How Would You Respond?

Family,

Have you ever experienced someone say something that rubbed you completely the wrong way? Or something took place in your life and you responded out of frustration, doubt, or fear? Maybe you felt overwhelmed to the point that you were ready to throw in the towel.

Has that ever happened to you, or is it just me? 

Well, let’s jump into today’s post, shall we ? 

A few months ago, on January 12th to be exact, I drove to Party City to get some last-minute baby shower items for my supervisor and his wife. I was so excited because they were expecting their first baby boy! I parked my car, turned it off, and headed into the store. After about 10 minutes, I finally walked out with everything we needed to celebrate. Family, what happened next, I couldn’t have prepared myself for. I got into my car, put my foot on the brake, and pressed the start button. Would you believe me if I told you that my car did not start? No noise came out of the engine, no lights came on, and the radio was silent. I looked out my window at the sky and thought, “ This has to be a joke, Jesus.”

Immediately, I tried again. I exited my car, locked and unlocked the door, then sat back in the driver’s seat and tried to start it again. But with no avail, my car still didn’t start. I sat there and said these words, “Okay, Lord, I won’t let this ruin my day.” Right after I said those words, I heard the Lord say, “ How will you respond?”

If I’m being honest, I wanted to respond by screaming out of anger, frustration, and disbelief. Why? Because I just didn’t have time and I was in a rush. Who has time for their car to start cutting up? It was an inconvenience to me and my ability to get to work on time for the baby shower, but I refused to let my emotions or current circumstances have control. 

Have you ever been in a situation that left you asking , "Why, God?"

I am learning that what I say is powerful, and I want to be mindful of what comes out of my mouth (Proverbs 18:21). I stood in that parking lot not knowing what to do. Luckily, I was able to make a phone call to my coworker who was able to pick me up. It took me a while because I don’t like feeling as if I am causing an inconvenience to anyone, but on this day I decided to ask for help. Have you ever felt like that? Thank God for people who are willing to step in to help when you are in a time of need. I walked back into Party City once more to notify the employees of what was happening and asked if they would be willing to watch my car until I could return to get it. I had a decision to make - would I allow what just took place to shift my mood or lay it all at God’s feet (1 Peter 5:7) and continue throughout my day with JOY?  I decided to lay it at His feet and go to work with a smile on my face.

While in church a few weeks ago, on May 5, 2024, I received a phone call from my aunt saying that my mom was having chest pains. At first, they thought that it was a heart attack. Immediately, I called on some of the elders/pastors at my church and asked them to pray. It wasn’t that I couldn’t pray myself, but my body froze. They began to calm me down and started praying for my mom, and tears started to fall from my eyes. Once they were done praying, I went back to my seat in the sanctuary and said, “Lord, whatever you do, please don’t take my mom.” I know, what a thing to say.  Family, I wasn’t trying to tell Him what to do, it was a simple plea that came from my heart. 

God is so intentional! Tuesday morning, while I was getting ready for work, He reminded me of something. Get this family, before I got that phone call, I stood in church and gave God praise. Y’all! All I could do was smile as I reflected on that moment. I was simply just giving God praise, and little did I know that it would be me, He used to stand in the gap as an intercessor for my mother. God blocked what the devil meant for evil. The weapon formed BUT did not prosper (Isaiah 54:17). 

THANK YOU JESUS!!

Over these past few months, it seems as if the one constant thing God has been asking me is, “How will you respond?”

When life happens, and things don’t go as planned, “How will you respond?”Will you take time to think before responding?

I want to leave you with this:

Elder Ontiono asked the church this question at Bible Study one night, “If God changed the plans in your life, how would you respond?” I want to leave this question with you because there will be times when you are faced with adversity, when things aren’t going your way, or when unexpected things happen (i.e. bills start piling up or you need gas for the week).

I want to encourage you: May you stand firm in your faith! Don’t allow your circumstances to cause you to waver, but trust God. He knows what is going to take place before we do and why it's happening. Although we may not understand or like what is happening, may your response be that of worship!

Until next time,

Lalisha