I Take It Personally

“I don’t know your life, but you’ve thrown it all on Jesus. You’ve gambled everything on Jesus. You’ve put all your eggs in one basket and that’s namely the leadership of Jesus. And I feel like God is saying, ‘I will not disappoint you. That you will not experience shame.’ And I sense the Lord is saying, ‘what you have done is precious to me.’ That you’re like the spies, Joshua and Caleb, that when they believed, Jesus says, ‘Oh, I take it personally.’ Cuz the ones who didn’t believe, God said, “they haven’t rejected you, they rejected me.” That’s such an interesting comment. He took it so personal. And, I feel like the Lord has taken it so personal how you’ve believed.”

On Saturday night, I went to spend some time in prayer at Pasadena House of Prayer (PIHOP) and forgot that it was their night of prophetic prayer called, The Well. People sign up for personal prayer appointments where volunteers and PIHOP staff pray for you one-on-one asking the Lord what he saying to you/about you. I signed up for a walk-in appointment and walked away incredibly encouraged. A man and a woman, whom I’ve never met, prayed for me for about 10 minutes. They knew nothing about my life or current situation, other than my name. My opening paragraph is a small snapshot of what they prayed over me.

What these people did NOT know is that I’m walking through a pretty intense season of trusting the Lord for His leading and guidance for my next steps, which also includes trusting him for my day-to-day provisions on a level that is, truthfully, quite uncomfortable for most, and if I’m most honest, for myself. I truly have put all of my eggs in one basket, and that basket reads in HUGE letters – JESUS.

I’ve been walking through this “season” for several years as I’ve ventured off the so-called “beaten path” of certainty and have dove into the possibilities of what it looks like to follow the dreams God has placed in my heart, even if the plans are not ironed out completely.  Plain and simple – Jesus isn’t just my backup plan – He is THE plan.

I’ve known Jesus long enough and studied his words enough to know that He is walking with me and will provide every the step along the way, even if it means I’m living off of the literal daily bread “The Lord’s Prayer” talks about. I know the supernatural provision of “daily bread” and feel incredibly “seen” and “known” by the Lord in those moments where He shows up with miraculous provision…yet, again. Every time he provides, it’s so personal – whether it’s a friend on the phone that asks, “Do you need money? Yes? Great. I’m sending a check.” or getting hired to watch a friend’s child, or do errands for someone, just at that time when I need the provision.

So, in response to the prayers prayed over me on Saturday regarding how Jesus takes it personally how I chose to follow Him, I, too, take it personally how He kindly provides and chooses to care for me. It’s a really crazy give-and-take/ win-win relationship. Though I do GREATLY desire stability and financial freedom, etc., those desires do not dictate my decisions as much as my desire to experience the joy of walking so closely with my Heavenly Father, enjoying His provision and protection on a very personal and tangible level.  I take it very personally.

How are you currently experiencing putting your trust in the Lord?

Are all your eggs in one basket (Jesus), or is your trust misplaced (in politics, relationships, the economy, etc)

What is one area in your life you can step out this week and trust God that He will provide?

Here are some promises I know to be very true in my life, as I trust Jesus and His leadership/provision:

Matthew 6:25-34
 No one can serve two masters. If you try, you will wind up loving the first master and hating the second, or vice versa. People try to serve both God and money—but you can’t. You must choose one or the other.  Here is the bottom line: do not worry about your life. Don’t worry about what you will eat or what you will drink. Don’t worry about how you clothe your body. Living is about more than merely eating, and the body is about more than dressing up. Look at the birds in the sky. They do not store food for winter. They don’t plant gardens. They do not sow or reap—and yet, they are always fed because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are even more precious to Him than a beautiful bird. If He looks after them, of course He will look after you.  Worrying does not do any good; who here can claim to add even an hour to his life by worrying?  Nor should you worry about clothes. Consider the lilies of the field and how they grow. They do not work or weave or sew, and yet their garments are stunning.  Even King Solomon, dressed in his most regal garb, was not as lovely as these lilies.  And think about grassy fields—the grasses are here now, but they will be dead by winter. And yet God adorns them so radiantly. How much more will He clothe you, you of little faith, you who have no trust?  So do not consume yourselves with questions: What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?  Outsiders make themselves frantic over such questions; they don’t realize that your heavenly Father knows exactly what you need. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all these things will be given to you too.  So do not worry about tomorrow. Let tomorrow worry about itself. Living faithfully is a large enough task for today.

Joshua 1:9
This is My command: be strong and courageous. Never be afraid or discouraged because I am your God, the Eternal One, and I will remain with you wherever you go.

Ephesians 3:20
Now to the God who can do so many awe-inspiring things, immeasurable things, things greater than we ever could ask or imagine through the power at work in us...

Psalms 84:11
For the Eternal God is a sun and a shield.  The Eternal grants favor and glory; He doesn’t deny any good thing to those who live with integrity.

Philippians 4:6-7
Don’t be anxious about things; instead, pray. Pray about everything. He longs to hear your requests, so talk to God about your needs and be thankful for what has come. 7 And know that the peace of God (a peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding) will stand watch over your hearts and minds in Jesus, the Anointed One.

Philippians 4:19
Know this: my God will also fill every need you have according to His glorious riches in Jesus the Anointed, our Liberating King.


Written by Molly, Los Angeles, California