a new house? - Buy a new comforter set or bathroom decor, maybe just a new welcome mat and put it up.

There is nothing worse than opportunity knocking at your door and you aren't home or dressed to open the door. There is no such thing as being too prepared. To continue practicing after you have prepared will ensure that you have built a habit and will make you more comfortable when you receive it. By progressively making strides towards whatever it is you are waiting for you renew your hope. You are also showing God that you are fully confident in Him. When someone is confident in you, doesn't it kinda encourage you to perform to the best of your abilities? When people believe we can do something, we do our best to get it done. Well, God is that way too. 

Sometimes the wait is prolonged because of our very own disobedience. It may be a tough pill to swallow, but our inability or unwillingness to follow God's ordered steps can sometimes make us have to wait longer for "it" than He initially planned. The choices that we make during the waiting process can directly affect the time of the wait. If God has revealed a five point to-do list and you knock it out, your "it" may come a little quicker than if you procrastinated in getting it done. Like the Israelites who wandered around the desert for 40 years, we sometimes take an altered path outside of the directives God has given us and lead ourselves into the wilderness. (Then complain and cry about it... even though it is our own fault we are lost. Just being honest, sis.) Hebrews 3:16, 18-19 says "Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? … And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief". You may not have reached the promise land yet, because you are still wandering around in the wilderness. We often fail to obey God's instructions because we simply don't believe that it's going to happen. In other instances, we are scared of sacrificing comfort to follow God's orders. And lastly, it's possible that we just don't think we can accomplish the task or we deserve the "it" God has revealed. Remember sis, God will equip us to complete whatever task He sets before us and He wants you to have His best. God purposefully gives us task to complete that we are not qualified to do on our own or items that many wouldn't think we deserve so that when we receive it there is no other explanation than BUT GOD! This way, He is certain to get the glory.

You might not have "it" yet, because you haven't received it. Yep, you've been waiting, you are prepared but you weren't expecting. Sounds silly, huh? Sometimes "it" will show up and we don't even recognize it! The Word says "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." (Isaiah 43:19)  A dear friend told me recently "You ain't waiting on God, He's waiting on you!" Do what needs to be done so that you can receive all that the Lord has for you, honey. Then wait... expectantly! It may not come from the direction that you anticipated, it may not come at the time you thought it would, it may not look like you envisioned. But that might be your "it", sis! All you have to do, is claim it. Open your heart and your eyes. Pray for God to give you a spirit of discernment so that you are able to recognize when He blesses you with answers to your prayers. Seek God for a plan and get on it. If you have completed His orders, stay faithful, consistent and be on the lookout. 

God uses the wait to protect us from sinning sometimes. Remember me asking why you wanted "it" anyway? Well sometimes we focus so much on the "it" that it becomes an idol. We think about it more than we do God. We are determined to do what we have to do so that we can get "it" and if having faith in God is going to accomplish that then, okay. Whoa sis...check the motives on that!! If you are thinking about the "it" more than you think about God, then it's borderline idolatry and the Word warns us of this extensively. God may not give us something that He knows will distract us from Him or negatively impact our relationship with Him. He loves us enough to protect us from ourselves. Can't go to church because you signed up to work overtime to be able to afford that car you were waiting on? No time to study the Word because you're chillin with that man you've been waiting on? Or even worse maybe the man you've been waiting on is now in your life...but he wants to have sex before marriage? Are you exhibiting ungodly behavior or doing things you know aren't Christ-like to advance the corporate ladder and get that promotion you've been waiting for? Well, God knows these things may happen and He is a very jealous God. If there is a chance your "it" will accidentally become your god (notice the lowercase g), God may very well protect you by withholding your it. Your wait will strengthen your relationship with Him to ensure it's a bond that can't be easily broken or replaced. 

If you are anything like me, you are probably wondering why God would reveal something to us, but not tell us when, where, how, or maybe even who! I believe that there are occasions that if we knew the finite details of God's plan, we would impede on His sovereignty. We would attempt to take matters into our own hands to speed up the process. In doing so, we would skip out on the development process and possibly put ourselves in danger. We would cut the prep period short and enter into the promise underdeveloped. Practice makes perfect and the more you work on the things He has revealed the more prepared for "it" you'll be. By rushing things, we would accidentally tell God, "You taking too long, I got this." You would cease to operate your faith and trust in God by attempting to make things happen on your own. You would take away the glory that is rightfully God's. Yep, by disrespecting the timeline that God has set for us, we are taking away the glory that He gets IF the "it" happens to come to pass. 

God is the clock-maker. He knows exactly how the clock works. He existed before time and exist yet and still beyond time. God's plan is perfect and His promise is true. Imagine how much sweeter it will be after you've waited for "it" for so long. Imagine how much more appreciative you will be. Imagine how pleased you will make your Father in heaven when you trust Him and take Him at His word. Imagine how much glory it will bring God when the world knows the certainty of those that wait on the Lord. Imagine how much more peace you will have knowing you've prepared and practiced for your "it". Stop watching the clock, sis. As you are going about the business of Christ, trust me... He will be taking care of your business. Don't rush Him. Wait.

Keep in mind that some of the promises, some of the rewards are being stored in heaven. There may be somethings that you are waiting on that God wants to personally hand you Himself when you get to Kingdom. Don't be discouraged with a man made, cultural timeline. This world and everything in it will fade away but those things that are stored in heaven are eternal. Live daily seeking God's calling and purpose for you. We all want to hear Him say "Servant, well done." He will give us the desires of our hearts if they align with His will, but the word doesn't say when and if He doesn't, He is still God! Besides....the ultimate wait my dear, is the one for the return of our Savior. It will all be worth it. 

Love you, 
Kimyatta

Daily Prayer: God thank you for making me wait. I understand that although sometimes I get impatient, I trust that You know what is best. Thank you for giving me time and training me to be a proper steward over all that You have planned for me. 

Below I have listed several scriptures that help me out when I'm getting impatient. You may want to bookmark them or refer back to this post when you need the encouragement as well. I know it get's tough, sis. Let's pray for each others peace. 

• Isaiah 40:31 - but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. 
• Psalm 40:1 - I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.
• Psalm 25:21 - May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in You. 
• Isaiah 30:18 - Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
• Psalm 5:3 - In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my request before You and wait expectantly. 
• Hosea 12:6 - But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice and wait for your God always. 
• Lamentations 3:24 - I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." 
• Psalm 38:15 - Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God. 
• Psalm 130:5 - I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope. 
• Psalm 33:20 - We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. 
• Romans 8:25 - But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 
• Psalm 27:14 - Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. 

While You Wait Part 1

Time flies when you're having fun, huh? Well it definitely doesn't fly when you are waiting on something. Actually it seems to stop. Well.. your time seems to while everyone else's is moving right along and honey that will frustrate the strongest of saints. I don't know about you, sis. But patience is something I struggle with. It is something that I am working on, praying for and learning how to apply. I heard a minister say recently that praying for patience was risky because if God gives you patience that may mean you have to wait longer for what your "it" is. I agree. But I also believe with my whole heart that the God that created time, knows better than anyone when it is time. We frequently comment that "all things happen in God's time." And despite how convincingly we make the statement, we are not always okay with that. You're human sis, I know you get impatient too. Waiting on that check, house, new car, husband, promotion, new job, baby, opportunity, revelation or peace...OMG! When, Lord?!!! 

Whatever it is you are waiting for, you want it now! I'll be honest, there are some things that I want NOW as well. But I know that the reality is that I very well may not be ready for them or prepared for all that these things may bring. I understand that I need to prepare, practice, and plan for whatever my "it" is and when God, the Giver of all things, feels I am ready, it'll come. God's time is not like man's. Why do you want it now anyway? Is it to make life easier on yourself, to make yourself happy, or to fulfill God's purpose? Check your motives instead of the clock. While we only see the clock on the wall, the sunset or sunrise, the calendar numbers change... He see's the beginning, the end, and an entire picture of how all aspects surrounding every situation will be effected. While we may only be thinking about our position or promotion, God is strategically arranging things so that they will work together for the good of all of those that love the Lord! (Romans 8:28)

Although I know these things, there are still times when the wait is a bit difficult. The anticipation of what is to come can cause us girls a mountain of stress because we are wired to over-analyze situations. Stress is brought about when we are not aware of what is going on or we feel that we are not in control. I certainly understand and have too laid in my bed for hours unable to sleep thinking about "when". This can be especially frustrating when God has shown you or confirmed the "it" to you, but there is not a direct timeline available. Or maybe you thought there was a designated time and it has come and gone. Chances are that designated time was not God's time therefore it was irrelevant. Remember sis, anytime we feel anxiety because of lack of control or uncertainty about what is going on during the wait or why, we are not fully trusting God. We want to know what day, what time, what hour, and what minute. It is very easy to exclaim that we have faith, but worrying (caused by thinking too much usually) means that faith is not being put into practice. It is just being announced. You know like I do that faith without works is dead. (James 2:17)

The wait isn't a bad thing though. Hear me out, beloved. There are several reasons why the wait is beneficial. Our Heavenly Father knew this concept would be hard to grasp and harder to practice so He gave us plenty of encouragement in His word regarding the wait. (I'll give you a few go-to scriptures later.) The struggle to wait on the Lord's promise is also not something new. It has been an issue with man since back when God promised Abraham and Sarah they would conceive as they approached and surpassed childbearing years. Recall with me that Sarah, impatient in the wait, had her servant Hagar sleep with Abraham to bear a child for her. (What Sarah?!) Yeah, you may not be able to relate to Sarah's impatience but if you think a little I am certain you can recall a situation in which you tried to take time into your own hands and make something happen.  I have learned that when we attempt to take time into our own hands, we are taking our lives out of God's hand. How many messes have you made with your hands? How many messes has God made with His? I think you would agree with me that His hands are the best place for our lives to be because clearly we've messed it up before. Maybe you haven't... but I have. 

Waiting serves several important purposes. Generally we are not ready for what we are waiting for. God understands that there is a process for promotion. Any step up in additional responsibility requires some level of preparation or training. You may be waiting on a new car but are not in the best financial position to make the payments. You may be waiting on a husband but there are some personal, financial, or emotional issues that you need to work out before committing to someone else lifelong. You may be waiting on a new job but there are skills that you need to acquire or discipline that you need to obtain before entering a new career. On the other hand, you may be ready to receive what God has for you but it isn't ready for you. Maybe God is working on getting the interest rates down on the car, cleaning up your credit so that you can get a better deal, making that man into a husband (There is a difference. We'll discuss that later), or situating the new career opportunity to make it a smooth transition. There are some things going on behind the scenes that you can't see. 

It is also likely that if the prep period is rushed, we may not be prepared once we receive it. That may lead to us misusing or being disobedient with it, causing us to lose it. Something that we have waited on so long.... gone... all because we weren't ready. The right thing at the wrong time may as well be the wrong thing! Think about some of the things that you've been praying for and waiting on. If God has yet to reveal what you should be doing while you wait, seek guidance. Meditate on these things and meet me back here in a couple of days to explore the wait further. Yes... you have to wait for the next post! :) 

With Love, 
-Kimyatta

Daily Prayer: Lord, I trust Your promise. I pray that Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Thank You for our daily bread and enough grace to make it through today. Help me to wait on Your plan and prepare me for whatever will bring You glory. 

Instead of a scripture to study, please check the follow up post for a few scriptures that you can jot down or bookmark to help you, to encourage you while you are waiting. Let's be transparent and real with each other while we are struggling with waiting, ladies. God has not forgotten us. :)