Your Destiny - Set Aside and Reserved

I love the story of King Saul found in ISamuel 11. His end was dubious; but the beginning of his kingdom was a perfect illustration of the calculated workings of the Lord.

Here’s how it played out.

Saul’s father told him to go and search for the family’s lost sheep. In obedience, he began the journey alongside a servant. The two had no success. Then the servant had a suggestion. He recommended they see Samuel – the man of God – for advice. In humility, Saul agreed to the words of the servant.

During that encounter, Saul learned God’s enormous and abundant plan for his life.

Saul was absolutely “floored” by the idea of being king over all of Israel. But little did he know, God had the wheels spinning long before he arrived at Samuel’s home! In fact, the prophet prepared a special meal just for Saul and had it “set aside” pending his arrival. I get chills when I think of how Samuel presented the food to Saul. He said “here is what has been reserved… it has been kept for you until the appointed time” (vs. 24 NASV)

Saul could have never imagined a little chore for his dad would position him for his destiny. Think about it: had he not been obedient and humble, we would not have this beautiful story. What if Saul had said “nope” when his father told him to find the sheep? Secondly, what if he had been too arrogant to follow the advice of a “lowly” servant? Then he would not have met the man of God and received what was “set aside” and “reserved” for him!

Godsy Girl, as you venture along life’s journey- running your errands, being obedient and humble - know that God is at work preparing your ‘set aside” and “reserved” destiny. You don’t’ have to manipulate anything, toil in vain or stress out about it. Your “set aside” purpose is secure; protected by the armies of heaven and the Creator of all things. God has it. He will not lose it or cheat you out of it. Simply walk in His statutes.

At the appointed time, you’ll receive what God has set aside just for you.

There is a Purpose in the Pain

No doubt, life situations can cause you to question God’s purpose for your life. For instance, losing a job can make you feel like a failure as a provider and money-maker. Delayed ministry goals may compel you to wonder if God even called you in the first place. A wayward child might bring about feelings of helplessness and incompetence as a mother.

Failed relationships could challenge your sense of self-worth. Living with an unloving spouse can do the same – it can tear you down at the very core of your womanhood. Grief may make you question even your faith at times. Trials, adversities and disappointments have the capacity to make you wonder “Does God have a purpose in the pain?”

The resounding answer is “YES!”

God carefully orders your steps [and your struggles] to bring you to a higher place in Him. Just like a patchwork quilt, He meticulously snips pieces of your journey to transform you into the image of Jesus. He then assembles them into beautiful patterns of victory so that the world can see the magnificence of His saving power. Think of Joseph and the countless sufferings and betrayals He endured on His way to greatness.

So, don’t despair, Godsy Girl. God does have a purpose for you. He has not forgotten you and will bring you to a desired end.

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you”. Isaiah 54:10

On Their Shoulders We Stand...

Recently, my church hosted a women's retreat to refresh and enrich the lives of the moms, daughters and sisters. I was blessed to have my cousin, Karen Mills Robinson, as keynote speaker. It was such a blessing to see her once again. Ironically, God revealed the depth of the blessing during the first night of the retreat.

Karen and I come from a long legacy of ministry. We are the offspring of pastors, evangelist and faithful church members. Neither of us have lived perfect lives ourselves, but we have always had an awareness of our spiritual heritage.

The evening I was to introduce Karen to the women at the retreat, my spirit was full. As I gazed over at her, I recalled the faithful service of our grandparents, Rev. Solomon Mills and Sister Ethel Mills. I thought of the prayers of Karen's late father, Rev. Charles Mills and how he blessed me with my first "real" Bible once I had accepted Christ at 17.

My cup runneth over.

In childish exuberance, I asked my Heavenly Father, if at all possible, if He would allow Grandpa and Grandma see their babies ministering in Christian service. I know that may shake the theology of some, but I'm not concerned about that. I am just so excited about what God is doing and has done in our lives. As I serve as a pastor's wife, I thank Him for the prayers of those gone on and the valuable lessons they taught us.

May we be just as faithful with those coming behind us. May we diligently sow into their lives faith, power and knowledge of the Most High God. Selah.

Are You Receding with the Recession?

You can’t turn on the TV without hearing how the recession is destroying our economy and devastating families across the country. If you’re not careful, five minutes of CNN can generate a sense of worry and anxiety. But that is contrary to what God has designed for you, Godsy Girl.

The word “recession” as defined on Dictionary.com is “the act of receding or withdrawing”. That definition is actually an excellent reminder as to why Christian women are exempt from many the news headlines.

God has promised to be your Provider and to meet all your needs according to His riches and glory (memorize Philippians 4:19). He doesn’t care about the current state of the economy or the Dow average. Those are problems of this world – not His. Your citizenship is not here; you live by a different set of rules than those of this world. (Philippians 3:20) For example, you give; you get. You lose; God provides as Jehovah Jireh. It's that simple. Kingdom rules ensure that you will never be forsaken or begging for bread. (Psalm 37:25)

I have been one of those young single moms with no money. I witnessed God’s provision first-hand. He worked miracles to educate me, feed me and provide for my son. Guess what: He’s still able! He’s still God!

Remember, He is not “withdrawing” or "receding" during hard times. He has delivered you so many times before and He will continue to do so. It doesn’t matter if Sprint is laying off or Social Security is drying up- He’s still your God and Father. You’re his darling baby girl and He will use all His power to make sure you have what you need to live, worship and testify to His glory. Hang in there, Godsy Girl! The best is yet to come!

Workshop from Macedonia's 2009 Women's Retreat

As promised, here is the link to the workshop that I presented at the 2009 Macedonia Women's Retreat in Blue Springs, Missouri.

To view the presentation and see the scriptures: Click here

We had such a wonderful time in the Lord! Praise God!

"Your Slip Is Showing"

Years ago, it was commonplace for women to wear undergarments called slips. Slips were bothersome because they could shift and hang beneath the hem of your dress. This was a huge faux pas. If you were fortunate, a sister girl would have your “back” and tip you off to your wardrobe malfunction.


As women and sisters in the Body of Christ, we must likewise have one another’s “back” in the spirit. If a sister is taken in a fault, we must love her enough to warn her and tell her when her “spiritual” underpinnings are not right. If we do it right, we will deepen our bond with her and prevent the enemy from getting a stronghold on her. Hopefully, she will there to do the same for you.


Scardy Cats

Nowadays, Christians are hesitant to correct or rebuke because they don’t want to be seen as judgmental. But truthfully, judgment has it’s place in the Body of Christ. Think about Galatians 4:11. Peter was eating openly with the Gentiles (sinners), but when the Jews (church folk) came around, he two-facedly rejected them. His fault influenced others to do the same! Thankfully, Paul was there to tell Peter his “slip” was showing so Peter could correct the hypocritical behavior.

Or how about when Nathan went to David to tell him his “slip” was showing after David slept with Bathsheba? (Read 2Samuel 12 for the scoop). David was able to repent and continue toward his destiny. Godly judgment in kindness is better than secret love.


Lovingly Honest

Godsy Girl, be courageous enough to tell your sister if her “slip” is showing and be humble enough to receive the truth when yours is.


Some will agree, some will disagree – but all should think about it.


Click the “Share” button and email this article to your girlfriend today!

A-A-Choo!

I so miss blogging. Like millions of others, I am "down" with a nasty cold. However, I'm getting much better. During this "down" time, I've been memorizing scripture (Colossians 2). What else would a Godsy Girl do? LOL

Back to bed...check back soon...