Our cafe' hit an all time low the day before. It was strange because Friday's had always been one of our best days. I went to bed saying all the right things to one of my partners, my daughter, but I awoke with her concerns.
It started as a low rumble as a "what if?" As the morning progressed the "what ifs" became full on sentences. What if I misunderstood the leading of the Lord? What if the cafe' fails? What if I'm stuck with a debt-load and no way to pay it?
Before I left my house to fulfill my shift, I knew I was in a true "head on" battle. On my way in, I was reminded of something I had recently read... fear robs us of faith. Yes! I was becoming consumed in fear and the "what ifs" were my hook. My faith was depleting and fear was becoming a crippling monster.
It is up to me to choose what I will allow to consume my mind. The Holy Spirit bubbled scripture up from within,
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- 2 Cor. 10:4-6a
I decided that I was not going to stay in that place of fear. I also wasn't going to base my day, my thoughts, and actions on the fears of "what if?" I was gonna grab a hold of that hook and cast it into the sea!
As I listened to worship music I had to force myself to sing. Somewhere within myself I was comfortable with the fears, perhaps because I had established a familiarity with it long ago. But as a growing believer, I knew I didn't want to stay there - I wasn't going to stay there. I then decided it was time for me to to talk to God. I began by thanking Him for the opportunity to have a business, to be able to be where we are, and to be called by Him for such a time as this to work with two other generations. In prayer, my focus began to shift! I began to I to apply the principals of authority I had been learning, "In Christ I don't have to submit to fear, I submit to faith! I do not relinquish the leading of the Lord. I know I have been called there for this time and this season. I will focus on the vision and let God be my provision!" I went on and on and proclaimed God's goodness. Slowly the fear began to melt. I pressed in further. I began to pray for the other stores in our galleria. I realized they too were feeling the pinch. I continued to pray my way to work. Before I knew it, my half hour ride was complete.
As soon as my foot hit the threshold of the store, I knew, that I knew, that I knew, I was where I belonged. As the day unfolded, I watched God work in the natural realm as well as the spiritual realm. Our sales went up and so did a few prayers. Most of all, the faith which God established in me arose once again and the fears disappeared. I felt peace in my soul and the confidence that God is our provider was re-established.
The "what ifs" shifted. "What if God called me here to enjoy this season with my spiritual mom and daughter? What if God wants me here to be connected to the people at the store? What if this new thing we're doing makes it possible for others dreams to come true? By faith the hook was thrown back to me, by the greatest fisherman of all time, and was baited with the victory side of "what ifs!"
God Bless!
Deborah :)
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