Open Your Hands

Nothing like trying to do things your own way and in your own power for God to shake things up so the focus can get back where it should be.....on HIM!
If you've came across this blog, you'll see I'm trying to pay off student loans because I believe God has placed a vision for me in Nicaragua. But, instead of allowing God to show His power and trusting in His timing, I've allowed money to become my god and my idol. In those attempts there were too many I's and no God's!
So, God is teaching me to open my hands. To let go of the control of what He has placed in my care. To increase my giving. I always thought myself to be a pretty generous person. I've had a few selfish moments, but for the most part I've always given my tithe without a second thought. And I give occasionally when opportunities present themselves. BUT, to give a little more sacrificially....that's hard when you know you could use that money to help yourself, especially when it's a great reason (relieve student loans = freedom for Brooke to move to Nicaragua = God's Word being spread and disciples being made)...but God has some big lessons for me to learn right now, right here where I am at.
"But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? ²⁰ You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. ²¹ So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them." (Genesis 50:19-21)
I know this scripture is Joseph talking to his brothers because of all they had done to him, but the principle can be applied in my situation too. Even what I intended for evil (the greed & pride in my need for more & more money) has been overturned by God who is teaching me about himself & (hopefully) transforming me just a tiny bit more into His image and that through this, I can give Him glory and more can come to know Him as their Savior! Amazing how it can change from bad to good just like that, huh!?
For those that do not know, I am now a Thirty One Independent Consultant. I started it with purely selfish reasons, only thinking of more $$$ to put toward my loan debt. But, God is transforming it into a huge growing opportunity for me! Not only an opportunity to be around more women & being in front of women on a regular basis (which could be Him growing me for the future), but now to allow women to purchase something for themselves and know that a portion of the profit will go to helping further the Gospel in some way, in the U.S. as well as ministries around the world!!
Here's to finally opening my hands, as a portion of the first party profit was donated to Christian Aid today to help missionaries in Japan to assist in the Japan Disaster Relief!! Jesus, may more come to know You through this donation!! To YOU be the glory!
MUCH LOVE!