Uncomfortable situation or Intervention.

What would it look like if we didn't worry but we actually used trials and tribulations as God's setting for intervention. 

So often we become frustrated when things aren't going the way we initially planned or visualized. Sending our emotions into a frenzy and our reactions can become regrettable. 

Take for example, a child who has had loving and supportive parents throughout his years. Growing up and suddenly deciding that the money they saved for his college will be used to travel the world in search of something he isn't so sure of. His parents can't believe what they are hearing and insist that the young man prepare to leave for college or simply go on his journey leaving behind any of their contributions. 

Let's look at this from another angle. This young man has gone to a christian private school K-12th grade. He has had a passion for mission work in other countries.  Imagine God's stage for intervention. One thought, this young man is about to become the voice in a Muslim city where they will eventually crave the knowledge of Christ. 

In the greater scheme of things, the big picture, we simply get caught up in our own lives. We forget that this life, which really isn't ours to begin with, is not about us but far greater. The story has only one main character. His name is Jesus. If we just stopped in the middle of our mess. Not even the middle, but the very moment we hear something that makes us uncomfortable. Before losing control take a step back and ask, Lord,"What is it that you would like for me to know in this situation." Seriously, Your thinking,who does that. Really there are people who live in that peace.  We all can with a little practice. Just listen to the him, I promise you will be over-joyed at the outcome. 

Listening is the hardest thing to do. I know we hear this often but seriously try to listen to someone for a good bit of time without interruption or adding a comment. It is so difficult. Now this is even better. Try listening to God tell you how to respond in each situation, no matter how minor. Yeah! I know. A God whom we constantly talk to, cry to, demand things from and really try hard to trust even in circumstances we aren't certain there is even a God. 

Today I challenge you to pause, at the most simple comment or action that offends you. Step outside of the situation and ask God. What is it that you would like for me to know? NO matter how weird you may look to the other person, in the event there is someone involved. Just listen.

Now the other part of listening that could make this challenge difficult is the fact that we hear with our TWO ears for a reason. We have Two ears and ONE mouth. I know you knew that. There are literally FOUR Voices that we hear when we listen.  The voice you hear could be your own FLESH, telling you to do exactly what you want to do. There is the voice of the WORLD, which is pushing for you to conform. The voice of SATAN, completely wicked or the voice of our FATHER in Heaven, so very gentle. We'll how do you determine which voice to listen to. It will take daily practice my friend and a lot of mental confidence.

Once you hush, the World, Satan and your flesh you are on your way to peace. His voice is so calming. He is so cool like a cold glass of water on a sweltering hot day, as it slips and slides down the back of your throat, causing a refreshing cooling feeling all over. It's certainty, surety and down right love. It's like the person, without any doubt, has your back and is saying, "hey....sit down and let me handle this one." I smile. 

You begin to crave His mere presence at the wake of your day. Your soul is overwhelmed with heat and your eyes fill with tears as your inner connects with your outer core. I sometimes wonder if its like this here, Heaven must be positively overwhelming. As I exhale with such a relief in knowing its okay to allow Him on my behalf, I wipe my eyes with a contentment. Each breath I take I imagine it being many years filled with shear joy and relaxation. Resting in his Peace. When I am here, nothing else matters. Not that I am angry with the person who I feel has wronged me. Not stressed by my schedule or agenda. Not bogged down by my will to measure up in a world with no cap on what success really is. He is like my best girlfriend. He is my fearless father. He is my loving mother. He is my precious daughter, He is my perfect son. He is my understanding husband. He is my boss that has endless compassion. So I pause, I am thinking and listening. 

His smile embraces me, He likes the time we spend together. He speaks, "I told you that you were important to me. TRUST me with your whole being and you will surely see that you are loved. Do not cry I know it fills good to know that I can see you. Alicia, I have seen you since the day you were born." To hear him constantly speak the same things to me reaffirms the truth and it penetrates my heart. It provides me with my armor to re-enter the world. I have such an undying love. I am passion, I am joy, I am a light in this very dark world. Keeping my head raised toward the sky I will always remember that I really can fly. 

As I close I hear a faint whisper, "keep writing, you think its all over the place, but I have a reason I wanted you to do this so keep writing. You have great potential and you are beginning to see my purpose for you. To Inspire, Encourage, Love and Nurture. 

I continue: The present is in the process. It isn't about the end result. It is more focus on the steps it took to get to the end result. In writing today I have found that who cares if it is seems this piece is jumping all over the place. Eventually it will all come together. 

If you feel the need to proof read or spell check feel free, maybe that is your purpose. If something jumps out at you that you are able to use to add a bit of substance to your life well thank goodness. In the big picture we all have a purpose and a role. How will you play your part? 

In the meantime I will continue to hold Grace and Mercy's hand awaiting our next conversation.

~Alicia