"Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city."
- Acts 18:9-10
Dear Friends,
Several years ago I left my job to take a position with another organization. In order to accept the new job, I had to take a cut in pay although it was a "promotional opportunity." I remember clearly arriving home at the end of my first day on the new job. I fell on my knees crying and asked God: "How did you let me leave my good job to come here?" Audacity, ungratefulness, low vision all of these could be applied to the nerve I exerted in passively aggressively blaming God for my decision. There was, however, a faith factor involved. I cried to God because I knew He alone had the answer to the question. God did answer. The scripture verse for today was part of the answer. The remainder came in Acts 18:11:
"And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them."
Through these verses the Lord gave me an Action Plan:
- Don't be afraid
- I am with thee
- Speak up
- Speak out
- I will protect you
- You are not only...there are other soldiers
- Don't move until you hear from Me
The Holy Spirit dried my tears as I held on to the truth of God's Word. He strengthens me through each challenge. I was resolved to be confident for the Lord told me not to be afraid. I was determined to be strong for the Lord assured me that He was with me. I was purposeful in addressing inequity where I could because the Lord told me to speak up. I learned to be transparent in my interactions because the Lord instructed me to speak out. I sometimes found myself in dangerous situations some of which could have been career breakers, yet through the urging of the Holy Spirit I kept the faith. God had promised to protect me. There were times when I was tempted to drown in self pity and each time, God showed me in a tangible way that I was in good company. There were other Christians present for support both co-workers and clients.
The testimony: At the end of the year and six months I obtained a new position (newly created) within the same organization by the Power of God!
Wherever you are today, whatever you are facing the solution is to be found in God's Word. I am a witness that in the sufficiency of His grace there is power to accomplish all He sets before us.
The songwriter has penned: "There is power in the Name of Jesus to break every chain, break every chain, break every chain."
Today, right now, hear the Holy Spirit whisper: "Don't be afraid; I am with you, speak up, speak out, I will protect you, you are not alone I have much people in this city."
in Christ,
Sis. Stephanie
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