Tuesday, October 14, 2014

"The Private War: Trusting God through the Silent Seasons"




Ever felt like you have gone through seasons where things were moving and shaking? It seems like you were growing in Christ, doors were flying open and life was good! You enjoyed your time with the Lord and then.. out of now where.. you hit a quiet season.

Doors don't seem like they are opening, you don't feel like you have clear instructions from God, you almost want to run back to that happy season but even those doors seem closed. And it seems like God isn't as close to you as He was before. 

If you have ever felt that way, I want you to know that it's ok & it's NORMAL. You're simply going through a test and you have the option to pass the test & totally rely on God OR, you have the option to go & create a life and open your own doors that will end up in turmoil.

Lets read this story together:

Genesis 11 New King James Version

The Tower of Babel
11 Now the whole earth had one language and one speech. 2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they dwelt there. 3 Then they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They had brick for stone, and they had asphalt for mortar. 4 And they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.”

5 But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. 6 And the Lord said, “Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. 7 Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” 8 So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city. 9 Therefore its name is called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.

The whole earth came together and thought that they were going to outsmart God. So, God had to confuse their language and shut down their plans. And in your own life, God has to confuse the language you have with your boss, that boyfriend you shouldn't be with, that church or that friend that is pushing you away from Jesus. It seems like for no reason whatsoever, you guys are no longer on the same page. You don't understand it and it's frustrating but God had to stop the plans that YOU came up with for your life. 

You see, God has great plans for your life and those plans include suffering, trusting Him and letting HIM lead your life. In this private war, you may not even be able to articulate what God is doing in your heart. You have this war of the flesh, this war of trying to be who God called you to be, this war of wanting to quit, this war of resting in God, this war of "when is it my time God."

Here's the kicker.

There's times where you're going to just have to sit there and not move. I'm not telling you to be lazy, I'm telling you that God may want you to stop building YOUR tower and sit there long enough to hear HIS instructions for YOUR life. And you will have to be honest with yourself, you won't know the next step and thats OK. If you had ALL the answers for life, why would you need Jesus? HE places those voids in our hearts because we can only be filled by Him and Him alone. He is calling you back to that quiet place with Him. So, be honest with yourself.

1. You don't know where you're going, but God does. 
2. You're sitting and trusting Him until He leads you to the next step.
3. If He ain't opening the doors then you aren't going to bust open a door. 
4. If He wants to pursue something, He will make it plain to you.
5. Enjoy this season instead of running out of it. You've been running so long and trying to create your plans for so long that God had to get your attention. 


This world screams into our heart, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? What are your plans? What is next for you? Where is your new man? WHY aren't you taking that job? It makes SO much money! But there is this quiet whisper in your heart and the Holy Spirit is telling you to rest. Don't move. Sit there until He leads and instructs. You see, you ain't ready. You think you're ready but you're not ready. If you were then you would rest until God opened up the right doors. You would be OK with not knowing the next step because you know that obedience is GREATER than temporary things.  

In my own life, we've been approached by 3 large TV networks for reality shows and a publishing company all within about 2-3 months. And with all 4 "opportunities" I had no peace. I wanted to move forward with at least one of them because it seemed like a great opportunity but it just wasn't time for that door to be opened. You almost have to ask your motive for why you want open doors in your life. Are you focused on eternity or are you focused on building your name on this earth? I don't know about you but I just want God. I want the Holy Spirit to so enjoy living in Me that He bursts with joy daily. I want to be so led by the Holy Spirit that I see Gods glory like Moses did. This eternity mindset has nothing to do with the very real tests and trials that will attack you on this earth. What does the bible say about tests? Does it tells us to run? NO! It tells us to ENDURE! To stay faithful to God and to REJOICE. 

James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

So, smile the next time that somebody asks, "WHEN are you getting you a man??! WHEN are you doing this? WHEN are you doing that?  Smile because you know that you are trusting God and you aren't going to step outside of HIS will to create some tower of babel. You don't need no tower of a man, tower of some job, tower of some thing. You need the very presence of the Holy Spirit smashing out anything that isn't like God in your heart. You simply need Him and Him alone. 

Let's fight this thing together. Let's all just sit there until the Lord leads us. Even if we look crazy. Even if the world calls us crazy. We KNOW this truth:

Philippians 1:6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

GOD will complete it. God will complete it. I said, GOD WILL COMPLETE it. Even if you're about to get evicted. EVEN if you are lonely. Even IF you don't understand. EVEN if you are sad. Even if things look down. Place your FAITH in Jesus Christ and not this worlds temporary feelings and things. 

But.. will you believe that?

Lets step building things that He never told us to build and going places He never told us to go. EVEN if that means QUITTING on something YOU started.


Just a few things:

1. I  opened up a Pinky Promise Boutique!!! Think fashionable, fabulous purity rings, cross bracelets, journals, statement necklaces & so much more  for women! Check it out via www.pinkypromiseboutiques.com. Use code JESUS for 10% off!

2. We have developed an APP! Think: daily post notifications + weekly devotionals, recipes and so much more! It's out NOW for iphones + Androids. Under Heather & Cornelius Lindsey: Today With the Lindsey's

3.  If you live in Atlanta, I want to invite you to our church. Join us on Sundays at 11:00am at Landmark Art Cinemas. Our churches name is: "The Gathering Oasis"  931 Monroe Drive NE Atlanta, GA.

4. My book is selling like crazy! I'm so thankful for all of you that have supported! Check it out here: My New Book! Pink Lips & Empty Hearts:  www.PinkLipsAndEmptyHearts.com AND my new book,  Dusty Crowns, here! 

5. Register for the 2015 Pinky Promise in Atlanta, GA! It sold out last year, so you don't want to miss out! www.pinkypromiseconference.com 

6. As always, you can join a Pinky Promise group locally! There's about 27,000 ladies that have joined! Find a group near you by joining & checking out the intro page! Join here:www.PinkyPromiseMovement.com


God loves you like crazy,
Heather Lindsey 
















42 comments:

  1. Very timely word. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Awesome word! I'm trusting & resting!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow God is always faithful. I needed this so much, thank you woman of God,we praise Him for you ������

    ReplyDelete
  4. This was right on time! Glory to God. Thank you Lord for wrecking my plans and Implementing yours.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Needed this! Thanks for allowing God to use you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Do you have any other services during the week other than Sunday?

    ReplyDelete
  7. What do we do while we are resting but the world is still moving so fast around us and expecting things from us? How do we guard ourselves from making mistakes during that resting period? If God plans our lives to the last detail, does he help us steer clear of stepping into the wrong path?

    I sometimes feel like trusting God is like being blind folded in the world and trying to find your way while keeping faith that God will not let me stumble. But while I'm blind folded and keeping my faith, what if I take a wrong step and end up in a puddle and end up wet, dirty and miserable? That thought makes me want to just sit down and not move at all until God tells me to move in a certain direction. That way I would know for sure its the right way. Its so hard b/c for most of our lives we have control of most things.We are taught to be responsible for our actions and if we fail we have to suffer the consequences and that can make people scared to even decide anything. True faith is scary to be really honest b/c you have to truly let everything go and surrender everything over to God and fully trust that he wont ever steer you wrong.

    ReplyDelete
  8. GRACIAS MUCHAS GRACIAS WE LOVE YOUR TEACHINGS AMEN

    ReplyDelete
  9. Whew right on time.... You have no idea how much I needed to hear this. Literally just wept at my desk! Thank you for letting the Lord use you. God Bless you dearly :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. This was a great post. It definitely lifted up my spirit. My prayers go to you.

    ReplyDelete
  11. WOW!!!! This blog has come in just the Nick of Time Heather!! As someone who is currently experiencing my "Silent Season" I can truly attest to everything you just said. It's not easy, and it doesn't feel pretty...But I know there is a breakthrough with my name on the other side! Thank you for being open, honest and candid as it is a BLESSING to many!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks Sis! This was much needed. I just recently asked my pinky promise sisters about this. I've had so much peace sitting still and doing the things I am doing now. I only feel convicted when I step out of my contentment to please those who think I'm "crazy." Living Godly and in a Godless world seems difficult, especially when you know in your heart you're doing the right thing but the world doesn't support it. This blog was it.... This was confirmation! Love ya!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you HL for yet another on point message! It confirmed to me that I need to keep sitting my tail down because I was lacing up my sneakers to get ready to run and make things happen as I figured or reasoned with myself that since nothing is happening, I need to go make it happen. It's a struggle resting when you don't see a reason for there to be a wait but I'm going to press on and really allow God to show me why it says in His word that He is good to those who wait on Him.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Heather... why is the Holy Spirit so amazing?! God is the ONLY explanation for how ridiculously on time this post was, and several of your last posts have been. Love you! I will continue to be bold by being obedient and continuing to spread #truthinchaos, no matter how crazy I look. Amen.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks SO much for this Heather! I'm at a place where I need to to lead me; coz I don't know what I'm doing! Lol. May His will be done. Thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Tooooo blessed...May God keep blessing you �� Always on point indeed A true woman of God.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks Heather for this post. It is definitely an on time word and super encouraging.

    I am currently in a season of solitude and things are pretty much silent. For the pass few weeks I have been bucking against this season and literally waring with God concerning this time in my life - literally fighting this season, not wanting to be here, and allowing the devil to beat me up in my mind and run me away from God. But recently, while in prayer, God gave me total revelation concerning this season of quietness and solitude - I have understanding now about why I'm in this season and I'm so thankful to God. I don't know how long it's going to last but I totally believe that it has a purpose and I'm going to trust God as I go through. This blog post was confirmation to keep going in this race and to trust God while I run.

    ReplyDelete
  18. this is so perfect. so apt for my life right now. sometimes, i feel like im just sitting down and doing nothing. no man, no job,no concrete plans. i feel like i should be doing something, i cry to God asking what it is, and i just keep hearing that i should be patient, i should wait. it makes me confused. but i have to accept it. thank you so much for this Heather. may God bless u.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Sigh....God has been dealing with me on this for a month or so and I keep running from it. Trying to "do something"; staring a project here, picking up a hobby there, trying to start this business or brainstorm that idea. I'm uncomfortable in my current situation so trying to find a way out! All the while distracting myself from what I am supposed to be doing; sitting still and listening. Thanks for the post. I needed it!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Perfect timing! You described my life right now, I have had a tough time explaining it or putting it into words! The eviction notice has been given, but praise God I will continue to look to God and I know He is faithful and I will come out knowing and walking in His ways and purposes for my life! Testing time is coming to an end!
    Thank you for sharing!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I kinda love this. And I definitely needed to read it.

    ReplyDelete
  22. please, whatever you do stay away from reality tv shows. you guys do not need that mess in your beautiful, blessed family.thank you for this post

    ReplyDelete
  23. What if you have made a decision that isn't bad per say (new job or continuing education) and people close to you encourage you in this, but you feel no peace about and continually question? Do you quit? How do you know for sure that you made the wrong decision?

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thank you so much for this post.! I have been in my quiet season or better yet seasons for longer than I can really admit. I have been comfortable in my life for almost 3 years now. It seems like every time I think things will be better life seems to slap me in the face with something else. After reading this I realize I've been doing way to much and for all of the wrong reasons. This let's me know that its OK to sit and wait for GOD to move me. I've have so many people tell me that its me and to shake it off. Thank you so much for this post.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I must say that this truly blessed me. It really describes what I am going through right now, and I feel encouraged that everything will work out. I don't feel so alone and weird by going through this. God bless you, and you look great

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks so very much, Heather - still praying for a miracle

    ReplyDelete
  27. On. Time. Word. Get out of my head!

    ReplyDelete
  28. This is so on point for me that its SCARY!!! (in a good way :-) ) Thank GOD for you Heather Lindsey!
    ...and I need to get that cookbook!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thank you for this on time word!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Very timely and relevant Word from God. Thanks for sharing. God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thank you so much for this message!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I read this with tears in my eyes. You just told me about my life and struggle in this moment. Thank you for this blessing.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Ok I'm confused. I've been in this season of silence for about a month or so, waiting on God to tell me what I should do with my life. I'm still confused so should I just chill at home and be idle until he says something? Or do I enroll in school and do what I want to do and hope that he helps me out or approves?

    ReplyDelete
  34. A word in season indeed! thank you. And may God bless your ministry.

    ReplyDelete
  35. subtle yet very powerful words, need I say more!!!! I join the thousands around the world to pray and thank God for your life and that of your family, its very easy to stray from God and his words, but when someone stands and speaks boldly for Him.. the least I would always do is thank Him for you.
    May God continue to bless and use you.

    ReplyDelete
  36. In tears reading Heather! It's tough but I trust God will complete his work in me. Stay blessed

    ReplyDelete
  37. I don't know what to say coz u brought me to tears.. Thank you for those words, they came at the right time.. More grace..

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...