I yearned to be married. YEARNED. Actually, I idolized
marriage. The fact that I was single and alone was a very real and present
thought every single day. Since I was in relationship with God, it wasn’t long
before I was convicted of having another god before Him (Exodus 20:3). Yep, the
strong desire to want to be married became my God.
Ever wrestled with God? I can confidently say I thoroughly
understand the saying “Your arms are too short to wrestle with God.” His will
is sovereign. Period. I could either surrender to it, or choose my own will for
myself. Since there’s no place in the world safer than God’s will, I chose His.
I got to a place of genuinely asking God what did he have planned for my life,
my love life to be specific. God told me to go on a 30 day man fast. After a few
days of thinking maybe I made this up in my head, and ignoring the pull, I
finally surrendered to God and embarked on a journey of not talking to any men
for 30 days.
I wish I could show you the messages and phone calls I
received from multiple men. I was tempted to respond to the first few, but
after awhile I realized what was happening. God has placed a guard of
protection around my heart, allowing me not to enter into another dead
relationship, instead preserving me for the man that would become my husband.
Why did I wait so long to surrender my will to God again?
Fast forward to today. I’ve found myself in PLENTY of
situations where I’ve desperately wanted God to quickly say yes. However, I’m
realizing my life has a unique pattern: In my ability to trust God’s “No”, I’ve
realized that he’s actually saying yes to His will, which is always sovereign
and sweeter. Out of this experience has
birthed my first book “When God Said Yes”, along with an e-book “The 30 Day Man
Fast”, which takes women through my experience of not speaking to men for 30
days.
It may sound weird, but in saying no to my desires and
accepting God’s “no” with grace, I’ve received my “yes”, and it was so worth
the wait.
Learn more about Tanikia and products at www.tanikia.com
Thank you for sharing Tanikia Carpenter, I enjoyed your book "When God Said Yes" and look forward to rocking my #BeMoreLikeChrist shirt soon. I am learning that saying "No" more allows us to say "Yes" to the really important things. Thommi Odom Thank you for inviting Tanikia to blog - perfect Valentine's Day treat!
ReplyDeleteVery inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome!!
ReplyDeleteVery nice! I have often felt this call to go on a fast (from certain people), seems they always end up back in my life... Still fighting that... Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteVery inspiring, love it! I absolutely enjoyed your book "When God Said Yes," and e-book "30 Day Man Fast." Both had some very powerful statements, made me look more deep within myself, be more diligently at guarding my heart, and realize that whomever God has for me He will allow our paths to cross. I also have your new shirt, and will be rocking it this Sunday for a reception at church #Be more like Christ
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