don't give up! you are not alone!

I only have a few minutes to blog but I wanted to share something that God is currently reminding me! I am not alone...and I want to remind you...You are not alone! I remember 1 Sunday morning at New Cov before the morning service started I was in my office early doing something (I can't remember the something right now...), but I do remember the feeling of doubt, fear and loneliness and discouragement that for whatever reason had gripped me that morning. When things pile up, the weight of the world seems to rest on us and it is too heavy for us to carry! If you have been there you know exactly what I am talking about! Anyways...while I was busy working on whatever it was I pulled the Jason Upton site up...don't remember why but music was playing and I left it there on that page while I worked on stuff. At some point this song of his began to play and these words came out of the speakers... "You’re not alone...You’re not alone...I never leave you...I never leave you..." I could hear the words...but the words were more than just a song! They were penetrating my heart and ministering to me and literally bringing me out of the bondage I felt that morning! I really needed to hear those words today...and God is reminding me...that we are not alone! He is for us! He has a plan! He is God! He is in control! He is with us! He has not forsaken us! So...I now say to you...You are not alone! God is for you! God has a plan for you! God is still God! God is in control! God is with you! God has not forsaken you! Be encouraged...the King is mindful of you! We are all here for such a time as this to do something for him! I battle daily with discouragement, fatigue and worry....but God is bigger than those things! We are victor's through him...so...don't give up! you are not alone! -jimmy akers PS... Joshua 1:9 nkjv-Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 the message - Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take."

Waiting on God...ever been there?

Isaiah 40:31 (nkjv) - But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Just thinking out Loud!!! When we the (fast food, I want it now, MY way, etc...folk), have to wait on anything we rarely feel our strength being renewed, nor do we feel like we can fly and maybe I am speaking for myself but I can't run even when things are going great (at least not yet!). In fact, usually when we are in the the waiting room of life for anything that really matters we usually find ourselves feeling drained, exhausted and we battle discouragement. But I want to share a few things that I have been thinking about a lot, especially the last few weeks. By the way, I have to keep reminding myself of these things a lot...so here goes! When I looked up the word wait a couple words used to describe it were: 1) to wait, look for, hope, expect So...waiting on the Lord means to wait on God (it is tough), but we need to look for God to show up (and he will), and we need to hope for him (real hope and peace are only found in him anyways), and we need to live in expectation (this in it self can go both ways but we need to expect Him to do what he says he is going to do because he is God and HE WILL!) I don't know very much about flying but I can speak for myself from recent experience and say God is true to HIS WORD! Haven't left the ground yet but...here it is! Things are not perfect, we have not sold our house yet, our finances are tapped out (more bills than money), I am working 70-75 hours a week between 2 jobs, my wife is working like crazy, we have very little time and we are still praying for directions in a lot of different area's...this is starting to sound like a bad country song (almost joking)...but the song's not done yet! Things don't seem perfect but we believe with ALL that we are that we are walking in the perfect Will of GOD! It's not easy to walk out your faith but it is going to be worth it! We have not sold our house yet...But God is the author and finisher of our faith and the word YET breeds opportunity...and GOD is going to make a way! We are struggling with bills right now but God is so faithful! Just 3 days ago friends drove several hours to hang out and eat dinner with us and they showed up with bags of groceries (Brad was there to view the blessing)! Yes I am working 70-75 hours a week and yes it is exhausting but you know what...it is only for a season. God has a plan! There are days that I feel totally wiped out after working 7 hours, then to have to head home to change to then go work 8 more hours the same day 5 days a week is crazy, but God is giving me the renewed strength to do it! I have 2 jobs when a lot don't have one. I have benefits through the 1 when most don't have any. Working at a convenience store and a fast food restaurant are not glamorous but as I am waiting on the Lord...he is teaching me that if I live my life for his glory it does not matter what my job is as long as I am walking in his will, loving God & people with all I am and doing all I do for his Glory! And as far as the seeking direction...yeah it is frustrating sometimes to wander what in the world to do but as along as we seek him...he is going to take care of the rest! So waiting on God...yeah I have been there too! I am still there! I pray for strength, I pray for financial resources to come in, I pray for direction but I am also learning that part of the renewal comes from gratefulness! Thank you Jesus for another day, thank you for saving me, thank you for my wife Amber (my bride, best friend, partner in every way and a tangible view of unconditional love), for my family and friends, my jobs, my car, my food, for putting up with my doubt and complaining and for forgiving me........thank you Jesus for every thing! He is helping us! You too can pray for us for the house, $ and direction! All prayers are appreciated but just know if you have been waiting on God you are not alone! Know also that he has not forgotten you...even though you might feel like he has. Also know that HE IS TRUE TOO HIS WORD! I leave you with 1 more scripture... Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Be encouraged. Every time I think out loud about my discouragement my wife tells me 'it is going to be OK'! Sometimes she says 'don't go backwards'! So...it is going to be OK! Don't go backwards! Be encouraged! God is in control! Wait on him! God WILL come through! Just look at what Jesus already has done! Jesus is still there! -jimmy akers PS. I hope to start working out regularly again, I have been working on some new songs (starting to dream again), and being with my wife is worth more than money could buy! God is about to do some stuff! Not sure yet what or when but it is coming! I am waiting...EXPECTING! PSS. Sorry this is so long! In the words of my buddy John Call 'that's how I dooze it'! ...and thank you for reading!