DISCLAIMER:  To all my church folks–before you think I stole the pastor’s message from Sunday morning’s service (8-25-14) I can assure you I did not.  Truth be told, I wrote this blog the night before he spoke (my wife can vouch for me, lol).  Though he used a different scripture reference I found it interesting how similar our messages were.  I guess you can chalk that under the “one mind, one accord” category, LOL!  Also, sorry for the length.  A little bit of ‘preach’ rose up in me and I had to get it out.  Now, on to the blog!!!

Within the past few weeks my family has been dealing with some personal issues related to sickness.  While I won’t delve into our personal business let’s just say this particular issue has rocked me to my core, and honestly, I’m not sure why.  If I were to guess I would assume it’s because it came unexpectedly.  Though I know my thinking was flawed, I believe there was a part of me that took partial blame for it.  I know, I know!  It sounds crazy even as I type it.  Even though I realize there really isn’t any way I could have caused this particular issue there was still this pang of guilt that I have carried for weeks now.  To begin with I simply panicked.  Those who really know me know that’s rare for me.  I may be a little O.C.D. about some things but genuine panic isn’t something I struggle with.  Normally I go into “how-can-I-fix-it?” mode.  In this instance I was the chicken running around with his head cut off.  After a few days to process my emotions and finally get them in check I found myself doing something I really hadn’t intended to do.  [Side note: it’s funny how in times of crisis you find out what you’re really made of and how far you have/have not come.]  Once I was able to regain my perspective I began reviewing the things that God had done in my life.  The testimonies of my life began to replay in my head.  Testimony after testimony added a little more fuel to my ‘faith tank.’  It had become a bit depleted and I was none the wiser.  Not sure when it happened but it did.  After my tank had been juiced up I found I was no longer in panic mode.  I had flipped into “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” mode. 

Let me explain using a story from the Bible.  Building altars was a common practice during much of the Old Testament.  Normally they were built for sacrificial and worship purposes.  In Joshua 22:28 we find something a little different happening.  These three tribes (Gadites, Manasseh and Reubenites) decide to build an altar.  But rather than it being for worship or sacrificial purposes it is put in place as a memorial.  What?!?  Yep, a reminder of what had happened.  Or, in modern terms, I would call it a testimony.  Stay with me, I’m going somewhere here.  The scripture says, “”And we said, ‘If they ever say this to us, or to our descendants, we will answer: Look at the replica of the LORD’s altar, which our ancestors built, not for burnt offerings and sacrifices, but as a witness between us and you.’”  That altar had a very specific purpose.  It stood as a VISIBLE reminder to everyone who saw it how far God had brought them.  It’s easy to pass a story by word of mouth.  But when you have something tangible to turn to, well, that tends to change everything.  That pile of rocks had become a reminder of how God had brought them through the hard times.  Any time they had reason to doubt or needed a reminded of the promise that was lying ahead they simply had to turn their eyes toward that altar. 

I don’t know where you’re at today.  Maybe you’re on top of the mountain, maybe you’ve been sitting in the valley for a while, or maybe you’re somewhere in between.  Regardless, keep in mind, sometimes you must choose to encourage yourself!  When all your supporters have left you and you’re stuck in a dark place with no one to talk to or turn to, testify to yourself!!  If you haven’t done so lately, make it a point to get a building permit and get to work.  Start building altars in your life.  Keep a journal, make a video on your phone, call and share it with a friend but do SOMETHING.  Those altars….those testimonies are what will get you through the hard times.  Those visible or mental reminders of God’s goodness are the gas for the car that will sustain you on the way to your promise.  Get in your prayer closet, lock the door, and have church ALL by yo’ self!!!!  And here’s the great part……….your testimony will bless and get you through the hard times but it will become an altar/testimony for OTHERS too.  See, those testimonies turn into an energizer bunny.  They just keep on going, and going, and going!!!!  When I hear/see/experience YOUR testimony I’m also reminded that God is no respecter of persons.  If he did it for YOU He’s going to do it for ME!!!!  Whatever comes, He’s got me covered.  Before my needs arise, He’s already worked out the details.  “…All I have needed, thy hand hath provided…great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.”  Got a building permit?!?  You’re going to need it!!

Got a few extra minutes?!?  Check this out.  It will bless you!! 

http://youtu.be/wPuRlqQi57Y