Stack The Deck
Ephesians 6:11-17 talks about putting on the full armor of God. It gives systematic instruction of arming yourself and protecting yourself ahead of time. It talks about the importance of preparing yourself for battle before the problems arise. While our spirit should absolutely be armed at all times, we should also be mindful and aware of the company we keep. Rather you need someone to bounce ideas off, dating advice, financial advice, someone to swap recipes with or someone to cover you in prayer; you should already have that person in your circle. While life seems to always have a wild card hidden, it is easier to navigate through when you have beautiful souls connected to you. God bonds are like none other and some of the amazing blessings that come from those bonds are unspoken. I have been told you should never be the smartest one in your circle. There should be someone that is able to give you wisdom and knowledge in at least onearea of your life. If you have gotten to a place in life where you are no longer teachable and cannot receive, please re-evaluate.
Proverbs 27:9 KJV Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. This scripture shows a reaping benefit that comes from being in a place to receive. In order to receive you have to have taken time out to listen and that requires a speaker. Rather you seek out the speaker, giver of wisdom, or they seek you allow God to use that opportunity and that time to minister to you. We want to get to a place where we are continuously allowing ourselves to be watered. In this thing called life, we always need someone to be something for us at one time or another. Much like the importance of putting on the armor of God ahead of time, we need to remember to stack the deck and try our best to keep the odds in your favor. Place yourself in a position to win and not fail. Have a plan in life rather than seeing where the wind may take you. In my personal life, I would like to think I have done fairly well at stacking my deck. When I take time to observe what and who is around me I am pleased.
Nothing in my life is by my hand; it is all in God’s plan. I have said it before but I am just amazed at how God orchestrates the details of our lives. My grandmother passed away one week ago and I can say firsthand it is a total blessing when you have gone through the process of stacking your deck and laying a solid foundation with the people in your life. The tough times are a bit easier when your squad and your circle are already covering you, not because you have asked but because they are spirit led. Life seems doable when you are not walking in it alone. InHebrews 13:5 KJV, it says “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” We know that God is always with us but is it not easier when we, in human form, have someone right there with us? Have you ever thought or considered that is one way God keeps His promise? He sends someone to fill that void, to fulfill that need. God knows we are a tangible people and while He wants us to trust Him with our all, He knows we need a physical hug every now and then. He knows if laughter lifts our spirits, He might send the silliest person in your circle to do just that. See when He says “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear” in Isaiah 65:24 KJV that is a sure statement. That is His Word. God is faithful to His Word. His word does not run short and it is never a return to sender message.
I encourage you to take note of life and all that are pouring into you. Make sure it is even. Make sure you are pouring out and sowing seeds. Do not do it because you are in need, do it because it is right. Everyone needs someone and we never know which end of the exchange we may be on. In this season, are you sowing or reaping? Regardless of your season, start your deck.
Rochelle is a native to Las Vegas, Nevada and has been married to her high school sweetheart, Bryan for 20 years. They have three children Daviontae-21, Jordan-19 and Saria-4 years old.
Rochelle’s passion for writing started as a young girl when she used journaling as a way to voice her emotions. Over the years,God has taken something that was solely therapeutic, gave it a voice and is now using it to encourage and uplift women and people from state to state.
Rochelle has worked in healthcare for over 15 years. In her “free” time, she enjoys writing, cooking/baking, creating new recipes and spending time with her family. Having a strong inner circle as well as nurturing the lives of others is very important to her. Rochelle has a passion for encouraging women and helping them to see the value in knowing their self-worth.