Oh, the goodness of the God I serve...

Oh the joy that overtakes me as I sit and write this! Wow... God is continuing to reveal more of Himself and His love for me every day! The last few weeks have been an incredible taste of the glory yet to come! I know made some poor choices when I first returned from DTS, but God has showed me how important this journey has been. And not to excuse the fact that I willing put myself in spiritually destructive situations, but even in my failures and adultery against God, He STILL longs to be in intimacy with me, and use me for greater purposes!
His Word has become even more alive to be in the last few weeks, and I am so blessed to be in communion with Him. It's also amazing how He has placed the right people in my life in this season to help sustain, encourage, and walk with me! It's been different people at different times, but each day is such a blessing, and I know He has me in mind!
As I read through some of the Psalms yesterday as a part of my devotions, I was so encourage by His promises. And by the encouragement He brought as I shared it with a friend, and how she had read the same Psalm, and was encouraged in much of the same way!
The Psalm starts with praise and thanksgiving, and then gives the account of Joseph and how he was sold into slavery, etc. Then in verse 19 it says this:

"Until the time came to fulfill his dreams,
the Lord tested Joseph's character." (NLT)

I was so encouraged by this, as I have seen the ways that the Lord has been testing my character, and I believe is preparing me for the time of fulfillment of my dreams! His promises are continually on my mind, and I rejoice in the peace that He brings me. It has been confirmed time and again, that the last 5 months have been a season of refinement and preparation in my life, and I am beginning to see the end of the "battle" and beginning to walk into the glorious light of the "valley" that is awaiting me. On one occasion, I was encouraged to stay strong in this season of testing, and not rush ahead of where God has me, because He is right there with me, guiding me in every step. After I finished reading the Word yesterday, I went back through my journal from DTS, and was again reminded of this. One of our speakers had given this warning through the story of the life of Moses,

"Don't run ahead of God!
Don't try to make God's calling on your life
happen according to your timing and
way - you will end up in the desert!
When it's God's time He will speak to you!"

Oh, how blessed I am to have a Father who loves me unconditionally, and who's heart for me is the absolute very best!!! I am filled with JOY! My heart sings...

I hope you are encouraged to continue to hold on to the promises God has spoken to you, and trust Him even in the battlefields of life. Oh, the joy that comes when you trust Him, and pursue Him even in the "dry patches" of life.

Thank you, Jesus. You are so good.