Konnichiwa (こんにちは) precious stone. May the LORD bless your day, your week and your journeys. It is one thing to discern the times and seasons, it is another to prepare wisely. The quality of your preparation reveals the building that CHRIST will build through you. May the HOLY SPIRIT help you to live your transitions well! You are blessed!
JESUS said to him, “Because you have seen Me, do you now believe? Blessed [happy, spiritually secure, and favored by GOD] are they who did not see [Me] and yet believed [in Me].” ____
John 20 :29 (AMP)
I remember one Friday, six years ago. I was planning to meet some friends after work. We had planned to have dinner in a restaurant, and then go bowling. I was on a graduate internship in the Paris area. Winter was ending with summer temperatures. Usually, I went to the office in ballerinas or sneakers. But that day, I had put on black pumps. "For once, I won't be the shortest one in the pictures," I thought. The HOLY SPIRIT advised me to wear sneakers or at least to have a pair of ballerinas in my bag. I didn't listen to Him.
When I arrived at the office, I started the day as usual: emails, calls, a meeting, two analyses, a report and the lunch break. It was a beautiful day. The weather was really nice. From my office on the eleventh floor, the view was magnificent. My very talkative colleague was off duty. I enjoyed her company, but some days between calls and visits from colleagues, It is really hard to work. How I appreciated the silence!
Suddenly, the fire alarm sounds. It is the middle of the afternoon. From my seat, I can see people getting up in a hurry, but I remain in my seat, pretending not to hear. Last week, we had simulated evacuation drills six times. I was getting tired of the repeated alarms and evacuations. "I thought to myself, "That's enough, let's not overdo it.
After fifteen minutes, I realized that the alarm was still sounding. In a simulation, the alarm stopped after seven minutes. Seven minutes, by which time we should all have left our desks. A security guard passing by to check that the offices were empty, and the cabinets closed, spotted me. "This is not a simulation, take the stairs immediately. There is a fire in the kitchens of the company restaurant", he told. Quickly, I grab my bag, and leave my office speaking in tongues. Said like that, I sound very spiritual, don't I 🙂 ? After half an hour, we were allowed to go back to our offices. Hallelujah! GOD is too strong! Oh yes, "The fervent prayer of the righteous has great effect." (James 5:16) Amen!
Good news, except that the elevators are blocked. Then begins an inner monologue: "No, seriously? What if I took the opportunity to leave? I am surely dreaming. Considering the number of dreams and visions I have per week, it would not be surprising. No, I'm not dreaming, the scene is real. I have a report to send in and my manager knows I'm here. I can't lie. What would I tell her? Okay, but still. Going down was already not a gift, but now I wish an angel would do something.... 🙁 If only I had obeyed the HOLY SPIRIT."
Valiantly, I climbed the eleven floors of stairs. Yes eleven... Without surprise I witness the accelerated degradation of my beautiful pumps. No time to feel sorry for myself, my toes hurt so much. To top it all off, the water bottle is empty. It is written "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word [Rhema] that proceeds out of the mouth of GOD" (Matthew 4:4). FATHER, I beg your forgiveness. I admit that I have sinned. I should have listened to the HOLY SPIRIT. But please do something about it. I'm out of breath, my toes hurt and I'm so thirsty. You're not going to sulk about shoes. I am your daughter! Yes, I really prayed like that. His answer: "In everything and everywhere I have learned to be satisfied and to be hungry, to be in abundance and to be in want. I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). 🙁 I said Amen.
The day finished, I go to the restaurant as planned. I buy slippers in the first open store. So much for the swag. If you had seen the face of the hostess when I arrived at the restaurant... Good for me, the reservation was in my name and the girls were already settled. GOD be praised, I had a great time with the girls. The slippers don't look nice as late pumps, but that's ok. I have the big smile. 🙂 Bus stop is moved because of construction. I climbed eleven flights of stairs today. Walking for eight minutes won't hurt me. Not even afraid. No sooner do I get off the bus than it starts to rain. I prayed in tongues but, the rain didn't stop.... 🙁 I let you imagine in what state I arrived home. If only I had obeyed the HOLY SPIRIT.
All in all, FATHER, I bless you. Yes, I bless you. It could have been worse. You did more than just keep me safe: You taught me. I recognize that none of your advice is futile. Listening to you in the small things saves me from big trouble.
The lesson ⬇
By choosing JESUS, we have committed ourselves to a relationship, not a religion. GOD is interested in the little things of everyday life. GOD answers sincere prayers, not whims. Do not prolong the consequences of your disobedience, repent promptly. Prayer is not a substitute for obedience. Spare yourself the unnecessary, listen to the HOLY SPIRIT.
** Konnichiwa (こんにちは) = Good morning in Japanese