My Life

It’s been a few days since I last made an entry and I hate that. Especially hate that this 90 day devotional is taking a bit longer than 90 days. Well actually I don’t mind that so much. I have never been one for reading a devotional every single day but I do try to get it in every couple of days. It also allows me a bit of time to reflect on random revelations that I have in the mean time.

Anyway, my thoughts are with Keith, Alycha, Cristal and Kemesha in Mexico. I have an extra soft spot for mission work though I have never been on a missions trip. Its just something about devoting your life and purpose to spreading the gospel to people that may not otherwise hear about Jesus that just amazes me. It’s mind numbing to think about all the countries in the world that do not have a large Christian population. In these days, I am constantly reminded about how Paul talks about singleness being a gift. Had I come to embrace God as a teen, I probably would not have gotten pregnant out of wedlock, which kinda limits my ability to do international missions work. Limits but not stop. But a friend reminded me on FB yesterday that everyone has a different path to take. I know for a fact that if Gavin had not been born, I would not be in Georgia and Aiden definitely would not be here. Everything works divinely according to God’s plan. I’m sure He didn’t intend on me having 2 kids outside of marriage but He is allowing me to still be present and accounted to do His business.

I’ve decided to answer the call and join Nate’s team to help expand his ministry. Nate is an awesome man of God and has a heart the size of an ocean. I have taken a mom and daughter into my home while they get back on their feet and its all possible because Nate has this crazy way of making things happen. Well actually, Nate is very obedient to God’s directions and calls upon other people that he knows are equally obedient. I think this ministry is going to be something amazing and he is rallying a good group of people to help stand behind it. Grateful that he can see my heart for God and His people. Means I am doing something right. Score one for the kingdom.

I’m am still listening out for God to give me some direction on my calling. In the mean time, I am enjoying the place that I am in and the people around me. I couldn’t ask for a better community of people around me that truly know the importance of keeping God first, obey His commands and having a heart for others. I have some great friends that I can call upon when in need and for them to help keep me accountable of my actions. Now it’s time for me to continue pressing forward, stepping up and out with boldness and courage. The harvest is always plentiful but the laborers are few. Working to bring more laborers into the Kingdom to be about our Father’s business.

Faith

One of the most powerful words I know of besides Jesus, is faith. Faith is a trust in things that are unseen. It is by faith that we are saved in Jesus Christ. None of us here on Earth now have every seen Jesus, but it is our faith in His life, death, and resurrection that frees us from sin and condemnation. It is by faith alone that we are given the gift of salvation. Strong stuff.

Our faith or lack there of can make or break us. I believe that society’s lack of faith in God is what is destroying our nation and our world. People kill themselves each and every day because they lacked the faith to know that God will bring them out of their temporary situation. People give up hope because they believe that God has forgotten about them. One set back can be the end all be all for someone that does not have a strong faith in the Creator. It breaks my heart for people that are close to me to not have faith that their situation is only temporary. It breaks my heart that they idolize trivial issues and ignore God’s desire for them. It’s eye opening how some people walk through life covered in confusion and sin and still don’t think to submit to God to be released from their struggles.

I am grateful for my life of brokenness and despair before coming back to Christ because I see the world with a new set of eyes. I know what its like to be absolutely bound to sin and shame and I also know the pure joy and love of God and the freedom in Him. Even when I am going through my own storms and battles, I lean on my Savior for strength and come to Him with a heart of thanksgiving for the works that I know He is already doing in my life. Why doesn’t everyone get that? Why doesn’t everyone know how life saving faith is?

It’s times like these that I am extra grateful to have the love of my Savior poured over me and to have the desire to show His love to others. It’s moments like this where I know how strong the need for the Gospel is because this world is so broken and desperate. Praying for a revival of spirits and lives and true encounters with the Risen King. So in love with my Savior right now for loving me.

Day 12: What Do You Crave?

“My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!-insatiable for your nourishing commands.” Psalm 119:20 (MSG)

In early 2009, I began having this weird longing to go back to church. Now mind you, I had been in GA since 2000 and could count on one hand how many times I had been to church. Once I left Mississippi and the routine of going to church every Sunday, I started doing my own thing. I was new to the state and finding a church just was not on my radar. I would sometimes feel bad for not going to church but never convicted enough to do something about it. However, that longing, that craving, that thirst for God started to get very strong. I found myself obsessing over church websites trying to figure out where I was supposed to go but could never step out on faith and make the move. This was always when me and Ryan started having our break down in communication and in hindsight, I believe God was calling me back to Him to prepare me for the trials that were coming soon. He was still pursuing me even after living outside His will for almost a decade. He was still in love with me even when I allowed an atheist to shake what little faith and understanding I had of Him. He still desired me even when I denied Him…and then I ended up craving Him.

I still remember coming to Victory in August 2009, just a few weeks after having my first encounter with God. That overwhelming craving for God was at its peak and I didn’t know what to do with it. When God spoke to me that night in July and told me that “this is not who you are.” I surrendered to Him right there and that craving started to become satisfied. I was so overwhelmed with Him presence and my brokenness, that I had a panic attack. A couple of weeks later, I was at my first service at Victory and felt the weight of the world lift off my shoulders. I was home and God was glad to see me.

I crave to always have that feeling of satisfaction and overwhelming presence of God but in all reality, I don’t. I don’t always have these supernatural experiences where God speaks clear as day or that I am just baptized in the Holy Spirit every time I call on Him. But I crave those days. I crave God’s attention and affection. I long to please Him and follow His commands. I long to share His love with others. But does all of that happen on the regular? Nope, because usually my life is crowded with junk and distractions. I spend too much time worrying about “minor” issues, on the Internet, watching TV (or catching up usually), running errands, raising kids, being a friend, sister, counselor, life coach, leader, etc, that I don’t always leave time for God. I worry that there is not enough hours in the day when there is plenty of time but only one of me. Even in all the chaos, God still wants His time.

I miss that season of craving God and His presence. Not that I don’t long for Him now because I do desire to keep drawing closer to Him. But that overwhelming, tangible craving to be with Him is not always there. One of my main desires is to continue to grow more with Him and press forward in this spiritual journey. I have been feeling rather bored with sameness and it’s because I feel stagnant. I need something, I need God. I need Him to shake things up for me, to give me boldness to speak of His love to strangers, to “step up and lead” as He has called me to do. So why haven’t I done these things? Because I let other things get in the way of that passion that I should have for the King. When I am worried about the kids health, I am not trusting that He is a healer and that I should have no fear. When I am worrying about money, I am not trusting that He is a provider. When I am wasting time on foolishness, I am not giving God His glory and filling my time with things that please Him.

Wow, just had a revelation. I have needed a break from sameness and something new to do with my life. I’ve been asked to do some work with a friend’s ministry which I am happy to do. This would be pleasing to God, this will be a way to grow with others and reach out to God’s lost and hurting. My excitement and thirst to do more for the Kingdom is growing and this just might be the outlet I need to be creative and allow God to use me.

Love Thy Neighbor

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The second is this: “Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28-31

How many of us know our neighbors? Not just know them by the brief “hellos” you exchange when you both happen to be outside at the same time, but really know your neighbors. Have you ever invited them over for dinner? Cheered their kids on at their little league game? Brought a casserole over because they were ill? Kept an eye on their house because they were out of town? Probably not.

We live in a society where everyone keeps to themselves. No one really watches out for each other or takes pride in keeping their neighbors and neighborhoods safe. We are so private and guarded that we turn a blind eye to others so no one comes looking into our own windows. How can we be followers of Christ and not love our neighbors?

In the past few weeks, the local news has reported of two families in Cobb County that were living in absolute squalor along with their children. On August 16, 2010, police responded to the call at the house of James and Anne Cardona and their two pre-school age girls. The 5 year old weighed 160 lbs, three times the normal size of a child her age, and could not walk 10 feet without wheezing. The 4 year old weighed 89 lbs, two times the size of a child her age and was found wearing a urine soaked diaper and sucking a bottle. Both had rotted teeth, filthy bodies and lice infested, matted hair. The house was infested with roaches and spiders. Bare mattresses were in bedrooms with stained floors and walls. The house smelled of rotted food, excrement, and dirt. Neighbors knew there were children living in the house, but why did it take so long for someone to report the living conditions? They knew the little girls could barely communicate because of the neglect but who cared enough to save them from the neglect? Who loved this hopeless family?

The second family in Cobb County was living in far worse conditions than the Cardona family. In Mableton just a few days ago, police finally responded to the desperate pleas of a woman who was concerned about her neighbors. Christian and Ruth Swanson were arrested for animal hoarding and child cruelty after police found maggot infested food, garbage piled to the ceiling and two decomposing animals in the bedroom of the two young girls that lived in the home. The refrigerator was full of rotten food and there was excrement in the bathroom. Some of the toys found outside had not been moved in a year. What was interesting about this case was the fact that a neighbor had called to the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) several times but was told they did not have enough evidence to investigate child neglect. Some of the neighbors reported hearing screams from the home. Others became concerned about the smell. Obviously no one from the state loved these children enough to take a concerned neighbor seriously.

What would happen if we all just stopped for a minute and introduced ourselves to our neighbors? What would our communities look like if everyone knew their neighbors and helped each other out if they were in need? How would the lives of children be changed if they knew that they lived in a safe and healthy environment because someone took the time to care for them? What would this world look like if every follower of Christ really loved their neighbors like the commandment says. Jesus’ love would flow from house to house, neighborhood to neighborhood, city to city. People would have a comfort and peace that only Jesus can provide because they would see His love for them in action, all because someone loved thy neighbor.

Day 11: Free Thinking

“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” 1 Corinthians 3:17-18 NLT

I love the fact that through Jesus, I have been set free. Free of everything. Freedom from sin, freedom from condemnation, freedom from the world. I still have to remind myself to stay pure in my thoughts and in my intentions so that I can remain free from the bondage of sin. I don’t see movies or televisions shows the way I used to. I find myself turning from shows that have sex scenes in it and refrain from some movies all together. I was rather proud of myself for not seeing Takers because I am pretty sure it was filled with sex, drugs, and sin. Why be accepting of the very sins that Jesus died to save me from? That has been one of those eye opening revelations I have had lately. When you think of things in the world with that prospective, it makes it harder to do and view things that you once did.

I try not to make my walk with Christ a list of rules and restrictions. I sometimes get disappointed when I know I am not living up to God’s expectations of me but I have to remember that I am going to fall short of God’s glory…many, many times again. He doesn’t expect me to be perfect which is why He supplies me with ample grace and mercy each new day. He just wants me to have pure thoughts and intentions. A clean heart and a clean mind. Free from things that can keep me bound and far from Him.

Yeah, it does suck to have to forfeit some of my favorite shows, movies, or music but the less and less I expose myself to those things, the cleaner my spirit becomes. After a while, it doesn’t even bother me anymore because I know that my restraint is pleasing to my Savior. My intention is to please Him and not my flesh so the sacrifice is very much well worth it.

I know there are still areas of my life that need to be completely free from. I am still working on allowing God to be my fulfillment and not long for an Earthly companion (who doesn’t!). However, I do know that me settling for anything less than God’s best is not an option which I know is pleasing to Him as well. This is my period of reconstruction and molding. My “in the course of time” period with just me and Jesus. I also know I need to set myself free from thinking that I need to be in control of what happens in my life and the life of others. God has totally revealed that I cannot be any one’s Savior and it’s not my job to save the world. It hurts to see friends and family struggling with sin, shame and guilt but at the end of the day, my salvation is not theirs. My devotion to God is not their devotion. My testimony is not their answer. Each person has their own gift of salvation and has to answer to God for the sin and shame in their lives. My story can be a reflection of God’s grace and power, but the people I encounter have to make their own decision to follow Him and to live out His commandment and turn against sin.

I look back on my life then and now and know that the shackles of sin have been removed. I am free to live under God’s covering and have been giving power and authority to keep myself free and to help free others. For that I am thankful.

In The Course of Time

God’s timing is perfect and ours suck. Words to live by. Last night’s message from Johnson was very much on point. He spoke on what to do in the time between God responses to your prayers and when He delivers on His promise. He referenced the story in 1 Samuel about Hannah longing for a child and pouring her heart out to God. Eli heard her fervent prayers and told her to go in peace and prayed that God would grant her request. She dried her eyes and ate something and was no longer sad. 1 Samuel 1:20 stated that “in the course of time” Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to Samuel. How long is in the course of time? The Bible was very vague about how much time had passed from the time she said her prayer until the time that God delivered on her request. It could have been months, years, or decades but He was faithful and His timing was perfect.

So what do we do during out “in the course of time” period? For me, I am impatient, sometimes frustrated and doubtful. Sometimes I spend those times talking at God than praying to Him with a spirit of thanksgiving and praise. I wonder “why am I still single?” or “why haven’t you shown me your purpose for me?” or “why am I still enduring this issue with Ryan?” or “why do I feel stuck sometimes?” I spend so much time worrying about whether or not God is moving the way I want Him to and in my time, that I miss out on the scenery that He has provided. I had that revelation a few weeks ago when I was plagued with distractions. I was so busy focusing on what were really minor issues (Ryan and our issues) instead of focusing on major issues (focusing on showing the love of Jesus to others). The enemy is very clever when he wants to knock us off God’s plan. He just throws a couple of small things in our midst and watch us panic and not keep our eyes on God and His faithfulness. He allows those of seeds of doubt to creep into our head when we are impatient about God’s timing. We start to wonder “where is God” in the midst of all the chaos. But God is always right there. He has promised to never forsake us and He is definitely a man of His word.

I am learning to live in the right now and not worry so much about tomorrow. Matthew 6:34 says “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” I need not worry about the next stage of my life because that’s all in God’s hands. He reveals things to me in His own time which has always proven to be perfect. If I keep focusing what comes next, I will miss all the glorious things that He has laid before me right now. I need to use this “in the course of time” period to stay committed to Him and uplifting His Kingdom. Maintain my servant’s heart and not miss out on opportunities to share His love because I am too busy focusing on the finish line. God is always at my side. I might not feel His presence but I know He has not left me. In a time of crisis or in a time of joy, He is still worthy or praise.

Slow down and smell the roses.

Getting Prepared

So for the past couple of days I have been obsessing with recipes. Weird I know. I do enjoy cooking at times, but over the years, it has become more of a chore than something fun and exciting. But oddly enough, I have been obsessed with cooking and trying new dishes. I’ve been pulling out old cookbooks, surfing food websites and blogs, you name it. So not like me. While looking for recipes, I keep getting this overwhelming feeling of needing to be prepared. Needing to have my arsenal of meals and dishes in my head, ready at a moments notice.

Another oddity: coupons and budgets. Now, I am not a coupon clipper by any means. I remember watching my mom clip coupons for hours on Sundays and then organize them in her little plastic accordian looking holder. Never thought it was worth the effort. Now, I am fasinated by the stragies and the amazing amount of savings if you know how to do them right. Budgets have usually equated to me making sure my check can stretch until the next check comes with no surprises. Now, I fret over savings accounts, cutting costs and getting the most bang for my buck. This being an adult thing is no joke.

I think God is preparing me. Not quite sure for what but these new found interests that seem to have come over night kinda give me peace and comfort. The same peace and comfort I get when I am obedient to what He would have me do. I am actually beyond excited about making this Mexican cheese dip and guacamole for Taco Tuesday (a weekly tradition in my home). Never been this excited for Taco Tuesday!

Day 10: Called to Worship

“Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth! Sing about the glory of his name! Tell the world how glorious he is. Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! Your enemies cringe before your mighty power. Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs.” Psalm 66:1-4

That is one of my favorite passages in Psalms. How befitting is this devotional about worship coming off the heels of the amazing Fusion Band concert. Last night was so full of energy and praise. I absolutely LOVE worship time and I think the Fusion Band is the best worship team I’ve heard. Mike Turner was right when he said that the band has an anointing. They seriously do.

For me, worship is one of the most intimate forms praise to God. Every song that we sing with our lips pierces a different part of our heart and mind that only God and that person know about. Everyone responds differently to a song. Some sit in silence and just embrace the moment or if your like me, I love to stand and sing to the Heavens with outstretched arms. That’s like my personal time with God. It’s just You and me here now. Only You and me here now.

I’m glad that the Fusion Band CD is comprised of my favorite songs, both high energy and slow and intimate. I can worship at home, in my car, at work, where ever. Its something about the worship songs that just sends tingles down my arms when the very song I am listen to is exactly where I am with God. Whether I feel lost or if I am sitting at His feet in awe, there is a song for it!

Acts 2:42

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42

That is the foundational scripture of Fusion. We devote ourselves to the apostles teachings by coming to our Wednesday night service. We fellowship when we gather together in small group communities. We break bread when we get together as friends and share a meal. We are devoted to prayer when we rally together and prayer for the sick, the lost, the hurting. I am so grateful and overjoyed to be among a group of people from my generation who understand what an Acts 2 church looks like and live it out on the regular!

Last night was such a powerful night for me and it showed me how the body of Christ is supposed to operation. Our fellow Fusionite Joyia Kelly is currently in the hospital with complications with her lungs. Now, I don’t know Joyia personally but I know of her, have spoken with her in passing, and coo over her twins Lyric and Journi. You see, Joyia is a walking testimony. She has had a serious heart condition since birth, wasn’t supposed to live past age 5 and was never supposed to have children. Well, she is an adult, married to an amazing man of God, and just gave birth to twin girls a year ago. Doctors put limits on God’s power and He showed them that He has Joyia covered. A few days days ago, she was rushed to the hospital after spiting up blood. Her husband Courtney said this all happened after having a demonic dream…spiritual attack. People have been praying for Joyia and her family since she went to the hospital. Yesterday, Courtney announced on Facebook that the doctors were saying that they would need to remove a portion of her right lung because of an infection. Someone announced on Facebook that there would be a prayer vigil at the cross at Victory for Joyia and I knew I was supposed to be there. I only recognized a couple of people at the vigil since I don’t know everyone at Fusion but we were all there in agreement sending up prayers of thanksgiving and for healing. There was such a peace and joy in the atmosphere and we knew God was already moving. A couple of hours later, Courtney announced that the surgery was off and that her condition was now treatable. All praises to God who still heals!

But He wasn’t done yet.

My friend and sister in Christ, Kemesha Allen, is also in the hospital. I got the text from Jill right before leaving work and my heart sank. Me and Kemesha had just hung out at the Nascar race this past Sunday and she is supposed to be heading to Mexico for her 2 month missionary training program on the 17th. The enemy was so busy. We included Kemesha in our prayers at the cross and someone mentioned that her ministry work was going to begin right there in the hospital. A prophetic word in deed. When the prayer time was over, I hit the highway trying to make sure I got to Lawrenceville before visiting hours ended. When I walked into the room, I immediately felt overwhelmed with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Jill, Johana, Cristal and Keith were there praying. This is what community looks like. As I laid hands on Kemesha and gave thanks for her healing that had already begun, I was so overwhelmed with joy and peace that tears began to fall and I began to laugh to myself while praying. The Holy Spirit had everyone filled. There was no fear, no worry. We laughed until it hurt and declared victory over sickness. There was so much peace and joy in that room that we all knew that God was on the move doing His thing. Just got a text from her saying that the surgery is being rescheduled until after she gets a second opinion on Monday and can go home tonight. Total praise to God!! Guess He said no surgeries for Joyia or Kemesha today.

Everyday God shows me just a glimpse of His power and His absolute devotion to us. I serve a God that truly will never forsake me, will always provide for and protect me, will continue to smile at the thought of me even when I sin. He sacrifice His only Son so that I can come to Him and sit at His feet, free of condemnation. This experience is just one of many that I have encountered and will encounter during this journey. This renews my spirit and makes me even more hungry for Christ. He is amazing, faithful and I just stand in awe with thanks in my heart. I am beyond grateful to belong to the Fusion community with people that will drop what they are doing to come to the aid of someone in need. Believers that truly are the hands and feet of Jesus and show His love to any and everyone. I know of plenty of people that go to church but none that I can say live out His commands to make disciples, heal the sick, take care of the poor, love others and mean it like the Fusion community. Just last week, Vittoria’s mom saw a family at the park and ride near the church and took it upon herself to speak to them. You see, this wife, husband and toddler had been there for weeks, homeless. People passed them by and a few offered to help but did not follow through. V’s mom contacted her and the ball started rolling. Vittoria called Dede, Avery and Nate and by the afternoon, this family was in an extended stay motel with food and supplies. The husband had already gotten a job at Walmart and Nate was working on getting a job for the wife. They went to service this past Saturday and loved it. Nate said that they are still in shock that a group of young people came to their rescue and didn’t even know them and truly came through when others failed them. Hey, that’s what Christians are supposed to do, that’s what Fusion always does. I know that Johnson rests easy knowing that whenever the call goes out to Fusion for a cause or someone in need, they step up and make things happen. Great leadership creates obedient and faithful followers.

When I think of the awesome power of Fusion, I think of Sabrina who we rescued from sex slavery during S2S this summer; Tish who was helped just a few weeks ago; the 30 kids that are being sponsored by Fusionites for Mike Turner’s school in Nicaragua; the families in Nashville who were helped after the flood when Fusionites were the first to respond even before Victory sent a team; the hundreds of stories from Fusion on Tour when we went into the community with the gospel, the 700 men who got a hot meal thanks to the Christmas gift to the City with S2S and Fusion, the 55 people that got baptized in street clothes a few weeks ago; the Holy Spirit filled season of Fusion back in the spring that lasted months; Nate whose eyes were healed and Jasmine who was healed from cervical cancer; the amazing outreach coming up in October with Safehouse. These are just a handful of memories that I have and Fusion’s work goes so far beyond that. Acts 2:42 is the catalyst behind it all. Come on Jesus.

Day 9: Bargaining with God

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:7-11

I have always like Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you. God is all powerful and grants the desires of our heart, yet I do believe I have used this as more of a bargaining tool than anything. I have prayed the prayers in crisis, asking God to come through one more time and I will never put myself in that position again. He comes through and I find myself right back where I started. He always proves to be faithful even when I am not. Still scratching my head on that one.

That Brennan Manning quote has been stuck in my head for weeks now and it reminds me that God will never forsake me even when I don’t hold up my end of the bargain. So in essense, why try to manipulate God? He knows my heart and mind when I come to Him in prayer, so why even try to make these grand gestures when I know I will still fall short of His glory? That’s been something that has been kinda weighing on my mind. I don’t need to put on this front for God when I come to Him because He knows my every thought and every desire. He just wants me to come to Him naked, unashamed and with boldness. I don’t need to be afraid to come to Him with anything. I sometimes thinks He gets a kick out of it when I do become transparent with Him because that’s when He says “You finally did it.” That’s when I get my greatest peace and rest. That’s when I see Him move the most.

Why is it so hard to stay in a state of transparency with Him all the time? I know what it feels like when I lay all of my burdens at His feet and the pleasure He gets when I come to Him boldly with things. So why don’t I do that all the time? Hmmm. I think sometimes I try to rationalize and understand how great He really is and put limits on His infinite power. His thoughts are not my thoughts so my scope of understanding pale in comparison to what He can do. When I start wondering if I should bring something to Him, I am placing limits on what I think He can do. I start trying to disect things and that’s when the bargaining begins. I come to Him thinking, “If you just handle this little part of my problem, then I can handle the rest.” God wants me to come to Him and simple say “Here it is.” He wants me to be obedient to the Matthew 7:7 command: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Such a powerful, yet simple statement. Ask God for what you need and watch Him work.