From the 40/40 in NYC to the 40/40 with Jesus

From the 40/40 Club in New York City to spending 40 days and 40 nights with Jesus—I can honestly say I am exactly where I need to be.

Today, I chose to obey the Lord. It wasn't easy. I had to overcome the doubt, fear, and confusion that the enemy constantly tries to plant in our minds. Confusion is one of his greatest weapons because if he can delay your obedience, he can delay your purpose.

But today I declare:

I AM AWAKE.

There is no going back.

I am walking into this season as a minister of reconciliation, and I believe God is inviting His sons and daughters to wake up and return to Him.

Before you continue reading, I encourage you to spend time in 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 and Psalm 34. Those passages have become the foundation of everything God is teaching me in this season.

The Shift

As I have spent time at the Lord's feet, I have wrestled with self-condemnation, shame, and anger. Considering everything happening in my life and everything God is calling me to, the weight has felt overwhelming.

But this morning, something shifted.

For the first time in a long time, I felt aligned with God's timing instead of fighting against it.

Looking back, I realize He wasn't delaying me—He was delivering me.

He was leading me out of unhealthy environments, destructive habits, and negative mindsets that no longer belonged in the life He was preparing for me.

Today, my heart is full of gratitude.

God is so good.

Thank You, Lord, for bringing me out of rebellion, wickedness, and spiritual death. So many of us convince ourselves that compromise isn't a big deal or that we can simply be "the light in the darkness" while remaining planted in places God has asked us to leave.

Yes, we are called to be light.

But we were never called to walk without the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

One passage has continued to echo in my heart throughout this journey:

"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." — 2 Corinthians 5:20

These verses changed everything for me.

God reminded me that I am no longer living for myself. I have been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation—not because I deserve it, but because Jesus reconciled me first.

Today I can honestly say that I have surrendered my plans to His purpose.

Does that mean I'm perfect?

Absolutely not.

But I have been made righteous through Christ, and every day I am learning what it means to walk in obedience.

I am finally ready to share my testimony.

Not because I have everything figured out.

But because God has proven Himself faithful through every season of my life.

He fought for me when I wasn't fighting for myself.

He pursued me when I was running from Him.

He loved me long before I learned how to love Him back.

Now I understand what this "40/40" season requires of me.

It requires waiting.

Listening.

Trusting.

And obeying one day at a time.

Reconciliation Is Kingdom Work

Reconciliation isn't easy.

It is hard.

It is messy.

It requires humility.

It often asks us to lay down our pride before we ever see restoration.

But reconciliation is also beautiful because it reflects the very heart of God.

Our world is desperate for reconciliation.

We see division in families, communities, churches, businesses, and nations. Yet Scripture reminds us that true reconciliation always begins within our own hearts.

When we are reconciled with God internally, our external relationships begin to reflect His peace.

Psalm 34:14 gives us remarkably simple instructions:

"Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it."

Those are simple words.

Living them requires surrender.

I can honestly admit that many of my current circumstances are the result of my own disobedience and my unwillingness to completely turn away from what God was asking me to leave behind.

Owning that truth has been painful.

But it has also been freeing.

Repentance isn't about condemnation.

Repentance is about returning home.

Even while correcting me, God has never abandoned me.

He has lifted my head.

He has defended me.

He has continued reconciling me to Himself because of His incredible love and because my identity is now found in Christ.

Two Simple Steps

Psalm 34:14 gives us two practical instructions that we can apply every day.

1. Turn from evil and do good.

We often make this more complicated than it needs to be.

Turning from evil means allowing God to heal the wounds, trauma, and lies that have kept us trapped in destructive patterns. As He heals us internally, we begin to reject evil externally.

2. Seek peace and pursue it.

Peace doesn't happen accidentally.

It requires intention.

We must guard our hearts, protect our homes, choose healthy environments, and continually surrender our plans for God's plans.

Reconciliation is choosing restored harmony even when our emotions would rather choose division.

It is Kingdom work.

And although it is costly, it is always worth it.

Today, I choose reconciliation.

I choose obedience.

I choose peace.

One day at a time.

xoxo

KISS — Keep it Simple & Sanctified

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Matthew 22:37-39

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