Jen’s Gem: Don’t give up on God. 

Last week I wrote about the ‘coincidence’ that occurred when both my prayer card and devotional contained the same Bible verse from Psalm 32:8. Well, I know you will find this hard to believe but, it happened again.
 

You may have noticed in prior newsletters that I have mentioned an upcoming webinar that I’m looking to host about discovering God’s purpose for your life. I have been praying about what God wants me to be doing for some time and looking for confirmation.

The other day, I was reading 1 Peter, chapter 4 which contains the following verses (emphasis mine)

“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10-12 NKJV)

Hmm – interesting. But wait, there’s more.

A few minutes later I opened up my devotional email and what Scripture is in it? I know, I don’t even have to tell you, right?

I hope you can imagine how I was feeling in that moment. Tears welled up in my eyes as I truly felt the presence of God on me confirming what I’d been praying about for what seems like forever. I thought (maybe I even said it out loud) – all of my seeking, all of my prayers, all of the work – has “paid off.”

But wait, there’s even more.

Later that day, I was reading the weekly blog post from the pastor of my church. The topic was about keeping the faith and he referenced a Scripture (emphasis mine.)
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)
So let’s put the past couple of weeks together as I prayed for direction and purpose in this current season of my life:

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” (Psalm 32:8 NKJV))

“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.” (1 Peter 4:10-11 NKJV)

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV)

Now to the ‘naked eye,’ this may not seem like a big deal. I’m here to tell you that it is. Many think God does not hear their prayers, let alone answer them. Clearly, you can see this is not true. He may not answer them when we want or how we want, but He always always answers IF we stay the course.

I knew in my guts that God has a plan and purpose for my life – for everyone’s life  – because He doesn’t create anything that doesn’t and His Word says so. I know He has given me gifts of communication – writing, speaking, teaching. Yet what I was to do with these was beyond my grasp. People told me I should be a speaker, but…what was I to speak about?  

A similar thing happened with my book. For years people told me I should write a book. I struggled with the topic until one day I threw up my hands and said, “God if you want me to write a book, you will need to download it to me because I haven’t a clue.” The next day I opened my laptop and the first draft of Finding God. Finding Me was written in a little over a week. Hmmm… do you see a pattern? 

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV)

I am sharing this with you for one reason only. Don’t give up on God. Stay the course. He is faithful. He is a promise keeper. If you’ve already given up, go back and give Him another chance. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him and He will answer your prayers. Don’t believe me? Scroll up and reread this blog post.

Now, what am I going to do with all of these “coincidences?” I’m glad you asked! Check out my upcoming webinar below, “The Path to Purpose,” scheduled for Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. ET.