Power Filled Positive Living-Chapter 19A—Mountain Moving Faith, Hope, and Joy
The wedding was over with all the excitement, beauty and wonder that weddings bring. For me there had been that special awe of realizing just how marvelously God had answered the prayers of this mother’s heart. Alberto and Lindsey were off to their honeymoon. Ron with his beautiful wife and two babies were on the plane to Florida. Melissa with her wonderful husband and daughter was on her plane back to California. I was on the drive back to Florida from Missouri with praise songs blaring from the speakers in my car. All the way to Missouri, God and I had talked. My finances were shaky as usual; after all the health struggles, all the surgeries, and my tendency to give away the rest to anyone in need of help. All the way to Missouri, there had been this sense of knowing that God was about to do something amazing and He was going to ask me to take a leap of faith. Now on the trip back to Florida, I knew that I at the age of 59 was about to make a major move to Missouri. I reminded God that there were gigantic mountains in my way. Mountains that I could never move. After all, who starts a career move at age 59? What about the upside down mortgage on my house? What about the cost? How was I going to manage moving mom to Missouri? Working 60 to 70 hours per week, how was I going to even add on the tasks of searching for a job, much less, packing and moving? Then, there was the task of finding homes for the 6 stray cats I had somehow inherited—one of which was feral.
As my car steered through the mountains in Chattanooga, I really saw the mountains looming before my life as insurmountable; especially if I was to make such a move. Then, suddenly from the recesses of my mind; I heard the whispering voice of God, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you” (Matthew 17:20). Then, I knew!!
Every mountain that I saw before me, was going to be flattened. I had just come from witnessing God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises to me. He had promised to guide and protect the journeys of my children, to lead their lives ever closer to Himself, and to display His Merciful Grace toward me. He had so bountifully done that. So, if God said, “Move to Missouri”; I would be moving to Missouri. I didn’t need to know how; I just needed to know, God said to go. He would be the one to take care of how and He did just that in so many miraculous ways. In fact, to make certain I clearly knew this was His plan, He sent a storm into my life that rocked the boat I had been sailing in so there would be no doubt where I was to be going. I told you about that storm back in Chapter 1 as we began this journey to learn how to have a life filled with positive thinking that is supported and fueled by the power of God Almighty.
God is my source of Hope, Faith, and Joy. I can face every trial, knowing that God has a plan of good for me in whatever trial lurks before me. He has proven that truth to me every step of the way. He has never failed to keep His promises to me. Of note, those of you who have followed me through the writing of this book may have noted the change in its title. No longer can I just title it, “Power-filled Positive Thinking”; but, rather this is “Power-filled Positive Living.” Joy and hope always looming before me; because, I can trust the one who holds me in His arms of Love. He has shown His Love and His Sovereignty over my life every step of the way. “9 Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations” (Deuteronomy 7). My life is filled with Joy because of the abounding riches of Grace which have been bestowed upon me in Christ. Not because of anything I have done; but, by His Grace and Mercy toward me. As Paul wrote, “for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 5 That in everything ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: 8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (I Corinthians 1). The Power behind my faith, my hope, my joy, and my exuberance in life is God’s Abiding, Unconditional Love toward me. I can always rest assured in His promises, for God is faithful.
Listen to this song: Through it All
The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header is Ronald Barba. Please go to his website ( http://www.barba-art.com) for information regarding obtaining copies or to commission him to create a masterpiece for you. Feel free to email him at Ron@Barba-Art.com to discuss any art projects and to discuss pricing.
©2015 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.