Journey to a Blessing

By: Amecia Matlock

Sometimes, to move forward, we have to reflect back. A friend of mine in the Faith recently told me that it’s good to reflect on what God has already blessed you with and the answered prayers that you’re currently walking in. 

I gave a platitudinous reply. 

Yes, of course! 

I had praised Him, I had thanked Him. I thank Him every morning for putting air in my lungs. But had my praises been as relentless as my pursuit of more?

The Pursuit of More

I started the outline for this blog post almost a year ago. It was September of 2024, and God was blessing me abundantly after a season of drought. But when these blessings didn’t arrive in the packages I expected, I hesitated. Awaiting – more. 

I’ll post it when the job is permanent.

When everything pans out..

When I receive the rest of my promises…

When I’m comfortable…when-  

But if that season of Un-comfortability taught me anything, it’s that oftentimes God does his best work in you when you’re uncomfortable. When you are forced to take leaps of faith, risking being misunderstood or looking foolish, it stretches you. Our faith should not be in the things of this world and the comfort, stability, or happiness they provide; it should be in God alone. Everything else is icing on the cake, and walking in step with God’s will ensures you enjoy that icing to the fullest.

Way in the Wilderness, Streams in the Wasteland

My first blog post was about being laid off from my job. I was out of work for 4 months. In those 4 months, we had plenty to eat, the bills got paid, and my son and I enjoyed each other’s company while exploring, playing, learning, and walking in the joy that God made sure to sprinkle throughout our days.

With that being said, some days were tough, and I cried out to God. Professing that I believed that He would come through for us, but that it was difficult. He strengthened my faith in the  honesty and vulnerability of those moments.

When I didn’t know how we were going to pay rent, He miraculously came through and covered it at the last moment. When my son’s first birthday came around and I still had no job, He blessed me with free party supplies out of nowhere, and family members pitched in with gifts and offered to pay for experiences without me having to say a word. 

See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:19

Despite my stubbornness and pride when it came to asking for help, He would force money into my hands through the kindness of complete strangers.

He would send people to pray for me and encourage me.

I would hear a song or sermon at just the right moment to give me the motivation to persevere.

After every job interview that led nowhere, after every sure thing just didn’t work out, after my resume would get lost in a sea of black holes, He would restore my faith in the truth that he was working all things together for my good. – Romans 8:28

He built up my confidence so much that I was prepared for the challenges that I would eventually face on the other side of that season. And yes, the season did end.

What Grew?

In September of 2024, the week I received my last unemployment check, I got a job. My first interview, that same day, I was offered the position. To this day, it’s been a “temp” position, and to this day, it’s been a blessing. 

I’m currently writing this article from bed, midday, because my boss sent me home this morning under directions to do nothing but rest after a long night with my toddler. She is understanding, considerate, appreciative, and challenges me to be my best. I have fallen in love with HR, and if nothing else came out of this, that would be blessing enough. 

But so much more came out of that season than counting down to the arrival of a new career and money. I decided to go back to school and pursue my MBA, I got to spend 2 months visiting with my parents before they moved across the country, I had the opportunity to write for a ‘good news’ magazine that I love, I got to spend uninterrupted time with my toddler before he started preschool, and I started this very blog!

An Endless Journey

I have been in a season of uncertainty lately, but reflecting on what God’s already done reminds me that he has never left nor forsaken me – Hebrews 13:5. Sacred work was being done in the process of something I did not understand before, and the same is happening now. By fully embracing each season of life and praising God endlessly, we experience the blessings that life can bring in both the Winter and Spring seasons of our lives. When I find myself falling into jealousy, anxiety, or sadness over my current situation, I will stop and reflect over posts like these and I will praise, praise, praise God for all He’s done – and for the work He is still doing in me and that He is faithful to complete – Philippians 1:6

Ending Prayer

God, I pray that we would be active doers of the word. That we would walk and work in faith, standing on your promises firmly and joyfully. I pray that we would not miss the beauty that abounds around us, stuck in a never-ending pursuit of more, but that we would slow down to notice your handiwork in every detail of our lives. For those who may be stepping out in faith for the first time, and want to invite Jesus into your heart, pray this prayer –

Heavenly Father, I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died on the cross for my sins, that He rose from the dead, and is alive right now. I repent of my sins and ask You to come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior.

If you prayed that prayer and believe it in your heart, you have begun walking in freedom with our savior Jesus Christ, and the best is yet to come!

FRUIT OF THE DAY – JOY

SONG OF THE DAY – TRUST IN YOU/ LAUREN DAIGLE

1. 

   To God be all the Glory Honor and praise! My life is His alone to use ❤️ May he bless…

2. 

   Thank you for sharing transparently. Our experiences and tripping stones are a path to not only our own stronger faith…

3. 

   wow!! 29Peanut Butter Dreams

4. 

   I pray for God’s goodness and grace for you and your family. Thanks for reading!

5. 

   Thank you for sharing this.