Action Plan

"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