Hi friends! The Lord has really been putting this topic in my heart lately. I'm so overwhelmed and thankful for the e-mails, text messages, and Facebook messages I've received about this blog. I'm truly amazed at how God is using me to reach people in all walks of life. Usually the sender of the message says they are proud of me and what God is doing in my life, and they wish they could have the walk with God I have. I know you guys see all the "glories" God is blessing me with, but I assure you I have some "stories" as well. It's not as easy for me as it seems when you read the blogs. Part of my calling is to be transparent and keep it real with my followers. With that being said, let me get real for a moment. It is hard... I mean extremely hard to follow Christ but it's so worth it. Whenever you try to do right, the devil is always there trying to bring you down. I'm reminded of a story Pastor Bill Purvis from Cascade Hills in Columbus, GA told in a sermon. He was out crab fishing with a friend when he caught one. He put it in the bucket and his friend told him to make sure to put the lid on it so the crab wouldn't get out. Once he caught another crab he put it in the bucket as well and searched for the lid. His friend asked him what he was doing and Pastor Bill told him looking for the lid. The friend told Pastor Bill he didn't need the lid anymore because there were two crabs in the bucket now. Pastor Bill was confused so he asked for an explanation. The friend explained when there is one crab in the bucket it will climb out. However, when there are two crabs once one tries to climb out the other crab will drag it back down. Therefore, the lid is not needed anymore. The moral of this story is don't let "crabs" bring you down. The devil uses all kinds of circumstances and people to drag you down from reaching your full potential.
Even though I'm in seminary and doing everything I feel God has called me to, I still have my own "crabs" I have to deal with whether it be circumstances or people. I can actually say it happens even more now. I'm not saying this to make you turn away from God. I'm saying it so that you know up front what will happen once you grow in Christ so you won't grow weary. I've quoted several times Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things things through Christ who strengthens me." This scripture doesn't mean that Christ is going to give you everything you want and it's going to be easy. The background of this scripture speaks about being content in all circumstances whether you are in need or have plenty, whether you're well fed or hungry, whether you're living in plenty or in want. Some of you know and others don't, but neither my husband or I have a job right now. AT is in the midst of interviewing for several companies but nothing has opened up yet. He has never had a problem securing a job. We have been in New Orleans for 1 month and a half and have 3 children to feed. I can honestly say it is easy to get frustrated when things don't work out. This goes to show that everyone has circumstances beyond their control even us. AT and I choose to rejoice though because we know God sent us to New Orleans for a purpose and he is going to open up the right door at the right time! We just have to patiently wait and be obedient during this season. It's important to remember that God wants and deserves all the glory. If AT and I would have come to seminary with jobs and not have to struggle for anything then we would have put pride in ourselves. Now whenever AT gets the perfect job we will be able to give the glory where it's due and that's to Jesus Christ!
I never want people to think I'm special and God loves me better than anyone else. I'm a regular person just like you. God wants a relationship with each of us. He has called us all for a specific purpose. Your purpose may not look like mine but there is a reason you are here on this Earth today. I wear a ring everyday that has the scripture from Jeremiah 29:11 on it. It reads, "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." It is a daily reminder that I am here for a reason and I won't stop until I'm fulfilling God's purpose for my life. God saw fit to take a little teenage mom and a little boy raised by a single mother and bring us to seminary so that we can bring others to know Christ. We do not take our calling lightly. We strive everyday to do what we think God is calling us to do. I pray that everyone reading this blog will seek a relationship with God so you can lead the life God wants for you. I love you all and thanks again for the words of encouragement!
In Christ,
Alissa
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