This is not a "positive thinking" thing, I have long discovered that positive thinking is not enough, and as a matter of fact, positive thinking without internal transformation takes up a tremendous amount of energy. When we "do life" on positive thinking alone it is only a matter of time before we hit the ceiling, becoming frustrated and stuck. It's like building a new bigger structure on an old foundation, the old frame just cannot withstand the weight and demands of the new building and so it will eventually collapse.
Becoming unshackled from the hurt, pain and disappointments of the past requires focused, dedicated work. Becoming unshackled and unleashed require being willing to listen to that small quiet voice and trusting it to be the voice of God, taking the leap of faith and doing what the spirit places on our hearts. I play Yatzee with a group of friends and when I'm deciding to make a play there is always the first thought, every time I override it I mess up my play. I call it that little prick on my heart. Now there's a running joke with my friends when we second guess ourselves that we listened to the wrong prick that time. When we stick with our first instinct and the play yield the desired outcome we declare that we listened to the right prick! I can tell you that I have been more diligent in "listening to the right prick" for a while now and I can tell you that life flows much smoother. So much good come my way by just being present and filled with gratitude.
My whole adult life has been filled with challenges but the last two decades have been quite a ride. A different kind of challenge I'd say. I remember dealing with a very tough situation and my dear friend who is gifted in discernment, one day while discussing the situation said to me, "the spirit wants you to know that this situation is preparing you for a bigger challenge ahead". I cringed because that was a steep mountain I was climbing and I did not want to hear of another difficult challenge ahead. That was not something I wanted to hear at all. Of course, about eight to ten years later when that "bigger challenge" showed up I didn't recognize it at first. It almost broke me, it almost did me in, then one day I remembered. The Spirit brought back to my memory what was told to me so long before and gave me clarity about the situation I was dealing with. Remembering didn't make it easier but it gave me perspective. It also brought opportunities for help. Help with guidance, understand, resourcing me not only to deal with the challenge I faced but also to hone my skills and knowledge to be of service to others.
August 18th two years ago I was in a Holy Spirit Workshop facilitated by two pastors and their wives who were also active partners of the ministry. At the close of the session we were asked to put in our prayer requests. I was feeling a particular tightness in my head and other than the tiredness and fatigue that has plagued me I was ok. One of the ladies got a word from Spirit and asked if anyone was having a headache. I hesitated to speak because I was not really having a headache but the tightness in my head was uncomfortable and worrisome so I spoke up and explained the situation. Each of the four members of the team laid hands on me and prayed, there were words of discernment and some prophetic words spoken over me. I knew I would be healed, I had felt some immediate relief. However, it was a gradual healing. There was another workshop August 17th of last year which I attended. Quite a bit of progress was made over the year but there was some lingering effects. Again, more words of comfort, encouragement and pronouncements spoken and I kept plugging away. Being human in the flesh, I had moments of fear but I would soon put the fear aside and return to trust, always remembering and repeating the prophetic words that have been spoken to me over the years. It did come into my mind that by the anniversary of the last workshop it will be done. My God, what a trip.
These are uncertain times and many people are hurting, living in fear and anxiety so my hope is that you will be encouraged by this story. Hold on and stay strong, and remember no matter what happens you will be alright. You are a spirit having a human experience, so yes, you will be alright.
Grace & peace,
Beverley
August 15, 2020
