I have been in a hostile environment for these five months and I’d be lying if I said that it didn’t affect me because it has. I have been insulted, belittled, embarrassed, criticized, and bullied. This situation has challenged my self-image, my peace, my joy, and my faith. I have had some very rough days, but God has sustained me. The scripture that summarizes my experience is, “And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain” (Hebrews 12: 27). In this scripture God talks about shaking the earth and Heaven so that the shaken things can be removed. Those things that cannot be shaken, cannot be removed. God has shaken my world during these months. I have had to decide if I really believe what I say I do. Do I really believe that God is going to keep His promises? Do I even believe that God made the promises? Am I an overcomer or am I a coward? Do I believe that I can walk on water if Jesus bids me come? Do I believe that I hear from God or am I fooling myself? All these questions had to
be answered before I could move forward. Many things have fallen away. I have seen a lot of things removed from my life. Some things were more painful than others. Now, all that is left is me and God. The real me and the real God. You know what? I like what I see. I feel like I made it. I did not do it perfectly, but I am still standing. I had to cry and I had to pray. I had to worship God with trembling lips and a teary face, but I worshiped Him. I had to groan and struggle and ask questions. I had to have others pray for me and with me. Some days were better than others, but I am still alive and I still love God. What’s more, my relationship with Him is deeper than it was before. It is easier to trust Him. I feel lighter because God removed the things that were weighing me down. Now it’s time to step off into destiny.