If you’re reading this I want you to know that this is not just for me but this is also for you. Thank you for joining me on this journey and this season of life. 

 

For whatever reason our paths have crossed, and now I get to invite you into my story. 

 

I’ve loved reading through the Bible in a year with my friends for the past couple of years and the eyes of my heart have been opened to the spiritual experience around me under the authority of Jesus. The thread of provision, purpose and a plan for Jesus to overcome the enemy was set in motion as soon as man entered the world. It is all so clear to me.

 

The Bible displays bravery and faith. It has been so exciting to me as if it is the first time I have read it. I have been sitting with the stories of Abram/Abraham, Hannah, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Esther, Ruth, Nehemiah, Jonah, Job, and David. The way God used their stories made such impactful displays of purpose greater than any of us would’ve seen coming. Sometimes I reflect and wonder, what is my purpose, my assignment in this season with these circumstances and am I following the same instructions to bring God glory with the way I live my life? 

 

Working as a healthcare provider I have been in very sacred, vulnerable places alongside my patients and their families. I’ll never forget being there for a dad that looked in my eyes asking me, “why does God allow bad things to happen to innocent and good people.” It is a question many of us have pondered when we hear of tragedy and devastation happening, especially to children. Can we actually shift our perspective when it is our turn or when we say, “not if but when the storms of life come, find me as a living sacrifice”…then will we really respond with full surrender knowing that God is actually sovereign and His ways are higher than ours? 

 

My God, my God. El Roi, El Shaddhai. Jehova Rapha. Jehova Nisi. The Great I AM. Yahweh. 

 

To answer this question I look back on the way he provided a way for humanity to return to the garden once sin entered the world. I remember one Christmas devotional that I went through with my friends and am still struck with “Love always gives us a choice.” The choice is to live life with Him or apart from Him. My choice is clear. He made a way. He paid the price. He deserves all of our affection and obedience to be number one in our hearts. We are to lay all of our crowns down at His feet in preparation for his return during the great wedding feast. Oh what a day that will be…Sound the trumpets. Shout with praise. 

 

I chose life with Him and know that the bolder I get in my faith, the closer I am to his blessing and invitation to standing on faith with a firm foundation knowing full well that He has created me for such a time as this. I am completely surrounded by the cloud of His glory. Anything that comes in or goes out has already answered to Him.

 

I went from feeling like a lost sheep just realizing who her shepherd was (clinging to Psalm 23) to a commander of the armies on the frontline. We are victorious through the power and resurrection of Christ. He conquered the grave and rose again. He said it is finished.

 

Lady's dream - open the eyes of our hearts Lord:

 

As commander, there have been years of preparation, building of relationships, service to others, closeness to God, great faith with great endurance and staying in constant communion with God saying I’m ready Lord…whatever it takes, I’m ready. Not only having truths from His holy Bible engrained in my heart, replacing old ways of thinking but also really knowing Him...He is a God of order, justice, mercy, love, peace, righteousness, holiness and He is calling His children (chosen and adopted ones) to repent, return and stand up in brave faith and authority through Him and in Him. There is no time to waste or stand in the middle of the road wondering which way to go. It is a critical time that He has ordained for the remnant to stand up and to bring others along with us.

 

He gave me a dream the other day where he held me in the palm of His right hand facing the battlefield with this great giant lying on the ground in front of me and he showed me with his left hand that the battle had already been won. Then as he pointed with his left hand for me to look around, there were many armies of angels surrounding every border holding back the enemies and keeping them from invading. These were people that looked familiar but I couldn't make out their faces. This was you, if you are reading this now. My invitation to you as you join me is to draw near to the Lord God Almighty with worship and praise for the battle has already been won.

Thank you for reading this and I love you so dearly! 

-Lady Carolina Collins