15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. John 21:15-17 NIV
Most that truly know me know that this is a time of year where I withdraw and become solemn. 9 years ago today, my family was shaken with the passing of my daddy - Pops - Bro Dozier. Two days later, the earth beneath us in an already fragile state was shattered when my cousin Tony passed. In the middle of these 2 days, my godfather, Uncle Frog, had a birthday. JESUS!!! Right in the midst of death, he sent a celebration of life. Only God!!! That's reason to praise right there. That's God's reminder that He still sits on the throne. That He is still there for us when we need Him. That He is still Commander in Chief of the heavens and the earth.
This year, God designed to do something different. In His shifting, He declared to me that this year would be different come today, come these next few days. See, for my church - Faith Deliverance Healing Ministries, Inc., at the end of each quarter, we plan the Preaching and Teaching Calendar for the next quarter. As we sat on the phone in December, God told me to teach Bible Study on February 22nd. My mind went "Huh? God, you know that's 2 days before, right?" God said again for me to teach on February 22nd. I volunteered for the date understanding that if He wanted me to teach then He had a reason. I bless Him because this year hasn't been met with the normal melancholy. The usual feeling of sadness didn't overwhelm me. The time of year that I wished would pass on by where I could sleep the day away, didn't even hit me this year. God was up to something new. He had a plan that was higher than any of mine.
This morning, I had this strong taste for pancakes and stopped to McDonalds. Again, God had a plan and directed me to a particular one. As I got my pancakes (and, yes, I did a little dance), I saw this man walking. God told me to feed him. I pulled out and saw this man digging in the trash can looking for food. I pulled up and asked him if he was hungry and handed him my pancakes. The same ones that I had just danced over. He took them and went on his way with a thanks and a look - you see me. Lord, that was the best feeling ever. Yes, I see you sir but more importantly, God sees you - El Roi (Genesis 16:13).
For me, today has turned from sadness to joy. From mourning to singing. Today has become my - Do A Good Deed Day. It’s a day to honor my Heavenly Father, my earthly father, my uncle and my cousin. My Father that sees me and knows what I need and 3 men that have always been there to love and care for me. Happy Early Birthday and We Love You Uncle Frog!!!
Be A Blessing and Not Just Blessed
- Nakya