Today was a day that I could have created some massive storms, and it could have been really easy to complain about the rain.

I slept horribly last night. Woke up sluggish, hard to focus on my morning devotions and routine. Ran a few minutes late for work because I was getting ready to go to the gym, and I ended up not going anyway. My tuxedo for Night to Shine hadn’t arrived yet, so I couldn’t have my final fitting as planned. I dropped my Jeep off to be fixed, only to find out that what we thought it needed, and what I already purchased the parts for isn’t what is wrong with it. And to fix what actually is wrong could cost up to 4 times as much. There is a good chance that I hit every single red light in my journeys today. Since my schedule was all out of sorts, so was my nutrition which further affected my mood and energy level. I finished up my work day to find some leftover Chinese food that some friends had in my car spilled all over my back seat, and as I was pulling into Wegmans a semi truck decided it was a good time to pull out in front of me causing me to lock up my brakes.

It was a good day to have a bad day.

Thank you Jesus for this day, because it caused me to lean on You and helped me realize that the enemy is attacking me, trying to get me off my game.

I took a step back to look at the forest instead of the trees.

I am pursuing full time ministry, on the path to getting ordained, doing my best to show the love of Jesus in all I do. I am rededicated to my music, which I have always used as a means of absolute praise for the King. I am the chairman for Night to Shine for my beloved church, which is a dream come true for me and an opportunity to bless hundreds of people and our honored guests with special needs as we shower them with God’s love.

Yup… Satan is not to thrilled with me and he’s pushing back.

After I realized this, I came home exhausted but determined- Gia and I headed right to the gym. I did heavy resistance work with my chest because it’s my weakest muscle group and my back because I lose confidence quickly when my back hurts ever since my surgery. This gave me a boost in confidence and a rush of adrenaline as I feverishly and purposefully talked with God throughout my workout.

I shined up my Helmet of Salvation because the Lord is protecting my thoughts as the enemy wants to attack my self worth and doubt the power of my salvation. I strapped on my Breastplate of Righteousness because it protects my heart and emotions and helps me stand strong and protected in my purpose. I tightened up my Belt of Truth because Satan’s lies will never deter me from God’s truth. I laced up my boots with the Gospel of Peace because I am ready, willing and able to spread the love of our Heavenly Father. I grabbed my precious Shield of Faith, because the love and protection of our King is infallible.

It’s easy to let tough times create the storms; it’s easy to lose focus of your passion and purpose when we are distracted with what’s going wrong.

But what a blessing it is to gain strength, endurance and faith as we pursue Jesus through it all as He paves the way for the purpose He has birthed in us!

Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to sharpen up my Sword of the Spirit; God has called me to a higher purpose, and I will not let Him down.

Not today Satan, and not EVER.

#grace #grateful #blessed #called #standstrong #ephesians6 #armourofGod #loveMORE #beMORE #doMORE