In
my last post I discussed the importance of having a good name and a good
reputation. In this post, we’ll continue to look at some more specific points
that helped shaped my life as God was transforming me to become more rooted and
grounded in Him.
Esther
was a young lady, who later became queen because of her good name, her
countenance and her reputation. Prior to
becoming queen, she was one of the young ladies gathered at the palace when the
King’s command and decree went out to gather all the young virgins in Shushan. These women were taken to the citadel, which
is the palace complex built in the city for protection. Once there, she was secluded and only
surrounded by people who would prepare her
and protect her as she began her
preparations for being presented to the King. The ladies selected to help her
during this part of the process were called “choice maidservants” (Esther 2:9). Once her choice maidservants were assigned,
she was then moved to the best part of the house where the women lived, away
from distractions and danger. Because of
her impending destiny, she couldn’t keep company with just anybody. She was set apart and set aside. She came out
from among them.
After spending so much
time sleeping with just any man, I ended up pregnant with my third child. I stopped taking anti-depressants and I was
now alone, sad and depressed. By force, I was removed from all that was slowly destroying
me—promiscuous sex and a reckless lifestyle.
My new life was lonely and dark. Now that the veil was off and the
darkness was removed from my eyes, I was starting to see what my life had
really become. My life was empty but empty of the world’s vices, which left
plenty of room for God to fill me with His love and care. What He showed me was that all of my actions
and behaviors were rooted in hurt, depression, rebellion and rejection. What was I going to do next? How was I going
to get back to the place of feeling better, delivered, set free and made whole?
How was I going to start living the life that lined up with what God called me
to be?
During
my pregnancy, I started attending church with the mindset of “just be invisible.” I didn’t want anyone to see me in the natural
or “see” me in the spirit because I was one broken chic! I was embarrassed
about my secrets and full of shame for being pregnant with a third child, of whom
I wasn’t 100% sure of who the father was.
I didn’t have expectations from my regular church attendance and I was
content with being a pew warmer. To my
surprise God shifted my life into transition and I noticed my circle of friends
started changing. I was always the
invisible, introverted one but now He was planting me around wonderful women of
God! I gleaned from them and watched
them because they lived the lives of Godly women IN CHURCH and AT HOME! They
were true, genuine Titus 2 women. The
love of God flowed freely and effortlessly through these women. I never
experienced this kind of love before so at first, I was fearful and a bit
resistant. They invited my family and me into their lives and they loved on us! As time went on, I grew more trusting of these
women because I realized they were here to correct me, support me, love me,
teach me, encourage me and to hold me accountable for my lifestyle. God specifically
chose them! They were HIS “choice” for my life! God knows where He’s taking me
so He also knows who I have to be surrounded by. As I look at my life now, I am
thankful for those women and I praise God for each and every one of them. They
are still a very integral part of my life.
When
was the last time you took a look at your circle? Is there strife in your circle? Bitterness?
Are you running real tight and close with people who are not running or living
for Christ? If you answered “yes” to any
of those questions, it’s time to evaluate your heart and ask yourself why you’re
not submitted to the transition. 1 Corinthians 15:33 NKJV says “Do
not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits." Fear is closely related to deception. Do not
think, for one minute, that you can intimately run with people and not pick up
their habits and/or their practices. Proverbs
22:24-25 NKJV says “Make no friendship with an angry man, And
with a furious man do not go, v25 Lest you learn his ways And set a snare for
your soul.” Don’t have any angry
friends? Well substitute that word
“angry” with anything ungodly and it still fits. Try it!
Friends, it’s time to
come out and yield yourself to what God is doing in your life. Don’t be afraid
of hurting anyone’s feelings if you have to cut them off or limit your contact
with them. Your life in Him is more important! God knows your impending destiny
so let Him bring you out from among them
and unto Him.
Recommended Reading:
The Book of Esther
Titus Chapter 2
Proverbs 22:24-25
Message Translation
©2013 by Tamara D.
Davis
Scriptures taken from
the New King James Version. Copyright ©
1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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