Monday, August 10, 2015

LET IT BE ME




Some 7 years ago I got a direct line from the Lord that first seemed as a question and over time it evolved into a statement of action.  I’d like to share part of that journey and receiving the ultimate statement so you can understand why I ask, let it be me.

The Lord awoke me at 3:30 am one morning to meet Him in prayer.  When I made it to the couch, I had notebook and pen in hand waiting for Him to speak in the volumes that He normally did.  I waited for words of wisdom to help me in my present condition; working in Egypt under a Pharaoh’s rule.  He simply said, who shall write of my glory?

I thought that because I currently wrote articles for 3 local newspapers that I was doing this, but quickly humbled to say yes Lord and continued to ponder the words seeking His direction on what that statement should mean to me. I’ve learned that God never speaks idle words.

On that very day, I was returning to my hostile work environment after vacation and I opened a CD from Donnie McClurkin that I hadn’t listened to and found myself playing this one song over and over; you are my Lord and King.  Upon arriving in my parking spot in front of the building, the Holy Spirit instructed me to shout Shammah as I stood before the entrance door before sliding my badge. 

The strangest thing happened, it seemed to me that the building suffered a matrix moment and all the windows seemed to bulge at that word.  When I went in, my enemies couldn’t walk close to me, they would start to twitch and turn the other way.  That was the day they informed me that my job would be eliminated at the end of the year.  I think I surprised them as I did myself, when I made them repeat the facts, speaking that because of their actions I was eligible for retirement and lifetime health care.   I stood up and shouted like I did when I first received the Holy Ghost.  I ran out got my purse ready to go home and they stopped me to say, in all happened in 90 days. My face fell for a minute but I still skipped to my desk.

I was happy to go from my salary to just enough to buy 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread. I was so happy to be out of Egypt that I saw that elimination as my Red Sea opportunity. I could tell that it scared my husband to have our family lose one income, but he trusted the God we served.  I can say that we didn’t suffer any visible loss and maintained our lifestyles.  He was even more blessed because I was happier than I had been in 12 years.

God gave me opportunity after opportunity and idea after idea to write the inspirational articles and do the Sunday school curriculum assignments that seemed to flood my desk.  It wasn’t until a year or so later that another revelation to the statement became apparent to me, which prompted me to write this piece.  During the following years, great trouble began by showing up on my doorstep. I saw the death angel in my home and watched him slowly take away the intended party.  Once again, I needed the Lord desperately. 

 I remembered the Lord calling me to prayer and speaking those words.   Those words were also making it clear that those who suffer and see the delivering hand of God are those who can write of His glory.  My entire life is a testament to that fact.  The scriptures say, let the redeemed of the Lord say so.  I say it in my writing.  I write about His glory when I share the miraculous ways He delivers me out of my perilous situations.

I decided to stop thinking this was a grievous way and starting to recognize the honor of my position.  When I call, the most high God comes, how marvelous is that.   I say aloud to myself and to the Lord, let it be me. 

This took me back to one of my all time favorite oldie but goodie sons sung by Mr. Jerry Butler and Ms. Betty Everett, let it be me.  I’ll share the lyrics; with a few modifications for my purpose, and see don’t you agree I’ve made the right interpretation and response to the words, who can write of my glory.

I bless the day I found you. I want to stay around you. And so I beg you, let it be me
Don't take this heaven from one. If you must cling to someone, now and forever, let it be me
Each time we meet, I find complete love. Without your sweet love what would life be?

So never leave me lonely. Tell me you love me, And that you'll always let it be me.