8 =New Beginnings!

God always keeps His promises!

Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant and boundless mercy has caused us to be born again [that is, to be reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose] to an ever-living hope and confident assurance through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3 AMP)


Today (4/17/2020) marks 8 months since I transitioned to Oklahoma City! While some may have thought me moving here was a bold move, I was actually filled with fear. I didn't know the details of my assignment here, but I knew I had to be obedient to what God told me to do. And now 8 months later, God has delivered me from the fear I had upon my arrival here.

In my first journal entry after arriving in OKC, I reflected to the morning when I left my mom's home. I wrote these words...

"Before leaving, on my way out the door, I had a moment with my mom. Her picture was facing me as I walked out the door. I could hear her telling me, 'If that's what God told you to do, then do it.' (As she told me long ago when I was a little girl and I came home from church and had experienced hearing God give me instructions for the first time.) The tears fell knowing she would be my #1 supporter if she was still here. And she would be proud of me walking out my journey of faith."

Even now, my eyes are filled with tears as I think of my mom and how she always encouraged me along my journey. Just last month, God reminded me of a letter I had inside one of my old journals. It was a letter I had written to my mom 23 years ago when I lived in Dallas in 1997. She had kept it in one of her drawers with her important papers. I found it after she passed away. In the letter I was sharing some things about my life in Dallas and things I was beginning to experience in my relationship with God. In the letter I wrote these words...

"I have surrendered to Him and I am obeying Him. I couldn't be any happier. I have committed to doing His will."

Reading these words, God reminded me that I am still doing what I told my mom I was doing over 23 years ago. The only difference is she's not here with me and I can't share with her the details of my journey. But I know she is smiling down on me!

About a month ago when the world began to "shut down" outside due to the pandemic, God had me to "shut down" inside. For two days, I turned off my phone and television, deactivated Facebook and uninstalled instagram so that I could be undistracted and just hear from God. He already knew the matters of my heart, and wanted to manifest His presence to me. As He spoke loud and clear with His still small voice, I listened and received! As a sign to me, He set a rainbow in the sky (something He uses at very specific times to personally speak to me along my journey)! This was my first rainbow sighting since being in OKC (pictured above). And since that weekend, He has continued to speak and reveal specific things concerning His purpose and plans for my life.

The number 8 represents new beginnings! It symbolizes a resurrection. On last Sunday, we celebrated Resurrection of Jesus! And because He lives, all my fear is gone! I declare and decree on today, that God has resurrected me from fear and today is a new beginning of my journey in Oklahoma City! I've been transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose.🙏🏽 More faith walking coming soon! ❤

I am His, Faith Walker!

No fear in love!

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." 1 John 4:18a (ESV)

Once for every day of the year! 

A few days ago, February 14th, the world put their love on display by celebrating their love for special people in their lives with gifts, chocolate, flowers and social media posts. For those who don't have "significant others", this may be a day they feel lonely or forgotten. Some may feel unloved. Some may fear never being loved. But these are all false arguments about God's love! God's word tells us, there is no fear in love!

Yesterday (February 17th) marked 7 months since I transitioned back to the U.S. from Abu Dhabi, and 6 months since I transitioned to Oklahoma City. In my previous blog post (after being here 2 months), I stated that the process of my transition had really tested my faith. Little did I know how much more my faith would be tested and stretched in the months that followed.

In a conversation I had with my sister about how I was doing in my transition, I shared with her that moving back to the states was more challenging for me than moving half way around the world to Abu Dhabi. She was surprised to hear this. Her immediate reply was "Really? It seems like moving back home would be easy." Nope! Not at all for me! While most were happy for me to be back in the states and closer to home, what many didn't know was the fights I had to have with fear on a daily basis! While I had fear of the unknown upon moving to Abu Dhabi, it was nothing like the fears I had moving back to the U.S. More specifically, moving to Oklahoma!

When God told me He was sending me to Oklahoma City to "serve", I was not sure exactly what that would look like. He didn't give me the details (as He often does not). He just told me "You are only responsible for obeying my instructions. I am responsible for the outcome." So I took Him at His word and came in obedience to Him. However, it wasn't as easy as it may sound. While, obeying God is something I delight in doing, this assignment seemed to be the most challenging thing God has ever asked of me thus far in my walking by faith journey. There are more specific reasons I felt this way, but primarily it was because of some fears from my past. Some fears I had disguised with my faith, but God wanted to set me totally free.

In one of my first journal entries after returning to the states and moving to OKC, I wrote the following private and transparent thought after receiving a word from God through a message I heard.

**Journal entry excerpt from 10/28/2019**
"While I don't doubt God sending me to OKC, I struggle with the doubt of receiving the harvest God has promised me. Pastor (Mike) said these bad seeds show up when you are about to reap a harvest. They have definitely shown up and try to consume my thoughts daily. God reminded me in Pastor's message on yesterday that I have to antedote those doubts with the Word of God!"

The Word of God is what I have had to tightly cling to (like never before)! Over the past 6 months, God constantly told me, "Do not fear!" Each time He told me I felt Him stretching my faith! Each time He told me, His voice began to drown out any doubt! Each time He told me, my faith became greater than the fears! And seven months later, I can honestly say God has removed the fears I had at the beginning of my transition. Time and time again, He has assured me that He is responsible for the outcome of my obedience to Him. I still don't exactly know what His planned outcome is, but I do know I am no longer a slave to fear! I also know that I am right where I am supposed to be. Doing what I'm supposed to be doing!

In my previous post (from December 2019) I shared I was waiting for God to manifest the employment He had for my provisions here in Oklahoma City. I knew it was connected to what He already had me doing with serving Faithful Services Sober Living, a faith based program that I began serving with as soon as I got to OKC (in obedience to God). I am currently working as a Case Manager for a non-profit organization that provide services to persons with addiction recovery and mental health needs. I originally applied for the position back in November after relocating here, but God didn't open the doors for me to get the job until the latter part of January. In the meantime, He needed to stretch my faith in Him a little further, and prepare me for what was to come! (Will share details on another post.) Once again, I'm in awe of His ways and His timing!

So, as the world was putting their love on display, God was once again displaying His love for me, like He does everyday! God IS love, His love IS perfect and His love definitely casts out the false fears I had! I will never doubt God's love for me! And I WILL NOT BE AFRAID!

I am His,
Faith Walker!

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