When I first came to Jesus, everything in my life had to change and the number one thing was my spending habits because if there was one thing I’m good at, it’s spending money. If we were going to live on one income, I had to submit to my husband’s financial perimeters.
He told me I needed to cut up my credit cards and come under his budget. For a gal who was able to buy on a whim, this wasn’t easy. I went from having a stylist come to my home, to getting my hair cut at Super Cuts and using coupons from Victoria’s Secret to get new underwear.
I was very sad; really missing shopping so bad. I’ve always considered shopping my favorite sport and it was a rough and long season for me. This sounds so pathetic, but one day, I was crying out to God, that I missed shopping so much. And His response will make you laugh.
He said, “Why don’t you go shopping with me?
I responded, “What do you mean go shopping with you? I don’t have any money. How am I going to go shopping?”
He said, “Let’s shop my word! For every promise you want over your life, find a Bible Verse to declare.”
I had all these problems. At the time, I had osteoporosis and lost half my hair. I was down to 75 pounds. I had an eating disorder. I couldn’t sleep. I so many emotional, spiritual and mental issues. So I began to list out the things that I needed healing for, what I was praying for, and then the found verses to match up with those requests. I began to declare them over my body, mind and life. That little shopping trip occupied my mind and turning my focus on something far deeper than finding something pretty. God is so wonderful and funny. He comes up with these amazing ideas and he really knows your personality. He created it! There is no use hiding or lying to Him, so I don’t.
After I had been living for God for quite some time, my whole life began to shift and change. One day, time, He spoke to my spirit, “Hey. Look at the calendar.”
I glanced at it. “Okay, what about it?
He said, “Look at the year. What were you doing ten years ago?
I thought about it. Ten years before, I was actually filled with demons. Now, ten years later, The Lord reminded me of our 10-year anniversary. He brought it up, not me. It makes me cry to think about it. I didn’t consciously remember any of that, and I was really taken aback by such a tender moment. I was so touched.
“Wow, you remembered.”
Then He said, go get your Bible. I had this Bible from when I first got saved. I had all these notes taped on the inside and when I opened this old Bible, out tumbles a piece of paper and on that paper was that old shopping list of everything I was praying for God to heal. My osteoporosis, hair loss, my mental, emotional and spiritual instability, eating disorder and marriage problems. As I went through that list, I realized God had answered every single one of my prayers.
In this season, God taught me to live this scripture out and it has enriched my life:
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
On my 10-year anniversary coming to Jesus, He remembered and reminded me of all the things we healed together. The reason why I say we heal them together is because God was always there ready to heal me, but I actually had to show up and listen to His instructions to experience His will for my life.
So many are praying for their healing, but they’re not showing up for their own healing. They’re frustrated with God. They’re angry at God. They’re blaming him. Pardon me for asking, “But how are you showing up for your healing? Are you reading your word? Are you spending time in worship and prayer? Are you fasting for your deliverance?”
Some of these things you want, you have to meet with the Lord and He will walk through the valley with you. He is not going to pull you along. He is not going to do everything for you. That’s the thing. Many Christians are deceived thinking that once they get saved, God’s going to do all work for them. That’s not how it works.
Eventually, over time, I was able to get my hair done at a decent place and receive manis and pedis, which I never take for granted. 🙂
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who hath begun a work in you will perform it until the Day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalm 145:9
“Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have hard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy.” James 5:11
“Heavenly Father,
Oh how I bask in your tender ways!
How you have cared for me all of my days.
Even when I was ensnared by my own sin.
You gave me a way out; through the Great I am!
Forgive me for focusing on my circumstance.
As I should keep my eyes on the prize…which is YOU!
The God of the Universe loves me! He died to set me free from the chains of my addictions, wrong mindsets and wicked ways.
Lord, I give you the rest of my days.
Show me a higher way of trusting you.
You romance me with your gentle handling of my heart.
Forgive me for taking part in hurting yours.
Let my life be a trophy of grace you shine in the enemy’s face.
I want to honor you in the ways you’ve honored me, a sinner saved by your marvelous grace.
In Jesus’ name, shine your face upon others will see the evidence of your goodness in a life well lived.
Preserved, protected, anointed and empowered to walk all the days of my life in peace and not strife.
In Jesus’ name, amen.”
