The Slingshot
As I spent time with my dear friend this week, Shelly, we as always were deep in a conversation about Jesus, healing, and all that God is doing in our lives. As I was talking to Shelly about my current journey and season with Jesus, I saw an image of a slingshot being stretched. I provided Shelly with a metaphoric analogy about how I felt God has been stretching me over the years for such a time as this (Esther 4:14). As you pull back a slingshot to release the intended object, there is a stretching period before the release. I believe that God has stretched me to grow in continued healing, spiritual maturity, faith, wisdom, and the spiritual gifts that He has blessed me with. Now, I believe He is getting ready to release me. In some areas He has already allowed me to go through a refining and stretching, in order to be prepared for what He has called me to today, in this very season. He is taking me from glory to glory each and every season, elevating me (2 Corinthians 3:18).
When God advances you, there is often stretching required for your growth and ability to handle the next season and level. I will share that these past 11 years have been such a challenge. Often times I have been isolated by God, struggled with grief and sadness for desires on my heart not coming to pass, and battling hopelessness. However, through all the trials and tribulations, there is a time that He advances you for His Kingdom and His glory (Psalms 96:8-13; Colossians 3:23-24; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Galatians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 3:18). Don’t make the mistake of thinking that it’s for your own glory. God over the years has helped me to stay humble by killing my pride so that my hands can always be open to Him, fully surrendered (Galatians 5:24-25; James 4:7-8; Luke 9:23).
I am excited for what God has in store for me as He chooses His perfect timing to release me and provide me with the permission to move on to the next glory. Currently things have been moving so fast. I look forward to sharing on my podcast, how God has within the last 7 days (since 12/29/23), already brought forth so much healing, growth, love, and prophetic word for me and those around me. I am awed, amazed, and thankful for His goodness, even after following Him for most of my life.
May God bless you in this season, as you do all that you can to stay obedient and faithful, with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26 NLT; Romans 8:26 NLT). By being obedient and faithful, it means to believe in His truths and to follow and carry them out. For God said that faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26; Hebrews 11:6). There is no room for a lukewarm Christian. We are called to be on fire for God, not cold, not lukewarm.
”But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”“
~Revelation 3:16-22 NLT
How is God stretching you in this season? What new heights does He desire for you to go? What is He calling you to be obedient to in this season?! Based on your answers would you consider yourself on fire for God? If not, how do you plan to restore your relationship with Him?
My greatest advice to you would be taken straight from the book of Ephesians:
”Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.“
~James 4:7-10 NKJV
