Broken Plans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6TvjlBK95Y&feature=youtu.be

When Hope Came Down ~ Kari Jobe

The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. ~ Proverbs 16:9 NASB

The YMCA pool schedule showed that the indoor waterslide would be open Saturday night. Our girls love the waterslide! After dinner, we'd take the girls to the pool and invite someone to meet us there. It was all settled. But by the time we'd arrived at the Y, things weren't working out as planned. One person wasn't feeling like swimming and another didn't bring their swimsuit. My perfect plan was falling apart. How can we make this all come together?

And then I saw it: a sign. Many people ask for a sign from God. He sent me a 4'x3' easel that said "Family Night. Members Free." As the others in our group discussed what fun and low-cost things we could do, I asked the lady at check-in what activities at Family Night would be age-appropriate for my girls. Of the things she listed, ice skating and bounce house grabbed my attention. I proposed my idea to our group and we decided to go ice skating and then head to the bounce house. We had a FANTASTIC TIME!  I'm not sure who had the most fun. There were 10-gallon buckets to support the weight of the little kids. They were too short for Savannah, who opted to cling to the wall, but Elizabeth was a speed-racer with those buckets. I surprised myself by, not only remaining on my feet but also, really enjoying myself. We had the greatest time! We even got to ice skate and have our picture taken with Santa.

Later at home, I realized that even when my plans fail, God never does. And just maybe He allowed my plans to falter because His plans are far better than what I could have imagined. It's not that God is hiding something from me. Rather, He's teaching me to trust Him, and His plans, regardless of the circumstances. I did, however, appreciate and find the humor in how He used our pastor's message at Christmas Eve service to reiterate His point. 

Today, as we celebrate Christmas, regardless of the plans we've made, don't let the burned rolls, under-cooked pies, or even the fact that the kids are more interested in the boxes than the expensive toys get you down or flustered. Instead, remember to take it all in and enjoy the moments you have with those who are near and dear.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

©Heather Potts 2017

Count It All Joy

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds ~ James 1:2 ESV

Yesterday, after my workout, when my brain was clear, Holy Spirit whispered, “Count it all joy.” Immediately, I remembered my pregnancy with Elizabeth. I was very sick at the beginning of my 1^st trimester, so much so, that I ended up in the hospital and it was a whirlwind of crazy and scary events. Even when I returned home, everything was an upside-down mess. I remember my dear friend called me and said, “Joy is a choice.” She told me the story of when her mom had been pregnant with her and some awful things were going on in her mom’s life. But one day, she decided to finish her pregnancy with joy. My friend told me that every day, her mom had to choose joy, but she did and when my friend was born, her name was going to be Joy. It ended up being something else, but that’s another story. My friend’s story impacted me so much, that not only did I choose joy for the remainder of my pregnancy, we named our daughter Elizabeth Joy.

After digging into James 1:2, I discovered that “Count it” is also translated “Consider,” whose definition is to “reflect on,” and I laughed! I LOVE how God knows me so well. He grabbed my attention with “joy,” but then brought it around full circle, calling me to reflect.

What’s going on in your life? As the year closes and a new beginning is on the horizon, what things can you choose to count as and walk through with joy? Choosing joy doesn’t necessarily change things, but it can make a long, hard road easier. And you never know, you just might begin to enjoy life.

©Heather Potts 2017

Finisher

I will cry to God Most High, Who performs on my behalf and rewards me [Who brings to pass His purposes for me and surely completes them]! ~ Psalm 57:2 AMPC

I just love a good movie, don’t you? But, it’s the ending by which I judge the overall movie. Truly, it can have a slow beginning and a weird middle, but the ending is what seals it as “good” or “bad.” Ironically enough, I don’t rate my life by the same standards. What about you?

I have a brain for “the details,” which is good for work, our budget, or planning any event, but not very good for judging my life. Being a devotional writer (focusing on short, quick posts), I tend to forget the bigger picture. But if I’m going to run with perseverance, as Hebrews 12:1-2 encourage, then I also need to remember that Jesus is the “author and finisher” of my faith, and it’s upon Him that I’m to fix my eyes, not the details of the moment or the season. Psalm 57:2 and Hebrews 12:2 both declare that God is a finisher and completer of things in my life. And even when the unexpected, frustrating, or hurtful things happen, I need to remember that it’s not over yet, not by a longshot. Yes, maybe one of my dreams or desires needs to be put on-hold for a bit (a bit longer than I’d like), but that doesn’t mean it’s gone for good.

Father, forgive me for doubting Your faithfulness, for forgetting Your promise to complete in me the good work You began. Holy Spirit, keep me focused on how BIG my God is vs. the smallness of my circumstances. Thank you for the reminder that it’s not over yet, because it’s Jesus, not circumstances, who is the Finisher and Completer in my life. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

©Heather Potts 2017

Reflect pt 2

You have given me your shield of victory; your help has made me great. ~ 2 Samuel 22:36 NLT

As this year draws closer to an end, I’m also reflecting on the promise God gave me just before Thanksgiving, in 2 Samuel 22:36. As I mulled over those words, I remembered a teaching by Judah Smith about Genesis 15:1-6. In Genesis 15:1, God said to Abram, “I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward,” (NKJV). After researching the link between the two scriptures, I discovered shield means defense, covering, and protection. At the time I wondered, What do I need protection from or a defense against? But God also said He was my victory, His help made me great, and He was my exceedingly great reward.

I’d like to say that when God told us to move, we strapped on our faith, moved, and have done nothing but smile ever since. But then I’d be lying. I’ve actually been whining a lot. WHY has come out of my mouth so much, I’m afraid God will offer me some cheese to go with my whining, but since I’m in the dairy state, it all works. But it reminded me of Judah Smith’s message, because that’s exactly what Abram did. After God told Abram that He was Abram’s great reward, Abram whined that he didn’t have an heir, and if God could come look at his circumstances, He’d see the truth.

Isn’t it funny how we all get like that. God brings us through the craziest circumstances, using the greatest miracles, but we get knocked off guard and all we can say to God is, “Look! Look at my circumstances.” But God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, pulls us out of our tents (out of our small perspectives), aims us heavenward, and says, “Look now,” (Genesis 15:5).

Today, we got knocked down pretty hard; it really shook us. But in my tiny perspective, surrounded by my woes, God called to me. He aimed me heavenward, opened my ears, and spoke to my heart. He reminded me there is nothing that I have that He needs, because He owns it all, and sent His Son to share it all with me, His beloved daughter.

What need do you have? What circumstances are sucking up all your energy, drawing your perspective to a small focal point? As this year draws to a close, open your heart and mind to your Father. He longs to point you heavenward, saying, “Look now,” at all He has and wants to give to you, His beloved child.

©Heather Potts 2017

Reflect

Be strong and courageous…for the LORD your God goes with you… ~ Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

If you write Christmas cards or letters, then it’s likely you spend some time during this season reflecting on the past year. Perhaps you write to your friends and family about all your achievements. Maybe, like us, you find all the funny moments and quotes, the most recent of which was Elizabeth (age 3) who, upon spotting Mr. & Mrs. Claus shouted, “Look! It’s Santa and his momma!”

Reflect. It’s both a mirror and meditation. When we spend time in the Lord’s presence, we reflect His glory, (2 Corinthians 3:18). And we’re promised that we’ll be prosperous and successful when we meditate on His Word day and night, (Joshua 1:8). As this year draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the words and promises He’s given me, most especially what He said in January: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you, (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV). At the time, I thought “God goes” meant “God was and would remain” with me. I didn’t really think we’d be “going” anywhere. But we did. And He did. Every step. Every mile. Every minute. Every day.

What about you? What has God said and promised to you? Was He as literal with you as He was with me? I encourage you to end this year meditating on His Word, on the words He’s spoken into your heart, the ones you’ve written in your journal, and see what He still reveals about them.

Father, as the world turns their eyes in the direction of the brilliant lights of Christmas, let them see Your light reflected in us. Thank you, that as we meditate on Your Word, we are transformed in Your likeness and image. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

©Heather Potts 2017

Everything

“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” ~ Lamentations 3:24 NKJV

After our pastor’s message today, I asked, what is a “portion”?

"Portion" is an inheritance. If the Lord is my inheritance, then EVERYTHING He has I will receive. But what does the Lord have? He has the cattle on a thousand hills, all the birds, animals, and mountains, (Psalm 50:10-12). The Lord has EVERYTHING. Therefore, I need nothing because He is my portion; He is my everything. 

To "hope" is to wait with GREAT expectation. The enemy is so good at telling me that I am less than, that I am not, and that I have not. But the Bible says that I have not because I ask not, (James 4:2). But when I do ask, to keep on asking, to believe that I have received it, and to rejoice as if it were already mine, (Matthew 7:7; Mark 11:24; Psalm 119:162).

It's true that God is not a genie and not all my wants are His desires for my life. But it's also true that sometimes His lack of answer is not "no." Sometimes it's "not now." God's timing and planning are perfect, which is why we have great reason to "wait with GREAT expectation."

I've written a book. Actually, God wrote it through me, and I can't even begin to imagine how He will use it for His glory. But when I asked how He wanted me to publish it, He was very specific. Thus far, He hasn't seen fit to publish His book. But during a recent "random conversation," someone completely unconnected talked about one of the key missing elements, (the way to get the money needed). And that one conversation reminded me that God is my inheritance and in Him I will wait with GREAT expectation.

What are you in need of; what promise are you waiting for God to fulfill in your life? Declare to the enemy, as well as yourself: God is my portion and I will hope in Him! 

©Heather Potts 2017

Trust pt 2

Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! ~ Psalm 40:4 ESV

REST is the result of a decision to believe God ~ Alex Anderson, Pastor and author. The emphasis isn’t believing in God, but believing Him, taking Him at His Word, and trusting it.

Numerous sermons have been given on being Mary (sitting at Jesus’ feet), and not Martha (working at His feet). We all long to be Mary, free to sit and rest in the blessing of His teaching, but too often we find ourselves working, instead. I will confess, as of late, I haven’t been doing such a good job of resting, or trusting. Instead, I’ve been struggling, striving, and stressing. When God told me to go back to work, the first thing I did was to pull out our budget and figure out how much I needed to earn. If I don’t have to pay for childcare, I only need X amount. But if I do, then I need to make Y amount. Understanding the budget is great, but it shifted the focus from God—how He was going to provide—and put all the emphasis on me—how was I going to do it.

Trust: to have confidence in another; to be secure, to fear nothing for yourself. Rest: to give permission for one to cease from labor in order to recover and collect her strength; to refresh. Jesus calls to us in our Martha-mentality and says, “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,” (Matthew 11:28-29 NIV). Rest. Trust. Sitting. Freedom. Is it really that easy? YES! We can be Mary, even in Martha seasons. We can choose to shift the emphasis and focus from ourselves and put it back on Jesus, allowing Him to teach us.

Father, forgive me for working, for thinking I had to do it all, when You called me to trust and rest in You. Holy Spirit, remind me to rest, because it’s when I’m attentive to Jesus’ words and teachings that I’ll know what He wants me to do and how He wants me to do it. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

©Heather Potts 2017

Trust

But you, LORD, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. ~ Psalm 22:19 NIV

We’ve had more than enough stress to go around. Not just with the move, the anxiety it put on us or our girls, starting over, trying to build new friendships, etc. The latest, is that God called me to trust Him. The irony is that I thought I had been. After all, we did move 1500 miles from home, friends, and community, because He said to. But this challenge was a test of trust and heart—would I law down my desires, my dreams of being a stay-at-home mom and go back to work, as God was saying?

At first, through tears, I said, “Yes, Lord.” And I prepared my resume and began my search. I even scored two interviews. But then I sat down and “counted the cost” of childcare. How much would I have to make to off-set that cost? Brad finally got a job, but it’s not enough to cover all of our bills. As the numbers and questions kept swirling, swirling in my brain, I became overwhelmed, frustrated, heavy-hearted, and plain old mad at God. I demanded an explanation. “Why?! Why did You make us leave everything just to send me back to work? Why?!”

But God.

But negates the former. God is the Creator; He is the beginning and the ending. Out of His love for me, He sent a friend to speak to me. She said, “If I can trust Jesus with my Salvation, surely I can trust Him with my life.” Her words ran around and around in my heart and mind.

Regardless of the circumstances, the budget, and the questions, it boils down to trust. Do I trust God with my life? Or, am I going to hold my and my family’s lives, health, protection, care, and security in my own, very small, hands?

Father, forgive me for thinking I know better than You what’s best for my life and my family. Holy Spirit, remind me of times He helped us in the past and help me to trust Him now and in the future. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

©Heather Potts 2017

#sitdownandwatchthebuffalo

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.

~ Psalm 23:5 NKJV

Have you ever been in a season or circumstance where stress or anxiety caused you to say some crazy things? I know we have, and somehow, Brad always hears them and then says, “We should put that on a t-shirt.” The most recent of which I said on Tuesday night and decided it would make the most hilarious t-shirt or hashtag, #sitdownandwatchthebuffalo. Obviously, if you were in the room, it would still sound funny, but I think it’s funnier without the back story.

The back story…

Have you noticed that when reading the Bible, we so easily disregard the back story and then miss out on some of the meat of what God’s trying to teach us?  Growing up, my mom always had Psalm 23 hanging on a wall outside my bedroom door. I’ve read the words so many times; they are a sweet melody to me. But it wasn’t until the past few years that I was hungry to know more—WHY did God say that, WHAT did He mean when He said it, etc. It wasn’t until I really started digging in and uncovering the back story that I realized the beauty and depth of the scripture—any scripture. But like my hashtag, if we don’t sit down and breathe in the sweet aroma of the back story, the deeper meaning, and the deeper layer of truth, then we run the risk of missing the deeper beauty that God was trying to communicate.

Today, I have two challenges for you. 1) Ask God to take your favorite scripture and unpackage it for you. Ask Holy Spirit to open up your understanding. Ask for the back story. 2) Send me your funny out-of-context statement. What would be your hashtag?

©Heather Potts 2017

Just Worship

But you are holy, you who inhabit the praises of Israel. ~ Psalm 22:3 WEB

Is it truly possible to capture the beauty of God’s Spirit that enters the room when you worship?

I don’t really have any words.

Just beauty.

If I were a dance, I’d move gracefully and majestically.

If I were a river, I’d flow swiftly and continuously.

If I were a song, I’d sing sweetly and melodiously.

If I were an artist, I’d paint smoothly and magnificently.

But I’m a writer, a researcher, a prayer partner, and a friend. So instead, I will pray that as you enter His courts with signing, He will pour out His Spirit on you, that you shall go forth with joy and be led out with peace, (Psalm 100:4; Joel 2:28; Isaiah 55:12).

Father, I ask that Your Spirit would envelope them in beauty. And as they worship, opening themselves up to You, I pray that they would find a place of wholeness and complete perfection in You. Not because of anything they have done or will do, but simply because in You, they are whole and complete. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

©Heather Potts 2017

Not One

Blessed be God, who has given peace to his people Israel just as he said he’d do. Not one of all those good and wonderful words that he spoke through Moses has misfired. May God, our very own God, continue to be with us just as he was with our ancestors—may he never give up and walk out on us. May he keep us centered and devoted to him, following the life path he has cleared, watching the signposts, walking at the pace and rhythms he laid down for our ancestors. ~ 1 Kings 8:56-58 MSG

I love that when I’ve come to the end of what I know, there is God, and entering His presence through worship always opens my eyes. Last night, as I was worshiping, I felt Holy Spirit highlight, “I am defined by all His promises / Shaped by every word He says,” from I Am No Victim by Kristene DiMarco. Thinking of God’s promises, I was reminded of a time we sought counsel from some of our leaders who recounted their own story of hardship. The husband said he sat in his chair and confessed God’s promises, to spite the devil, knowing that God would stand by His promises. And had since come through on many of those promises. Then I went to my list of confessions and found the promises God spoke to me:

God did not give me a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given me a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control], (2 Timothy 1:7)

My Father in Heaven disciplines me by teaching me His Word. This gives me the power to keep myself calm in the face of temptation and of adversity, (2 Timothy 3:16)

I am strong in the Lord [and will draw my strength from Him and be empowered through my union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might (Ephesians 6:10)

I hold the 5-fold nature of the Holy Spirit: gentle and quiet, purity, positive attitude, patient, and gracious, (1 Peter 3:2, 4; 1 Tim 4:12)

I am the guardian of our home, creating a safe, healthy, joyful, and creative environment for my family to grow and love and learn (Titus 2:4; Proverbs 31)

As we teach our children about Father God and His Word, it will stimulate, penetrate, teach and be impressed diligently upon their hearts and minds, (Deuteronomy 6:7)

No matter what the circumstance I have the mind of Christ and operate in His wisdom and ability (1 Corinthians 2:16)

Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, (Hebrews 12:1-2)

If you’re struggling with or in need of something today, run to your Father and ask Him what His promises are for you. Rest assured that not one has failed.

©Heather Potts 2017

Battles

for everyone born of God overcomes the world… ~ 1 John 5:4 NIV

Have you ever felt like all you did was battle? Maybe you’ve been fighting with your kids or spouse. Maybe the battle is for your job or just to get a job. Maybe the battle is over health issues—yours or a loved one’s. Or maybe you’re battling for your mind or for your life… In the midst of heavy battles, has the enemy ever whispered, “I just don’t want to battle anymore…”?

We’ve been battling many things, and yesterday, the enemy whispered that to me. But before I could ponder his words, Holy Spirit said, “There is a battle in everything. It’s not about the battle. It’s about whose side you’re on.” As I thought about what Holy Spirit had said, I was reminded of a sermon by Pastor Burnard Scott, in which he taught that through Jesus we have been given both power and authority. He said that Satan has power, but not authority, and preys on those who don’t know their authority, because authority is what causes the enemy to flee, (Luke 4:36).

As we battle, it’s important to remember the words of Ephesians 6:12, that our battle is not with people, but against spiritual forces. In Battlefield of the Mind, Joyce Meyer tells the story of a man battling a terminal illness. The man had been declaring God’s Word over his illness, but after not seeing any results, he grew tired of battling. The Spirit enlightened the man’s eyes, revealing to him what was happening in the spiritual realm. Though the enemy attacked, each time the man spoke the Word of God, a sword of fire came out of the man’s mouth, causing the enemy to cower.

Perhaps, like the man in this story, you feel like you’re losing the battle. Be encouraged! As the Spirit showed the man, each time you speak God’s Word—using your authority—God’s power is displayed in swords of fire, causing the enemy to cower. Remember, victory belongs to the Lord and, through Him, you, too, have victory.

Stand to your feet, Overcomer!

Draw your sword, Mighty Warrior!

And declare your victory cry, Beloved Child of the Most High God!

©Heather Potts 2017

Concealed

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,

But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

~ Proverbs 25:2 NKJV

When I worked for the newspaper, my boss sent me to an Excel class because she needed me to learn pivot tables. When the teacher asked us what we wanted to learn, he seemed annoyed with my “pivot tables” answer and said the correct answer was to learn what we didn’t know.

A lot of things feel hard right now: after so many interviews (that I’ve lost count), Brad still only has a part-time, temporary job; Savannah is struggling (again); tensions are high; we’re trying to make friends, lay down roots, and figure out where we fit and why we’re here. I was expressing my frustrations to one of my friends and she said, “Sometimes we just go through crappy seasons. I just hope we don’t run out of toilet paper.” Though the TP may run out, God’s grace never will.

Standing in His grace-covering, we’ve decided to take a stand and make a change. We’re asking for help. We’re seeking wise, godly counsel, just as God says to do:

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking, (James 1:5 NLT)

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known, (Jeremiah 33:3 ESV)

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the LORD… (Jeremiah 29:13-14 NKJV)

The enemy lies and says that we’re weak when we cannot stand on our own. But God says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding…Be not wise in your own eyes,” (Proverbs 3:5, 7 ESV). The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. Instead of living in the craziness—in insanity—we’re going to walk in wisdom, honor, and glory, as we seek out the hidden, concealed, and unsearchable things.

If you’re going through a “crappy season,” don’t wait for the TP to run out; make a change. Determine to humble yourself before Father God and ask Him to lead, guide, and direct you in His infinite wisdom. And keep seeking until He reveals the hidden things to you.

©Heather Potts 2017

Directionally Challenged

…To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…
~ Isaiah 61:3 NKJV

I’ve always felt directionally challenged. Please don’t tell me to “head North.” Chances are, I don’t have a clue which way you mean. I am, however, visual. If you tell me to go three stoplights and turn left by the McDonald’s, there’s a better chance I’ll find you. But directions aren’t just for finding your way on a map. Directions are necessary for life, which I realized in greater depth after studying Isaiah 61:3.

Ashes: a symbol of mourning, but also represent falsehood and deception

Beauty: an ornament, like a tiara or a crown covered in jewels, and a marker of authority

The oil of joy: oil of gladness, ointment used at banquets; symbol of fruitfulness

Mourning: walking with your head cast down

Garment of praise: clothed by a song of praise or hymn

Spirit of heaviness: a spirit of failing, weakness, a wick burning with a flame almost gone out, a spirit broken down, depression

This scripture is directional. When looking up to heaven, we’re walking boldly, adorned with a crown of beauty and the oil of gladness. But when we look too much in any other direction, we become directionally challenged. We forget we are King’s kids, made in His likeness and image, able to ask for help and better directions when we don’t know the way.

Maybe, like me, you’ve confused your map challenges with being directionally challenged. Maybe you’ve even believed the lie that you’re lost and you don’t know how to find your way. It’s time to dust off the ashes and break the chains of heaviness. We have been given a covering of praise, a jeweled crown, and a marker of authority. It’s there, even now. We’ve been so consumed with “finding the way,” that we’ve forgotten that we walk with the One who IS the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You’re not directionally challenged. In Him, you are found!

©Heather Potts 2017

Peace, Be Still!

And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling…Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. ~ Mark 4:37, 39 NKJV

Peace, be still!

That’s what Jesus said to calm the storm that raged on the sea.

Peace, be still!

And it’s what He says to calm the storms that rage internally.

Peace, be still!

My Savannah really struggles with change and transition. Though it’s gotten better—MUCH better—it’s still hard and has me constantly running to the feet of my Jesus asking, “What should I do? How do I help her when she appears to be angry, anxious, and unsettled?”  He said to combat it with the opposite spirit. The opposite of anger and anxiety is peace. And I smiled.

Savannah means, “Peaceful meadows.” Isaiah 43:1 says, “I have called you by name.” Long before we knew the challenges we would face, God called her, “Peaceful.” Immediately that night, I went into her room, though she was asleep, and prayed peace over her mind and heart, calling her by name, declaring her, “Peaceful!” Since then, some days are good and others are very challenging. But each day and night I pray with and for her, declaring and reminding her that she is Peaceful.

What storm is raging in your life, in your heart? Command, as Jesus did, “Peace, be still!” Then watch how your words, through your God-given authority, affect your heart, mind, and situation. Like with Savannah, it might not produce immediate results, but the peace will come and the storm will calm.

Peace, be still!

©Heather Potts 2017

For Victory!

When you go out to fight your enemies and you face horses and chariots and an army greater than your own, do not be afraid. The Lord your God…is with you! … Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them.  For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory! ~ Deuteronomy 20:1-4 NLT

There is certainly a battle raging against us and we are DEFINITELY in the thick of it. Praise God for His Spirit and His faithful servants He sends to remind us that He is faithful—He was faithful with us and others in the past and He will be faithful now and in the future.

32. Brad has had 32 interviews since God changed our “plans.” And 14 of them have been since we came, in obedience, to Wisconsin. Unfortunately, as of this devotional, all but 2 have been “no.” But our hope doesn’t lie in the numbers—not the number of days since we’ve arrived in Wisconsin, or the number of dollars we have left in our bank account, or even the number of applications filled out. Our hope lies in the Lord and in His promises.

The details and days have weighed upon us. And the enemy has tried to keep us under his thumb. But in my prayer time, when I felt “heavy,” God reminded me that I am the Victor and not the victim. And in His presence, I cried out, “I will remember!”

It’s not just our family. The enemy is hard at work to destroy all who are called forth in and for God’s great purpose. If, like us, you are in the thick of it, just remember, you are the Victor (not the victim). He calls us forth—not for vacation, but for battle, for war, for victory!

“…Train even your weaklings to be warriors…And now, O Lord, call out your warriors!” ~ Joel 3:10-11 NIV

©Heather Potts 2017

Transition

They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” ~ Luke 18:37 NIV

Our family has been in a state of transition longer than I can guess. Transition is movement or change. Change is causing something’s form, nature, or future course to be different from what it is or would be if left alone. Keeping our eyes completely fixed on Jesus, this idea that our paths will be completely different has amazing and endless possibilities! But having left her friends and everything she’s ever known, Savannah is really struggling with this transition. While she understands that God called us here, she doesn’t understand is why we can’t “go home.” Home. That settled, comfortable place where we can relax and breathe, knowing all the rules, boundaries, and expectations. Home. A place to call “mine.” And it’s not just Savannah who’s struggling with this; we all are on different days.

But is it as bad as we feel? Luke 18:35-43 tells the story of a blind beggar who also found himself in a state of transition. Upon hearing the crowd grow excited, the blind beggar asked who was coming. “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” “Passing by” is part of transition. Though Jesus was the One causing the movement, it was the blind beggar whose life was about to change forever! Verses 38-43 reveal that the man cried out to Jesus louder and louder until Jesus called him over and said his faith had healed him.

There are 3 ways to look at the blind man’s transition. 1) Long. Blind from birth, he wasn’t healed for many years. 2) Short. He heard Jesus was near, cried out to Him, and immediately received healing. 3) In Christ. God’s desire is that we’d change into the likeness of His image and keep moving toward His plan for our lives—both the blind beggar and our family.

While the transition for our family feels long, and sometimes emotional, I pray that Holy Spirit will help us to look at it as neither long or short, but in Christ. Because in Christ, the possibilities are amazing and endless!

©Heather Potts 2017

Butt Co

Taste and see that the LORD is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

~ Psalm 34:8 NLT

The second day of our move to Wisconsin was crazy! Not too far into our drive, our rental truck was acting up, so we pulled off the highway and waited for the mechanic to help us. Somehow the truck reset itself and we were fine. But a few miles down the road, the same thing happened and we pulled off again. This time, it would take a mechanic 89 minutes to get to us. During our long wait, I tried to take the girls to a playground across a 6-lane highway, but I turned wrong. Unfortunately, by the time we got there and went to the bathroom, Brad was ready and we had to leave, because we wanted to get through the major cities on Sunday.

Twenty miles later, we were tensely driving through heavy Atlanta traffic. And then hours later, we began traveling through the Tennessee mountains. I could feel the tension in my whole body, as I worried about Brad driving the huge truck up the mountains. As I looked at the cliffs on either side, I said, “I need a scripture to bring me peace.” And Holy Spirit reminded me of Psalm 34:8, which is often interpreted as experiencing God’s goodness. Because of His Word, my perspective changed. Instead of being intimidated and fearful by my surroundings, I enjoyed the beauty and was awed and inspired by all that I saw. A little while later, as we sat in a traffic jam, I was reminded of the sign I had seen just before we’d had the truck issues. It was then that I realized we had just entered Butt County, Georgia when all the truck issues began. I laughed so hard—a much needed release.

Don’t you just love how the story of your day changes when you see it through the heart of the Lord?

Holy Spirit changed my day, attitude, and outlook, simply by reminding me to experience the goodness of the Lord. What’s going on in your life that needs a change of perspective? Ask the Lord to help you experience His goodness and joy, even in the middle of Butt County.

©Heather Potts 2017

HOME

When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. ~ Mark 2:1 NLT

We’re currently on vacation staying with my brother and his family. And although I had good intentions, being away has gotten me out of routine, which can more easily steal my peace. But Holy Spirit reminded me that the place is not my problem.

At church on Sunday, the pastor taught on Mark 2:1-11. He said Jesus, having been out beginning His ministry, had just returned home. In this passage, a paralytic was lowered through the roof to be healed by Jesus. Jesus healed him first emotionally and then physically. At that time, the man’s family, not strangers, should have cared for him. But likely due to his illness, his family left him to fend for himself. When Jesus called the man, “My child,” (v 5), as a parent would call a son or daughter, Jesus gave the man a home, a place of belonging.

Home is a place of:

·   Healing. When you’re not feeling like yourself, you want to be in your space with its comforting feels and smells.

·   Oneness. While away, it’s easy to get distracted by others’ routines and mannerisms. Though there’s nothing wrong with them, you run the risk of losing the one-mindedness of your family unit. Home allows you to reconnect and realign your thinking.

·   Meditation. The reason people often “need a vacation from their vacation” is because they fail to slow down, take a deep breath, and keep their peace.

·   Escape. We can all feel that we need to “get away” to escape life’s demands. But home is meant to be a place of escape, a refuge from craziness and storms.

I realized on Sunday, that I’ve been struggling to feel “at home.” But Holy Spirit reminded me that it’s not about a street address. No matter where I am, my home is in Him.

Regardless of what’s going on in your life and where God has you. Remember that He always has you and that your home is found in Him.

©Heather Potts 2017

Something Different

…You have seen with your own eyes all that the LORD your God has done…The LORD will do the same…where you are going. Do not be afraid…the LORD your God himself will fight for you. ~ Deuteronomy 3:21-22 NIV

Change: something different.

Growing up, things were constantly changing. I felt like nothing could be trusted. For a non-military family, we were moving all the time. When I grew up and moved out, all I wanted was stability, consistency.

We’re currently in a season of change. This season has had “immeasurably more” blessings (Ephesians 3:20-21), but also mountains of crushing stress. Unfortunately, my response has been to try to hold everything together. The other day, the stress was so overwhelming that I felt tightness in my chest. The following morning it was still there. But I climbed into my God-chair and put on worship music. And in natural response to my God, I lifted my arms to worship Him. It was with my arms lifted that I could take a deep breath and all the tightness was alleviated. That’s when I remembered what He had said to me during our fast at the beginning of the year, “When you’re choking, you lift your arms to open up your airways and receive oxygen, which is needed for life. When you’ve choked out life by trying to hold it so desperately in your own hands, open your hands and lift them up to the Lord in surrender. For only then can you open yourself up to receive His life.”

Life taught me to try to hold it all together. But Holy Spirit has taught me to surrender it to Him. If you’ve been holding on to something so tightly that everything within you is bound up, lift your hands in surrender. Draw in God’s sweet breath and exhale, allowing everything within you to release. Releasing everything to Him is safe, for He is trustworthy.

©Heather Potts 2017

FoCUS

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts. ~ Isaiah 55:9 NKJV

Plans. My plans included the house we were going to buy before having kids and the one-hour labor and natural delivery I was going to have in birthing my kids. But things didn’t go as I planned. Proverbs 19:21 reminds me, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand,” (ESV). If it’s the purpose of the Lord that stands, how do I uncover it? Holy Spirit said, “Through the Sabbath.”

Rest. When God brought His people out of Egypt, slavery—doing what someone else said, when and how they said—was all they’d ever known. Therefore, God commanded, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy,” (Exodus 20:8 NIV). The root word of Sabbath means “to take a rest; to sit down, to sit still.” It takes discipline to rest. But the benefits far exceed that of continuous motion.

Busyness. Too often I’m distracted by multiple projects or needs at once, losing sight of the bigger picture. Though I’m constantly active, if it’s not moving me toward the most important things, it’s meaningless. Yesterday, Holy Spirit challenged me to fast busyness. Doing so gave me what God’s been trying to give me all year: FoCUS.

Family First (Keeping my priorities in sight).

others on the outside (Maintaining healthy boundaries).

Christ at the Center (Gluing our family together).

Us United (Making every effort to meet each other’s needs).

Self-Care (Necessary in caring for others).

Honoring the Sabbath gave me a chance to recharge, see my projects from a clearer perspective, and refocus on the important things.

Maybe, like me, you’ve let your plans dictate the flow of your life. A wise teacher once said, “The plan may change a million different times. The plan is not what’s important. Jesus is. Don’t focus on the plan. Focus on Jesus.” It’s time to lay our plans down and seek God’s purpose. When we seek Him with disciplined and undistracted hearts, He’ll reveal His plan and purpose to us, which far outweigh any that we could make on our own!

©Heather Potts 2017

Nothing Wasted

For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. ~ Ephesians 2:10 AMPC

Beautiful Tapestry.

Creatively Crafted Clay.

Fully Molded in Your Hands.

What the enemy meant for harm, You have brought fully around to bring me here, to this place of peace. The enemy used much pain to try to drive a wedge between You and me. You saw it. You caught and held each one of my tears from my childhood tears to those in later years. Though there were times I felt so very alone, You helped me to find You. And not just find You, but experience You. True beauty. Your heart for me—the way it’s always beat for me—so full of passion, concern, comfort, and love—real, true, and unending.

Death. The enemy meant death—physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and relational. But You. You didn’t allow a single tear to fall in vain. Because You used each tear to water the clay to make me, shape me, mold me, and move me. And each day the pain moves further away and is lost under the sea of Your love for me.

Purifying. You are cleansing, healing, and purifying my heart. The heart that had only known hurt is learning to beat in rhythm with Yours.

Journey. My journey is neither just beginning nor ending. It’s still in the taking and best traversed with You. Father, may I be ever moving closer to Your heart.

©Heather Potts 2017

Scattering the Shadows

Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice. ~ Isaiah 41:10 AMPC

Last night, I woke up after nightmares feeling nauseous—the 3^rd night in a row. After lying awake for several minutes, I heard Jesus singing over me, “I will cast my cares on You.” In the dark, I moved to my God-chair and half prayed, half cried at the realization of the weight I’d been carrying. But God spoke, scattering the shadows and breaking-up the lie. “It’s not your responsibility,” He said.

Unfortunately, this is not my first rendezvous with lies and shadows. But at the sound of His voice, God brought the light and everything became clear.

Isaiah 41:10 is a promise—a declaration—first revealed to me in 2015, when I was engulfed by darkness and shadows. But God stepped into that pit and pulled me out, holding me in the safety of His embrace. Last night, rereading that promise, He reminded me, “I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you.” The enemy’s going to bring his worst, his A-game, with fear, condemnation, guilt, and shame. But God has promised to hold me up with His victorious right hand.

If someone you know is walking in a realm of shadows and darkness, keep praying for them. James 5:16 declares, “The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available (dynamic in its working),” (AMPC). Let God do the fighting, breaking up the darkness and scattering the shadows.

Father, thank you for Your promise to help and uphold us in Your victory. Thank you for giving us a Spirit of Power, Love, and a Sound Mind. Thank you that we have been given the mind of Christ and are guided by His thoughts and purposes. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

©Heather Potts 2017

Don't Jump the Gun

…Prepare ye the way of the LORD… ~ Isaiah 40:3 KJV

Growing up on the swim team, one of the most intense parts was waiting in the “start” position. The official calls the swimmers to step up onto the blocks and to “take your mark.” But the key is holding that position for several seconds without “jumping the gun,” which marks the beginning of the race. Any swimmer who dives or falls off the block before the gun or tone sounds is automatically disqualified. But once you’re in that “start” position, huge amounts of adrenalin begin coursing through your body and it becomes harder and harder to wait.

That’s where we are now.

God has shown us that He’s preparing us for something—and something for us—but because we don’t have all the important details, we’re having to wait. And waiting is hard, just ask any small child. But waiting has a couple purposes. 1) Waiting reveals the condition of your heart. It’s easy to “go.” It takes discipline and obedience to “wait.” Like the swimmer who’s disqualified for an early start, we can miss out on certain blessings because we didn’t trust God and “hold our position” until He started the race.   2) Waiting strengthens your faith. When you know that you’re about to embark on a new adventure, you’re super excited. But as time drags on, the process isn’t as easy as you thought, and unexpected challenges arise, it can be easy to throw in the towel and walk away. But the struggle “produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope,” which builds our faith (Romans 5:3-4; Hebrews 11:1).

If, like us, you’re in that “start” position but you haven’t been given the “go ahead,” don’t jump the gun! Instead, do as Psalm 27:14 encourages: Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

©Heather Potts 2017

Precious Real Estate

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

With looming decisions before us, fear whispered, “What if this fails? What if you make the wrong decision?” When I shared my fears with Brad, he said we’d be diligent in seeking God’s direction, but what was I going to do about my fears?

How do I conquer my fears? What am I going to do about it? What’s my part?

Then Holy Spirit whispered, “Renew your mind.” He reminded me that I haven’t been given a spirit of fear, (2 Timothy 1:7). The Greek definition of “given” is “to give something to someone…to his advantage…give to one asking; give as a gift…something to be administered, such as property…to pay, wages or reward.” Are these fears to my advantage? Are they a gift? Are they something I’ve asked for? Are they payment for something I’ve done? Are they things I want to own?

NO!

Then it must be deduced that fear is NOT from God. So why accept fears? Why give them precious real estate in my mind?

“Do not be conformed to this world…but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God…[for you],” (Romans 12:2 AMPC). I need to choose to change, transform and renew, my ENTIRE mind, until it reflects that of Jesus. I have been given the mind of Christ and I am guided by His thoughts and purposes, (1 Corinthians 2:16). Therefore, I can choose to accept what fear says and allow it to consume my mind. Or, I can reject it through the daily renewal of my entire mind.

If, like me, you’ve allowed fear to take up precious real estate in your mind, it’s time to issue the eviction notice and change tenants. Exchange a spirit of fear for a Spirit of Power, Love, and a Sound Mind.

©Heather Potts 2017

Testimony Part 2

Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! ~ Psalm 27:14 ESV

A testimony is a story of how God moved in an otherwise hopeless situation. A testimony—a story of hope—was definitely what I needed. Once again, on this journey, the way is not nearly as neat or smooth as we’d like. The way has felt elusive and the choices intimidating. Similarly, to a child, I’ve been pitching a fit, demanding what feels good and comfortable. Fortunately, I have an awesome Dad and He used redirection to help me see the situation a little more clearly.

Instead of telling me that I need to trust Him, “because He said so,” He did something much more inspiring. He used the testimonies of women whom I love and respect. One by one, He brought to my remembrance the stories of strong women in my life who have stood where I now stand and who walked on paths similar to mine. God showed me that He brought them through their seasons victoriously and promised to do the same for me. In the moment of my surrender, I felt both peace and the most heart-felt gratitude toward each of these women who are a living testimony to me.

It’s no coincidence that it’s Mother’s Day weekend, a time when we honor our blood mothers, adopted mothers, surrogate mothers, spiritual mothers, and honorary mothers. If there is a woman in your life who has been a living testimony for you, be sure to thank her and pray for her journey. And, if like me, you are on a journey where the answers feel unclear, obey the words in this Psalm: Be strong. Take courage. Wait for the Lord, standing firm on His promises.

Happy Mother’s Day!

©Heather Potts 2017

Greatest Impact

The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. ~ Psalm 18:2 NLT

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week. And while we don’t appreciate our school teachers enough for their countless hours, efforts, and prayers for our children, I think we also fail to see the impact that our church’s children’s ministries have on the whole family. If you have kids that still live at home, regardless of age, I encourage you (if you don’t already have one) to find a church with an emphasis on raising up the next generation. The children’s pastors, teachers, and countless volunteers at our church home partner with us to teach our children about God’s love for them, raising them up in the way that they should go, (Proverbs 22:6).

A partnership means that we, the parents, have a role, too. The first of which is a healthy relationship with God, then our spouse, and finally, our children. One of the pastors at our church wrote a curriculum for parents, which we were supposed to lead the semester that Brad hurt his back. Praise God we are through that season! This year, however, with the struggles we’ve had with Savannah, we went back to that curriculum, this time as the students. We needed HELP and, thankfully, that’s what the curriculum was called and gave us. Of all the things we learned, the most impactful was having daily Bible reading and prayer as a couple. While we’d been having individual God-time, we’d never done it as a couple. Reading scripture and praying together had the GREATEST impact on our marriage and, as a result, on our parenting and relationships with our kids.

First, I want to thank our pastor for the emphasis he puts on the next generation. I also want to thank all of our next generation pastors, leaders, teachers, and volunteers who partner with us in raising up our girls in the calling that God has placed upon their lives.

Second, I want to encourage you, if you are married—regardless of having children in your home—to start a daily Bible reading plan with your spouse. It will impact your marriage in ways that you could never have imagined and will be the greatest gift you give yourself.

©Heather Potts 2017

Testimony

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony… ~ Revelation 12:11 NKJV

For the past several weeks, life’s been testing us: Brad’s been sick, the girls have been waking me most nights, Savannah’s been fighting getting dressed, Elizabeth’s been chewing the binding off our books, and to top it all off, I’ve been seeing lightning flashes in my field of vision. Concerning the latter, I consulted a friend who told me to get it checked out. Fortunately, the optometrist didn’t see anything, but was concerned about the lightning and sent me to a retinal specialist. I was calm upon leaving the optometrist’s office, but became anxious when the time came to see the specialist.

After numbing and dilating my eyes, they had me watch a video explaining retinal tearing and detachment. The fear and anxiety were high! But I said, “No! I don’t have a spirit of fear. I have a spirit of a sound mind!” I was OK in the exam room until the doctor said he needed to push on my eyes with a Q-Tip. The right eye hurt so badly. I jumped at the pain, every muscle tightening. But when he switched to the left eye, something amazing happened: I heard a choir of angels singing boldly, “Oh praise the Name of the Lord our God. Oh praise His Name, forevermore. For endless days, we will sing Your praise. Oh Lord, oh Lord, our God!” It was so powerful and triumphant that I hardly noticed as the doctor pushed on my left eye. He said there’s nothing wrong with my eyes—he thinks (maybe) something to do with migraines, but he’s not sure and wants to check my eyes again in a month.

This was such a huge praise experience, I just HAD to share it with you! Revelations reminds us that our enemy is overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of OUR testimony. My prayer is that this testimony encourages and helps you remember that we will overcome!

©Heather Potts 2017

Hidden

No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. ~ Luke 11:33 NIV

Recently, a friend was surprised to learn that reading my work in front of others terrifies me. She said, “But you share all the time.” In my mind I replied, “But I’m hidden.” When I write, I feel invisible, safely hidden behind a wall where no one can see me. This imaginary wall hides me from facing the fears that say, “What if they don’t like it? Or worse, what if they ask on what authority I have to write it?” But God is faithful to remind me that I stand upon the authority given through Christ Jesus and it doesn’t matter what others think, because, it’s not my reputation on the line; it’s His, (Matthew 28:18; Hebrews 6:13-18 MSG).

Maybe, like me, God has called you to step out in faith and speak in public, write and publish a book, start a business, homeschool your kids, change careers, or do whatever it takes to achieve His call on your life. The enemy, aware not only of your calling, but also of the lives it will touch and change if you do as you’ve been called, stops at nothing to defeat you before you’ve even begun. In her book, Fervent, Priscilla Shirer asks, if the enemy is working that hard to keep you from moving forward, “Aren’t you at least a little bit curious what he’s trying to keep you from experiencing?”

Just like you wouldn’t hide a lamp under a bowl, God doesn’t want you to hide the gift and desire He’s birthed within you any longer. Let God’s light shine brightly for all to see, that they may be drawn to His presence! God wants to use you. Commit to stepping out, today, and let His light shine through you, for all to see!

©Heather Potts 2017

Yucky Goo

And I will give them one heart [a new heart], and put a new spirit within them. I will take from them the heart of stone, and will give them a heart of flesh [that is responsive to My touch] ~ Ezekiel 11:19 AMP

Last year, God said He was going to remove all the impurities from my heart in order to make room for what He wanted to do in my life. I began to pray over myself, that I’d live my life through the filter of the Holy Spirit. I especially asked that God would remove from my heart anything that was not of Him and fill me with His life.

This past August, the need for that prayer became evident as Savannah struggled through the change of having to start school. Though Savannah was excited, the change scared her and she clung to any form of control she could muster, including refusing to get dressed…every single day. We tried everything we could think of, but the most effective was prayer: praying with and for her, and praying over our parenting. One particularly rough morning, Holy Spirit told me to pray my prayer for her on the way to school. I did. After a few weeks, Savannah participated in the prayer, asking God to remove the “yucky goo” from her heart (the things that don’t belong), and replace it with the Fruit of the Spirit.

God’s still working on my heart, reminding me to surrender and cast aside the impurities—things that don’t belong. I wish it was a one-time-and-done event. Unfortunately, I’ve allowed circumstances and people’s careless words to shift my focus, which fills my heart with yucky goo things. But God continues to lavish His love upon me, calling me, again, to surrender those things to Him, so that He can replace them with His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control—the Fruit of the Spirit.

Maybe, like me, you’ve allowed people or circumstances to shift your focus, filling your heart with yucky goo, when what you really need is His love, joy, or peace. But He’s a faithful God and He’s waiting for us to confess and surrender those things to Him. His desire is to replace the yucky goo with a new heart, one that’s filled with His Fruit. The choice is ours. Which will you choose?

©Heather Potts 2017

Prepared pt. 2

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; ~ Psalm 23:5 NKJV

Sitting in an empty parking lot, we reviewed our options: Brad was unable to work, had failed to elect short-term disability, and chose to reject car payment insurance. Due to our two small children and a disabled husband, I was unable to work. We had no local family support and no savings or emergency fund. Unfortunately, that was only the beginning of our painful and long story. The enemy planned and primed the situation, bringing about every ounce of pain, fear, and strain.

But God was prepared.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me… ~ Psalm 23:4 NKJV

IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES

Though the devil meant to harm and destroy us, God used it for good, (see Genesis 50:20). That season was devastatingly painful, but God walked with us the whole time. At the very moment when the enemy thought he had won, God brought healing and restoration. But God didn’t stop there! In the presence of the enemy—who was already burning with anger after his loss—God brought about and wrote down a story of healing and beauty and victory.

In the presence of my enemy, God has prepared a table before me.

Whatever you are walking through—even if it’s bad, even if it’s worse—know that God is walking with you. And He’ll bring you through, so that you can sit down at the table that He has prepared for you.

©Heather Potts 2017

Prepared pt. 1

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; ~ Psalm 23:5 NKJV

When something is prepared, it’s “put in proper condition or readiness,” it’s arranged or “put in order,” (dictionary.com; blueletterbibible.org).  My husband has decided to step out in faith and start his own business. Since he’s the only one working, the lack of constant, precise income can be terrifying. But God prepared us. Without funds to hire help, that makes me his “assistant/secretary/bookkeeper.” But God prepared us. As they say, “In order to make money, you have to spend money.” But God prepared us.

YOU PREPARE A TABLE BEFORE ME

From 2007-2014, I worked in the advertising department of a local newspaper. Beginning in 2010, my role also included meticulous calculations of sales rep reports, commissions, and reconciliation, as well as department budgeting, and manager expense reporting. My training was all hands-on: “dig in and figure it out.”

In 2015, God allowed us to lean on Him, by removing the “safety net” of Brad’s stable job and income through back injury and job termination. After recovering, Brad worked wherever he could, including temp and consulting work, but nothing produced the same income and budgeting stability.

Last month, we recognized it was time to start Brad’s business. Our tax return covered not only the cost of the business start-up, but also living expenses for a few months until the business produced an income.

God is preparing the table—the means, the needs, the blessings, the supply—and He’s doing it for all of us, His beloved children. No matter what you’re going through today, ask God to show you how He’s prepared you to be successful in this season and what you can learn so you’ll be successful in the next.

©Heather Potts 2017

Submit Your Plans

in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight ~ Proverbs 3:6 NIV

I’ve always been a planner—on everything from birthdays to budget items. They weren’t bad plans; who plans to fail. But because I didn’t ask God first, it was like I was planning to fail because I failed to ask God for His plans.

In November, 2015, God drew out the plans for a small group He wanted me to lead. He called it, “Princess Bride,” (no, not the movie). The curriculum pulled from a lot of scripture and many books by strong Christian authors. As the small group semester approached, I sat down and wrote the notes for each session. I had the whole thing planned. The first session went…well…it wasn’t that exciting, honestly. But then something AMAZING happened: God came into the room! Just like the lyrics for Bryan & Katie Tolwart's song, When You Walk Into the Room, say, “When You walk into the room everything changes...”

God’s presence changes everything—thought processes, how your body functions, even your plans, even my plans. And because we serve a gracious God, He didn’t trash my plans. He just changed them to match His. The lessons from there on out were so impactful—not just for the other girls, but for me, too—that I waited with expectant hunger for God to show up and change my plans. He did it that whole semester. That one semester so rocked my world, my prayers, my expectations, and my planning that anytime something comes up, I take it to God first and ask Him what He’d like me to do with it. Don’t get me wrong; I’m still a planner. But because I look with expectancy, as Isaiah 40:31 says, I know that I can rest in Him and trust His plans.

What plans do you need to turn over to the Lord? Invite His presence into the room and see what He doesn’t change in your life.

©Heather Potts 2017

Posture to Receive

 [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith… Just consider and meditate on Him… ~ Hebrews 12:2-3 AMP

Sick babies.

Sick and/or worn down parents.

Little to no sleep.

Exhaustion has given way to…anxiety…and worry that tonight will be like the previous two: awakened every hour…

And at 10:33 tonight I find myself asking my Father, “Why?” And He stirs worship—a need for worship—in my heart. As the music sweeps over me, I hear the lyrics, “Would you come and tear down the boxes that I have tried to put You in / Let love come teach me who You are again /…/ Come and do whatever You want to,” (In Over My Head, Jenn Johnson). As the music crescendos into the climax, I can feel Holy Spirit rush into the room and crash over me.

Control. All my life, I’ve liked control. But God told me to let go. During a recent fast, God showed me I have been holding on to too many things too tightly. And He said it was cutting off my life’s supply. He showed me that a clenched hand can neither give nor receive life. He reminded me of when I would choke on water while swimming as a child. When choking, you’re instructed to raise your hands above your head, which opens up your airways to receive oxygen, to receive life. The same is true in spiritual matters. When we lift our hands in surrender, turning over control to Jesus, we have finally put ourselves in a posture to receive from our Father.

Let Go. In his book, Circle Maker, Mark Batterson said, “If you seek answers, you won’t find them, but if you seek God, the answers will find you…You need to let go and let God…by resisting the temptation to manufacture your own answers to your own prayers,” (65). Trust and surrender go hand in hand. If I never let go, I can never expect to be amazed by all the ways God wants to answer my prayers.

If, like me, you’ve found yourself holding on to things you need to let go of, simply lift your hands in surrender to Him. Breathe His life in deeply, fill your lungs fully, and exhale slowly. Now rest and receive from Him.

©Heather Potts 2017