Every Blessing You Pour out I'll Turn Back to Praise!

This verse kept playing through my head as I ran back from the pier yesterday.... every blessing you pour out I'll turn back to PRAISE!! The song talks about blessing the name of the Lord, regardless of the circumstance that we face.  We are to bless the name of the Lord through every walk of life... when God gives and when He takes away.  He is our good, all-knowing Father, who wants to give us every blessing imaginable and unimaginable.

In fact, the blessing of his comfort in the midst of my mother's death was the only thing that kept my fragile heart together.  People said I was strong, however I beg to differ.  I felt as if I was drowning in quick sand and all I had left was to hold tight to the truths of God's word.  I learned the truth of what it means in Matthew 5 when Jesus says, "Blessed are those who morn for they will be comforted."  In that time it was as if God was saying, "Britney, your blessed when you have nothing left to turn to but me and the love I freely give, only then can you truly understand the extent of my love."

Here are a few chances that God has given me since my move to Fort Myers to love those people who truly need to experience that extent of God's love!! I am so humbled (and happy) that God has given me the chance to be the person to do that for Him!  I have two stories that stick out in my mind for they were specific answers to prayer and they both happened at the pier!!

PRAYER NUMBER ONE:  That God would use volleyball as a way to reach out to those of the community.  

On a run 2 weeks ago, I saw people playing volleyball at a court near the pier.  As I ran by, I could see that they were short one person.  I WANTED TO PLAY, but I was nervous to go and ask (which is unlike me).  A burning desire came upon me and I could feel God saying, "here is your opportunity, which way are you going to run?... away from my outstretched arms or into them?  I want you to go have fun." I ran to the volleyball court... and I had fun!!

I started to build relationships with a couple of girls on the court, and when we were done playing, the guys came over and asked if I would like to play the next week... They asked me where I was from, and I was the first person they had ever met from Nebraska :)  I had the opportunity to share what I was doing there, and they listened as I told them about Jesus.  Then one of the guys, Damon said, "Well, you just got done playing volleyball with a group of recovering drug addicts, I hope that doesn't bother you." My heart was overjoyed... this is it God!!  You specifically answered my prayer....  THANK YOU.  "That doesn't bother me at all," I told Damon, "I had so much fun with you today, and I would love to come back next week."

And I did. The next week I went back and built even stronger relationships.  They are my "volleyball friends", and I desire them to know Jesus so badly.  They are searching, I can see it, they are earnestly seeking.  Now when I run by the volleyball court each day, I pray for them and for God's angels to protect them and that God's Spirit would open their hearts to the Gospel. 

Where Karen and I had lunch.

PRAYER NUMBER TWO: That God would give me someone to share Christ to whom I had never met before.

This year was also the first Thanksgiving that I spend away from family.    As I walked down the pier one day I saw a lady feeding the birds, gazing out over the water.  I knew she was the one.  I went over and introduced myself to her and she told me her name was Karen.  We spent the next hour just talking, she told me a little about her life, that she had no family here in town.  She had a rough past, a mom who really was absent most of her life, and a horrible first marriage.  She was living on the streets now, and was not allowed to see her adult children until she had her life but back together.   

Karen's story broke my heart, she was carrying so much guilt from her past, I could relate to that. I knew that Christ's freedom was what helped me move forward, and I was shown Christ through people who reached out and loved me.  I wanted to reach out to her in the way people had reached out to me.  "Would you like to have a Thanksgiving lunch together?" I asked.  

The next day I packed a bag full of turkey and mashed potatoes, and walked down to the pier to meet Karen.  We had a wonderful lunch together by the water, sharing in fellowship and laughter.  I had the opportunity to ask her about Jesus and she asked me about him too.  Before I left I asked to pray with Karen, and we gave each other a big hug!  She was what I was thankful for on Thanksgiving, another divine appointment.  I hope I see her again soon.  

All of my life, in every season, you are still God and I have a reason to sing...  I have a reason to praise!!!!  When the darkness closes in Lord, still I will say, "Blessed be the name of the Lord."  Through the last year, my life has been a roller coaster, but the one thing that has remained steadfast and true are the promises that God has made in his Word... therefore-  I know how to be brought low, and how to abound.  In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  (Philippians 4:12-13)