There are times in your life when you just don’t understand why you are going through what you are going through. There are times you feel isolated, alone, and heavy in heart. There are times when people can do all that they can to encourage you, but there are just some battles you must go through. There are times when you ask yourself, why? There are times when you just want an answer to the weight of the pain. There are times when it feels like the cycle of disappointment never breaks. Have you ever been there? Have you ever thought to yourself, I am tired of being tired?
I know what it feels like to be in that place. I know what it feels like to be in a place where instead of settlement you feel that you are now in a place of survival. I know what it feels like to fight against shame, anger, and disappointment. I know what it feels like to be misunderstood. I know what it feels like to have people talk about you at their dinner table trying to figure out why you are going through what you are going through, once again. I want you to be encouraged. I promise you that God is with you. He is faithful to us. He will send a message, a song, a devotional, and resources to help pull you up.
Even as I write to encourage you, I am also encouraging myself. As I go through my own storm, I was so encouraged by a message that Bishop Debnam preached at Morning Star Baptist Church, in Baltimore, MD a few Sundays ago. I remember it like it was yesterday. I had just finished watching my church service online and I proceeded to get dressed and go to the gym. As I was lacing up my shoes with anticipation to hit the treadmill, my dad, Jerry Pittman, called me and said, “I need you to listen to the sermon Bishop Debnam preached today. I was thinking about you and what you are going through, and it felt that he had a personal conversation with you; that he knew exactly what you were dealing with, and I believe his message was purposed for you.” He continued to say, “I am speechless, but you must listen to this message.” I immediately stopped in my tracks, un-laced my shoes and proceeded to watch the 11:30am service.
From the start of the service, I felt lighter in my spirit. The praise and worship was great! The anticipation grew as it was time to hear the word. The scripture was 2 Corinthians 11:24-29, and the title of his message was, “You Just Don’t Know.” He talked about how people just don’t know your story. How people just don’t know your dents, discouragements, and success that has gotten you where you are today. How people just don’t know what it takes for you to be you. People just don’t know the weight, pain, grief, and circumstances that has taken place in your life.
People just don’t know the spiritual warfare, generational curses, and other circumstances that you must deal with daily. He talked about the pain of being misunderstood. He said so many powerful things in his message, but two specifically were, “Don’t allow people to put a ceiling on your future.” He also went on to say that your scars have taught you who God is.” WOW, I promise you I cried the entire sermon.
The church of Corinth was coming after Paul as if he was not good enough or qualified in his purpose in God. Paul had to tell his testimony! He did that in 2 Corinthians 11:24-29. Check out Paul’s testimony.
24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?
Even in all of that, Paul made it out! He stood flat footed in the confidence of Christ and never wavered that he had been chosen for such a time as this. I don’t know your story, but I know you have one. I don’t know your pain, but I know its not easy. I don’t know your affliction, but I know that God loves you! I don’t know your situation, but I know the Lord will provide a way of escape. He will rescue you. That day, I physically could not make it to the alter call that Bishop Debnam announced. However, I made an alter right in my home and I released my burdens and casted all my cares on the Lord. Bishop Debnam’s sermon points were, you don’t quit, your problems are preparing you for promotion, and you made it out.
Just as the governor was attempting to arrest Paul, he was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through the governor’s hands.
32 In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. 33 But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.
Trust me! God has us. We may not know when He will do it, how He will do it and who He will use in the process, but we will get through this! Remember, you are not alone! The Lord loves us too much to leave us, and his love never fails. I believe with everything within me 2023 is our year of defining moments! We will testify in Jesus Name! Thank you, Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam! Your message was heaven sent!
Live Life on the Promise of IMPACT!
Min. Carenda Deonne
Speaker/Author/TV Personality/Certified Stress Management Coach
