The PF Women Team at our Annual Team Retreat ~ 2018 Today on Seth Godin's blog, he said: It's tempting to decide to make a profit first, then invest in training, people, facilities, promotion, customer service and most of all, doing important work. In general, though, it goes the other way. Yes, it does. If you are waiting to make a profit before you do these things, in my experience you're not going to make a profit. So many organizations, ministries and churches are struggling with financial issues. I know your pain. As anyone who follows our story knows, our ministry was in a ton of debt four years ago when I came on as director. Since that time, we've gotten out of debt and turned a profit every year. God has done amazing things through out team, for which we give Him the glory! I find that what Seth is saying here is absolutely true, with one disclaimer. For Christian leaders, spiritual disciplines must always be first. Before we started i...
The past two days I've blogged about going through a big unexpected change, and handling it properly.
I am a really transparent person and loathe talking in generalities or in some kind of veiled manner. But this is an issue where I'm expected to keep confidentiality. I will just share a brief testimony today without giving specifics and I hope this builds your faith.
On Thursday morning I received a call that indicated that my day-to-day life was going to change in a big way. This came out of the blue. The news was such that the person calling asked me to sit down before they went any further.
I sat down.
I listened.
I was shocked.
I received this news and slowly began to process it. The person calling actually said, "Do you need a minute to just breathe and take this in?" I did.
After a moment, I told the person who called me, "well, my life and it's direction is in God's hands, and I trust Him. I will receive this as being from God. I know He is good. I will begin to process this change." I thanked them for calling and expressed my appreciation. I know that sounds odd, to thank someone and express gratefulness when they have delivered sad news. I felt led to do so even though they were sharing something that would affect me, my family, and a whole lot of other people.
I got off the phone and just began to thank God. Yes, I did shed some tears. This is normal and to be expected for any of us who feel sad. Scripture indicates even Jesus Himself felt sadness and wept. But in the midst of my disappointment I thanked God, for whatever He was doing that I didn't understand. I told Him over and over, "I trust You. I trust You with my life and all that is a part of it, Lord." I just felt led to thank Him and praise Him and declare His goodness.
A little over 24 hours later, the same person called back again. This time letting me know that everything had shifted for me. God had completely turned the tables overnight! Their exact words were, "what a difference a day makes."
I'm rarely speechless. This was one of those rare times. I responded, "I don't even know what to say!" I had to call them back to have a conversation once I got my bearings.
Some of you reading this are going through trials and things seem unfair, or maybe it even seems like you are under a curse or some kind of black cloud. Can I just speak a gentle word into your heart...whatever you are going through, thank and praise the Lord. It might seem like a tragedy but you never know how God will bring good out of it. He can take what looks like a tragedy and turn the tables so that things are even better than before. He will strengthen you, grow you, increase you, bless you.
Whatever you are going through, declare His goodness. He is a good God. He loves you. Be confident in that love. Declare it no matter what your eyes see. No matter what your ears hear.
I am a praying person. If you've read my blog or my Facebook longer than a minute you probably know that. Today I am standing in agreement for every person reading this post who needs a miracle. I am declaring His goodness over your life!
What a difference a day makes! What a difference a Savior makes!
I love you all and thank you for reading.
Comments