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Are you finding that things are getting a little bit harder or that your strength to keep pressing or to keep waiting is getting a little weak? Do you ever wonder if God has forgotten you or that thing or person that you’ve been waiting on may be taking a little longer than you would like or have imagined? If so, I strongly believe God is saying, “Stay on course. I’ve still got a plan!”

Meaning, don’t veer off. Don’t give up! God tells us in Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts; neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.” (KJV) So even though you may not see things going the way that you think they should, remember this verse. Memorize it, if you haven’t (especially when you get anxious or start thinking that God has forgotten you).

I can recall a time when I thought I was doing what God wanted me to do, but it turned out so clearly that my thoughts were not His thoughts and my ways were surely NOT His ways. That was indeed a hard pill to swallow, but He taught me this Scripture through experience. He showed me that I was a little off course. He also showed me through another verse that, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

It’s so important to surrender our plans to God. I know that may be tough for many. Believe me, I would know. But we have to do it, if we truly want to see GREAT results. Something that I am learning more and more these days is “trust.” And if I could add another word, it would be “contentment.” And trust me. I’ve been here before. I’ve actually learned through the word and experience that when I trust God, surrender my plans to Him, and be content until He brings things to pass in my life, He not only delights in it, but He moves.

Point of fact, I remember a time when I was soooooo ready to come off of my day job and leave the city of New Orleans. I really wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, work from home (start my own business), and move away. But my hubby told me that it wasn’t time yet. So I had to wait. But while I waited, I prayed. And I cried out to the Lord about where I was at the time. He knew…and He heard my prayer. But that’s also when He whispered to me, “Be content and go 100% right where you are.” And I did! I obeyed His voice. I learned to settle myself down and I gave my job 100% of my service. And do you know what happened?

Hurricane Katrina hit my hometown! Do you know what that meant? I was FREE! I couldn’t go back home because of the high waters and damage in the city, and that was a turning point for me. And I never looked back! But I stayed the course. I didn’t quit! I didn’t give up! I stayed right where I was and trusted God, was content, surrendered to His will, and He MOVED!

He truly moved me not only out of the city into a better place for me and my family, but I was also able to turn in my letter of resignation! BUT GUESS WHAT? I not only came off the job and became a stay-at-home mom, but God opened the door several years later for me to serve in my local church, go into training to become a minister of the gospel, and start Inside Out with Courtnaye! WOW!

Who knew…BUT GOD! It was wayyyyyyyy better than what I would’ve imagined! I would’ve NEVER thought that it would happen that way! But remember God said, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts; neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.” What an AMAZING God!!!

I say all of this to say, stay the course, my sister. No matter how hard it gets or how tired you become, God has a plan for you. And it’s far better than what you ever can imagine! But you have to be willing to trust in His plan and stick with Him, because He’s going places! I also want to encourage you to listen for His voice through His Word, His Spirit, your hubby (if you have one), your pastor, a book, quote, or post that He leads you to read (like this one). Whatever you do, just don’t let your thoughts or your ways throw you off course.

Learn to surrender, trust God more, be content right where He has you (actually go 100%), and follow His lead. Because He hears your prayers and knows exactly where you are, sis. He’s just working it all out for your good. Know that in His perfect timing, He will move on your behalf…if you don’t lose hope and give up. Hold onto this verse, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” (Galatians 6:9 - NLT) Stay on course and don’t ever give up. He’s got you covered!

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!

~Courtnaye

Thanks for reading this post! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened. If you have any comments or questions feel free to leave it here or email me @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com, and I’ll get back with you promptly. Also, if this post and ministry has blessed your life, please consider making a donation of any amount today to help me further the gospel and provide more helpful resources @ http://www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org/.

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