I’m a huge sports fan and I look forward to watching the Olympics when it’s held every 4 years. I love gymnastics and figure skating the most, but I do enjoy watching track and field. It’s exciting to see the athletes give their all as we witness who the next champion will be. As the runners position themselves on the block to take flight, I’ve always wondered why a gunshot is fired prior to the race. After doing some research, I found a gunshot is signaled to indicate the race has begun, but more importantly the sprinters (runners) react faster to a gunshot as opposed to a red light. 

It’s important to note that when God places you in position and gives you the signal to run, you better be willing to go! All of the training He’s giving you now is only preparing you for the biggest race you’re about to embark on. There’s no need to be afraid or fear failing because He will be with you all the way. You may even have thoughts or feelings of not being quite ready, but everything that’s about to happen in your life has already been given a set time long ago. 

Don’t talk yourself out of running when God has already positioned you to win the race. 

La’Rue

When I was younger and in middle school, certain individuals would bully me because I was overweight, dark, extremely poor and looked the part. It did not matter my intelligence or friendliness; all they saw was no brands and no money. Although I was constantly ostracized, it was always verbal and not physical. They knew that their words were more powerful, harmful, and lasted longer than a fist fight, so that was their choice of weapon. Granted they succeeded then, but they don’t stand a chance now. Hurtful things people said to me took up space in my head, but now has no room. I confidently know that no matter who or what is against me, God is for me. I know that the weapon will form, but it won’t prosper. I know that what my enemies meant for bad, God has turned it around for my good. And because of that, I’m good!

I don’t know what your relationship is like with God or if you have one. But what I do know is nothing or no one can do anything to you when God is with you!

La’Rue

On yesterday, I proposed a question; “Is God deliberately not answering my prayers?” I’m sure you too have asked yourself the same and the response is yes. Often times, God deliberately won’t answer our prayers for several reasons:

1. What you’re asking for is not of God’s will. It doesn’t matter how good you think it is or what purpose it’ll serve. It has to be God’s purpose for your life or for the “advancement of His Kingdom” (Daniel 2:44).
2. Your motives/heart is not pure. If you are praying for your own selfish reasons, wickedly, or that God brings forth harm to someone (especially if they’ve hurt you), consider that prayer canceled! God will avenge all His people and even says in His word, “Vengeance is mine says the Lord” (Deuteronomy 32:35).
3. Preparation has to occur first. A lot of things we ask God for, we don’t have the strength or mental capacity to handle it. God has great things planned for us, but we must be ready in order to receive them and do what He has planned for us to do. “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10).
4. God has better plans for us. Many times, the things we think are of benefit to us only prove to be detrimental for us. We think because it’s “our life” and we know what’s best, we go ahead of God only to discover how bad we end up needing Him. However, God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8) and “He knows the plans He has for us. Plans to prosper us and not harm us. Plans for a hope and future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

There are a number of reasons God won’t answer our prayers, but those are the most common. In any event, know that God has your best interest at heart and when the time has come and you are ready, God will answer your prayers.

La’Rue

Have you ever thought to yourself “Why am I doing this?” Or did you just do it without thinking? Do you give thought to why certain events occur and you end up in them? Maybe you can’t understand why you’re met with such opposition, and others aren’t. Perhaps you’re struggling to stay afloat, while so many others sail right by you. I’m sure your list of questions continues, but did you ever stop and ask yourself, “God why me?” All of the above questions (and so many more) was continuously asked and at the forefront of my mind last year.

You all have read about my struggles and troubles and how I viciously fought to overcome, only to realize God was listening but not responding, at least not immediately. No matter when I prayed, where I prayed, or how many times I prayed, they went unanswered. I was already upset by my situation and His failure to respond only frustrated (and infuriated) me more. After a year of this, I had to ask myself another question; “Is God deliberately not answering my prayers? If so, then why?”

La’Rue

I’m a person that enjoys food, particularly meal sampling, and if it’s something my palate has taken complete interest in, I want more of it. In fact, I want a double portion of everything. It’s not long before I realize I’ve bitten off more than I can chew (no pun intended). Because of my poor upbringing, I know what it’s like to go without eating, so I try not to waste food nor have any leftovers. On the contrary, I must say, for many people God is going to give you double what you’ve asked for.

Your portion will be in such excess that you will have so much leftover, ultimately deciding “What must I do?” Although the decision is entirely yours, I suggest you do for others what God is about to do for you; create an overflow. “How do you know these things? Are you a Minister?” I was recently asked, and my response is no. I just know that when God speaks to my spirit, I listen and share His “notes.” If you’re still scratching your head and saying, “I don’t know about this one,” don’t take my word for it. Instead take it straight to the Source. He knows best!

La’Rue