THE MINISTRY OF LINDA L. JOHNSON

It’s been a while before I’ve had a chance to blog.  God has blessed.  I now am a homeowner, he’s blessed my son with a reliable vehicle and the opportunity to go to a private school.  Lastly, this past week I interviewed for a big promotion with my current employer.  Needless to say, life has been busy!

With all the things God has added unto me, I also now have added responsibility, additional expenses, additional work that needs to be completed.  I’ve experienced major life changes the last 6 weeks.  I prayed for God to bless, but I wonder if I was truly ready when he did bless me?  Quite frankly, it all feels overwhelming at times.  I’ve had to pray to God for help to manage all of the new things I am experiencing.

To be honest, I have also found myself questioning the blessings I’ve received.  Will God provide for me to sustain a new home?  Am I qualified and capable to perform for this new role, others may not think so?  When will he provide for all these needs?

After I go through this brief time of questions, I remember the word where it says in Philippians 4:19, “God shall supply all my needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus”.  Therefore, if God blessed me with a home and a child in private school, he will supply the finances for them.  The bible also says in 2 Corinthians 9:8, “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”  I can check that question off too, since God has led me to a promotion, he will not leave me to fend for myself.  He will be with me.  I’m reminded of Matthew 6 that states that I should simply focus on his kingdom (what He’s told me to do) and all the things I needs will be added unto me, so I do not need to worry about what I cannot control.

I don’t have all the answers right now.  I also don’t know why I must work extended hours or why my financial blessing did not arrive sooner.  What I do know is that I’ve decided to be thankful and praise God for what He has done and what He’s doing.  I’ve decided to be joyful even when working late.  I’ve decided to be joyful even when my bank account isn’t where I want it to be.  I’ve decided!

We’ve got to realize that the blessing will come, but so will tests and trials. The words clearly tells us that in the book of James.  We can feel sorry for ourselves during these times, blame others, quit or wonder if the promise we heard from God is true.  It’s in these times, I believe God is testing us to see if we’re ready to go to the next level.  Will we praise Him in good and difficult times?  No matter what we may not have or prayer that may not have been answered yet, He is still God and is worthy of praise.

My prayer today is that you also decide to be joyful and praise Him regardless of your present circumstances.  He hasn’t left you. Nor will your prayer go unanswered. It’s just test time. The teacher cannot answer questions during the test, can He?  Stand strong in the Lord and in His word.

PASS THE TEST!

~Sister Felicia