Encouragement

There are days when what the Lord has called me to do and be becomes very heavy. Especially, when those times are filled with challenging others-simply because of the natural resistance to change. I have set my heart towards change and I know that the Father has called me to be one who challenges the process, brings friction that results in change for HIS Kingdom. I am all about challenging the status quo and doing all I can to make myself and those around me line up with the Word, God's plan and Christ's heart.
Which means...sometimes I am not liked very much. Not many people like to be challenged. However, it is what God has called me to. This week I especially struggled with that. Needing encouragement from the Father, I went to His Word because the weight of that was causing me to be frustrated with who I am, wishing I could just sit in the pews like everyone else.
But then the Lord met me in Panera. Yes, I said Panera. I was there for a time of study and quiet. I got a glass of tea and took my Bible to a quiet corner where I secluded myself with the Father. And in those precious moments, the Father encouraged and affirmed me, bringing salve to my aching soul. They were words from Jeremiah 1 and will be forever etched on my heart-as they were written to me as well.
"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart. I have appointed you a prophet. I have put My words in your mouth. I have appointed you to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant. You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it. They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to deliver you."
God met with me in an unlikely place, with an unlikely message. He encouraged my soul and reminded me that I am His. He set me apart and appointed me to be a messenger of truth-to bring truth that may break down, but will also build and plant. It is HIS Words, not mine and He is watching over them and me.
Thank you Father for ministering to my "feelings". And for reminding me with TRUTH what is real and what is just an emotion that can lead me off track. Thank you for setting me apart and for putting Your Word in me. May I be faithful to what you have given and required.

ALL FOR YOU