Obedience

In 2019, 2020 was foreseen to be a vibe. It was to be the year of tunnel vision, hindsight, glow ups, amazing things, and the list goes on. What I've realized though, is that a lot of shifts have been happening for a vast majority of folks. I'm sure it's not the shift we expected. What I can say, is despite the craziness of corona, 2020 thus far has been very insightful. In my opinion, these 7 months should've been an eye opener for you. Being that I was in the middle of the corona craziness at work, I'm able to fully appreciate and put into perspective what resulted from both ends of the COVID spectrum. Life, is way too short, and no one knows what tomorrow will bring. Surprisingly enough, I am glad for the silence that quarantine brought. It allowed me to quiet the everyday noises around me, and pay attention to the themes that were constantly in rotation:

Surrender. Discipline. OBEDIENCE. Consistency. Habits.

Upon intentionally pursuing my purpose, this was number one - obedience. I am a firm believer, that when you ask, you shall receive. Not because you asked for 200,000 dollars means that God is going to make it rain from the sky sis, you gotta put in some work! Also, note that He will give you what you asked for to teach you a lesson. Not everything you want, is good for you but He'll make you acknowledge that He gave you what YOU THOUGHT you wanted. Can you say humble? I found myself praying for discernment and clarity, then I realized, that it's pointless to continue asking for something if you aren't going to be obedient when the answer is revealed. Oftentimes, the answer is demonstrated in your everyday routine. What's for you, will be for you! It shouldn't have you stressed out and confused, and like there is a burden on you.

In the Redefining Wealth podcast, Patrice Washington states, "obedience is aligning yourself with God's plans, NOT yours." If you're going to constantly go against what you're being told to do, or running into problems when you decide to do the opposite, you're disobedient. While listening to this podcast, I wrote this in my notes: 'God does not speak to be heard, He speaks to be obeyed. Don't choose excuses, distractions, convenience, [and] logic over obedience.' CHOOSE OBEDIENCE OVER EVERYTHING. I mean, it makes sense right? It's like your girlfriend asking for relationship advice but then turns around and does the exact opposite of what you told her to do anyway. Then you're sitting there like 🙄🤦🏾‍♀️ why did I waste my time? Thankfully, He doesn't work like this. BUT, He will find a way to push you into your destiny whether the first, second or third time; if you keep fighting Him, He may use someone else to do your job and gracefully rub it in your face. Ok maybe not really. But you'll see others' blessings and wish thy were your own. BUT 👇🏾👇🏾

What If You Were Obedient The First Time?

All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God. (Deuteronomy 28:2 NIV)

What would've been the outcome, had you said yes the first time? If we're not aware of WHOSE we are, we will allow others to define our being and prevent us from stepping into obedience, and ultimately, into our life's true purpose. In the YouTube Series, Insecurities, by Dr. Dharius Daniels, he gives an example of Jeremiah rejecting God's plans for his life, because he was too 'young'; ultimately Jeremiah was allowing his insecurities to overpower the calling on his life. The irony, is that God already knew his physical age duh, but He didn't care about that; He had a greater vision for Jeremiah's life. Our flaws, insecurities, downfalls, sins, are known to Him, BUT He still chooses to use us. Don't doubt your abilities and capabilities because there is someone more qualified in the room. The woman with more qualifications is oftentimes more cocky than the one without, and it shows! Her arrogance, and attitude will overthrow her character any day. Remember, your character will get you into rooms that your qualifications never will.

"Insecurities Assassinate Your Assignment"

Dr. Dharius Daniels (Lead Pastor - Change Church)

We ALL have a story to tell, and an experience to share. Had I ignored my gut, I probably would've been out here lost in everybody else's sauce, looking like ground black pepper in jerk seasoning (IYKYK seh dat hard fi differentiate). Don't fear copying someone else, because what you have to offer is UNIQUE. Impostor Syndrome will have folk out here feeling like their work is minuscule compared to others. Don't fear dreaming big. Look at Joseph and his dreams. Look at where they got him. Don't get me wrong, sitting in jail and being forgotten isn't cute. I would definitely have to have a sit down and work out the logistics of His plan 🤔. We all have a vision. That's why we make vision boards (whether mental or physical). We have an idea of what we want to manifest. Write them down, flesh them out. Put feelers out there. How many artistes started in a basement studio and are now multimillionaires because they believed in themselves? Sis, go ahead and dream, AND do it B I G ! Pray, discern and when you have the green light, GO! Be obedient when God says to move. Don't dismiss your calling because it's not what you imagined or because you're too scared. He will provide.

"If God gave you the vision, He will give you the provision".

Patrice Cunningham Washington (America's Money Maven) Redefining Wealth

"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