Steadfast(ness)

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinithians 15:57-58)

(when will I learn that when I speak something out loud, Satan can hear it and will try to attack it?!)
geez...thank You, Jesus, for an ABUNDANCE of grace! At the end of our staff Bible study last Wednesday (10-Year Challenge! woot!), we all spoke something prophetically over ourselves, an area that we personally wanted to grow in. The one word that came to mind for me: steadfastness.
Let me tell you - really since last Thursday after a particularly insightful sermon, it really felt like I was under attack. Still praising God, praying, and being thankful for the small (and big!) things...but all weekend long, I kept questioning whether or not I could hear the voice of God, or if I had even been hearing Him before? (it may not have been superficially evident, but I was a miserable wreck - questioning/doubting myself on way too many levels.) SO grateful that in the midst of this struggle, Fri/Sat/Sun evenings all brought some rich, much needed hours of sob-my-face-off-flat-on-the-ground-dance-like-crazy worship services. (Something about getting in the LOUD presence of God that finally lets me release the junk that I try to hold on to, because my hands are constantly extended heavenward.)

Then Monday evening, finally had the chance to sit down with my parents and younger sibs over dinner...haha, conversation excerpt:

*Joesh nearly drops chicken leg*
Dad: "Hey, that gave me an idea for a new restaurant - 'The Slippery Chicken!' Right?"
*Mom give questioning look*
Emily: "Thaaat does not sound correct."
Mom: "What about, 'Get a Grip'?"
Emily: "That sounds like an insane asylum."
Joesh: "For crazy chickens?"
Dad: "That's been done - Pollo Loco."
Abbie: "WHAT ARE WE EVEN TALKING ABOUT!?"
=)

Finally, followed by a convo with my madre, who does such an amazing job of hearing my heart then pointing out what's a) Godly, b) girly, c) garbage. (Yes, the alliteration was intentional - makes my heart happy.) Thank you LORD, for a family that reminds me to take YOU seriously, not myself.

Going back to the 1 Cor. 15 verse, I was so encouraged to read that this morning and have clarity brought to some Psalms I found on Sunday...

Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
(Psalm 127:1-2)

"knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain"

Seek Him first, and you're not running or working in vain! You have a specific purpose, destination and focus. Praise God...so wish I could've had this epiphany sooner than I did. Yet - I know His timing is perfect and purposeful.

⁶Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

⁸Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

¹⁰And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ¹¹To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5)

Please don't get me wrong, I had an incredible week. (how can you NOT when a Pinkberry opens up within 10 miles from your house?!) Just learning (and re-learning) to be full of thanksgiving when I'm brought unexpected lessons. It's nothing new (v9) and God's not surprised. Hallelujah!


ps-you truly ought to buy DC*B's Summer Happiness album...less than $4 for some acoustic joy! =D

pps-um, if some of this post is randomly in all caps...hahaha, I have nooo idea why. Something is kitschy...