Reflective Thoughts by Chandra Adams

Don't have one? According to my calendar it's not too late! Getting a "word" for the year has become a highly popular year-end activity. Some treat the act similar to the old "name it and claim it" exercise. While others make it a heart matter, passionately pursuing the voice of God. I fall in the latter group. Pressing in to not only obtain direction for the year, but to hear His confirming voice on the completion of the last. This practice has landed two truths for me (actually several more, but for the purpose of this blog we'll stick to just two) First, I don't "hear" my new word until February. This is due in part to truth #2. You see, in spite of the wisdom I've gained from, and about, my word, I still get surprised by a "new" rhema (aka understanding) that comes as each year closes. Whether it's due to the practiced review process or the intentional desire to leave nothing on the table (unreceived), God faithfully

Intimidation partnered with exhaustion will push you into a cave.  How could this be? How had I gone from living in the light of destiny to denying it's very attainability? I had seen the promised land, the place of outstretched tents, and yet I had chosen retreat. The voice of defeat, more specifically the invitation to quit, was overwhelming and all consuming. Hiding from mission, I was avoiding the push back required to stand firm in faith. I had reached a "crisis of Faith". It is in the darkness that the lies of your enemy blind you from the workings of God. It is this cave-like place where a whispered lie reverberates against the walls of wisdom to overtake your peace. But it is also a whisper that can echo liberty, setting you free. Tone deaf and lost, a spiritual vertigo had over taken me. The sensation of whirling and loss of balance confirmed insecurity. All I could see was defeat. But your people spoke up, raised a helping hand. Your people fed me th