When Plans Change

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glent8xwAL4

Walking Like Giants ~ Stars Go Dim

I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains. ~ Psalm 121:1-2 MSG

Did you ever expect plans to work one way, and ended up surprised when God took you in another direction?

In February 2006, I really started growing in my faith in Jesus. The more I leaned in, the more He revealed to me. One day, I confessed my dream of wanting to be a writer. God told me that I needed to get baptized, first. In October 2006, I was baptized in the Gulf of Mexico.

Looking back, I laugh at how silly I was: I expected that the very next day, I'd be handed a writing position or something similar. It wasn't the next day, and it wasn't a writing position. Five months later, I started working in at a large newspaper, as an Advertising Assistant. In 2008, God told me to start a Bible Study at work. I reminded God that it was a newspaper and they didn't like Him there. He said, "I know. Do it anyway." It was a small group, but we always looked forward to it. Then something wonderful happened: God started depositing seeds in my heart, words to share with the group throughout the week. I began writing, sending encouraging emails that were inspired by God. He kept His word. It wasn't in my timing and it didn't look the way I thought it would, but my dream was all about me and His plan included me.

If there's a dream or passion you're aiming for, don't give up—not on the dream or on God. He's got big plans and they include you. They may take longer than you'd like and may take you places you never expected you'd go, but say, "Yes!" to Jesus and He'll keep His promises to you. He's faithful to His Word!

©Heather Potts 2020

Teacher

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGJO-wdGGb8&list=RDEGJO-wdGGb8&start_radio=1&t=0

Learning ~ Jason Gray

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. ~ 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

What's a synonym for teacher?

Friend. Buddy. Confidant. Encourager. Comforter. High-Fiver. Juggler. Imagineer. Engineer. Inventor. Trainer. Hugger. Lost-Mitten-Finder. Reader. Greeter. Tear-Wiper. Note-Taker. Record-Keeper. Multiple-Hat-Wearer. Coat-Zipper-Upper. Helper. Maid. Coach. Counselor. Reminder. Mediator. Hand-Holder. Recess Leader. Hall Monitor. Lunch Opener. Microwave Operator. Organizer. Janitor. Table-Washer. Paper-Corrector. Filer. Voice of Reason. Shepherd. Truth-Sayer. And, on top of it all, Educator. 

How do they do it? The best ones, because of, with, and by the grace and strength of God!

Teachers: please know that families don't know all that you do or is asked of you. On days when you are tired and feeling defeated, remember that at All times and in All things, God is able to bless you abundantly so that you will thrive, flourish, and excel in everything He's asking of you. 

Those who've been encouraged by a teacher (or whose kids have): Start with prayer! Pray for their day, health, safety, and family. Pray for wisdom as they teach future generations. Pray that they will be encouraged. And if you're able, send them a thank you note. They need the encouragement and will enjoy hearing how a student's life has been inspired.

Thank you, teachers!

©Heather Potts 2020

The Why

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huFra1mnIVE&list=RDhuFra1mnIVE&start_radio=1&t=0

Forever ~ Kari Jobe

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). ~ John 10:10 AMPC

Have you ever thought about the mission God's given you? Most businesses have a mission statement which serves as the filter behind all their decisions. It's their "why." Your "why" is what keeps you motivated when the odds are stacked against you, helps you filter life's decisions, and enables you to persevere when the lies of the enemy are mounting.

Lately, I've been looking into some resources to help with my calling. One wanted to know my "why." Mine is to empower, encourage, and help others to know their value, worth, and freedom in Christ—freedom from lies, shame, and pain. I can still see the image God painted for me: a beach was lined with towers holding captives in bondage. But through prayer and sharing God's truths, the prisoners were freed, and the towers were torn to rubble, washed away by the waves of the sea, like melted sandcastles. 

We know that the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy our dreams, visions, and God-given missions, which is what makes your "why" imperative!

I encourage you to pray and journal, asking God your "why." Whom will you to impact on the mission He's given you? Whose lives will you touch and change, (if it's truly God-sized, you won't know the half of it!)? Spend time with your heavenly Father uncovering your "why." Then write it down, so that when the devil lies to you about God's calling for your life, you can look at the devil and say, "This is what I've been called to, and here's why!"

©Heather Potts 2020