From Faith to Faith: Is God Enough For You?

 "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:11-13

 I can't believe how long it has been since I wrote a blog, almost 2 months!!! So much has happened since I last posted on here. If you all follow me on social media or have subscribed to my YouTube channel then you know that I went back to Atlanta, in the beginning of February, to speak on a panel at a single's conference. Then at the end of February I acquired a part-time job and received unexpected provision in the form of a $3,000 check!!! I also went to Houston to visit friends and family, danced at an event that Priscilla Shirer hosted here called AwakenDFW, & found a church home for this season of my life! I've been able to build a small community with some other Christian dancers out here, which has been great! God definitely has been faithful to provide and even though all those things I mentioned were great blessings and testimonies, there's something far greater that I believe is happening in this season of my life.  I AM GROWING SPIRITUALLY!!! The Lord has taken me through so many tests and trials since I moved here, which has caused my relationship and understanding of who He is to grow deeper. I read the above verse and honestly can say that I'm really beginning to understand what Paul was describing about contentment, on a much higher level. I thought I was content before but when I look back I now see it was on a conditional basis. God has shown me in a whole new way that He truly is ENOUGH!!!

 I've never been so exposed and transparent before The Lord, the way I am now. I've never had to rely on God, the way I do now. I've never had to trust God, the way I do now. I've never had to pray, fast, and seek The Lord the way I do now. There are some days when I look at my bank accounts and I have less than a $1 total to my name. There are some days when I look in the fridge and it's almost empty, and there are some days when it's packed. So even though my situation changes from plenty to lack and back to plenty again, the most important thing I've noticed is that I never go without. Just last week I was able to purchase gas and groceries because of a friend who sent me gift cards in February. I was invited to Easter dinner, last week, and was able to bring food home. The day after Easter, a friend invited me to her home and fixed dinner for me. My car was literally on E yesterday (low fuel light on and everything) and I was praying that I would make it to the gas station that wasn't super expensive. Not only did I make it, when I put the $6.48 that I had left to my name in the tank, I somehow ended up with almost a tank that was half full. Last night I was talking to a friend, who is also in a season of walking by faith, and we were encouraging each other to keep trusting God to provide for our DAILY needs. Well this morning someone sent me $25 and I was so thankful, but I felt the Lord press it upon my heart that it wasn't for me. I didn't understand because I needed it, but I told myself obviously if He's saying that He must have other provision coming. So I go to church and after Sunday school one of the ladies pulls me to the side and writes me a check for $50!!! I sat there in disbelief because it was exactly 2x the amount The Lord had said to pass on to someone else!!! Then later this afternoon woman sent me another $50!! It's seeing God come through like this, that makes this journey both exciting and worth it. To be honest I used to worry A LOT about my bills and money, but going through the past 3 months I've learned that God is my source. If one resource dries up, then He will redirect me to another (reminds me of the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 17)! So as long as I have Him, then I have everything I will ever need. He's the one who controls the universe and can open and close doors of opportunity. 

These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
1 Peter 1:7

I've learned not to get caught up in what tomorrow will bring, but to trust that God will provide for my DAILY needs. Instead of worrying about how I will eat or put gas in my car the next day, I've learned to just be thankful for today's provision and stay in anticipation of tomorrow's provision. I thought the "wilderness season" was over when I received my job and that $3,000 check back in February all within a 32 hour period, but I was wrong. It seems like I'm back at square one. Bills are due and the provision I've been allotted doesn't seem sufficient to cover my needs. But there is one thing that is different this time around, and that's my heart and attitude. Back in January and February I was confused, at times felt abandoned, worried, and I thought I must have done something to make God upset. I couldn't understand why I couldn't just get a full-time job with benefits and go about my merry way. This time around would you believe that I actually welcomed in the test and trial? I've been dancing and singing songs of praise for the past few weeks!! I've been thanking God for choosing me to be a partaker in His Kingdom work. I have a peace in my heart and mind that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). The Lord has sent so many people my way to pray for and encourage me. All week I have been telling Him, and everyone I've encountered, that it's almost frightening how much peace and joy I have, despite my circumstances. I have such a confidence in The Lord to be My Provider, in His timing, not mine. God is truly enough for me!!! I don't recognize myself anymore. The old me had to have a plan and be in control of everything or else I was miserable!!  The woman that God is shaping me to be is fearless, brave, strong, confident, faith-filled, and knows that Her Daddy is with and for her!!! Her trust and hope is in Him and she doesn't worry about the future, because she knows that God has already gone before her (Deuteronomy 31:8). There's a difference between reading the Scriptures, knowing the Scriptures, and living out the Scriptures!! I've had no choice, but to LIVE out the Scriptures and though it hasn't been easy, as I've leaned on Christ, I now know that I can endure all things!! It was easy to be content when I had God + full-time job, tons of friends, a great church community, etc., but the real test came when all that was taken away.

I remember driving through Dallas one day and The Lord placed it on my heart, that I am in a training season and how crucial it is for me to cling to Him like never before!!! I wouldn't trade this season for another, because God and I are so much closer now than before!! No matter where He takes me next, I know that because of this season, I will be more than prepared!!! It truly is a season of self-denial and complete dependency on God. Even when I'm tempted to do my own thing or come up with a plan to get out of this season I can't, because I know that too much is riding on my obedience. I've tried to apply for other jobs, but I know that is a season of me actively waiting on The Lord to provide. When I seek Him about my situation I always sense Him stirring into my spirit Psalm 37:7  "Be still and wait patiently for Him to act." So that's exactly what I plan to do, no matter how unconventional or illogical it may seem. I have faith in GOD and that is my currency!!!

I honestly do not know what is next or when the "wilderness season" will end. But here are some truths that I jotted down in my journal the other day:

1. The wilderness season does not last forever, it has an END DATE!

2. God is in control. He is I AM! He is GOOD and His ways are PERFECT!

3. No matter what it looks like, GOD HAS THE FINAL SAY!

4. Lord with You, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!!

5. I'm not placing Him in a box!

6. No LIMITS, No BOUNDARIES!

7. IT'S ALREADY DONE, REJOICE!!!!  

There's no earthly love that could compare to the love of my Heavenly Daddy and I will continue to enjoy this season of just He & I, as we journey through life together without fear of the future. His presence just fulfills and satisfies me in a way that cannot be explained in words <3

Is God enough for you? Do you need God + _______________(fill in the blank), in order to be content? Ask The Lord to examine your heart and test your anxious thoughts (Psalm 139:23-24). Is your faith in and love for God conditional or genuine? If you could never pay another bill on time, but you had a rich relationship with Jesus, would you still be content? When you experience a crisis in your life, where do you turn first? What do you do when it's the midnight hour and it appears as if God won't come through?  Do you take matters into your own hands? Do you pray and ask God for directions, but then get impatient and take matters into your own hands? Do you continue to wait on Him for instruction and direction? As Christians, we are all guaranteed to suffer in some way shape or form (just read through 1 Peter), but we don't have to allow for our suffering to rob us of joy and peace. It's during those times of suffering, testing, and trial that we grow the most spiritually, if we turn to The Lord and allow Him to draw nearer to us.

Waiting on God to come through actually takes tremendous strength and faith! It's natural for most of us to try and fix our own problems, because often times God seems like He is taking too long. Really what is happening is that He is revealing to us how impatient we are. We need to slow down. We need to "Be still and know that He is God" (Psalm 46:10). God is never ever, never late, but ALWAYS ON TIME. His timing may not be our timing, but His is PERFECT!!! God will take care of all your needs: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual, if you let Him!

I'm not saying by any means that I've arrived, there's always room for more growth, but I am saying that I'm learning to trust God's process, even when I don't understand! 

________________________________________________________________________________

If you didn't read my last blog then I want re-announce Bibles Over Lunch!!  

1-2x a week I will be talking on Periscope for 30 min or so, during the lunchtime hour, about various topics that God lays on my heart. Instead of people using their lunch to engage in gossip, aimlessly browsing the Internet or social media, etc. they can be encouraged or hear God's Word and engage in good conversation. It's like a mid-day Bible study and you don't even have to leave your job! I know that not everyone lives in the same time zone so maybe you will be eating dinner or on your way to work, but still free to join us. We will resume our study through Nehemiah (Chapters 5-8) on Wednesday, April 6th!!!

 

I will also be turning 27 next month (May) and decided to spend the 8 weeks leading up to my birthday giving away various gifts!!! So follow me @mylifeascierra on Instagram and be on the lookout every Friday until May 20th to see what that weeks gift will be!

If you haven't already seen it, check out my YouTube video about how God provided me with a part-time job and provision in February :) Make sure you subscribe to get automatic updates on when I post new videos!

Here's an amazing song that I've been replaying all week by Geoffrey Golden! Enjoy!!

The Lord is with you even when you don't feel like He is. Stand firm on His Word and rely on it to lead and guide you, not your emotions. He has a plan and purpose for you, but you must take the first step and surrender your life unto Him. Put your faith and trust in Him alone! It is costly to be a follower of Christ, but it is the best decision you could ever make in your life.

Until next time,

Cierra

Playing tourist in Dallas this weekend :)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cierra.cotton1

                                                   Instagram & Periscope: @mylifeascierra

                                                         Email: cierracotton@gmail.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/cierracotton