Whitnee's journey with Christ

I’ve always been an admirer of boxing. Daddy always used to watch movies like Rocky and so over the years I’ve watched all of them and even got into the movie entitled Creed. I was always fascinated with the endurance of guys like Rocky Marciano, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Joe Frazier, Sugar Ray Leonard, Jimmy Ellis, and the list goes on. I never knew how some of these famous athletes could withstand 12 rounds of constant jabs, upper cuts, left blow, right blow, head moves, stomach thrashes, illegal head butts and holds for years without stopping.

Ever wonder how many of them regret the decisions they made to not stop the fights when they could barely see or all the blows to the head that caused irreversible damage down the line? Fortunately for some of them the referee or the trainer called it quits or the opponent got the best of them and it was declared a K.O! Regardless of how it was derived, some folks just didn’t realize it was time!

Some of us may not have the mindset like Mayweather to take our earnings and go into early retirement while we still have “gas in the tank.” No! Some of us get beat to a bloody pulp (figuratively speaking) and have nothing else to offer. Whether you are a fighter and go 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 rounds in the ring or just an ordinary person; we all have to know when it is time.

When I say “it is time” for the context of todays text, I am referring to when it is time to walk away and take your peace with you.

“And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.

Matthew 10:14

I’ve been in situations when I’ve been knocked down, cancelled out, and mentally K.O’d and I still didn’t know it was time to walk away. I mean I literally have had to be picked up by someone dear to my heart, counseled, and prayed over before I realized enough was enough.

Example: A house that had become a home for my family had turned into a living hell after two attempted car thefts, stolen rims, stolen furniture, failed mold remediation and removal, broken promises, health scares, and more.

I had tried so hard to hold on and hold out for someone to do the right thing and after being rushed to the ER, lied to, mislead, and almost everything I owed tossed out and destroyed or damaged with bleach and other hazardous chemicals…I had no choice but to walk away. I couldn’t bare with the idea that everything that my family had built or worked for was either in the trash pile, stolen, or taken away from me. I had no choice!

My mom and others reassured me that every little thing would be alright. And by the grace of God, things did. God provided and I know it was because although we endured a lot of crap, we remained faithful. Not only did we move on up like the Jefferson’s with brand new furniture, a better car, and other things at a discounted price we became first time homeowners a few months later.

Ever been in a situation when you weren’t quite sure of when or how to discern when to walk away and shake the dust from your feet? What did you do? How did you decipher? Did you loose everything including your pride, dignity, and self respect? How did you pick up the pieces? Did you have to start all over?

My brothers and sisters there may be one reading todays message who is still in the thick of things. Your words could help encourage who is at a crossroads and don’t know which way to turn. Please share in the comments section below a few words of encouragement to the one who may need guidance of when it is their time.

Recently I have witnessed someone who has endured a lot. Through it all they have displayed honor, courage, integrity, showed kindness, and compassion for the folks who have preyed upon their downfall. They’ve been humiliated, mistreated, verbally abused, ostracized, mentally distraught, and bamboozled. This person was a sheep amongst wolves.

I thank God for His gift of discernment and for this person clearly hearing God’s voice and knowing when it was time to shake the dust off of their feet. Its inspiring how closely they walk in Christ despite all the negative naysayers amongst them.

God knows what we will go through in this life. He knows many of us will be in situations when we are the sheep amongst wolves. Because of this He makes the appropriate provisions, He gives us strength, and His Holy Spirit guides us so we can still shine His light to the world. I don’t know about you but I am thankful for the protection our Heavenly Father gives us.

At your convenience read Matthew chapter 10. Nothing we go through is new under the sun, someone has gone through what we are or have gone through and the Bible provides a sense of peace knowing that those before us were scrutinized, chastised, etc. but still prevailed though they endured so much.

Donnie McClurklin has a song entitled “Stand.” This song has provided much comfort in times when I’ve gone through things and wanted to throw in the towel.

Speaking of throwing in the towel, there is a difference in throwing in the towel and shaking the dust from your feet.

In my opinion throwing in the towel is another way of saying “I quit or I give up!” But shaking the dust off of your feet is when you’ve done everything you can and you are shut out, shut down, and facing resistance and to keep your peace, literally, you leave before there is any ill feelings or actions.

There may be someone reading todays message whose in a relationship that is toxic, on an assignment that you want to end, or on a job that you don’t feel valued that needs help discerning when is the right time or what is the right move to make…read Matthew 10. Pray, listen, and allow God to lead you. And when He answers don’t be afraid to move forward. Don’t hesitate because though the road may feel unfamiliar and it may cause some anxiety or discomfort; trust God and His plan. Don’t worry and don’t doubt. God makes no mistakes. His will does not always line up with our plans but we must yield to His way and His Will. (Amen somebody)

I pray todays message will help you on your individual journeys and that you too will know when it is your time. Trust God and obey His will. Pray, fast, and wait. Don’t allow your circumstances to take your peace. Don’t grow impatient waiting either because everything happens in God’s timing not ours. When it’s your time, you’ll know. And I know God will give you the peace that surpasses all understanding. Lastly rest assured, every little thing is going to be alright.