Hey, everybody!
Recently Sabrina Moore*, my beloved coworker and our ministry director here at Living Proof, let me read something God stirred up in her heart and prompted her to write down. (*Of no relation except in Jesus and we’re really, really related there.) I was so blessed I had to text her and say, “Girl, that thing is a BLOG POST.” She prayed about it and gave me a thumbs-up to post it here. I have told you a number of times how much you would love the women who serve at Living Proof so it pleases me to no end when I get to scoot out of the way and let them minister straight to you and you, in turn, minister straight to them. They are staunch women of the Scriptures and they love Jesus outrageously. I am incredibly graced to serve side-by-side with them. For those of you who have done the Esther series, this is the friend I call GP and she me. It stands for God’s Property, based on a Kirk Franklin song we’ve sung together about a jillion times. (GP, are you with me? Oh, yeah, we having church, we ain’t going nowhere.) My GP is serious about Jesus. She and I have gone face-down on the floors of this ministry countless times in prayer, asking Jesus to do within and through our walls things only He can do. Things that draw bold attention to Him, demonstrate His Holy Spirit and testify of His love, grace and truth. I pray He’ll use Sabrina today to provoke something wonderful in you. All of us here at LPM love and highly esteem you.
You sister and servant,
Beth
OK, GP! I’ll leave the rest to you! Thank you for serving our community today!
Title: We live by what we believe – not what we see
We walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
For so much of my life I’ve made decisions based on the available options. Learning the options, weighing the options, talking about the options, all of which derived a final decision based on the available options: Option A or Option B, and on some occasions there would be an Option C, D… We can live one moment to the next with endless options and, truth be told, we are conditioned to it. We like it. In fact, we like our options so much that we are sometimes disappointed when there are too few of them. Simple case in point, the “frig option”. We need something to eat. We are starving, well kind of, but for what? Then we take that notorious, well-paved trek. We start making our way to the refrigerator, open the door and stand, staring. Hmmm. Then, like a judge with gavel in hand, we let loose of the door with a final analysis there is nothing – not one thing – in there to eat. When, really, the whispering truth is, there is something, but we do not want that something. We don’t like the options, therefore, we conclude there is nothing.
The same could be true for the insanity that takes place during every typical “what to wear” drama. Oh, my soul! How many times has this one caused us to miss half the worship portion of the service on a Sunday morning? Just last week I walked into church a little late, so thankful my oldest had me a seat saved next to her. I scooted in, leaned over and said, “Good morning darling, is this the last song?” Have mercy and forgive me, God. The irony is that the time I risk missing really is my favorite part of Sunday morning church! Fortunately, I came in during the first song. Anyone know what I’m talking about? Be honest, how many times have you stood, staring at the clothes in your closet, “hmmm…”, and said, even out loud, “I have absolutely nothing to wear”? AKA: I don’t like any of these options.
Options can be okay. I am not aiming for a boring stringent-living mandate. More times than not, my family is a swirl of option-pitching: restaurant options, movie options, time frame options and countless others, all with a sincere kindness and effort to do whatever fits for everyone. Much of life is lived by options especially in American where we have an endless surplus. The culture once dictated that a person purchased items based on the options his or her budget would allow. Then the credit era seduced Americans into the scheme of “have it now” and nonstop options popped wide open. But the endless options came with lies like,
You can have anything you want. Have your choice. Have it all.
Not all choices are visible. There are times to ditch all our seen-options and cut new ground based on what is unseen. True, that new road building is not nearly as easy. It can be – and usually is – the very intense “give it all you’ve got and then some” kind of work. The kind that may even come with heart-hurts that send shocks of pain to every nerve-ending in your body. The truth is, it can be really lonely to go a new, uncharted way, but, if it’s of God, the reality of it is bigger and better than every concrete, sure-fired option we could ever choose.
I was right there, living my life by what was available, all that was logistical, logical, my attainable reality.
My options. My choices.
Until, on one normal morning, on a normal day, doing my normal routine and activities I felt the press of God and it came with a sense of doing something that had no logistical steps. It didn’t seem at all logical. The press of God was so undeniably real and powerful that I remember it today like it happened this morning.
My thoughts were a mix of perplexed and pondering. Perplexed in a way that almost seemed to communicate to my human rationale, “That isn’t true” not as an argument so much as a means to clarify, understand and assimilate. At the same time, the spiritual and practical side of my understanding began pondering how I could obey. There was no attainable reality to form an action plan. It was so vast it could be compared to snowing skiing in Galveston, Texas. So not a reality!
I had recently fallen seriously in love with Jesus, having spent so much of my life knowing Him as my Savior, believing He died for me and believing He loved me. And, yet I had just awakened to His living and active Word (Hebrews 4:12), with freshly opened eyes to who He really was, how He loves me and how His captivating presence compares to nothing else in this journey of life. I wanted to say “yes” to Him, even if I didn’t agree, understand or know what, when, or how.
So I did. I said yes – “Lord, if You want it, You do it”.
Sometimes God’s plans are so far beyond our everyday thinking we don’t even entertain His truth as our reality. Without exception, His plans are always our reality. He is so much bigger than the “Genie” we ask for, so much more compassionate than just waving a magic wand and dropping the great and wonderful plan into our lap. He gives us the free will and the choice to participate. Priscilla Shirer puts the reality in this perfect wording: “God doesn’t drop __________ in your hands, God puts it in your reach”.
When our second daughter was born, my husband and I intentionally decided to change our lifestyle and live on less income (like to the penny) so I could stay home with both girls. It was a challenge, but it was our chosen challenge and so worth it. When our youngest went to preschool at a church near our home, I began to volunteer at LPM. A couple of years later my life went from the “chosen challenge” to an intensely hard season that made it very obvious I needed to get a job. Well, LPM was growing and there were possible opportunities not too far off, but nothing presently available. I freshened up my resume and started the hunt.
Checked back with LPM. Made a few calls toward other jobs. Checked back with LPM. I went on a few interviews at other places of employment. Checked back with LPM. Received an offer from somewhere else. Checked back with LPM. Nothing available yet so I accepted the other offer. With tears I resigned from my volunteer work at LPM.
I just couldn’t understand it. I was sure I was suppose to work at LPM but I was more sure I was suppose to work. And work I did. I went to work for a great company back in the corporate world. I loved it. I love it on the hard days. I loved it on the busy days. I loved the challenges. I loved new learning. I loved getting a few quiet opportunities to point people to Jesus. I loved all of it. At the same time I never stopped loving the ministry of LPM. I stayed in touch with my LPM friends; they were my partners in prayer, in faith and of heart.
Though it was faint, my heart still held hope that I would understand the pull that laid deep inside of me and the desire to return, a desire I prayed hard to keep down. About a year later, the day came. I was offered the “name your price” corporate position. My heart was still so connected to the ministry of LPM, I stalled in giving any answer. And yes, I checked in with LPM but things were still “holding”. So I replied to the corporate offer with an unheard-of price. They accepted it! What?! Why? This definitely qualified as one of those huge life options that leave us with no other options than to a “get on your face” and seek God!
I was grateful for the offer, it looked like a good thing, but I flat had no peace. It made no sense. I wanted to be excited but I couldn’t get there. My heart was “fine” but not at peace and my joy was flat-lined. Even with my next steps going against every logical point on my checklist, I declined the promotion and not because I had a better option. I had nowhere to go. So, Sabrina, decline a better opportunity to stay at the same place in my current position? Yes, that is exactly what I did. So odd, right? The best way I can describe it is like someone giving me an all-paid dream beach vacation but I’d have to leave my family at home. Even if that were my only option, it would not be the one I’d want to choose. It felt to me like an Exodus 33 moment…
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ 2 I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 3 Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you…”
God tells Moses, I will give you everything you need and flowing blessings but I am not going.
Blah! No thanks.
About a week later, LPM called me and offered me a position. It wasn’t the “price” I had given corporate. Actually it was less than my current price but it was the fullness of my God. The pay wasn’t the prize; LPM wasn’t the prize nor was any other achievement. Jesus is the prize! Nothing is sweeter to me than believing He took me out of LPM, He gave me a job I would love with good pay and then called me to release it and to follow Him. He set me in a place to make the intentional choice and a defining mark in my “yes” to Him. His options include the show stopping. There we encounter relationship with Him, participation with Him. This is the stuff we remember all the days of our lives. He makes the call, He gives the call, He defines each detail specially and individually for each of us. He creates the timing of bringing the call to life and He gives us the option: the option to believe Him beyond all visible options and, yes, even when there are no options. The option to say “Yes, Lord. You want it, You do it”.
I have been at LPM for 15 years and I dare say – it is rare for me to go any length of time without saying afresh and full of heart, “Yes, Lord, You want it. You do it.” I said it 5 days ago. I said it this morning!
The warning in this time is vitally important. We travel a new road and, in blind faith we encounter
the better than life,
the all in all,
that consumes every part of our heart, soul and mind, surrendering with a trumpet sounding “yes.” Track the journey with Him and His mind-blowing ways. We are all in and boom! He rocks our world. And when we catch our breath, we stop for a moment, reliving the wonders. Be very aware, it is not time to set up house and decorate it. It is the starting line, not the finish line. Don’t default to thinking all is good and the mountaintop was the ride of my life and now it’s time to settle and live off the “remember when”.
No ma’am. He isn’t done and neither are you. This may look like an option but it’s not His way. We walk by faith not by sight. Get up! Drag yourself, crawl, increase your B12, whatever it takes. Fight yourself for yourself, fight the good fight, but keep moving,
keep learning,
keep dealing with the hurt, the challenges, the hard days and the harder days,
believing for the better days,
choosing joy, waiting for the season of change and believing God.
Some options are okay, sure. And, then again, there are times where option-living is anything but okay.
Make the choice, cross the finish line. There are no better options.
With love to all of you in the name of Jesus,
Sabrina
how beautiful. congratulations. you are blessed to love your work.
Thank you Sabrina for speaking truth into my heart today. Years ago at Baylor University I heard a woman speak. She was so in love with Jesus it was contagious. In my heart I said God I wish I could speak to people and impact their relationship with you like this lady does! Since then God has allowed me to do amazing things for His name sake. I love Jesus with all of my heart but have allowed satan to stall the good work God began in me. I was at a Women of Faith conference in Dallas this weekend and God rekindled the fire I had the first time I heard Beth Moore speak. I have reimagined my life and your devotional has confirmed in my soul that our God can use me to change the lives of other women by the power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and for His Glory! I want to be a vessel of the Good New of Jesus Christ! Please, would LPM pray for me to fulfill my calling? Thank you and may God bless you all! Vanessa Lynch
Absolutely stunning.
Lisa Walden – Grand Prairie Tx
Micah 6:8 NIV
[8] He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Lisa Cummings, Joaquin, TX
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” Ephesians 6:18 KJV
OOOPS……sorry – posted this to the wrong place…..It’s Monday, what can I say!!!!!
Dear Sabrina,
As Beth says on Page 146 of Audacious, we need to ask Jesus to bring along people who love him, chase after him, and bask in him. I underlined and committed myself to renewed prayer for that. Just last week I emailed a old friend and we both said we needed a friend and are making plans to get together! All that to say, I needed to read this today and I am encouraged in my love for Jesus because of what you shared. That’s exactly how it’s supposed to be! Thank you for being that kind of person. My prayer is that I would pass it on to someone else! Thanks too for this blog which is a place we can go to for encouragement.
“Jesus is the prize!” I love that. Amen and amen. Thank you, Ms. Sabrina!
Yes The Greatest Treasure ever!
During my quiet time a few years ago I felt the Lord leading me to go back to school. I was astonished. How Lord? I work full time, we have four older children walking through teenage years and young adulthood-our oldest struggling with some serious difficulties, how will we pay for it, what will my husband say, where will I go??? and so on and so on. I took the plunge, sent off transcripts from high school and one year of college from over 20 years ago, and waited. Long story short I am two classes away from graduation this December 18th. I will have a Bachelor’s degree in Ministry from the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, MN to go along with the shift in my job at the local church I have worked at since 2001. (Only God knew then!) In those moments it is so easy for us to think the impossible rather than think of the impossible our God can do. Thank you for sharing Sabrina! Such a good reminder as I wait to see what God has planned for after graduation!
Best wishes for your continued success in school! Inspiring!
Joan Wetzel, New Orleans, LA,
Matthew 22:8-9 (NASB)
” ‘Then he said to the slaves, “The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.
“Go therefore to the main highways and as many as you find there invite to the wedding feast.” ‘ ”
Sorry so late! Kingdom business needing attention!
Blessings!
if you only knew……
Blessed beyond measure and waiting joyfully for the green light! Thank you so much for sharing your story!
Dear Sabrina,
Thank you for sharing. This word speaks truth to my circumstances.I lost my job six months ago and have been searching diligently for a new one while earnestly seeking God’s direction. Still I have no job and am not sure of where God is leading,but I am confident He will open the right doors.He has invited me to trust Him for his gracious provision,not knowing what it will be.
Marilyn
Praying right now, Lord – Your love, care and plans are everything we crave. Bless her with your provision, a job from you, for you and with peace that brings her delight.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful heart and your intentional surrender to Him. I so appreciate your encouragement. Though right now I can’t seem to crawl, drag myself or find enough B12 in the world, I’ll try today to muster willingness and obedience.
You make such a difference in the world! Bravo!
Such a beautiful testimony of a sold out to Jesus woman!
Thank you for sharing and using your story to encourage us on our own journey with Him!
May God bless, lead, and encourage each woman…whether she is in a valley or on a mountaintop. God has got it all under control!
He has been teaching me to keep my eyes on Him…the rest is all His job.
Thank you, bless you and the wonderful ministry at LPM!
You are so right! “Try” that is a great place!
with much love and many prayers!
Thank you so much for sharing! You have no idea how I needed to hear this!! <3
Love it that the Father is not finished with me yet! Retired but that just means more time to pray and seek my Lord. Praying for LPM and Beth Moore.
Thank you all for all that you do to keep us encouraged. Sabrina, this is awesome.
Thank you and May our Heavenly Father bless each of you.
I can see in your words, Sabrina, that you are humble. What I see is that God sent you out to learn at the corporate company, so later when you were called back to LPM, you would have skills that they sorely needed! It was answered prayer on both sides, for you and for LPM. God has a plan, in His own time schedule. I appreciate your take on choices. We are spoiled in the U.S. Much of the world has no choices. They wear the one old outfit they have every day, but Sunday they wear the one nice outfit they have. They eat whatever they have available, like rice and beans. I am reading Beth’s “Audacious”, and I am learning how to love Jesus deeper than I ever have, like the romance Beth talks about. I am so thankful to LPM, LPL, and Beth! My spiritual life has changed and grown over the years reading Beth’s books, Bible studies, and attending 2 simulcasts and 1 LPL. I know Beth couldn’t do all that without her amazing staff at LPM. Thanks to all of you! Oh, and I think “Audacious” is Beth’s best book ever!
Helen Roseberry, Riverside, CA
(From passage 4:17-32)
“and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:24 NIV
Wow, Sabrina! This spoke to me right where I am, today. Thank you so much for letting the Spirit work through you to encourage my heart, and so many others, in the journey.
Dearest Sisters in the Lord,
Thanks for this great post. You are so right there are no more days for searching for options. We need to serve Christ with greater fervor than ever. The devil knows his time is short and he is waging a full scale frontal attack against us who profess Christ. We can not waver in our dedication to serve Him however He leads us. We need to be bold in our confession of faith.
Just last week in Roseberg Oregon a city I have visited often and have family there had many who choose the option of not denying their faith and great is their reward.
We never know the cost of serving our Lord but more and more we see it may cost our temporal lives here but we need to remember absent from the body we are at home with the Lord. That is where our real home is and I for one can not wait to lower my back pack at the door of my new residence and bask in the Sonshine and realize nothing I went through here even persecution would be worth what I am experiencing when at home with Him forever. We have a tremendous future gals let’s act like it and serve Him with all the gusto our chubby or well toned frames will allow us! I can almost hear the last trumpet sound already! Praise to Him forever!
Much love to all of you who have trouble picking out clothes to wear!
Betty M
That was really good! So glad it was posted! Great word!
Tears are just flowing down my face as I read this. We are going through transitions in every area of our life right now (school, work, and church)and the timing for this word is perfect. Thank you for obeying and being a willing vessel.
Praying ps 84:5-6 for you friend;
Blessed – His strength – valley of tears to a place of Springs!
Thank you for these words today. You have really touched my heart.
Jesus IS the prize!
So, so good, Sabrina. I deeply appreciate your exhortation and sharing your story. oxox’s Warm In Alaska
Lindsey Buchanan St. Augustine, FL
“Oh, how sweet the light of day,
And how wonderful to live in the sunshine!
Even if you live a long time,
Don’t take a single day for granted.”
-Ecclesiastes 11:7-8
Good word!
This was such an encouragement! After making decisions based solely on contentment and peace in the Lord, there is no amount of earthly riches that compare to being right smack dab in the middle of his perfect will! Such peach to behold, I do agree.
SOOOOOO BEAUTIFUL!!!! Thank you for sharing this word GP.
I’m so tired of praying big and then choosing to live little….I’m tired of not fighting self for myself out of sheer laziness and just plain old ease and comfort that is truly lacking in many ways.
I’ll be printing this and praying over it for my life. Soul food for sure…Thank you again for sharing.
Linda Johnson, High Point, N.C.
Mark 11:24 NIV
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Love how the Lord put you in a place where you deliberately chose Him. Thank you for sharing!
Sabrina,
Oh how I would love to hear the Lord speak to me and give me my direction. Still waiting to hear from Him. I will continue to be patient.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful journey.
Oh, Sabrina . . . This was a word straight from the Lord Himself which speaks today into both my family life and my life in the Body with whom I worship. Both at a crossroad. Both with choices A, B, or maybe there is a C. Oh, I hope there is a C!! I don’t like either A or B decision/choice regarding my family or the regarding my church family. I will be printing your blog off and re-reading it at least once a day for I don’t know how long. I will also email it to leaders in my church who are struggling, maybe trying to make A or B be God’s will. Walking by faith is such a challenge!! Blessings, dear sister for speaking for Him today. I KNOW the timing is a God-incident. By the way, I only on very rare occasions respond to a blog post!!
A message of power, Sabrina. You leave me with no option but to say thanks. Love how you went out on a limb for Him that wasn’t about to break.
Love!
Thank you for this. It is a real confirmation for me. God has been calling me to cut back on the time I spend on my favorite hobby and spend more time on Bible study and in prayer. I am not able to do much due to health issues so I’ve been spending my time knitting. But I have really been convicted lately that I need to use my time more wisely. Thanks again for this.
Word.
I’m so glad I exercised my option to read this post today! LPM is blessed to have you there. I pray for the ministry often. God bless.
Your script reminded me of John 17:16&17. Jesus prayed, “They are not of the world, just as I am not of this world. Sanctify them by your truth. Your word is truth.” We never know from day to day, but God does! As we leave SC to go to MDAnderson for my husbands’ treatment, rejoice & be glad, is my word from Jesus!
OH.MY.WORD. You have no idea how much I needed this. Muddling through the mundane, I felt like I had done a faceplant in the ground yesterday and the drudgery of it all was wearing me down. Your post just breathed some fresh air into my lungs and added a smile to my heart. Thank you for sharing this!
This is so true, and I can relate to your story. It reminds me of Lysa Terkeurst’s book, “When Women Say Yes to God.” There is no joy like that we feel when we watch Him work, and when we partner with Jesus in life! So very well said. Thank you Sabrina!
Thank you sooooo very much for sharing. I am in a season of anticipation. God moved me from my church of 22 years two months ago. I did not know why but knew He was up to something. I have said yes to a mission trip to Peru in January and yes to a new church on Sunday.Moving on in faith trying not to be distracted by the options and the visible. Thank you for the encouragement.
Absolutely beautiful!! Thank you very much for sharing what the Lord placed on your heart. What encouraging words!!
Great story….very inspiring!! Sabrina, your story has struck a chord in my mind…and mostly, my heart, thank you for sharing. Feeling somewhat burnt out…..I believe I just need to spend some “face-down” time, listening…not talking (for a change)!! I know y’all don’t know me, but we are family, so…if, and as, God lays it on your hearts, I would appreciate prayers please, and thank you! Thank you Beth, for your willingness to “scoot” out of the way allowing Sabrina to share. Blessings to you all!!
Sabrina, thank you for sharing!!! Your words are encouraging, refreshing and thought provoking especially when we consider that the Lord sovereignly and tenderly orchestrates the paths of His children. For such a time as this, your words, story is meant for us. Community is so important even the virtual ones.
Thank you Sabrina! And it is so beautiful to see how He worked to put you right where He wanted you to be! All for His glory!
AWESOME word, Sabrina (GP)!!! I’m choosing to live, believe & keep walking “excitedly” with HIM (Eph 2:10)….wherever HE chooses to take me!!! This is so current with me….ask Vangie….and your word is HIS additional “confirming” encouragement!!! Love serving HIM, especially with all my LPM Siestas!!! Thank you for sharing!!! 🙂
Oh Sabrina! I read this with tears. God has been showing me I need to change my focus and to start really living for Him and His glory. From Sunday’s sermon to now your post, I am being more and more convicted I need to let go of my options and trust Him. Thank you for sharing. Please pray for me to live with abandon.
“Jesus is the prize”, YES! I could relate to this in so many ways! Thank you for sharing ❤️
Sabrina, thank you so much for these encouraging words. I’m im a transition currently towards retirement. I feel sometimes like “whew, we made it!”. Yet I feel the Lord’s pull combined with my longing that’s there is more He wants me to do! Reading your message this morning convicted me that isn’t time to stop but keep going wherever The Lord wants me to be His Light in His Kingdom!
Thank you thank you for your words & sharing.
May God continue to Bless your Path!
Thank you for sharing, Sabrina…..something we needed to hear!
Thank you for sharing this! I’m in the middle of a career crisis and clinging to the hem of Jesus’s robe with him dragging me about each day! And an option is looming bigger than life!!