Living Under God's Favor

Stand in Your God-given Authority Pt2 – Personal Recount and Repost from 2009. RELEVANT!

Naima Williams — Tue, 15 May 2012 04:55:21 +0000

Current Mood: Anointed & Blessed

“Behold, I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” – Luke 10:19

THIS WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED BACK IN MAY/JUNE 2009; HOWEVER, SINCE “BELIEVER’S AUTHORITY” WAS PREACHED ON THIS PAST SATURDAY, THIS ENTRY RE-SURFACED IN MY MIND; THEREBY RE-SURFACING IN MY EJOURNAL. I PRAY YOU ARE BLESSED AND THAT YOU RECEIVE STRAIGHT FROM HEAVEN, IN JESUS’ NAME. AMEN.

od has been working on me to stand in the authority He’s given me. If you can recall, about a week ago I shared with you how the Holy Spirit told me to take authority while I was undergoing demonic attack (titled “A Call to Take Authority”). This happened as soon as I woke up one Thursday morning. The enemy was using intimidation tactics in hopes of making me too scared to do the things that God was leading me to do, such as prophesying, evangelism and writing. That morning I woke up overwhelmed with doubt and fear and didn’t understand why until I began to realize that I was undergoing an attack. When the Holy Spirit told me to take authority, I did and the attacks against me ceased; however, the enemy tried to attack my children but was unsuccessful. The Holy Spirit led me to taking authority over matters, even those that didn’t really seem to be spiritual. All that day I was taking authority and was successful in battle. However, what I didn’t’ know was that the real battle wouldn’t occur until a few days later.

t the end of the weekend, the Lord led me to prophesy to one of my sisters-in-Christ. While prophesying another person came up to us and in a roundabout way tried to stop me from prophesying. I immediately yielded to the person out of intimidation and stopped prophesying instead of obeying the leading of the Spirit. Though I didn’t realize it at the moment, my yielding caused the quenching of the Holy Spirit within me. About an hour later, I was ……CLICK HERE TO FINISH READING

An Undivided Heart – Read and Consider (excerpt)

Naima Williams — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 13:00:48 +0000

Current Mood: Anointed & Faith-filled

Read and Consider

II Kings 17:24-33

They worshiped the LORD, but they also appointed all sorts of their own people to officiate for them as priests in the shrines at the high places. 33 They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods in accordance with the customs of the nations from which they had been brought. (II Kings 17:32)

I

f Samaria was anything, it was a house divided. Starting with King Jeroboam, this northern kingdom had allowed the worship of foreign gods – forgetting their spiritual roots. A succession of evil kings spiraled the nation deeper and deeper into sin, until God finally allowed it to be taken into exile by the Assyrians. The people of the northern kingdom were taken captive; then the king of Assyria brought other people from foreign lands and resettled them in Samaria. After some concerns about “what the god of that country requires” (17:26), the king sent a few exiled priest back to teach the resettled foreigners about the god of that land. The result was that people tried to combine the worship of Jehovah God with that of all the various false gods – including those whose worship practices were in direct violation of God’s laws. That was a combination that was sure to bring serious consequences. When it comes to serving God, our loyalty to Him cannot be divided.

Centuries later, Jesus talked about a house divided. He had been accused of casting out demons by the power of satan (a ludicrous accusation made by jealous people). Jesus pointed out to these accusers that He wouldn’t be working against satan by the over of satan. A house divided is a house that will fall (see Matthew 12:24-29). And that’s what happened to Samaria, not that the nation immediately disappeared, but that it never regained spiritual or political power.

Samaria is a good lesson for us. In the rush of our lives, it’s easy to be divided – in our time, our energies, our focus. Without realizing it, we can be a lot like the Samaritans; serving God along with our other allegiances.

That’s why prayer is so important. It unites your hearts with God’s. And it connects you to who matters more than anything else in your life. Prayer keeps your heart undivided.

*

Dear God, I pray You would keep me from ever having a divided heart. I don’t want to weaken my allegiance to You by showing any allegiance to the false gods of this world. Help me to stay in close touch with You through constant and fervent prayer. Unite my heart with Yours so that it never stray.

This is an Excerpt from an Awesome Book Written by Stormie Omartian titled The Power of Praying Through the Bible, Page 123. I bumped across this book today @ Barnes & Noble and wanted to share it with you today. I pray you find encouragement, correction and draw closer to the Lord our God, in Jesus name!

My Invitation to YOU! Celebrate w/Us AND Learn More About Us!

Naima Williams — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:26:32 +0000

Current Mood: Blessed

The Mission IS Possible

Naima Williams — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:30:24 +0000

Current Mood: Faith-filled

It’s the very thing that we feel as though we can NOT do that God will call us to do! I wonder how many people can testify to that? I bet if Moses were still alive, he would definitely have his hand up; for his response to God commissioning him to serve as Israel’s deliverer and God’s mouthpiece was “Who am I that I should go unto Pharaoh” (Exodus 3). Jeremiah would also say the same, as his response to God’s call on his life to speak on His behalf was “Ah, Sovereign Lord, I cannot speak, I am a child.” (Jeremiah 1:6).

My response to God’s call on my life to be His mouthpiece, to lead and to build was quite similar. Actually, if I may go into more detail, it was more like Jonah’s response to God’s command to go prophesy to the people of Nineveh (Jonah 1). After I received God’s commissioning, I RAN in the other direction not wanting to give up my life, my lifestyle, my favorite sins, my time, or anything else I knew He would require of me. But after countless years of running and rebelling, I came to realize that being any place of than God’s will for me is not a place I want to be. Through living through the consequences of my rebellion, I finally came to the realization that I would never find peace nor would the void in my heart be filled until I submit to Him. See, I was “saved”. I had received Jesus as my personal Savior when I was 12 years old, and I meant it! However, allowing Him to be my Lord was another matter. I would still do it Naima’s way. Whatever Naima wanted to do, she would do. And whatever she did NOT want to do, she would not do. I lived a life filled with debauchery, lust, promiscuity, and revelry, and shamed to say, those were the “nice” sins I committed. I can truly go down the list in Galatians 5 (works of the flesh) and say there’s not one I haven’t indulged in at one point in time. I was determined to do it my way (like Frank Sinatra). However, the more I ran, the more I bumped into Him. The more I pushed Him away, the more I yearned for Him. I’d even be in a drunken stupor and bust out with a Gospel song, tears and all. And back then I didn’t know that the call and gifts from God are irrevocable (Romans 11:29) so I found myself drunk and then would spontaneously prophesy (didn’t know I was doing it in that moment) or begin interceding for another, which I didn’t understand at that time. You must understand that I made NO pretense on even trying to live right, but contrary to what I knew and regardless of how hard I fought, God’s hand was upon me – even back then when I was what I call “sinning and grinning.”

I stand today completely sold out to Christ. This comes with many trials and testings, but going through makes a huge different when you know you are going through for a divine purpose rather than your own rebellion. Don’t get me wrong, I do NOT dot every I nor cross every T, but daily I seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, knowing He’ll add everything else unto me (Matthew 6). I do realize that this walk I’ve been called to, which is walking in an extreme level of faith, is beyond normal and would seem crazy to the average person, even average believer, but I continue to march in faith – watching God perform some of the most insane miracles in my life!

So here I am walking in purpose. It took decades to get here, and I can’t say it is easy. I desire the same things many people do (something that comes remotely close to being normal), but that isn’t the life I was called to live. I was called out of corporate America (and the secular workforce in general) 4 years ago, was called to get up and relocate to a “strange” land a little over a year ago, and then told to build that which God directs me to build. Oh, and let’s not forget to being called and commissioned as a fivefold minister. Oh yes, strange for a person like me. And no, this wasn’t something I chose or even seen for myself until He revealed it to me. And my past doesn’t remotely suggest that I’m ministry material. Yet, here I am. And turning back, even though sometimes tempted during weak moments, is NOT an option; for God has made it very clear in His word the outcome of such actions in James 1:15 (yes, the fear of the Lord lives in this vessel). In addition to that, been there, done that, and it wouldn’t be better but much, much worst!

I encourage YOU to submit to God. He may be telling you to do something that seems ridiculously impossible, and you know what? It is! That is, without Him. But you must understand we were made by Him, for Him, according to HIS purposes (See Colossians 1:16). We were made by Him to fulfill the purpose of which He’s created us, and everything about us – from our talents, gifts, personalities, parents, etc – was made to accomplish the purpose we were created for. Therefore, I strongly advise that you NOT get caught up on the particulars – the hows and whys – for He will lead you through and to. Do understand there is a process and the process isn’t pretty, however, it is indeed needed – for your sake as well as for the sake of those whom you’re called to influence. As for everything else, know that God knows EVERYTHING, including how to get what He’s called you to do, done. However, if you don’t begin to make a conscious decision to follow Proverbs 3:5-6, then you will find yourself constantly frustrated and going nowhere. You do have an enemy after your soul, inheritance and destiny, but TRUST GOD. You will have moments (quite often) that’ll seem like there’s no provision for the vision God has given you, but TRUST GOD. You will lose loved ones along the way, whether by abandonment or death, but TRUST GOD. There will even be times when you’re tempted to turn back and return to what used to be your old life, but TRUST GOD. Proverbs 3:5-6,

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.

God bless you and hope to see you on the other side!

This Is Why I Dont

Naima Williams — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:00:07 +0000

Current Mood: Anointed & Blessed & Cool & Faith-filled & Filled with Praise!!! & Loved

I Do I Don’t

It’s amazing that when I tell people I’m single, they instantly think that I am longing to be married. This is especially true in southern states than northern, which is where I’m originally from (Brooklyn, NY). Since I’ve moved to Atlanta, a lot of women just automatically assume that I am in travail and in deep longing for a husband. Some have said things like, “Don’t worry, the Lord will bring your husband into your life” OR “Don’t worry, your time is coming soon.” They never stop to consider if I even want to be married, they just assume. And then when I express I’m not interested in being married, they look at me as though something is wrong with me. One even questioned if I was gay.

Right now, I am not interested in marriage because I am very content in my relationship with God and being able to devote all of my time to Him – as spoken by Paul in I Corinthians 7:34:

The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband.

I love being able to devote all of my time to the things of God rather than having to split my time between God and my husband. Now, that’s interesting considering that at one time in my life, around in my twenties, I was Ms. Relationship. You couldn’t find me without being in a relationship, which also includes being in two marriages.

Before I proceed, let me make something perfectly clear: I BELIEVE IN, ENCOURAGE, RECOMMEND AND AM TRULY FOR MARRIAGE!!!! I believe it is an awesome institution that God has ordained, and when done His way, it works! Yes indeed, it takes HARD work, but it still works provided the married couple allows God to be the Third strand in the 3-fold cord, as mentioned in Ecclesiastes 4:12!

For some, it is very difficult to believe that a woman in her right mind could be happily single, saved and satisfied: single by choice, saved because Jesus is my Lord and Savior and satisfied because the Lord keeps me. I remember when I finally decided to submit and commit my life unto the Lord, I went to Him and told Him my problems with lusting after sex and fornication. I figured, “The Lord knows anyways!” Plus, I wanted to keep it real with Him because I had finally reached a point in my life where I was desperate for the Lord. I was tired of running from my calling, I was tired of rebelling and being disobedient, and I truly wanted to live the consecrated lifestyle I knew He was calling me to. As I was confessing to the Lord about my “sex” problem (some could even say addiction), His response to me was, “I will keep you in perfect peace if your mind is stayed on Me” (Isaiah 26:3). At that moment, I made a deal with the Lord: I will keep my mind on You, Lord, and You will keep ALL of me in perfect peace! That’s what, or should I say He’s what is holding and keeping me to this day! Thank you Jesus!

That in itself is amazing because I truly did have a problem in this area, and to be celibate for a number of years is nothing short of a miracle! Furthermore, as I continue to walk with the Lord and study His Word, my mind renews every day. It amazes me what the Lord can do if we only allow Him to do it and trust Him!

So, with all of that said, I am happy and content. Don’t get me wrong, I have my days where it can sometimes be a struggle, but the days of joy and contentment greatly exceed the latter. I am absolutely head-over-heels, nutty in love with God and have a deep longing to do all that He’s called me to do on this earth! My life is God and purpose driven, and right now I cannot see myself nor do I desire to invest in and nurture a new romantic relationship. Nevertheless, understand this: Should it ever be the Lord’s will that I re-marry, then I embrace it and welcome it with open arms because I know my new mate would be God’s gift to me. BUT, until that happens, I will continue to build myself up in the Lord and be just as content, happy and free in Him as I possibly can be! To God be ALL the glory, honor and praise!

A FEW SCRIPTURES

Matthew 19:11-12 AMP

But He said to them, Not all men can accept this saying, but it is for those to whom [the capacity to receive] it has been given. For there are eunuchs who have been born incapable of marriage; and there are eunuchs who have been made so by men; and there are eunuchs who have made themselves incapable of marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let him who is able to accept this accept it.

I Corinthians 7:34 NKJV

The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband.

1 Corinthians 7:7-9 AMP

I wish that all men were like I myself am [in this matter of self-control]. But each has his own special gift from God, one of this kind and one of another. But to the unmarried people and to the widows, I declare that it is well (good, advantageous, expedient, and wholesome) for them to remain [single] even as I do. if they have not self-control (restraint of their passions), they should marry. For it is better to marry than to be aflame [with passion and tortured continually with ungratified desire].

Walking in ‘Crazy’ Faith – the Abrahamic Call Update!

Naima Williams — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 23:55:54 +0000

Current Mood: Anointed & Blessed & Faith-filled & On Fire 4 God!

I am blessed!

Regardless of what the devil tries to convince me of, regardless of what my circumstances may try to suggest, regardless of what other people would like to say – I AM INDEED BLESSED!

It’s been so long since I’ve written in my eJournal, and it’s certainly not due to a lack of anything to say. Au contraire! There are so many extraordinary things that God has been and is doing for, in and with me, that it’s kind of difficult to keep up with them. To try to mention all in detail would take weeks, so I will try to give highlights so that all readers and all who’s following my life may know that God is indeed so very faithful! Even when we are faithless, He still remains faithful. OK, here we go!

As you know, the Lord had me relocate to Atlanta, GA, July 5, 2010. This was no easy task, especially since I knew no one here, I had no money or vehicle at the time, and I had never been to ATL before. Interestingly enough, when I told other believers and ministers of the Gospel that I was going to ATL just off the Word that God had given me, a lot of them seemed puzzled that I would actually go. However, my thought was, what do you do when the Lord tells you to do something? Do you ignore it when you know without a doubt that He’s given you such a mandate? Do you pretend that you never received it? I couldn’t (ignore it) even if I tried, for I knew it was the Lord who was giving me the Abrahamic call found in Genesis 12:1:

Now the LORD had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you.” (emphasis made on will)

So I went not knowing what to expect. In addition, it was furthest from my mind to dare think that the Lord was transitioning and catapulting me to walk in the office of Prophet of the Lord, as He had revealed to me some years ago. However, though it was very evident that God had elevated me to a new realm in the spirit, a new realm of influence and a new realm in authority, the natural showed anything but elevation – that is, from the natural eye. My 1^st month here, He touched a lady I hadn’t spoken to nor seen in over 25 years to open her house to my children and me. Mind you, we had no money to pay her. We couldn’t even contribute to food at that time. However, the Lord endowed us with such favor that the woman was willing to be inconvenienced for our sake. I later learned she was my widow in Zarephath (I Kings 17:8-24). After the month was up, we transitioned a few times, but then later found ourselves at an efficiency suite.

When we went to the suite, we only had enough money for 1 week. How we stayed there for nearly a year was ALL GOD! I kid you not! Our weekly rent of $182 (then later $159.99) was due every Monday at 1PM. There were times when God didn’t provide the payment until about 12:45PM. Now, that seems great now, but going through it was NOT an easy task. Nevertheless, it did challenge me to trust God even the more, especially when my natural circumstances seemed to suggest that God was anywhere BUT with me.

Now when we got here (ATL), the logical thing to do is find a job, but once again God gave me an illogical instruction – work on the business and ministries He’s put within me. Huh? “Yeah, Lord, I’ll do that once we get a job.” My son was looking for work but couldn’t find any. My heart went out to him. Yes, it was he instead of me because this is what the Lord was telling me to do. It defied what I believed and what I felt, but this was the case. Well, as long as our eyes were thinking a job would satisfy our needs, no work could be found. It was only when we aligned ourselves with what God was saying no matter how insane it felt. In essence, what He said was that the business and ministry was PRIMARY and work would be SECONDARY. Once we truly embraced that, that’s when the Lord blessed my son with a job that was way more than what he had ever known or was used to. To God be all the glory!

Well, since I’ve been here, I’ve seen God move in the hearts of many people to bless us. One pastor WHO DID NOT KNOW ME was moved in his heart to pay for one of the week’s rent (actually, that happened more than once). Just recently a woman came to me and told me the Lord wanted her to bless me with $500 to help me to go to the Woman Thou Art Loosed conference this year. To God be the glory!

In addition to this, the Lord put in the heart of an Apostle in Douglasville to ordain me April 2011 as a Prophet of the Lord as well as a Pastor. He also put in my heart and helped me to launch my first conference, which was a youth conference (It’s a ‘G’ Thang – 2011 Youth Conference) – and it was an absolute success! To GOD be ALL the glory! He also instructed me to launch a ministry here in Atlanta, which launched in February. The ministry, FIRE Groups of Atlanta, is an equipping ministry that models the early church as detailed in Acts 2:42-47:

42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church[a] daily those who were being saved.

We have certainly seen the FIRE of GOD manifested in every meeting and we are on our way to some great things, as the Lord has revealed. Sometimes, I’m like “Wow!” I know without one shred of doubt that ALL of this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in my eyes!

Certainly, the Lord has blessed and has endowed me with favor. Glory to His name, we finally moved out of the efficiency suite about a month ago, and it was done in God’s fashion. He showed told and showed me and the children what our new place would look like and even told us how much we’d pay, and lo and behold, everything He said was true! And even how we got the apartment was truly the hand of God. I praise Him and bless Him.

Now with all that I’ve shared, understand that the principle mentioned in Luke 12:48 certainly goes into effect:

When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.

We don’t like responsibility, but we are called into relationship w/God. He’s not our genie and is not going to do everything for us but requires us to do our part and He will ALWAYS do His part! I share with others that whatever you were able to get away with in your previous level, is null and void in your new level. For example, if you were able to get away with 30 minutes a day in prayer, you will have to bump it up to 1 hour a day in prayer, as you are at a higher level. And then, with each new level comes a new devil trying to stop you, discourage you, frustrate you and ultimately destroy you. I have had some serious battles – lots of them. Some of them were external and involved witches and spirits trying to take me down because the devil absolutely hates true believers, and even more, prophets of the Lord. I’ve had all types of bazaar things happen that I knew was nothing but the hand of the enemy. I’ve also had internal battles that dealt primarily with thoughts that were not conducive to my walk with God. Such thoughts included thoughts of depression, thoughts of not being able to make it or to give up and abandon the assignment, thoughts of even killing myself. The devil is a liar and will shoot these thoughts at your mind to make you think that they are indeed your thoughts. He is indeed a liar! Remember what Apostle Paul says in II Corinthians 10:4-5:

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ

Even a greater guard on the mind and heart must be constantly implemented and sought after; for as a man thinketh in his heart, so he is (Proverbs 23:7).

I am grateful for all the Lord has done and for all He’s allowed me to do thus far, including write this entry today. It blesses me to know that others will be encouraged by this article, for the Bible states we overcome the accuser by the words of our testimony (Rev. 12:11). I encourage you all to keep your eyes on the mark, which is Christ Jesus, and never give ear to the enemy. Cast down ALL thoughts not in alignment with God’s Word and His will for your life, and know that this may even require you to separate yourself from friends and family members (prayerfully) who are speaking against God’s will for your life. For some of you, this may also include giving up everything you thought your life was about – your house, friends, lifestyle, etc; but know and remember the promise Jesus says in Mark 10:29-30:

Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life.”

Know that God is faithful to His Word and that He takes care of His own – for your obedience will NOT go unrewarded. Now unto Him who is able to keep us from falling and present us blameless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. To the only wise God our Savior, be glory, majesty, power and dominion, both now and forever more. In Jesus’ name. Amen (Jude 1)

Go Forward!

Naima Williams — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 22:58:51 +0000

Current Mood: Anointed

There are times when God will require you walk to and through what appears to be a closed-shut door. He will tell you to go through the door that is completely shut and looks like it doesn’t have a chance in opening! That door may be a seemingly hopeless situation or a heart that appears to be closed shut; YET God will require you to walk toward it and through it as though ALL THINGS ARE IN YOUR FAVOR. And you know what? They are! They are absolutely in your favor but you cannot see it. This is where you must really stand on and apply these two Scriptures:

For we walk by faith and not by sight. –II Corinthians 5:7

Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not to your own understanding. –Proverbs 3:5

Here is a biblical example of God requiring His servant to walk through what appeared to be a closed-shut door or hopeless situation; yet, their obedience allowed God to show Himself mighty and do the absolutely impossible.

The Children of Israel Crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 15)

God had the children of Israel camp nearby the Red Sea, knowing and even planning for Pharaoh and his ‘choice’ army to pursue the children of Israel so that the Lord may show Himself mighty before the children of Israel. However, the children of Israel are none the wiser. All they knew is that they were in a seemingly impossible situation that looked as though it would end in their demise.

Isn’t that what we do? We tend to walk by sight instead of walk by faith, and taking confidence that God called us to this and therefore He will work all things out together for our good.

Some key facts to consider are:

It was God that led the children of Israel to camp nearby the Red Sea;
The Lord indeed had a plan;
The Lord allowed their enemy to pursue them;

However, instead of them standing in faith and in confidence of the Lord as Moses did, the children of Israel allowed fear to take over and they began to murmur against the Lord and Moses and complain. But what amazes me is what God says in response to this in verse 15:

And the LORD said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward.”

Remember, in front of them is a SEA and in back of them a very angry army of Pharaoh, yet God tells them GO FORWARD; as if a giant sea is not in front of them!

Is this what you sense the Lord saying to you? “Go forward.” “I know what it looks like to YOU and I know you don’t know how I am going to rescue you, however, stand still and know that I am God. It is I who called you to this place and it is I who will deliver you from this place: just hold your peace.”

God requires our faith and our obedience, and if He tells us to do something that is seemingly impossible, KNOW right then in your heart that He will provide you with the necessary resources, protection and anything else you need in order for you to fulfill that which He requires – even if it means that He must perform miracles in order to aid you in your assignment!

OBEY THE LORD…all the time and with all your heart.

Struggling w/Your Identity?

Naima Williams — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:00:40 +0000

Current Mood: Anointed

It’s My Anniversary: The Abrahamic Call/Journey

Naima Williams — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 19:48:41 +0000

Current Mood: Anointed & Faith-filled & Filled with Praise!!! & On Fire 4 God!

Exactly ONE YEAR AGO on Monday, July 5, 2010, I left VA for GA in strict obedience to the Abrahamic call God gave me (Genesis 12:1). A few weeks prior, I was told by Him to leave on this date, so when that day arrived, I left – w/NO car, NO money, knowing NO one (+1) and w/only $200 in my pocket which was borrowed. I didn’t even have an address until 4 days prior to leaving. In essence, the only thing I had was God’s instruction, an instruction I really did NOT want to follow; however, my fear of the Lord was far greater than the fear of not knowing what lies ahead. I left not knowing much of anything except that God told me to come here, and I really wasn’t too happy by it at all. And when I finally began to share with other saints that I was leaving to ATL, most times the conversations went something like this:

“Oh, you have family down in Atlanta?”

“No”

“Do you already have a job lined up?”

“No.”

“Do you know which part of ATL you’re going to?”

“No.”

By this time, there looked puzzled with a hint of pity, almost to say, “You poor delusional woman.”

“So if you don’t mind me asking, why are you going to Atlanta?”

“God told me to.”

Oh yes, I’m sure they wanted to call the mental ward by now. And again, these were men and women of faith; most of which were ministers.

Nevertheless, regardless of the ridicule, the strange looks and even the comments that questioned my competence as a mother (been a mother for 23 years and counting), on the night of July 5^th, 2010, my oldest son, youngest daughter and I was on the road headed toward Atlanta.

I dare not even try to tell you it was all easy and that the red carpet came rolling once I got here. Absolutely not! I thought I was strong in faith, especially since nearly two years prior the Lord told me to leave my place of employment (see http://www.naimawilliams.com/blog/2009/09/28/faith-that-pays-the-bills/) and I’ve been on a major faith walk since. However, once I arrived to ATL I realized that God was yet again calling me to a new, higher level of faith. This level required me to trust NOTHING I saw ~ only His Word and instruction – no matter how illogical it was. In the natural I appeared one way; however, in the spiritual, God thrust me to begin walking and operating in the office of a Prophet of the Lord, as He’s called me to. I even felt the mantle release and felt something happening in the spirit realm even while I was driving! Upon arrival and adjusting to the new place and season God had me in, I seen the evidential fruit of that released mantle. Though in the natural, it was like “God, what are you doing?”, in the spirit realm, it was ABSOLUTELY amazing. I was operating in different dimensions and learning new things. And folks, the best is still yet to come!

I say all that to say this: For some, God WILL require you to do things that will seriously frighten the living daylights out of you. At that crossroad, you will be tempted to run in the opposite direction, or try to conveniently block out what God is saying. Saints, do it! Not only will you see God move for, in and through you like never before, but also other people’s destinies are somehow dependent upon your obedience. Do not presume to think you have the right to question, negotiate or contend with The ALMIGHTY GOD! Instead, humble yourself, submit and obey – even if you must cry in the process (and you will). Know that God NEVER does anything for no reason, and everything He does is much greater than our finite minds can comprehend. This is why Proverbs 3:5-6 admonishes us to trust in the Lord w/ALL our heart and lean not unto our own understanding; in ALL our ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our paths.

Understand this: Very few will understand your praise; very few will understand your tears. Very few will not even know what you’re going through because the JOY of the Lord and your deep desire to serve Him will radiate through you in such a way where others will just think you’re walking on cloud 9. And you know what? You are! Because the Bible says the joy of the Lord is your strength! And that joy doesn’t come from the world! It’s not a superficial joy that’s contingent upon your children behaving or your bills paid or everything going your way. Actually, its IN SPITE of all these NOT happening, you have a greater joy in your heart because GREATER is He who is in you than he that is in the world! I’ve had a myriad of spiritual battles, some with demonic forces and witches (yes, they actually exist). I’ve also had to take some insults even from my brothers and sisters AND that is because NOT EVERYONE WILL SAY YES to this kind of call; for many will NOT leave their comfort zone! And for those who do answer the call, it’s not because they are so special. It’s because they desire God and fear God more than anything else; and trust me, it usually has taken years of getting spiritually whipped before they finally get there (at least that’s my testimony). Nevertheless, God will give you something that others only dream of during what appears to be your worst moment (in the natural). My God! My God! My God! Whoever you are, that is sensing a similar call of God on your life but is scared because you don’t know all the details – HUMBLE yourself and TRUST in the God you say you serve, and know….matter of fact….EXPECT HIM TO DO EXCEEDING ABUNDANTLY ABOVE THAT YOU CAN EVER ASK FOR OR THINK ACCORDING TO THE POWER THAT’S AT WORK IN YOU!!!

Invited to be Ignited! Join Us July 7th @ 8:30 PM EST

Naima Williams — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 13:00:06 +0000