Hidden Treasures

"I Found Joy in a BIG God" Part Sixteen

I have always enjoyed surprises. Not the scary, heart-stopping kind, but the fun, sweet, thoughtful kind. I can remember Easter mornings when I was a child, racing around the house searching for chocolate egg surprises and collecting them in a colourful basket. Being a twin, the race was always on to hunt quicker and uncover more before my sister had opportunity to claim the biggest booty. However, when all was said and done, we would sit down on the floor, sort our eggs by colour and share equally all we had discovered.

Today I want to share with you a hidden treasure I discovered Sunday morning while at "She Speaks". I awoke a good hour before the alarm. The weekend was going by so quickly...TOO quickly. Overwhelmed by God's presence, lying nestled in the comfort of my bed, tears streamed down my cheeks as my room-mate slept peacefully. I began pouring out my heart of thanksgiving and praise to the One who had re-captured my heart with His love.

Hesitant to really ask for anything when God had already done more than my heart could contain, there were four people on my 'hope to see' list today. I had already met them during the course of the weekend, but not knowing when or if our paths would cross again this side of heaven, I asked the Lord if He would please allow us to connect before I left today. I surrendered this desire to God, completely content that it was in His hands. I have to admit almost apologizing to God for asking for anything more when He had been so good to me, but His Words says, "You have not because you ask not", so, I was asking. In response to my prayer I sensed God saying within me, "It's only Sunday morning, Joy. I'm not finished revealing Myself to you yet. There's more to come". Although excited at that thought, my mind questioned, 'Lord, what more can there be? You have enveloped me with Your goodness through this entire adventure. I feel like I could burst with love for You.'

As I walked into the lobby not long after, a voice called, "Hey Joy". I turned to see Renee. Oh God - You are so good! Renee was one of the names on my "hope to see" list. Wow Lord, that was fast. One down, three to go! I had opportunity to share with her briefly how her message had spoken so deeply to my heart the night before. I also told her about the verse God had given specifically to me. After telling her my precious scripture passage, Renee asked, "What was your word?" Word? I didn't get a word, I received a verse. Renee went on to explain that in the 'shadow' behind the scripture verse was a word. A hidden treasure a special word from God to me. I couldn't dig my card out of my purse fast enough to read the 'word' that God was speaking over my life. Friends, my word was "FREE".

Oh Father, just like you proclaimed Gideon to be a 'mighty warrior' while he was still shaking in his boots, Lord, You are proclaiming that I am 'free' while the clanging of chains dangle from my wrists. Thank You Lord for Your promise and Your perspective.

I was so glad to have been with Renee when I found this truth. The Lord had used her again powerfully in my life. He had to make her cross my path that morning because His message to me from the previous evening wasn't finished. He used her to help me find His truth.

Before the morning was over God did bring all three of my other friends to me as well. You can be sure each one heard my 'word' story - in fact - I was still sharing it at the airport on my way home.

I don't know how you need to see God today. I don't know what situations you are facing, but God has a word He longs to speak over you. Maybe it's 'peace' or 'trust'...'hope'...'remember'....'possible'...'healing'...'secure'...'Mine'...'believe'...'rest'...'restore'...'beautiful'...'forgiven'...'grace'...'loved'.

To all of us He is saying...'Come'.

**Well, there is still more yet to write, but I'm taking a break this weekend, so I will be back on Monday with more of my adventure. Thank you to all of you who have been faithfully following this journey and rejoicing with me. God longs to be just as personal with each one of us. I enjoy visiting your blogs and being encouraged by all God is doing in your lives. Love to you all. See you Monday!**