Do you feel like you’re on Fire every day (part 4: conclusion)
obedience has a blessing
Honestly, throughout this series I feel like I learned so much about myself. This series was so dear to my heart. It started in a way I didn’t expect, in a way I didn’t want. But ultimately, it became a journey of growth — learning to let go of pride and perfection. Sometimes we'll fail — we have to learn from it and move forward. I think a lot of times we don’t say this out loud, but deep down we want to be perfect. Yet only one perfect man ever lived. Jesus. In some ways, it didn’t always land that way because of how I communicated it. And I’ve learned that sometimes we write the first draft, and then there’s a second draft where you frame it so the message can be received the way you hoped. And yes, it took me a while to learn how to deliver this message well. But my friends, there is a testimony in the wait. Part 1) A testimony that joy is not based on circumstance. Part 2) A testimony where you meet a new side of God you didn't know before. Part 3) A testimony where you listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, and lean on community. And the fourth thing staying here — in Miami taught me is that obedience carries a blessing. More than anything, that January there was this one Wednesday. A girl was crying, and someone pointed her out to me. I wasn’t even supposed to go to church that night. But now I know why I had to be there. At first was I just looking for tissues to give her, and then I caught myself thinking, why am I looking for tissues? I need to hurry and talk to her before she leaves. And she began sharing what she was going through. Opening up to a total stranger, and the crazy thing was that the prayer I had been praying for my life was the same prayer she was praying for hers. So I spoke life over her. We prayed together before she left that Wednesday, and I realized something: my purpose in that room to speak to her, hug her, and pray with her so she knew she wasn’t alone. In that moment, because of what I was walking through — because of what I was waiting on — I knew how it felt and could see what she was carrying and connect with her. Not because I’m special — oh no! God empowers each of us to be a blessing. And more often than not, when we’re in a room, it’s never just about a task. Even when you’re volunteering or serving, it’s about the one person God places in front of you. And I will tell you — I left January with a better perspective. I’m sharing this vulnerably because sometimes we think that once we have a testimony, you won't have hard moments or seasons. You will. But even in the fire, you get to be a blessing to someone else. The reality is that you can be used by Him right where you are. Because your value is not attached to your career. Your worth doesn’t depend on how much money you make, your promotion, or how fast things happen. Your worth is rooted in who God is and what He did at the cross. I don't know what you’re walking through right now, but He is in the thick of it with you. I keep going back to the boys in the fire. They knew there was a fourth man with them. And maybe you’re in a fire right now. You may not feel Him, but He is there. Keep checking the receipt on your testimony too — all the times He showed up for you — over and over again. In the fire, He refines us. He keeps our gaze fixed on Him. Because He’s not just trying to give you a blessing — He’s preparing you to carry it well, because what He has for you isn’t just for you. It’s for the people around you too. And one thing I’ve always said is this: when my blessing comes, it won’t be just for me. I want to help my parents. I want to help my siblings, cousins, extended family. I also want to be generous with everyone God places on my path every single day. “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.’’—2 Corinthians 9:11 Like a gigantic unit circle that's getting wider and wider. Because living a generous life — that calling has always been in my heart. So if you’ve been praying a prayer that feels bigger than you, maybe it’s because your heart carries something bigger — and God sees you too. Don’t fight your battles alone. Keep opening up. Keep confessing. Because walking in freedom isn’t just for you; it becomes a blessing to someone else. Your life, your obedience can unlock the key to someone else’s victory because the truth is — we are all really instruments refined through fire in God’s hands.
Heart Call:
True obedience reveals itself when you have a choice and still consistently choose to obey anyways. I've been waiting for 16 months, and God has been faithful every step of the way. I'm encouraging you to remain still when He says so.
There is a testimony in the wait — Joy finds you there, you learn God’s character in there, You learn to lean on community and you get to be a blessing to someone else.
And you're never alone in the fire. God is with you. Always.
“Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”—Daniel 3:25
And my question for you is
What part of the series is encouraging you right now (obedience has a joy, obedience has a gift, obedience has a voice, or obedience has a blessing)?How has God shown up in your life before? (remember)
Photo Credits: Caique Nascimento