The Price You Pay

I will never forget exactly 10 years ago at age 20 when I surrendered to God’s will for my life when it came to the area of relationships. I released the pen in my hand to give it to God so that He could write my love story. I did not know what to expect at that time but one thing is for sure, I did not expect to go through all that I went through in my singleness to date. I did not expect to cry so much about desiring a partner to do life with and it not happening by age 30. I did not expect to grow frustrated to the point where I actually gave up a few times along the way, not even having enough strength to utter the words, “Lord, please help my unbelief.” I did not expect to see friend after friend, family member after family member, get into a relationship, engaged, married and/or become pregnant and not feel alone. 

I thought I could handle whatever came my way when God took over. However, I couldn’t. The warfare I’ve experienced? Unbearable at times. The emotional rollercoaster? Never seemed to end. I felt like I was in a never ending battle, constantly facing one thing after the next. However, God never left my side. 

There is a price to pay when you say yes to God. A price that requires complete obedience, immense trust, and unwavering faith. Even through all of the hardships, God did not fail me. He sent specific people along the way to help me carry this cross so that I can continue saying yes to Him, His will, and His way. The people that came my way throughout the years have been people who were older than me with so much godly wisdom and knowledge. I never went searching for these people. They literally came to me by divine appointment. These people knew what the faith walk was all about and continued pressing into God which inspired me to do the same. He sent these people to encourage me and to help me not lose hope even when I saw nothing happening in the physical realm. He sent them to pray for me even in those moments when I had no words but silent tears. He used them to push me further into my calling and the assignment that He placed over my life. These people refused to give up on me and refused to allow me to give up on myself. When I would hang around them, they would help me put my focus on my life goals, all that I am currently working on, and the blessings that came my way in the last 10 years. They did not minimize my circumstances. They just helped me shift my perspective. My love story is not and will not be in vain. 

Today, I stand here and say that I do believe that God is still in the midst of writing my love story. Although my relationship status has not changed, my life did. I am not the same person I was 10 years ago. I have so much to live for and so much to be grateful about. 

Key points to take away is that when you say yes to God, know that:

• The enemy will not be happy. He will do everything and just about anything to discourage, disappoint, frustrate, overwhelm, and sadden your spirit. He will even send people to tempt you and try to pull you away from God so that you can give up on all that God has promised you. That is why spiritual discernment and staying connected to God is so important.

• You will go through some intense seasons that may almost seem impossible to bear. But be encouraged because just as God did with me, He will send people specifically assigned to you to help you along the way if you allow Him to. He will also open other doors of opportunity to keep you busy in a healthy way as He continues to work behind the scenes for your good.
• You may be the only one in your family, friend group, job site, etc. who has an anointing that literally separates you from the rest. Therefore, people will hate you. Not because of you but because of the God in you. You may feel ostracized, ridiculed, and scrutinized but that’s okay. You have a higher calling that is destined for greatness, and it was a calling not meant for everyone else.
• So much will come against you, but that just means that you are on the right path. The enemy is threatened by your very existence and obedience.

Whatever you do friend, remain on the path God has you on. You may not understand now, but I stand in agreement with you that one day you will and you will see the goodness of God over your life. You will see why the enemy fought you so hard. Beauty is on the other side. You just have to hold on a little while longer! In those moments where you can’t seem to do so anymore, call on God. I can promise you with everything in me that He will answer. I know this because of Psalm 34:17 –> ” The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.”

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