(Dear Readers: I shared this recently on my Facebook page and a reader suggested that I provide tips on how I was able to unlock the blessings by being obedient to God. Below is my original message with the requested additional information.)
This morning during prayer, I heard the sound of doors unlocking in the Spirit.
*Click Click*
Obedience to God is what unlocks the doors. I am confident that I heard the sound of doors unlocking because I finally gave God a FULL yes to something He has placed on my heart almost two years ago, which is the call into full-time ministry.
This year, it will be six years since I've worked a 9-5 job or had a job with regular benefits and a paycheck. Since then I've been working for the Lord through the Inspired Overflow Show, leading a Bible study at a local homeless shelter and itinerant preaching at the invitation of churches, workshops and conferences. God has met all my financial needs, however, my heart has still longed for the security and stability of a J-O-B.
In a dream this week, I heard the voice of God loudly and clearly say He has called me to work for Him full-time doing the work of ministry. God wanted me to know that He was my employer, and as my employer, I must trust Him to provide my every need. When I heard this so clearly articulated by God that settled everything. No longer would I discuss, resist, barter or negotiate with God. He's specifically told me that this is what He has called me to do and so it is settled in my heart...finally.
I heard doors unlocking in the spiritual realm because I made the decision in my heart to (finally) accept God's plan for my life. In the past I have been doing the work of full-time ministry yet my heart has longed for an opening, or opportunity to go back to work and jump under the security blanket of a paycheck every two weeks. It wasn't until my heart became settled and my Spirit said: "God, this is the plan you have for me and I wholeheartedly accept your plan for my life." That I heard doors unlocking in the Spirit realm, and a vision of me seated during prayer and angels behind me unlocking and opening rows of doors.
*Click-Click*
*Click-Click*
*Click-Click*
The doors are unlocking. Not just for me but also for you. Isaiah 1:19 says "if you are willing and obedient you will eat the good of the land." Many of us may be obedient (doing the work of the Lord) but there is a heaviness in our Spirit, a reluctance and unwillingness; but when we give God a FULL heartfelt yes, that is when we can access the promises of God.
How I Made the Decision to be Willing and Obedient:
My Love For God Requires Me to Be Obedient (and Willing)- When I heard the audible voice of God telling me in my dream that I had indeed been called into full-time ministry, that settled things in my heart. I had been doing a lot of grumbling and complaining to God about how I needed a job, and how things were becoming financially stressful. I share this with you, because perhaps you may have had similar conversations too. I thank God for His grace and patience, however, I realize that it shouldn't have taken me hearing His audible voice informing me of my call into full-time ministry, because He had already spoken this to me in some many instances -- through Prophets, through open doors to preach His word and by supernaturally providing for me...these instances should have been enough for me to know and accept God's plan but sadly they were not.
It is my prayer that you won't make the same mistake as me by delaying your blessings and instead accept what God tells you the FIRST time. The love we have for God is demonstrated by our obedience (John 14:15). Realizing the love for God, and His great love for me is how I settled in my heart that I would obey Him willingly and obediently.
My Face Must Become Set Like Flint - Because I have heard from the Lord, and have accepted His plans for my life, my face is like flint and I am laser-focused on doing God's will. When I get up each morning and head to prayer, I say, "Here I am God. Reporting for work!" I'm up like clockwork, taking seriously the tasks and assignments God has given me in this season. No longer lolly-gagging or getting to them 'when I get to them' because I know for sure that this is where God wants me --- I am all in. I'm committed, focused and serious.
"Because the sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced, therefore I have set my face like a stone determined to do His will, and I know I will not be put to shame." Isaiah 50:7
Prayer Gives Me Strength- Prayer has been integral to solidifying and keeping me grounded in obedience. It was in prayer that God showed me the vision of the angels unlocking and opening the doors in the spirit realm. Your obedience to God is attached to your prayer life. As you pray, you will receive the strength, direction and support necessary to carry out God's plans.
Had I not been still and gotten into a position of prayer to pray about His calling me into full-time ministry, I would have missed the vision of angels unlocking the doors because of my obedience.
Your love of God, your willingness to obey Him (willingly and obediently), coupled with prayer are all factors to God unlocking the doors for you. Don't miss your opportunity to enjoy the great things God has for you due to your refusal to be obedient and willing to God's plan for your life.
Here's a scripture to encourage you on all the good things in store for when we are obedient to God:
"The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. The Lord will make you the head, not the tail.
If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them." - Deuteronomy 28:12-14
I'm praying for you! Whatever situation God has called you to, I am praying your strength and full, heart-felt obedience to Him. God loves you so much and He has so many great things in store for me. Make sure you obey Him with your heart, mind, and soul!
*UPDATE* Want more encouragement on this topic? Check out my video below:
Kacie Starr Long is an author, talk show host and the proud wife of Alfred T. Long Sr. When not writing, Kacie enjoys sewing. She is the founder of Sew Hope, a sewing school for previously incarcerated men and women. Connect with Kacie at: www.InspiredOverflow.com and via her YouTube page for more inspiration and encouragement.
Comments