Dancing in the Rain

What does it mean to be resilient? One definition states " To withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions." From a biblical stand point it states " The capacity of an individual to maintain or regain their faith, hope, and trust in God, amidst trials, tribulations, and adversities. The strength is derived from a deep-rooted relationship with God."

In our lives, there will be times when adversity rears its ugly head; with

some trials being more difficult than others. But that does not give us the right to give up and dismiss our trust in God. I know women who have showed me what it means to have Holy Spirit activated resilience in a storm. Whether through marital woes, infertility, broken relationships, or financial woes; their dependency on God and His word is what caused them to dance through the storm. There is another woman in particular I'd like for us to reflect on and that is Hannah.

In 1 Samuel, we are introduced to Hannah. She's a wife, a woman devoted to God, a prayer warrior, but there was one missing piece to her life...a child. Hannah was barren, unable to conceive, unlike her husband's other wife Penninah who had bore more than one child (yes, that man had 2 wives. Let's carry on). Penninah knew Hannah desired children but rather than encouraging her she chose to bully Hannah. Penninah taunted Hannah for YEARS, bringing her to tears and utter anguish. Even though Hannah's husband loved her dearly it still didn't satisfy the hole in her heart. With a heartfelt sorrow, and a bitter cry Hannah chose to pour out her heart before the Lord. As she prayed, Eli the priest saw her praying but heard no words, thinking she was drunk. She quickly explained what was taking place and what he said to her after ignited her faith even more. Eli said " Go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked him." She was no longer sad. Suddenly, after a day of worship with her family God remembered her request and opened her womb to her first of many children.

What can we learn from Hannah's resilience?

1. When we are faced with obstacles, persecution, and long-suffering, worship is our warfare, and our praise is our weapon. Hebrews 13:15

   
   

2. If our hearts are truly rooted in Christ, we will rest in His will, His timing, and His desires over our own barrenness/emptiness (relationships, children, careers, etc). Psalms 37:4

   
   

3. In trials, the type of community that surrounds you matters. Will they walk with you, pray for you, and encourage you through the storm? Or will they be another Penninah? 1 Samuel 1:15-17

   
   

4. Make your requests known to God from a heart with pure intentions. Philippians 4:6-8, Matthew 6:33

   
   

5. Position your heart wherever and however God instructs you, and in due time He will help you. Isaiah 30:18

*Reflect on this: Who or what is a 'Penninah' in your life? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal this taunting obstacle and seek him on further instructions. Sis, we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, satan is at work but God is working harder for you.

Jesus told us that hard times are inevitable in this life, but it's what you do in the waiting that matters. Will you give up and allow the enemy to bind your hands in the fight? Or will you hold your head up, humble yourself to pray, and keep dancing in the rain? The choice is yours. Remember, we are made to be more than conquerors through Christ, and God didn't raise no punks. Sis, GO IN RESILIENCE! like my sister said in the previous blog, THIS IS BOUNCE BACK SEASON. You got this!

Love you and God Bless!

Tickets are going fast for Abide and Bloom Summit! You definitely don't want to miss this epic event! Get ready for God to meet you right where you are! Don't forget we have a BOGO sale going, so get your bestie and purchase those tickets. See you soon!