A New Season

I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]
PHILIPPIANS 4:13 AMP


Recently, I heard a person share that this scripture's original translation means I can do all "seasons"; which is what Paul was referring to in the preceding scriptures when he spoke about learning to be content in all the different circumstances or "seasons" of his life.


September 23, 2019 marked the beginning of the fall season in the United States. As with every season, change takes place. Many of you may not know this, but I too have experienced a change of season recently. On July 17th, my season in Abu Dhabi ended. In obedience to God, I returned to the states, and as of August 17th, I now reside in Oklahoma City (actually Moore), Oklahoma. God did not allow me to blog or make a big announcement about this change of season before leaving Abu Dhabi or before leaving Louisiana. He also didn't give me many details. He only told me I was to go "serve". I didn't know exactly what that would look like, but I knew I had to obey.


It's been a little over two months now, and I've gotten settled in to my new place. I'm learning my way around the area and adapting well to my new environment. God is also revealing the details of my assignments or His purpose for me here day by day. The process of my transition has definitely tested my faith, but God has not forsaken me. And just as Paul said in Philippians 4:13, God has and is strengthening me, so I know I can do all the things He has purposed for me to do in this season. The statement in the picture above is what I have had to remind myself of every day at this point in my journey. This picture actually hangs over my fireplace as a daily reminder!


Testimony

Before leaving Abu Dhabi, I began to search for a job in the area of employment which I believe God is leading me to serve Him. (Side note: My season as an elementary classroom teacher has ended also.) I thought I needed to have employment in Oklahoma in order to get an apartment, so I was desperately searching for a job. I had three applications submitted to one employer for the same type of position in three different departments. I thought surely I would get one of those positions. But, then God told me to withdraw ALL three applications, and that He would manifest the job He has for me. In obedience to Him, I withdrew all 3 applications before leaving Abu Dhabi. I was able to still get approved to move into my apartment without securing employment before leaving! God is so awesome! I'm currently waiting on God to manifest the job He has for me here, while also serving as He leads me to serve. I know God is faithful, and I trust He will reveal all things in His perfect timing!


Thanks again for all your love, support, and prayers while I was halfway around the world. They are still needed as I continue my journey now back in the USA!❤🤗 🙏🏽


I am His,

Faith Walker
**Previously posted** 10/26/2019

Higher

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord . For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8‭-‬9 KJV




The Burj Khalifa in Dubai (pictured above) is said to be the tallest structure in the world at 2,717 feet. I don't know if this is a fact or not, but what I do know for a fact is God's ways and thoughts are much HIGHER!

Recently, God reminded me of the day (back in 2002) when He first spoke these words in Isaiah 55:8-9 to me regarding the plans He had for my life. At that time, I was only focusing on my current, or present, circumstances. While I received this as a word directly from God at that moment, I did not realize He was not just referring to present, but also to my past and my future. I was convinced He had great plans for me, but had no idea of His thoughts and the ways He would manifest His plans!

Today, I have a totally different perspective of this word! I am still totally convinced God has great plans for me. However, I've learned that my "human planning" is not part of God's plans for me. I now truly realize that the greatest thoughts or plans I can think for myself cannot come close to God's thoughts and plans for my life!


My confession...
As I look at how the events of my life have unfolded since receiving this word in 2002, I have to repent to God for even thinking I knew what He was thinking or what He had planned for my life! I repent for asking Him why He allowed certain things to happen. I repent for being disappointed in things He didn't allow to happen. I repent for asking Him to do things I wanted Him to do in the past that was not in His plans for my future. I repent for allowing fear to cause me to doubt His promises. I repent for holding Him to promises that I thought He made and timelines I set myself. I repent for not trusting Him to keep the promises He did make in His own timing. Lord, please forgive me! Thank you, Lord, for your thoughts! Thank you, Lord, for your ways! I want to go HIGHER. Lord take me HIGHER!

On June 19th I celebrated my 49th birthday! As usual I celebrated another ending of a decade with some persons God has connected me with along my journey...here in Abu Dhabi of course! As I reflect over my life, this is not the way I imagined my life to be at this age. I had different plans for myself. But I am so thankful God plans were and are so much HIGHER than mine! I'm looking forward to what He has planned for my Chapter 49!

Theme: Pretty in Pink and Pearls! 

I am His,
Faith Walker

Faith over Fear...God's Plan

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

I recently read the book in the photo above by Oprah Winfrey. (The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life's Direction and Purpose). While I'm not an Oprah "fan", she is definitely aware of her God given purpose. In her book she states, "I am embodied by the belief that all I need is a mustard seed of faith and no matter what, I am going to be alright." Of course she is referring to the parable that Jesus shares with His disciples. I was mainly drawn to the book's title and subtitle. When we seek God, He definitely makes our path clearer! God has a plan...We only see part of it. It's all a test!

Before God made it clear to me that He was sending me to Abu Dhabi, I had no desire to teach abroad. After my mom's passing, and being out of the regular classroom for four years, I didn't think I would ever go back into the classroom. As I began seeking God for what His plans were for me, He showed me He was sending me to Abu Dhabi. I had traveled abroad before for short term mission trips, so I already had my passport and was ready to go wherever He sent me!

From the beginning of my journey here, I knew God had a greater purpose for sending me. I've always known that although teaching is my reason for being here, it is not my purpose.  And as He reveals His purpose for me, the path becomes a little clearer step by step. The things God reveals to me keeps me in awe of Him and keeps me desiring to see more clearly!

In my very first instagram post after arriving in Abu Dhabi (inserted below), I posted this pic with the caption, "My FAITH is greater than any fears!"

Confession...The person you see in that picture was still full of fear! While I know "God has not given us the spirit of fear..." (2 Timothy 1:7a), I was still fearful. Fear of the unknown! At that time, I had no idea exactly where I would be staying or how long God had planned for me to be here. Or exactly His purpose for bringing me here. I just had faith that God was with me! Although my faith was/is greater, that does not mean fear isn't always trying to creep into my thoughts. Fear's main purpose is to keep you from your life's purpose, and fear is contrary to God's plans!

God recently reminded me that walking by faith requires me facing my fears. All of them! Even when the path is not clear YET!

Fear is defined as "an unpleasant emotion caused by threat of danger, pain, or harm. In Jeremiah 29:11, God promises not to harm me, but a future filled with prosperity and hope. Even when the path is not clear, I choose to believe and trust God!

So, as I continue this journey called life, I will be walking by faith and facing fears with power, love, and a sound mind! (2 Timothy 1:7b)

I am His,
Faith Walker

Glimpses of Him

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Psalm 19:1 NIV

The beginning of this week, (Sunday, March 17th) marked the 4th year of my mother's transition to eternal life. So, of course this weekend began with me being a little emotional. And although I know she is resting in peace and I will see her again, I miss her dearly being here. There is nothing that can replace my mother's love!!! The good news is God promises that He will comfort those who mourn! (Matthew 5:4) And this week, He did just that! 

Glimpse #1
He began by putting me on the mind of someone the EXACT date of my mom's death, without the person even knowing it. I received the text below and immediately began to cry, because I knew God was comforting me!

Glimpse #2
On yesterday, I captured the pics (at the beginning and end of this post) of God's awesomeness on display in the sky! (The pics don't give the real view any justice!) At first sight, I couldn't really see the sun, because of the clouds covering it. I could see the rays shining from the sun, but I could only see glimpses of the sun. Then suddenly, there was a break in the clouds, and I could see it! It reminded me that just like the sun was shining right beyond the clouds, God is ALWAYS there...glimpses of Him!!!! Leading, guiding, and directing my path!

I immediately heard a song from 1999 ("There He Is" by Trin-i-tee 5:7) begin to play in my head. I really didn't remember the lyrics, so I googled them. Here's an excerpt from the chorus. .....

There He is

Wherever I go

There He is

Wherever I turn

There He is

He's all around

There He is

Reach out and touch Him

There He is

He's right there

There He is

And He's guaranteed to answer

There He is

All of your prayers

Glimpse #3
Later on, I went to the home of one of my co-workers for dinner with her family. She is an Arabic teacher from Jordan and she is a Muslim. We taught together my first two years here in the UAE. Her son was in my 3rd grade class last year and currently in my 4th grade class. Over the years that I've been here, she and I have become "friends like family". She says I'm her "sister". We took this picture before I left their home. She was uncovered during my visit, but covered for the pic. 😍

Traditional meal prepared by her husband! We ate sitting on the floor around the meal, which is their custom to do. 

This was the first time I would go to her home. Previously when she invited me over, I was not available. But God made sure I was available on this particular weekend, because He once again kept His promise of comforting me in my mourning! At the beginning of the week, I was missing my mom being here and missing being home with my family, and God ended my week by having me spend time with "family"! Once again showing me a glimpse of Him!

Her husband snapped this pic of their children and I to share with their family back in Jordan. The son with four fingers up is the one I have taught the past two years. 

While I know God is always there, receiving these glimpses of Him always leaves me in AWE!!  

There He is!!! 

I am His!

Faith Walker

Seek and Find

"....seek and keep on seeking and you will find;..." Matthew 7:7 Amplified

The kindergarten me! Only God knew the plans He had for me!

As a child, I remember playing a game called "Hide and Seek". I'm sure many of you did too, so you already know the rules. Let me just give a recap for anyone who didn't. In the game, there is a person who is "It". That person has to cover their eyes and count to a specific number while the other players find somewhere to hide. After reaching the specific number, the person who is "It" has to try to find the other players before they reach a designated place considered as a "safe" place. If anyone is found by the person who is "It" and is touched by that person, that player now becomes "It" and the game repeats itself. The game can go on and on for however long the players want to continue to play. This is similar to what happens when you chose to seek after God in real life. However, the roles are reversed. In life, God is the "It" and you must seek after Him to find Him! He doesn't hide from you, but to find who He is, you have to seek after Him. And when you do, He promises you will find Him! The amplified version of Matthew 7:7 tells us to 'seek and keep on seeking (Him) and you will find (Him)'. This means "continuously". Continuously is defined as: "without interruption or repeatedly without exceptions or reversals." Which means the way to finding Christ is if you seek Him without interruption or repeatedly without exceptions or reversals. Now, because God is merciful, He realizes that life sometimes brings interruptions that may cause us to make exceptions or to reverse in our seeking. They key is to not stop seeking!

My journey of seeking God began when I first asked Him to be my Savior at a very young age. I don't remember my exact age, but I do know I was elementary school age. One of my most memorable moments was when I decided to burn all my pants on the trash pile in our back yard, because I thought I needed to wear only dresses to be "really saved". LOL! I'm sure my mom didn't quite understand what was going on with me, but she did not question me and allowed me to do what I thought I needed to do. Of course, after years of seeking God, I found that wearing dresses has nothing to do with my salvation. Praise God for His revelation! I am also thankful for my mother who always supported me in my journey. She knew before I knew that one day I would be living in a foreign land. I'm sure she is in heaven telling everyone, "My daughter is a missionary. I always knew she was going to live somewhere out of the country." She probably would get the name of where I stay wrong though. That's my momma! Lord, I miss her. 😍(Sorry, I had a moment.)


The past couple of months, I've been intentionally "disconnecting" as I've been seeking God on some specific things. During this time of  disconnecting and seeking I've received much revelation; not just on the specific things I've been seeking for, but also on my journey of walking by faith. As I reflect on my journey, I realize how seeking God has lead me every step of the way. Also, you never know what you will "find" when you begin seeking Him. Although seeking Him always leads you in the right direction, I admit some of the things I have found don't always make sense to me. Sometimes I don't understand why God is asking me to do certain things, or what His plans are. This can cause me to start trying to figure things out; to try to make things make sense. But then God gently reminds me of the last time I sought Him and found Him. He reminds me of how He has never forsaken me, even if things didn't go the way I thought they would. He reminds me of  how He has not changed and His purpose for me has not changed. He reminds me He always keeps His promises!

Testimony
Last month, I had a surgery related to a medical issue I've been suffering with. After seeking God and receiving His answer, I moved forward with planning to have the surgery.  Originally, it was supposed to be in December. Then it was scheduled to be in January. Finally, it was rescheduled for February. All the time, God knew the date He had ordained it to be. At first, I was a little upset about the hospital's constant delays, but then I realized it was God's perfect timing with something He had asked me to do. It happened exactly when it was supposed to. I must admit, it was a little scary having surgery in a foreign country. But I knew God had led me to a specific doctor. (That's another story for another time.) This doctor actually agreed to do the surgery for me at a hospital that he isn't really assigned to, but came (30 minutes away from his usual hospital) to do the procedure as a special request from me. From the first time I met the doctor, he seemed to know me. I don't know what His faith background is, but I know God led me to him. As He promised, He is with me always! Once again, He showed me that even in this foreign land He gave me favor!

Update
As for my school year...As I shared before, this school year has been the most challenging since I arrived in August 2016. Although, there has been some improvement this second term, God continues to give me strength for the assignment He has given me. I realize that I am His vessel, and that His purpose for me being here is much greater than the challenges I encounter. For that reason, I am able to remain content and continue to find the joy in my journey! I see the progress of my students, which brings me great joy! Here are a few pics!

 In closing...
Recently, while watching a movie (Serendipity), one of the characters said, "You don't have to understand. You just have to have faith in destiny." While she wasn't referring to divine destiny, I know that my faith has to remain in the destiny that God has for me! Regardless of what my current situation may look like or seem like, I know God knows the plans He has for me. (Jeremiah 29:11) So I just have to seek and keep on seeking Him, CONTINUOUSLY! I can't allow anything or anyone to interrupt or reverse my faith in seeking God. My destiny depends on it! Your destiny depends on it too! SEEK and FIND!

The 2019 me! Only God knows the plans He has for me!

I am His,
Faith Walker

Thankful for It All

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of Christ Jesus concerning you."
 (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Painted by me! Representing where my life's journey began (New York)
 to one place my journey has take me (Paris)! I am thankful for it all!

Growing up, I remember hearing a gospel song (song by James Cleveland) with these lyrics,
"I've had my share, of life's ups and downs. God's been good to me, and the downs have been few. Well, I guess you can say, God has blessed me. But there's never been a time in my life He didn't bring me through. If anyone should ever write my life story, for whatever reason there might be. You'd be there, between each line of pain and glory.....Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me!"

At the time, I didn't really understand these lyrics or what he truly meant by them. But today as an adult, with all my life experiences, I can truly relate. Earlier this month I posted a video on instagram about thanking God for EVERYTHING, which includes "life's ups and down" (as the song says).  The word tells us that "...all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) This is a promise from God! And since He has to keep His promises to us, we have this assurance. Of course, Thanksgiving is usually a time when the world is reflecting on giving thanks. It's easy to give thanks for the good or the blessings we receive, but sometimes it's harder to be thankful for the other stuff that we would prefer not to have to experience, whatever that might be or have been. As I reflect on my life, and the people and things that God has allowed to be a part of it, I can truly say I am thankful for it all. It was all for my good!

As some of you know, my friend Fay, who I talked about on my last blog post, recently lost her 22 year old sister. We were in Dubai for the weekend when she received the news. It was a total shock to her and her family. Her sister had suffered with asthma, but they never expected it to lead to her sudden death. It was devastating for them. As her friend and sister in Christ, my heart shares her pain. Being in the hotel room with her that morning when she got the call, it was painful watching her mourn. There were no words I could say to take away the pain. I knew this. But then God began to remind us of how He had already prepared us for this moment. Although we didn't know something like this was going to happen, we knew He was preparing us for something.

Leading up to this day, we had experienced several things that left us in "awe" and wondering what God was up to. The day before while taking a nap in the hotel room, I woke up out of my sleep in tears. I didn't tell Fay, who was also sleeping. I just went into the bathroom and prayed. I wasn't sure why, but I knew God was preparing us for something. I did tell her that part, because of other things we had already experienced had also led us to believe He this. Later that night, we attended a concert by gospel artist Israel Houghton. It was his first time coming to the UAE, and we were excited to be there! Fay and I had actually prayed for God to send someone here in concert that we could go worship with! And He did! Originally, the concert was suppose to be in April of this year, but it had to be cancelled. When we heard it was rescheduled, we immediately made plans to be in Dubai for the weekend. And although we had no idea what was to come at the end of the weekend, we know God knew! He knew and He prepared us for it! And for that we are thankful! Of course, Fay was mourning the death of her sister, but we were able to also rejoice in how God had prepared us for it all!

My life here in Abu Dhabi is definitely preparing me for what is to come! I don't know exactly what it is, but I'm excited and thankful to God for the preparation period. I don't know how much longer I will be here, but I know when I leave God has something greater for me! In the meantime, I am enjoying finding the joy in my JOurneY!

Here's a few pics of some of my recent JOYs here!

My Thanksgiving dinner (chicken enchilada pasta), courtesy of Chili's carry-out.
 My sunset view, courtesy of the 2 hour ferry ride
back to Delma Island after a day of doctors visits in the city.
I'm thankful for it all!

 Represent Your Nationality Day at school. 

Me with a few of my "JOYs"! 

(My student in the picture with the flag is actually from Egypt.)

Fay and I the weekend in Dubai before the news of her sister. We went to this restaurant, 
Miss Lily's, which is the name of my mom who I miss dearly! Thankful!

For those who are not on instagram, here's the video I posted earlier this month.

Everyday I am learning more of what it means to "in everything give thanks" and to really be thankful to God for it all! Learning this has made life so much sweeter! And like James Cleveland said, "Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me!"

I am His!

Faith Walker

"...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)

Jesus came so that we could live life to the full! That means He wants us to enjoy life as we obey Him!

Enjoying Life
Recently I celebrated my 48th birthday (June 19th). Twenty years ago...at age 28...my life changed forever when I came to know Jesus intimately and personally as my Lord and Savior. It was at this time that I made the decision to seek Christ for my destiny. Now here I am twenty years later and while many things have happened and changed in my life, one thing that has remained the same is my faith in God. I know that no matter what happens, God still has a purpose and plan for my life! So I will continue walking by faith and trusting in Him to keep His promises to me. In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy my life to the FULL!

Here are a few pics from me celebrating  life with a few of my sister/friends in Abu Dhabi!

Obeying God
When I moved to Abu Dhabi, I knew God had a greater purpose for sending me here (besides to teach). And while teaching is my reason for being here, obedience was and is my purpose for being here. Most of you know that when God tells me to do something, I do it with no hesitation. That is because I believe God and the promises He has made to me!

Abraham is known as a "friend of God" because He believed God. Whatever God told him to do, he did it without hesitating; even offering up his son for a sacrifice. His obedience to God led to him receiving the promises of God. I desire ALL the promises God has for me! This is why I obey what God tells me to do...even when it might sound or look crazy to others. I too just want to please God with my obedience!

Testimony
A couple of years ago, before moving to Abu Dhabi, the holy spirit told me to change my name to Faith Walker on facebook. Now I know some people might think God didn't or wouldn't tell me that or that I thought of that on my own. But I know I heard from God to do it, and in OBEDIENCE to God I made the change. I even wondered if I was suppose to use this name when meeting people after I moved. However, I was only led to change it on my facebook page only (which I usually keep deactivated while I'm in Abu Dhabi). 

Since I kept this page deactivated, none of the new friends/connections I made my first year in Abu Dhabi knew my name was Faith Walker on facebook. Even my friend (Shina) who I was the closest to at the beginning of my time here in Abu Dhabi. Some of you may remember her from earlier post. She and I connected when we were sent to Dalma Island together. She had to return home in December of 2016 due to serious medical issues that her daughter was having. After she left, I was on my own. Some of my family and friends said "God will send you someone else." To be honest, I wasn't looking for Him to. I was fine being by myself, or so I thought. But God had other plans! He knew I needed a "Faith Walker" (like myself) as I continued my journey here! So that's exactly what/who He sent me! Actually she was already here. She had came here the year before me, but it wasn't until the end of my first school year that God really connected us!

Long story short...after returning home last summer (and activating my fb page), I added her as a friend. When she saw my facebook name was "Faith Walker", she immediately texted me to tell me that was her "pen name" (the name she uses when she writes or journals)!!! We both were in AWEEEEE!!!!! The fact that God sent both of us to this country...put both of us on this island...at the same time!!! We both knew this was no coincidence, but a divine connection! We immediately knew God had a greater purpose!! Since connecting us, God has been fulfilling His purpose! As we obey what He tells us to do, He keeps us amazed with what He is doing and the things He is revealing to us! We are excited about the plans He has for each of our lives!! I'm sure I will be sharing more in later posts!

Meet the Faith Walkers

Her birth name is actually Fayshawn "aka Fay" Walker. 

Another kingdom connection!

This is why I obey God!! All to bring Him glory! Also, I don't want to miss out on the plans and promises He has for me!

I am His,
Faith Walker