Embracing the Power of Perseverance

Embracing the Power of Perseverance

Guest Blog Post By: Shauntel Bennett

During my high school years, I vividly remember having so many dreams and aspirations of going to college, traveling abroad, and being an actress. In my mind, it was important for me to be successful and I was determined to fight tooth and nail until I reached my destined outcome. Upon graduation, I took my first step towards attaining my dreams by enrolling in a local junior college as a musical theatre major. My first year was exciting! I was being introduced to so many gifted people, understanding the foundational layout of the drama world, embracing the theory aspects behind music…you know, learning the ropes! I was on my way it seemed. Then, in my second year, I was formally introduced to ‘The Lounge’, where students would gather between classes and, on occasion, during class. I became acquainted with a lot of bad practices and people, which became a huge struggle for me and eventually led to my losing focus of the initial pursuit and my musical scholarship.

Over the next few years, I fought an inward battle as my life seemingly spiraled out of control and became consumed with making and frivolously spending money, hanging out in clubs and bars, meanwhile, failing daily in the school of life. After about five years had passed, I found myself sitting at work one day with the question, “what happened to your fight, your will to persevere?” frequently resurfacing in my mind.

As I reflect, I am reminded of Jacob. After being left alone in Mahanaim, awaiting the time that he would meet with his brother Esau, Jacob had an encounter with God (or one of His angels J). Here’s the story:

And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel:  for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. (Genesis 32:24-30)

Jacob literally fought until the Lord blessed him. He didn’t give up. He pressed until God granted his request. We should adopt this same type of diligence in our daily lives. Whatever it is that God has gifted us with or whatever assignment He has given us to complete, we should stay the course, no matter the obstacles or criticism that may come our way.

We have been given the power, dominion, and authority that we need to embrace. As we journey through this life, let us remember the following scripture:

Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.(Matthew 7:7)

Having obtained my degree, actively experiencing the stage life, and embarking upon opportunities to travel, I can confirm that God is the true and everlasting source of our hope.

Be encouraged to PERSEVERE!

Shauntel Bennett

Tailor-Made Just For You: Wait On It, It's Coming..

2yrs ago I was able to resign from my job so I could stay home with my baby. I really didn't want to miss her "Baby Firsts"(mommies know what I mean). I told myself I would give myself at least a year or two before I go back to work. In my mind the transition from home to work was going to be a piece of cake. I figured I got the education and experience so how bad can it be. So, I didn't think twice about resigning. Well, six months ago I started applying for jobs online. I applied for 133 jobs. I am not exaggerating. I kept a rejection file just so I would be able to count the number of NO's I got. ( It was probably more than that, I got tired of counting)...

I made sure I only applied for jobs I really liked and not just jobs I could have for the moment. I am too old to be job hopping. I wanted to apply for companies/positions where I could grow career wise. So, yes I started applying for jobs I qualified for and jobs I didn't qualify for. I figured who needs a PHD, when you already have a Master, His name is JESUS, and He has the last word anyway, regardless of qualifications.

Out of all those rejections, I finally got a called for an interview. YES!!! your girl was so happy and relieved. Finally, somebody is at least giving me a chance to sell myself. I had 3 interviews with this company and was told in so many words I had the job. But I still had to wait for the official offer.I am getting a little anxious and antsy, but I continued to wait. I did a follow up call and letter and was told I was still being considered for the position. Well, little did I know God had other plans.

I was sitting on the throne in the bathroom when I felt an unction to pray again about this position, but differently this time. I truly believed God was going to blessed me with this position, all because I was getting anxious and tired of waiting for a job. I was at the point, I was almost willing to settle for less than God's best just to have a job right now...Does that sound familiar?

Settling for anything just to have what we don't have right now... 

But as I started to pray, I surrendered and told God if this is NOT the BEST you have for me, and if there is a position that you have tailor made just for me, please close the door. I don't want to settle just because I am tired of waiting and being rejected.

Yes, rejection hurts, but regret hurts worst...

If there's a job better for me please lead me to it, but close this door quickly. But, I also ask Him to prepare me once again for the rejection and strengthen me for the wait.

After that prayer, the same night I had a dream, and in my dream a young lady passed by a table where I was eating outside, and obviously we knew each other. It was as if she knew what I was going through with this job situation. She looked at me and said Marchelle, THEY will be calling you on May 21st. Then I woke up. I looked at my calendar on my phone and it said April 21st. So, in my mind I thought maybe I misheard what she said and that she actually said April instead of May, well I was hoping. My husband and I figured if no one calls me on April 21st, then maybe she did say May 21st, but then again, it was just a dream. Whose to say it was a prophetic dream? I am not that deep, matter of fact, I am not deep at all.

April came and gone and no call. I just knew the "THEY" in the dream was the company I was waiting for, so I continued to wait. On, Monday May 3rd, I got a phone call from guess who? Yep, they finally called me to offer me the position, yea right, no they called to let me know that they went with another candidate and the only reason I didn't get the job was because I didn't have early learning experience.. I was thinking (SERIOUSLY LADY!!! It took you 3 interviews and a long drawn out wait to figure that out, Ok, whatever you say). Honestly, I was jumping for joy. Praising God for answering my prayers. He had something better for me. Thank you Lord, for closing that door.

God close the door on Monday, and on Tuesday I got an email from a beautiful woman of God. Her spirit is amazing. She is a jewel and if you are reading this, you know who you are. She sent me a job description for an open position at an amazing company. She had no idea I was just rejected for a job a day before but God used her to send me this information. Well, to make a long story a little longer, I received a phone call for an interview on, wait for it...May 21st!!!. I guess it was prophetic, go figure. Well, I interviewed for the position, made it to the top 10 then to the top 4 finalist, and now the wait is over. I GOT THE JOB!!! Not to mention, this job is 20xs better than the first one.



So, no matter how long the wait, no matter how many rejections you face, no matter how much it hurts,  never give up on the power of God. He wants to give you the best but only if you are willing to PATIENTLY wait for it. Patiently waiting is just waiting with the right attitude, and it's easier to do this if we continue to praise God in the process.

 

 I truly believed He was getting ready to give me that job only because I was anxious and was willing to settle, but when I surrendered and allowed God to bless me the way He wanted too, He moved in my favor and it was better than the first... I do understand that when doors close in your face it can be painful. It can mess with your mind, emotions, self-esteem, self-worth and even your confidence. But just remember God knows all things. He can see what we can't. So trust Him when He closes a door because He is just tailor making a door just for you is right around the corner. It's closer than you think. Don't settle for less than God's best in every area of your life. God's timing is everything. No it doesn't feel good. Yes it hurts at time, shoot, most of the time... But the hurt evidently fades away with the new blessings that God bestows upon us.



I know it's even harder when you see doors opening for others around you. You're happy for them, but yet the human side says, when is it going to be my turn. Just stay encouraged. Keep the faith. Stay focus. So whatever it is that you are waiting for: job, spouse, college degree, house, car, direction, guidance, for a bad situation to change, etc,,,  It's coming. When you feel weak and weary, trust and depend on God for the unmerited favor and strength to withstand... You can do it. I did it, and so can you....

Who Are You? You are blessed beyond measure. You receive all that's rightfully yours without settling for anything less than God's best for you. You will walk only in the doors God has tailor made just for you.

If you enjoyed this and was encouraged please leave a comment below and let's also encourage others, by Sharing on Facebook, Google+, and any other social links you see below.

Have a blessed and Purposeful Day,
TPL😘😘😘

OBEDIENCE = ATTACKS!!! BEWARE!!! BE VERY AWARE!!!

I am sure you all already know this but I just wanted to remind you that obedience equals attacks!!! It will not always be peaches and cream when you finally make it up in your mind to obey the call God has on your life. Trust me, as soon as you step outside of your comfort zone and start doing what God has told you to do, BEWARE, BE VERY AWARE!!! it is not without a fight.

EXTRA, EXTRA read all about it...YOU WILL BE ATTACKED!!!

It's not a matter of IF, But WHEN and HOW.  Attacked in your body, your mind, your marriage, your close relationships, on your job, at school, in ministry, in your finances, with your children etc... So, however the attacks come just try to prepare yourself. I know it's hard because attacks don't play fair, no warning at all.

The devil is mad and he will use anything and anybody to discourage you to walk away from the very thing you were called to do.

Sorry, it just comes with the territory of obedience. Do we really believe that the devil is going to just sit back and freely let you do what God told you to do without interference? Yea right, ok. I wish. Living for Christ would be so much easier and simpler, don't you agree?

It's funny, as long as you were doing your same ole, same ole, everybody was fine with that. Everything was great, but as soon as lives are being changed for the better because of what God has told you to do, 

ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE!!!

The very people you thought was going to be there for you will turn on you. They may encourage you by giving mouth service but in their heart of heart it's nothing but jealousy, wickedness, envy, and strife.

It hurts deeply, heck, It hurts like hell, especially when it's the people you thought would love and support what God is doing in you and through you, but yet they turn their back on you all because of what?

• Maybe God hasn't moved in their lives yet and all of a sudden it's your fault for being obedient..
• Maybe it's because they just don't want to see you making a difference in the lives of people. (I really don't understand this one at all)
• Maybe they want the spot light, whatever that mean...Because the only person that should be in the spot light is GOD, and God only...
• Maybe God told them to do something similar to what you are doing and they weren't obedient like you...

Well, whatever the reason is: Don't apologize for what God is doing in your life. Those days are over. Pray for them, love them, and keep it moving, but please, please, DON'T APOLOGIZE FOR IT!!!

The devil is so STUPID...he hasn't learned yet that "No weapon form against us shall prosper." It may wound, leave scars, sting and even hurt like crazy. It may catch us off guard. It may sucker punch us and even knock us down for a moment or two, or three, or four...but it will not do what it was set out to do... It will NOT steal, kill, or destroy God's plans for your life.

So what do you do?

Well, what I am about to say is easier said then done, heck, even for me...but here it goes: Get up, shake yourself off and:

1. Pray, Pray and Pray some more:

Only God can mend the broken pieces. Only God can comfort you. Only God can love and support you the way you deserve. Only God can change the minds and hearts of people. Only God can heal and put you back together again, (just like humpty dumpty)smile

2. Don't fight fire with fire, but with LOVE: Lord Help me with this one PLEASE!!!

God knows that's a hard saying who can hear it:
It's especially hard when your flesh wants to lash out. When you hurt, you automatically want those who hurt you, to hurt just as much. But God...

3. Keep doing what God has told you to do, despite of...

Even if we are hurting we must still be obedient and trust God.
We can't let what's happening around us keep us bound. We must let the Lord fight our battles. Remember God is not surprised about what's happening. Usually, we're the only ones taken by surprise.

4. Lastly, PRAY, PRAY AND PRAY SOME MORE!!!

There is power in prayer. Now activate it.


Who are you?
You are stronger than your attackers. You will let the Lord fight for you. You will continue being obedient. You are a chosen vessel operating in love despite the difficulty.

Share and Comment with those who just need a reminder during these times of obedience.

Have a Blessed and Purposeful Day,
TPL 😘😘 😘

Are you "DOING" Too Much: Mary or Martha?

Luke 10:38-42

 Late, one night while everyone was sleep and the house was peacefully quiet, I went to the kitchen table and decided to write in my prayer journal. For some strange reason I pray more in depth when I am actually "writing" to God, go figure. As I started writing I began to repent specifically for not spending more time in His presence like I know I should. I asked God to forgive me for not using my time wisely, and for not communing with Him more.  He then brought something to my attention, and to my surprise, I had been operating in the spirit of Martha for years and didn't even realize it. My heart dropped, shaking my head in disbelief, I told Him, I don't want to become a full-time Martha, and neglect my Mary responsibilities.

I got so easily caught up in the things of God and what I thought I should be doing that I was actually missing out on what I was suppose to be doing; sitting and listening. BLASPHAMY!!! I know. I know. How in the world can we serve God by sitting and listening!!!

Just keep reading...

I realized I wasn't necessarily distracted with the things of this world, although  that can be an issue too for so many, but I must admit I was distracted in the very thing I thought was most important and pleasing to God and that was "serving" Him. I was so busy serving God that I wasn't paying  attention to God. 

Our instructions, wisdom, knowledge and understandings comes from sitting and listening to the Father. We need daily life instructions and without God's direction and wisdom we will find ourselves lost, frustrated, going here and there and every where; from pillow to post, trying to figure out life, when God is waiting for us to come to Him. There's no need to go from pillow to post, doing this and that, when the answers are at his feet, but we won't sit still
long enough to receive from Him.

Have you every seen, worked or actually served with someone who was awesome at what they did, but mean as H-E-double hockey sticks, just a jacked up attitude? They never smiled, almost as if someone paste a 24/7 frown on their face, always found something to complain about, never happy, short tempered and snappy? You ask yourself, if they are so unhappy why in the world are they doing it. Who put a gun to their head and made them do what they are doing?

Why the frustration?

Just like Martha, no one told her to do all that she felt she "needed" to do FOR God... She put more on herself than required. She put more on her plate than she could swallow, again for the sake of "serving" God. She said "yes" when she should've asked God, first. How many of us have ever been guilty of that? Well, I will be the first to raise my hands.
 
Martha opened her home up to the Lord. She had the spirit of hospitality. She wanted to make sure everything was just perfect, just right, just for Him.. Martha wasn't a bad person for wanting to make sure the Lord's visit was a success. Martha loved the Lord and wanted the best for Him. Martha had good intentions, unfortunately,

GOOD intentions doesn't always mean GOD

intentions. 

The problem with Martha and her intentions was that:

Martha allowed the distractions of SERVING, keep her from being SERVED...

Oftentimes, we are so busy being a blessing, that we don't know how to position ourselves to be blessed.

Don't get me wrong, we all know that we can't just sit and listen forever and not get anything done. That is NOT what I am saying. I'm saying in order to be productive and effective in what God has called us to do, we must first find out what He wants us to do, instead of doing what we think we should be doing.

Therefore, I prayed to God that He would help me get back on track and focus more on what's truly important. I know whenever I leave the presence of God I will be equipped to do what He has instructed me to do. Nothing more, Nothing less.

When we have clear instructions from God, we will be more conscious as to what extra we take on ourselves. It's one thing to be busy doing what God has told us to do, then busy doing what we feel we should be doing.. didn't I say this already,, I guess it was worth repeating.

God desires a Martha with a Mary spirit....

It's just like driving a car, you can't keep driving forever and a day without refueling and expect the car to just run on fumes. It doesn't work that way. Eventually, you will run out of gas and what happens when you run out of gas, Exactly,BROKE DOWN!!! So many Christians are right now, BROKE DOWN!!! They are in need of some serious refueling. For the most part, they need to listen for their next assignment.

God may want to move us to our next duty station(on our jobs, in ministry, in school, in business, just in life period).