A nadie le gusta estar en el “pozo”. Hay una sensación inquebrantable de aislamiento y abandono. Sin embargo, estar en el “pozo” durante un cierto tiempo es necesario y valioso. (esta puede ser una experiencia espiritual como física) Es en el “pozo” donde Dios comienza a cambiarnos, a fortalecernos, y es donde comienza a mostrarnos la condición de nuestro corazón.

En la Biblia, había un joven soñador de 17 años que experimentaría las pruebas de estar en el pozo por una “estancia prolongada”. Probaría y experimentaría el dolor de ser parte de una familia tóxica, ser víctima de una traición, sufrir soledad, miedo, abandono y terror a lo desconocido. Parecería ser el momento más oscuro y triste de su vida. Y cuando terminemos de leer su historia, también descubriríamos que lo que pasó en realidad fue para su bien y no para su mal. Cuando nos enfrentamos a un desafío, situación, enfermedad o prueba difícil, tendemos a sentirnos desesperados y también comenzamos a clamar a Dios. Pero Dios nos asegura a través de la Palabra y los innumerables relatos históricos escritos en este gran libro conocido como la Biblia, que Él ya está allí en el futuro y que todo realmente resultará para nuestro bien para aquellos que lo aman y son llamados según Su propósito.

Viajemos en el tiempo al libro del Génesis capítulo 37 en la vida de José, el hijo de Jacob y Raquel. La historia se desarrolla en la tierra de Canaán. José tenía 11 hermanos. Él era el favorito. Todos sabían que Jacob amaba a José más que a todos los demás. Ahora, antes de explicar lo que pasó, necesito retroceder un poco y explicar por qué él era el favorito. Verás, José era hijo de Jacob en su vejez y era el primogénito del amor de su vida “Raquel”, la única mujer que amaba y quería como esposa. Le dieron por esposa a Lea, la hermana de Raquel, por engaño y obligación. Lea y las siervas dadas a Jacob como esposas le dieron muchos hermanos. Raquel concebiría un hijo más llamado Benjamín y moriría trágicamente durante su nacimiento.

Ahora, volvamos a José. Jacob adoraba a José. Le había dado una túnica de colores para que la usara y enviaba a José a ver cómo estaban sus hermanos cuando cuidaba a los animales. Estos actos trajeron celos y envidia a todos sus hermanos y José pronto sentiría su ira. Para colmo del insulto, José recibió sueños y los revelaba a sus hermanos y padres causando aún más envidia. Dios le mostraría a José el futuro en sus sueños. José no había aprendido a guardarse las cosas para sí mismo y, en cambio, esto se convirtió en el acto que llevó a sus hermanos a la locura. (nota personal, nuestros sueños no siempre deben ser compartidos con los demás. Debemos buscar el discernimiento de Dios. Algunos sueños se nos dan para interceder y orar o simplemente Dios se está comunicando con nosotros y haciéndonos saber lo que está sucediendo o lo que sucederá). ocurrir ) La Biblia dice que sus hermanos trataron de matar a José y lo habrían hecho si Rubén no hubiera intervenido. (aquí hay un ejemplo perfecto donde los celos, la envidia y el odio pueden llevar al asesinato) Los hermanos de José lo colocaron en un “pozo” y cuando pasó una caravana de ismaelitas, los hermanos de José lo vendieron como esclavo en un viaje a Egipto. Cuando regresaron con su padre, mintieron diciendo que un animal salvaje había devorado a José.

José ahora era un esclavo en tierra extranjera y colocado en la casa de Potifer. Potifer tenía el cargo de estar a cargo de los prisioneros del Rey. Empezamos a ver la mano de Dios. Verá, José era muy inteligente, guapo y talentoso. Dios había separado a José para ese tiempo con favor. José había entrado de mala gana en el programa de capacitación de liderazgo de Dios. No sería fácil y sería probado pero la Biblia dice que Dios estaba con él.

Es posible que tú también hayas sufrido traición, abandono y aislamiento en tu vida, pero al igual que José, Dios promete nunca dejarte ni desampararte. Es posible que tú también hayas pasado por muchas pruebas, pero si eres fiel y lo buscas, Dios cumplirá todo Su propósito en tu vida. Los planes que Él tiene para ti son para bien y no para mal. Quiere darte un final esperado.

Para José, estaría en esclavitud durante 12 o 13 años. Se encontró literalmente en el “pozo” dos veces. El primer relato fue estar en el trono en el pozo antes de ser vendido como esclavo y la segunda vez fue después de huir de la seducción de la esposa de Potifer cuando ella lo acusó de tratar de salirse con la suya cuando él rechazó sus insinuaciones. Pero José no le falló a Dios, sino que corrió, pasó la prueba delante de Dios pero aun así fue juzgado y arrojado al “pozo”. Estaría en el calabozo de la prisión durante los siguientes 2 o 3 años.

José tenía que ser una persona especial porque cualquiera habría perdido la cabeza o habría perdido toda esperanza después de la traición y el daño de su propia familia. Cualquier otra persona habría sucumbido a la tentación de que una mujer hermosa se le acercara constantemente. Pudo haber caído en la lujuria y el adulterio, pero no lo hizo. Huyó del pecado porque era un hombre íntegro y temía a Dios.

Dios vio a José y no sólo no lo abandonó, sino que creo que Dios le habló regularmente en sueños y visiones. Mientras todo esto sucedía, José seguía hallando favor. Aunque estuvo aislado una vez más, había aprendido habilidades gerenciales trabajando en la casa de Potifer y manejando la casa. Ahora en el calabozo, se le asignó un papel de liderazgo dirigiendo y gestionando a los prisioneros. Las experiencias de José fueron su campo de entrenamiento. Dios lo estaba preparando para el papel de su vida. Le enseñó humildad antes de que eventualmente fuera elevado a una posición de poder. Es una noticia emocionante de escuchar porque significa que las mismas áreas en las que estás experimentando dolor y dificultades son las mismas áreas que Dios usará para Su gloria.

A veces nos preguntamos ¿por qué tuve que pasar por este dolor? estas traiciones? “¿Estas angustias?” pero un día todo será revelado. Creo que todo tu dolor fue un terreno de enseñanza para el importante destino de tu vida. El programa de liderazgo de Dios exige perdón, entrega, obediencia, resiliencia y saber poner límites y límites. ¡Te enseña a adquirir discernimiento ya que no todos los que te rodean son para ti! Te enseña que incluso la familia puede traicionarte y lo hará si se dan las circunstancias adecuadas. Como José, tu dolor no fue en vano. Había una razón detrás de tus lágrimas, traición, dolor y tristeza. Y sé que no queremos pasar por nada de eso, pero Dios está en el futuro y Él conoce las habilidades que tendrás que adquirir para cumplir el llamado y el destino de tu vida. Eres llamado y elegido. Cuanto mayor es la lucha y el dolor, mayor es el llamado a servir y liderar. Pero no se puede liderar con un corazón apesadumbrado o un corazón que no perdona. No se puede liderar con orgullo y dolor. Durante este proceso serás moldeado y tu carácter brillará como un diamante en medio del calor y la presión.

Una de las cosas que veo en la vida de José fue que pasó mucho tiempo a solas con Dios. No tenía a nadie más a quien recurrir y lo encontró. La capacidad de José para salir del “pozo” y recibir sus bendiciones se basó en ese tiempo que pasó aprendiendo en el lugar secreto con Dios donde habló con Dios y Dios le habló en visiones y sueños. Creo que una de las mayores lecciones de José fue la humildad y la entrega.

Mientras José estaba en el calabozo, interpretó los sueños de dos reclusos, el mayordomo del rey y el panadero. Ambas interpretaciones se hicieron realidad tal como él las interpretó. El rey devolvió al mayordomo a su puesto y el panadero fue asesinado. Habían pasado dos años y el Rey tuvo un sueño inquietante que nadie pudo interpretar. El mayordomo se acordó de José y lo llamaron a Palacio para presentarse ante el Rey.

Mientras leía esta parte de la historia algo me llamó la atención. José no fue arrastrado directamente a ver al Rey de inmediato. Había un protocolo a seguir. Siempre hay un proceso que no podemos saltarnos. ¡José tuvo que cambiar!

Fue lavado y limpiado. Le cortaron el pelo y lo afeitaron. Le pusieron ropa limpia y presentable en la espalda. José estaba a punto de encontrarse con el Rey. Cuando vas ante el Rey, es el tipo de cosas que suceden. No te quedas igual. En Su presencia, eres lavado y limpio. Él te cambia y te hace caminar con rectitud y reverencia. Ya no somos los mismos. No seguimos caminando con nuestros harapos de inmundicia. Algo hermoso sucede cuando vas ante el Rey. Así que imagina, todos los días cuando vas ante el Rey, ¿qué haces? Nos arrepentimos, cambiamos y somos limpiados por Su sangre. No puedes permanecer igual. Cambiamos en Su presencia.

La historia continúa y el Faraón le cuenta a José su sueño. José lo interpreta y le dice a Faraón: “Dios te ha mostrado lo que hará. José continúa diciéndole a Faraón que Dios traerá 7 años de gran abundancia y abundancia en la tierra de Egipto; pero después de 7 años vendrían 7 años de hambre. La tierra se agotaría y sería grave.

En ese momento, José le dio instrucciones al Faraón. Le dijo que seleccionara un hombre sabio y lo pusiera sobre la tierra de Egipto. Debían recolectar 1/5 del producto de la tierra en los 7 años de abundancia. Debían almacenar grano, recolectar alimentos y guardarlos en las ciudades. La comida en conserva debe reservarse para los 7 años de hambruna.

Faraón no encontró a nadie mejor que José. Puso a José sobre toda la tierra de Egipto, ya que sólo el Faraón era mayor. Joseph fue elevado al segundo lugar al mando. Su tiempo de estar en el pozo había terminado y estaba comenzando a caminar hacia las bendiciones. Faraón puso su anillo de sello sobre José, lo vistió de lino fino y le puso una cadena de oro alrededor del cuello. José había recibido elevación y bendiciones. A José incluso se le dio un nuevo nombre y una hermosa esposa (Asenat, hija de un sacerdote). Tenía 30 años cuando esto sucedió. Pasaron entre 12 y 13 años después de que lo llevaron y lo arrojaron al hoyo para que ahora camine con autoridad y honor.

Dios bendijo a José con dos hijos antes de reencontrarse con sus hermanos y experimentar la reconciliación. El primogénito fue “Manasés”, que significa porque Dios me ha hecho olvidar mis fatigas y las de la casa de mi padre. Y el segundo hijo “Efraín” que significa Dios me ha hecho “fructífero” en la tierra de mi aflicción.

No sé si lo ven pero tener estos 2 hijos fue profético. José pronto olvidaría el dolor de lo sucedido con su familia. Sólo Dios podría sanar este dolor tan profundamente arraigado. La mayoría de nosotros hemos experimentado algún tipo de trauma familiar, pero el trauma familiar de Joseph fue mortal. Estamos hablando de intento de asesinato, traición y abandono a una vida de esclavitud. ¿Cómo podría alguien perdonar y olvidar algo tan horrible? Sólo Dios puede hacerte olvidar este tipo de dolor en tu propia familia. Sólo Dios podría sanar este corazón. Y en la vida de José, Él hizo precisamente esto. Los hermanos de José vinieron a comprar comida una vez que comenzó la hambruna y, aunque al principio José estaba claramente molesto y todavía adolorido, Dios pudo sanar su corazón y los perdonó. Pero esto no sucedió de inmediato. José lloró y se entristeció. A veces pensamos que el perdón llega instantáneamente, pero la realidad es que para perdonar debemos pasar por etapas del duelo como la negación, la ira, el intento de negociación, la depresión y la aceptación. Cuando lees el encuentro de José con sus hermanos puedes ver este proceso de duelo porque no los perdonó de inmediato. Pasó tiempo antes de que revelara quién era mientras estaba de luto y finalmente dejara que el amor de Dios se hiciera cargo. Dios sanó su corazón y le hizo olvidar el dolor pero no la experiencia. No tenía amnesia. Eligió el perdón. La reconciliación se produjo cuando sus hermanos demostraron arrepentimiento y cambiaron.

El segundo hijo de José fue Efraín. El nombre de este hijo era profético ya que decía que Dios bendice con favor y bendiciones incluso en el mismo lugar que le causó daño. Dios es el Dios del cambio. Él hace nuevas todas las cosas. Cuando Dios te bendice, no sólo te bendice para que olvides tu dolor, sino que también te bendiga para que seas fructífero, produzcas, florezcas, prosperes y encuentres favor. La biblia dice que el amor cubre multitud de pecados. (Qué mejor amor que el que Jesús hizo en la cruz, Juan 3:16, “Porque tanto amó Dios al mundo que dio a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo aquel que cree en él no perezca, sino que tenga vida eterna”. ) José no sólo fue bendecido con el éxito sino que también pudo ver a su padre nuevamente. Jacob era un hombre anciano en ese momento. Dios bendijo a Jacob y José al extender la vida de Jacob y estar con su hijo José por otros 17 años. ¡Dios se lo llevó a los 17 años pero le devolvió los años que faltaban! Ese es el Dios al que servimos. El Dios de la completa restauración y abundancia. Dios le dio el don del tiempo además del favor.

Oro para que este relato histórico de la Biblia sea de aliento para usted hoy. Sepa que Dios nunca lo dejará ni lo desamparará y si está en medio de su tormenta, sepa que ha sido inscrito en el programa de capacitación de Dios y el resultado será una historia de éxito. Él te ama y quiere lo mejor para ti. A veces el perdón es la lección más grande que tendremos que aprender en la vida. Si eres como José, el perdón vino con la reconciliación completa, pero para muchos el perdón viene con límites y barreras. Pero cualquiera que sea el caso, Dios te hace olvidar el dolor asociado con el trauma. Recuerda que una vez que pases estas pruebas para tu vida, Dios: te posicionará , te nombrará , ordenará tus pasos y te dará autoridad . Te verás diferente, caminarás diferente y hablarás diferente. Aprenderás a cuidar tu corazón y a ser muy selectivo con quienes te rodean. Esto puede incluso significar eliminar de tu vida a las personas tóxicas e impenitentes, no porque no hayas perdonado sino porque estás guardando tu corazón y has elegido amar desde lejos. Esto se aplica especialmente a los miembros de la familia.

Pero al igual que José, ¡no termina ahí! ¡Ahora estás llamado a ir a trabajar! ¿Cuál es tu tarea? ¿Qué puso Dios en tu corazón y en tus sueños? ¿Cuáles son tus dones y talentos? Si escribes, ve a escribir, si sirves, ve a servir, si cantas, ve a cantar, si tocas un instrumento, ve a tocar ese instrumento, si enseñas, ve a enseñar, si predicas, ve a predicar, si profetizas, ve profecía, si creas, ve a crear, si alimentas a los pobres y a los ancianos, ve a hacer esto, si animas, ve a animar a otros, si sanas, ve a sanar. Si lo llaman a ocupar un puesto de liderazgo en su comunidad o empresa, ¡hágalo! Ve a ser un embajador del reino de Dios.

Mucho amor XOX,

“Karly” @ encontrando a ESTHERS

No one likes to be in the “pit”. There’s an unshakeable sense of isolation and abandonment. However, being in the “pit” for a certain amount of time is necessary and valuable. (this could be a spiritual experience as a physical one) It’s in the “pit” where God begins to change us, strengthen us, and it’s where He begins to show us the condition of our hearts.

In the Bible, there was a young 17 year old dreamer that would experience the trials of being in the pit for an “extended stay”. He would taste and experience the pain of being part of a toxic family, be the victim of betrayal, undergo loneliness, fear, abandonment, and terror of the unknown. It would appear to be the darkest and saddest time in his life. And when we finish reading his story, we would also discover that what he went through was actually for his good and not evil. When we are faced with a difficult challenge, situation, illness, or trial, we tend to feel hopeless and we too begin to cry out to God. But God assures us through the Word and the countless historical accounts written in this great book known as the Bible, that He’s already there in the future and everything really works out for our good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Let’s travel back in time to the book of Genesis chapter 37 in the life of Joseph, the son of Jacob and Raquel. The story is set in the land of Canaan. Joseph had 11 brothers. He was the favorite. Everyone knew that Jacob loved Joseph more than all the others. Now, Before I explain what happened I need to back up just a bit and explain why he was the favorite. You see, Joseph was the son of Jacob at an old age and he was the first born son of the love of his life “Raquel”, the only woman he loved and wanted as a wife. He was given Raquel’s sister Leah as a wife by trickery and obligation. Leah and the hand-maidens given to Jacob as wives bore him many siblings. Raquel would conceive one more son named Benjamin and would die tragically during his birth.

Now, going back to Joseph. Jacob adored Joseph. He had given him a colored robe to wear and would send Joseph to check on his brothers when tending to the animals. These acts brought jealousy and envy on all his brothers and Joseph would soon feel their wrath. To top off the insult, Joseph received dreams and he would reveal it to his brothers and parents causing even more envy. God would show Joseph the future in his dreams. Joseph had not learned to keep things to himself and Instead this became the very act that drove his brothers into madness. (note to self, our dreams are not always to be shared with others. We must seek discernment from God. Some dreams are given for us to intercede and pray and or simply God is communicating with us and letting us know what is happening or will occur. ) The bible says, that his brothers sought to kill Joseph and they would of if Ruben hadn’t intervened. (here’s a perfect example where jealousy, envy, and hatred can lead to murder) Joseph’s brothers placed him in a “pit” and when a caravan of Ishmaelites passed by, Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery on a journey to Egypt. When they returned to their father, they lied saying that a wild animal had devoured Joseph.

Joseph was now a slave in a foreign land and placed in Potifer’s house. Potifer had the position of being in charge of the King’s prisoners. We begin to see the hand of God. You see Joseph was very smart, handsome, and talented. God had separated Joseph for such a time with favor. Joseph had unwillingly entered God’s leadership training program. It wouldn’t be easy and he would be tested but the Bible says that God was with him.

You too may have suffered betrayal, abandonment, and isolation in your life but just like Joseph, God promises to never leave you nor forsake you. You too may have endured many trials but if you’re faithful and seek Him, God will fulfill all His purpose in your life. The plans He has for you are for good and not evil. He wants to give you an expected end.

For Joseph, he would be in slavery for 12-13 years. He found himself literally in the “pit” twice. The first account was being throne in the pit before he was sold into slavery and the 2nd time was after he ran from the seduction of Potifer’s wife as she accused him of trying to have his way with her when he rejected her advances. But Joseph did not fail God, instead he ran, passed the test before God but nonetheless was judged and thrown in the “pit” . He would be in the prison dungeon for the following 2-3 years.

Joseph had to be one special person because anyone would have lost their mind or given up all hope after the betrayal and harm by his own family. Anyone else would have succumbed to the temptation of a beautiful woman constantly making advances at him. He could have fallen into lust & adultery but he didn’t. He ran away from sin because he was a man of integrity and feared God.

God saw Joseph and not only did He not abandon him but I think God regularly spoke to him in dreams & visions. While all this was happening, Joseph continued to find favor. Although he was isolated once again, he had learned managerial skills from working in Potifer’s house and running the household. Now in the dungeon, he was placed in a leadership role running & managing the prisoners. Joseph’s experiences were his training ground. God was preparing him for the role of a lifetime. He taught him humility before he would eventually be elevated into a position of power. This is exciting news to hear because it means that the very areas you are experiencing pain and hardship are the very areas that God will use for His glory.

Sometimes we ask ourselves, “why did I have to go through this pain?” these betrayals? “these heartaches?” but one day everything will be revealed. I believe that all your pain was a teaching ground for the important destiny on your life. God’s leadership program demands forgiveness, surrender, obedience, resiliency, and knowing how to set limits and boundaries. It teaches you to acquire discernment as not all who are around you are for you! It teaches you that even family can and will betray you given the right circumstances. Like Joseph, your pain wasn’t for nothing. There was a reason behind your tears, betrayal, pain, and sorrow. And I know we don’t want to go through any of it but God stands in the future and He knows the skills that you will have to gain in order to fulfill the calling and destiny on your life. You are called and chosen. The bigger the struggle and heartache, the bigger the calling to serve and lead. But you can’t lead with a heavy heart or an unforgiving heart. You can’t lead with pride and hurt. During this process you will be molded and your character will shine like a diamond in the midst of the heat & pressure.

One of the things that I see in Joseph’s life was that he spent a lot of time alone with God. He didn’t have anyone else to turn to and he found Him. Joseph’s ability to get out of the “pit” and into his blessings was founded on that time spent learning in the secret place with God where he talked to God and God spoke to him in visions and in dreams. I believe that Joseph’s biggest lessons were humility and surrender.

While Joseph was in the dungeon, he interpreted the dreams of 2 inmates, the King’s butler and the baker. Both his interpretations came true as he interpreted them. The butler was restored to his position by the King and the baker was killed. Two years had passed and the King had a disturbing dream that no one could interpret. The butler remembered Joseph and he was called to the Palace to go before the King.

While I was reading this part of the story something stuck out. Joseph wasn’t dragged straight to see the King immediately. There was a protocol to follow. There’s always a process that we can’t skip. Joseph had to change!

He got washed and cleansed. They cut his hair and was shaven. They put clean and presentable clothes on his back. Joseph was about to meet the King. When you go before the King, it’s just the kind of thing that happens. You don’t stay the same. In His presence, you are washed clean. He changes you and causes you to walk righteously and with reverence. We are no longer the same. We don’t continue to walk in our filthy rags. Something beautiful happens when you go before the King. So imagine, every day when you get to go before the King, what do you do? We repent, change, and get cleansed by His blood. You can’t stay the same. We change in His presence.

The story continues and Pharoah tells Joseph his dream. Joseph interprets it and tells Pharoah, “God has shown you what He will do. Joseph goes on to tell Pharoah that God will bring 7 years of great plenty and abundance in the land of Egypt; but after 7 years there would be 7 years of famine. The land would be depleted and it would be severe.

At this point, Joseph gave Pharoah instructions. He told him to select a wise man and set him over the land of Egypt. They were to collect 1/5 of the produce of the land in the 7 plentiful years. They were to store up grain, gather food & keep it in the cities. The preserved food should be reserved for the 7 years of famine.

Pharaoh found no one better than Joseph. He set Joseph over all the land of Egypt as only Pharoah was greater. Joseph was elevated to 2nd in command. His time of being in the pit had ended and he was beginning to walk into the blessings. Pharoah put his signet ring on Joseph, clothed him with fine linen, and put a gold chain around his neck. Joseph had received elevation and blessings. Joseph was even given a new name and a beautiful wife (Asenath daughter of a Priest). He was 30 years old when this happened. It took 12-13 years after he was taken and thrown in the pit to now walk in authority and honor.

God blessed Joseph with 2 sons before he re-encountered his brothers and experienced reconciliation. The first born son was “Manasseh” which means for God has made me forget my toils & that of my fathers house. And the second son “Ephraim” which means God has made me be “fruitful” in the land of my affliction.

I don’t know if you see it but having these 2 sons was prophetic. Joseph would soon forget the pain of what happened with his family. Only God could heal this deep rooted pain. Most of us have experienced family trauma of some sort or other, but Joseph’s family trauma was deadly. We ‘re talking attempt of murder, betrayal, and abandonment to a life of slavery. How could anyone forgive and forget something so horrible? Only God can make you forget this kind of pain in your own family. Only God could heal this heart. And in the life of Joseph, He did just this. Joseph’s brothers came to buy food once the famine began and though at first, Joseph was clearly upset and still in pain, God was able to heal his heart and he forgave them. But this didn’t happen right away. Joseph wept and grieved. Sometimes we think that forgiving comes instantly but the reality is that in order to forgive we must undergo the stages of grief such as denial, anger, attempt in bargaining, depression, and acceptance. When you read Joseph’s encounter with his brothers you could see this mourning process because he didn’t forgive them right away. It took time before he revealed who he was as he was mourning and finally let God’s love take over. God healed his heart and made him forget the pain but not the experience. He didn’t have amnesia. He chose forgiveness. Reconciliation occurred because his brothers demonstrated repentance and changed.

The second son of Joseph was Ephraim. This son’s name was prophetic as it stated that God blesses with favor & blessings even in the very place that caused him harm. God is the God of turn around. He makes all things new. When God blesses you, He not only blesses you with forgetting your pain, he blesses you with being fruitful , producing, flourishing, prospering and finding favor. The bible says that love covers a multitude of sins. (What better love than what Jesus did on the cross., John 3:16, ” For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that who so ever believes in Him shall not perish but have ever lasting life”. ) Joseph was not only blessed with success but he got to see his father again. Jacob was an old man at this point. God blessed Jacob and Joseph by extending Jacob’s life and be with his son Joseph for another 17 years. God took him at the age of 17 but he gave back the missing years! That’s the God we serve. The God of complete restoration and abundance. God gave him the gift of time as well as favor.

I pray that this historical account in the Bible is of encouragement for you today. Know that God will never leave you nor forsake you and if you’re in the middle of your storm, just know that you’ve been enlisted in God’s training program and the outcome will be a success story. He loves you and He wants the best for you. Sometimes forgiveness is the biggest lesson that we’ll have to learn in life. If you’re like Joseph, forgiveness came with complete reconciliation but for many forgiveness comes with limits & boundaries. But whatever the case may be, God makes you forget the pain associated with the trauma. Remember that once you pass these tests for your life, God will: position you, appoint you, order your steps and give you authority. You’re gonna look different, walk different, and talk different. You’re gonna learn to guard you heart and be very selective with those who surround you. This may even mean cutting toxic, un-repentant people out of your life not because you haven’t forgiven but because you’re guarding your heart and have chosen to love from afar. This especially applies to family members.

But like Joseph, it doesn’t stop there! Now you are called to go to work! What’s your assignment? What did God place in your heart and in your dreams? What is your gifting & talents? If you write, go write, if you serve, go serve, if you sing, go sing, if you play an instrument, go play that instrument, if you teach, go teach, if you preach, go preach, if you prophecy, go prophecy, if you create, go create, if you feed the poor and the elderly, go do this, if you encourage, go encourage others, if you heal, go heal. If you are called into a leadership position in your community or business, go do it! Go be an ambassador for God’s kingdom.

Much Love XOX,

“Karly” @ finding ESTHERS

Have you entered your secret place where it’s just you and God and you didn’t know what to say? Or better yet you

felt like if He was far away. Maybe you felt that He was disappointed in you. What about feeling a complete sense of stillness or that things felt quiet. You find yourself

isolated and strangely this felt good. I think this is a very common feeling. The reality is that

nothing that we do, feel, or say shocks God. He’s just waiting for us to call out to him for help or just to talk. Maybe even a little screaming, crying and unstoppable

sobbing moment because things are not looking too great. God wants us to cast all our cares, weaknesses, worries, hurts, and

disappointments to Him as we ask for his help. We get so concerned with following protocol. Lets’ see, first we go with repentance, then thanksgiving, then praise then…..and yes

this is all absolutely wonderful but sometimes just sometimes we can go straight to Him and cry. The sobbing kind of cry that screams, “Lord, help me”, I need you to

intervene”, “please change this around”, “I just don’t have the strength” or “I’m feeling weak, please give me strength”.

Sometimes there’s a feeling of being unworthy and sometimes you may feel guilty.

I know I have, but it was recently put into perspective by one of my son’s. He

said, “mom, I sometimes don’t feel worthy”, “I start doing what is right before God and then a week later, I fail Him”. I do what I don’t want

to do again.” I smiled at him and said, “son, we don’t go to Jesus qualified, we go to Jesus and He qualifies us by His precious blood.” The bible

says that “there is no one good, not one.” To put it into perspective, the Bible says, ” that our righteousness is as filthy rags.” I think that there are many reasons

why we feel so unworthy at times. It could be due to a lack of a consistent prayer life or a lack of reading the scriptures. It could be a lack of surrendering in an area of weakness,

a sin that we struggle with, our disappointments, a lack of trust in others, or simply not finding the answers in scripture to our questions.

Ultimately, I think we often feel unworthy when we know that we have fallen short and we think, “How is God going to fix this now?, “why would He choose me? I’m such

a mess. “

There’s other reasons why we may feel unworthy, like being distracted with the affairs of life, being over worked or the feeling of being pulled in so many directions.

Many of us wear many hats. As women, we wear: the mom hat, the wife hat, the daughter hat, the friend hat, the full-time employee hat, the entrepreneur hat, ,the maid hat, the cook hat, the cleaning specialist hat (not funny but funny), the

problem solving hat, the financial hat, the care-taker hat, the professional shopper hat, the house management hat and the mail sorter hat. You get the point. Sometimes, we are so

caught up with all our responsibilities that we forget to care for ourselves both spiritually and physically. We often forget about the self-care hat.

We have learned to say “yes” to every request when we need to say, “NO” and be okay with saying “No, I can’t right now.”

As women, we feel obligated to do all the above and still find time to exercise, stay fit, go to wellness checks, and make healthy habit changes.

Woman are usually so busy being super woman that they leave themselves for last. The result of this is that we begin to distance ourselves from people and sometimes even from God. I know

I have felt like getting in a car, jumping on a plane and going to an island at an undisclosed location just to get away from it all. And from talking to friends, I know I’m not the only one.

The good news is that we don’t have to stay in that dark place for too long. We don’t stay there because we Love God so much and we absolutely know that God loves us, He fights for us and

He is for us.

In Psalm 20:4 it says,” the Lord will fulfill all His purpose for our lives”. It even says in Psalm 27:13 ” I would have lost hope if I hadn’t believed that I would see the

goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”

So what should we do?

I have found that listing all your concerns and setting goals for change is a great place to start. Without a plan, your goals are just dreams. We have to learn to

manage our activities. If there’s too much on our plate, we must learn to let it go and be at peace with our decisions! We don’t need to explain ourselves to people

because those in your closest circle know exactly what you are going through. They love you, pray for you, and are your tribe. Next, establish healthy boundaries

with friends, family, and others. Be very clear on what you allow and do not allow in your life. Trust me, you will feel absolutely amazing when you begin and set boundaries.

Next, take it to the Lord in prayer.

Set an assigned time every day and pray, “Lord, I’m a sinner who needs a Savior. Forgive me for falling short. Forgive me for not managing my activities wisely.

Help me to change. I have so many things that I want to do and I need Your direction and guidance in prioritizing each and every goal. Your Word says that you order my steps,

that you plant my feet on an even and wide place. You even pluck my feet from out of the net. You have made me fearfully and wonderfully made as the thoughts you have toward me

are as endless as the grains of sand. Your Word goes even farther and says, “No weapons formed against me shall prosper and every word that rises up against me in judgement, you

condemn. Knowing this brings an immediate smile to my face.

In addition, I tell the Lord, ‘I don’t want to live a day without Your presence. You are the reason i smile, the reason I live and my blessed hope. You are the reason I wake up every morning

knowing that my family are safe in Your hands. I know that all things really do work out for my good because I know that you have chosen me for such a time as this. I may feel overwhelmed at

times but I know that if and when I go to you, you will guide and direct me.

So what else can we do you may ask? I encourage you to crack open your bibles daily and read a chapter from the Psalm or Proverbs as a daily vitamin. Then proceed to read a chapter in the

New testament and or the Old testament. Each time that you read a book, go to the Books of the Bible index and highlight the book that you have read with a colorful highlighter. This will be

so motivating as week by week and month by month you will see all the books that you have read . Soon you will have read the entire Bible. It usually takes about 1 year to 1 1 /2 years to read.

The bible is not like any other book. It’s alive. It will change you. It’s a book where you meditate on the verses and reflect on what is being said, the timeline, and the context.

I take notes on a journal and write on post it notes. The Holy Spirit will reveal the Word to you.

As we continue to seek Him in the Word and in prayer, our hearts & mind will begin to change and the feeling of unworthiness will fade.

I hope this is of encouragement. God bless you!

Sister in Christ, Much Love,

Karly

Many people ask themselves how could someone who was raised in the church & the fear of the Lord become a prodigal daughter? And I’m not talking about a person who disliked church. I’m talking about a person who loved being in the house of the Lord with the amazing music & worship that lead you into the presence of God. I’m talking about a person who as a child was read the scriptures every night and prayed with her mother and brother. I’m talking about a person who enjoyed the scriptures and hearing about every amazing historical & biblical account of the old testament and how it was still relevant to us today. I’m going to add even more insight.

Let me clarify what a Prodigal daughter is NOT. A Prodigal daughter isn’t a hypocrite. She’s not one who’s in the church but living 2 lives. She’s not pretending to following God’s commands or moral laws as written in the Bible and doing the opposite. A Prodigal daughter is not one who is deceiving herself and others. A Prodigal daughter is one who slowly walks away. She’s not living 2 lives. She literally walked away for a period of time. Why? What happened?

Many parents questions themselves, “Did I do something wrong? Did I not teach them enough? Did I not take them to church enough? Did I take them to the wrong church?” Did I not set an example at home? Did I not spend enough time with them & teach them? Did I over protect them? Was I too strict? Was I too religious where everything was a sin? Did I spend so much time in the church that I forgot to spend quality time with the family and investing in their children’s interests, talents and gifts?” to some, maybe this was true and maybe some of this rang true in my life but in my circumstance the answer in short is NO! How do I know? because I was the Prodigal daughter who came home.

My early memories of being raised as a small child in the church were of me frequently drawing on paper as the sermons were being preached or when the service extended (this happened frequently). I remember falling asleep on the pews as I rested my head on my mothers lap. I also remember reading out loud in Spanish during Sunday school at the Spanish speaking church we attended. Church services back then were for hours. It consisted of Sunday morning, afternoon, Wednesday mid-week service, later Friday youth night, and then back to 2 services on Sunday. (Our world was the church community)

You would think I disliked church but the opposite was true. I felt peace and at home. I remember going to Youth camp and revivals. I remember feeling the Spirit of the Lord at an early age. I remember one night on a drive home, I was leaning against the car window to see the most beautiful view of the night sky and stars and feeling Gods presence like showers of rain just by admiring His beauty and creation. Tears fell from my eyes. I worshipped God with my thoughts and felt His divine presence. Wow was my word. I wondered how was it even possible for anyone to deny His existence.

At the age of 12, I was baptized in the Holy Spirit as I was worshipping God in a Youth service. At age 14, I was baptized in water declaring “Jesus is my Lord”. I absolutely loved being in the house of the Lord & worshipping even though I was very aware that our bodies are the temple of the Lord but I meant the house of prayer & worship. I consumed endless sermons and teachings and I knew what it meant to be separated from the world. I remember loving the scriptures so much that during my middle school years, I would actually take my bible to school every day. I didn’t have time to read it at school but the thought of having it with me brought me comfort & peace in a world that I knew I was not part of. Was I different? Absolutely. Did I care? Not one bit. I had my friends, I had my family, and I had dreams & goals of a beautiful future going somewhere, being someone, and fulfilling my purpose. I knew I was going to get a college education and rise above my present economical status. My parents & aunts & uncles always taught us, you want a nice car? You want to own your own home? You want a great job that you love? You want an inheritance? Go to school and get your education because this is the one thing that no one will ever take away from you on this Earth. So, I had my “faith”, “family”, “friends”, “future” goals but still I strayed. (It’s a good thing our God is a Merciful God, a God that is VERY familiar with his people and detours. ( Just read about the history of Israel in the Old Testament.)

So what happened? How could I have strayed? How did I become the “Prodigal Daughter”?

I’ll answer this. You see many people come to the Lord from the world. They did everything, searched for the meaning of life, lived for themselves selfishly, suffered, some fell into addictions, some rose and became very successful but felt completely alone until one day they had an encounter with Jesus and their entire world changed. (No one can fill the void that only Jesus can fill)

When you are raised in the church as a Christian, you don’t know any of this. You know what it is to feel God’s presence, you know what it is to feel joy and protection. You were raised knowing and loving Jesus and feeling His love but what you didn’t know was if everything they taught you and even experienced was the only “truth”. It’s kind of like Eve in the Garden of Eden. All she knew was God and His goodness. But what if there was something else? Is it our human nature to think this way? I’m not sure, but it happened to me. I wanted to know what it was like to have freedom without guilt. I wanted to live for me as most young adults do. I wanted to dance, laugh, and go on adventures. I wanted to wrecklessly fall in love without worrying if the person had the same values, morals, and dreams. (I know, this sounds bad, it sounds selfish and sinful. Yet these were my thoughts at that time seeing the world from a glass house and not actually experiencing life.)

I was raised with the belief that dancing was sinful among other things when in reality there’s a time for everything says the Word of God. We do have to be very selective on what we are listening to & how we are dancing as it must align with the Word of God but not all music nor all dancing is from the pit of hell. ( I think this is where the term religious spirits come into the scene) There’s a time to laugh, a time to cry, and a time to dance. All you need to do is look at little children and watch them happily dance to music that is uplifting and fun. Apparently, moderation is necessary. Some people have addictions from their past and or they know their weaknesses all too well and they have to avoid things or situations at all costs. But this is not the case for many.

I wanted to make my own decisions because of me and not because of others views. I wanted to know if Jesus was the Only way? I had a lot of questions even though I knew the Bible inside out. I had questions and I had many doubts. Maybe it was just my human nature or maybe it was the enemy trying to steal my crown, my purpose, and my destiny. I wanted to know what other people felt in their religions. Did they feel God like I did? Did their god love like Jesus loved me? Did they have a relationship not just religion? But I must admit, I mostly just wanted to have fun. I wanted to live and experience life on my terms. The “flesh” was calling and I ran toward it.

My journey in becoming a prodigal daughter began at the age of 19 during my college years. I had a newly found freedom, a car, new friends, extended hours of a curfew or I would escape my house to hang out with friends til very very late. I was exposed to a whole new world of independence, music, dancing, hang outs, and fun. I had discovered the pleasures of this world, different cultures, backgrounds, and fell in love with someone from a totally different culture and religion. With my new reality, I began to question everything. I didn’t question the existence of God for I knew Him well but I questioned the Word of God. Was Jesus the only way? Were there many paths to Heaven? I was curious and wanted to find the answers to these questions on my own. I would like to say that I got my answers answered quickly but it was only the beginning of my journey straying farther and farther from God. Sin does this you know. The more I practiced the things of this world and sin, the farther it took me. It cost me a price that I didn’t realize I couldn’t pay. I was no longer free but a slave for the next 7 years.

During these 7 years, I broke many commandments, I repented a lot but kept living my life without changing. Alcohol was never an attraction for me so in my group of friends, I was usually the designated driver. I didn’t like alcohol and I was always so cheerful and happy that I didn’t understand the need for this. I went to community college, then to the University of South Florida, and lastly, New Mexico State University. I loved learning and the college life. I rarely went to church.

I dated someone from a Hindu religion & culture. I even attended their temple and learned about the religion. I practiced being vegetarian and did Yoga for many many years. I also had Muslim friends. I learned about their prayers & customs. I had a very dear friend whom I would visit and she would wear her head covering and she would share her religion and thoughts with me. I can honestly say that I had friends from all over the world. I felt horrible for I knew that I had idolatry in my life. You would think it was because I stepped foot on a foreign temple but I had made my relationship my idol. At that time, I chose a person before my God. Oh no! What had I done? I felt trapped, guilty, and in a lonely prison without walls. A prison that I couldn’t get myself out of. So I began to pray. God is always listening. I called out to him to help me. I had detoured.

Next thing you know, the Lord opened doors for a way out and He took me to New Mexico. A small city called Las Cruces where I would get my Masters degree in Speech Pathology. Sometimes God will take us places we never imagined to save us. For the next 2 years I felt my chains getting looser. I continued my studies and even though I wasn’t close to God, I could honestly feel His protection & favor over my life. (I now know that it was my mothers prayers covering me until I found my way back home.)

Rewinding for just a minute. I had learned many many things in my walk. Watching, observing, and listening to my friends talk about and experience their god or religion taught me something. They didn’t feel what I felt. They didn’t experience God’s presence like I felt it. I know because we talked about it. I listened to them. I was even sitting in their temples and still I did not feel God. It was very serene and peaceful. But once you have felt the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, nothing can compare. I was actually very very open to learning and listening. I was exploring and waiting but nothing and I mean nothing compared to the God I felt still in my heart and Whom I had a relationship with on a daily basis. For these 7 years though I would pray and cry out from time to time. God was distant. Well, in reality, I was distant from Him. He was always there waiting for me to come Home. My sin and rebellion kept me away from Him. I had chains that did not allow me to run to my Heavenly Father. I missed Him so much. I missed God’s presence over my life. I missed my personal relationship with the King of Kings-Jesus. It was so lonely but I was so distracted with getting my education, responsibilities, and living my life that I had no room nor time for God.

One day, on the month of February 1999, just 3 months from graduating, I came home to my apartment that I shared with 2 other room mates and I began to cry. I was alone. No one was home. I cried and cried from the bottom of my soul. I began to pray. I said, “Lord, I miss you”, I need you. Forgive me of my sins. I know that I am bound because i don’t do what I want to do anymore, Break the chains that have me bound in Jesus name, I choose YOU!” It was at that moment, that my life changed. It turned. I felt the presence and power of the Holy Spirt fall on me like showers of Rain.” I cried and cried and wept so hard like if someone had died. I could feel the spiritual chains fall off me. God was with me. God was freeing me. God was in charge again. I could feel His presence again. I felt so much love. I felt Jesus! I felt this joy that overflows. I began to smile and laugh with a pure joy like a kid in a candy store. I remember picking up the phone and ending my long distance relationship. I remember that my prayer life began again from that day on. I began to pray for my future spouse, and Gods will in my life.

To make a long story short, I met my future husband 3 months later, graduated with my Masters degree, got engaged and married within 5 1/2 months and my journey as a Christian was back on track. I had come Home! I would like to tell you that life after this was smooth sailing LOL, but it wasn’t. It was the beginning of the Lord working in me, changing me, showing me His will as I dived into His Word. Just when I finally though ok, I’m doing God’s will, He would show me another area that I needed to let go of, that I needed to repent, and even find freedom & deliverance. I had discovered an entirely new and amazing walk with the Lord where he began to call me, prepare me, and give me an insight on what He had called me to do. I had a purpose, a calling and no matter what life threw my way, I knew without a shadow of a doubt God was with me and He would never let me go.

The journey of being a Christian is not a perfect one, but we know that God’s Mercy & Grace is on us. When we repent and turn from our sins, He is faithful and true to forgive us. We become blameless and a saint. That’s the power of the blood of Jesus that washes away our sins, gives us peace, eternal salvation, and a future.