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Thursday, June 7, 2012

Epiphany

Epiphany is defined as: a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience. 


I've recently had an epiphany about everything, it seems like! About myself and my standards in life, from childhood up until now. It hit me like a ton of bricks this last week. I realized that everything I ever went for in life from jobs to friendships and relationships even talents I pursued (or not) was all based on what I saw as "achievable" or less challenging. I limited myself because I was not comfortable with being challenged. I knew that what came with being challenged was a possibility of failing at the end. That was my perspective on it. Though that may be a possibility, you always come out better at the end of a challenge. God challenges us daily and all through out our relationship with Him. Why? Because challenges cause growth. And though I know this and was even ministering and preaching this myself to others, I wasn't getting the message myself. 


About a week ago the Lord gave me a deep dream. In the dream I was climbing this steep mountain and finally reached the top. As I looked to see what as the top of this mountain, I noticed a shack looking house, tin roof and everything. Off to the side I notice a small table in which I go to sit at. Next thing I know there's a baby in my hands. The baby looks neglected, malnourished, unkept, dark circles under his eyes, and only wearing a diaper. I was alarmed to see this baby in this condition but the way I was holding him indicated I did not want responsibility for him. 


Now in spiritual dreams, as some of you may know, babies can indicate ministries. So in these dreams you know the baby isn't biologically yours but it's yours, as in, they have been entrusted into your care. I've had another dream about a baby (ministry) but that one was very healthy and happy. So I wasn't sure what to think of this dream and baby. As I'm telling the details of this dream a close friend, I realize this dream is a lot deeper than what I originally thought. My friend suddenly asks me, "Is there a gift you have been neglecting?" As soon as he spoke that my spirit spoke and told me exactly which gift it was I had been neglecting. For now I won't go into what that gift is but know that this was a pivotal moment in my walk with God. 


Not only did I obviously realize I need to use this gift and take care of it (baby) or it can be taken away and given to another who is more grateful and appreciative. But I also realized why I had been avoiding and ignoring this gift. I am completely uncomfortable with challenges. Physically, I love to challenge myself and push myself to my limits but I avoid them in other areas of life. I've always lowered my standards so that I wouldn't face failure of any kind. From "decent" (meaning I settled for less than the best in my eyes) boyfriends in the past to being a doormat in previous friendships, I was alright with these things because I was never challenged to be better. They loved/liked me as I was, or so I thought, and NEVER encouraged or pushed me to be better than that. I was comfortable. I have allowed myself to not grow this gift because I am so uncomfortable with the circumstances in which I would need to practice and grow it (In front of others). Now I know that those relationships weren't built on love so what those people expected of me or not wasn't legit. Love is wanting you to do better. Love is encouraging you to grow. Love is rebuking and correcting you when you're wrong. My God has shown me this. I feel as though I'm waking up to reality of how I see my self worth and how God sees me. God can't walk me into something if I don't believe I should be there. My belief in myself is just as important as my belief in God. Afterall I am a product of His love and craftsmanship. How could I ever doubt what's within me? 

God never gives us more than what we can handle. He is the solution to any and every problem we're presented with. I'm so grateful He knows me better than I know myself. Just as He called Jeremiah to be a prophet but Jeremiah doubted his ability to walk in that calling, God equipped him with His words. Jeremiah thought he was insufficient for the calling but God rebuked him. He let Jeremiah know it wasn't his place to say or decide something like that. It was God who called Jeremiah and knew that he could fulfill the calling successfully. Thank God for motivating and believing in me. I know that if it were up to me, I would forever stay at the same level out of comfort. I'm so blessed knowing that God is answering my prayers and yours, as we continue to seek Him daily. God cannot prosper us and give us a hopeful future if we resist His leading. I'm learning to trust Him in a new way, knowing He would not give me gifts if He thought I would fail. I now have a new hope for my future, ready to lean on God for every turn and curve that arises. I hope this encourages someone who may be doubting your abilities. Know that it's about what God can do through you. Just worry about yielding and let Him lead. God is with you every step of the way. Pray your way through, beloved. Be blessed everyone and I'll let you know how my gift growing is going later. :)

 
Relating scriptures:
  • For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
  • The word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child." But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD. Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant." - Jeremiah: 1:4-10 (NIV)


6 comments:

  1. Beautifully written. Thank you for sharing sister because this too is a test I'm currently facing but as you advised I shall pray my way through.

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    1. Thanks so much for your feedback, sis. Looking forward to sharing our testimonies of overcoming this soon. :)

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  2. I enjoyed reading this alot, and it spoke to me. Amazingly I am facing that current situation right now. YHWH bless you.

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    1. It's so interesting how many of us are going through similar things at the same time. This lets us know how important it is to share with others what we're going through and how we overcome. :) Love ya, bro. God bless you too.

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