The good Lord called me to the DFW area of Texas 2 years ago. I moved from Tampa, Florida. Therefore, I obeyed the call. He gave clear confirmation. So, I packed up, sold all of what I could, gave away the rest and drove over 14 hours to Texas. I had Georgia on my mind, but God called me to Dallas, Texas for a purpose on purpose. He revealed to me (and continues to) that He has a plan for my life according to Jeremiah 29:11. Allow me to mention that when moving to the DFW area, I did not have any family or close friends. The closet family lives in Houston. I had to make new friends all over again. Before I left Florida, I went from driving a Mercedes Benz, living in a really cozy apartment, was a member of an amazing small church, then having to move to Texas and ended up becoming homeless. Being homeless happened over time.

Several months of living in Texas, I remember being in my bedroom reading a chapter from The Gospels. The voice of the Lord asked me what was I willing to lose in continuous of following Him? Whewww chile, I was puzzled like “God, what do you mean?”. That was a hard question to answer, but deep down, I knew what I had to do. I had to prepare myself to step out on faith once again. Yep! My faith was yet again challenged. At that point, I had already lost my job and was living off of my savings. Eventually, I ended up losing my apartment, but thank God they were willing to work with me. I am blessed to say by the grace of God that I do not have an eviction on my record. Shouts out to God and the help He sent to pay off the rest of what left per my lease. Once again, I was back on the road looking for work and a new place to live.

Although I have a college degree, it was hard finding another job that was willing to pay me what I considered a reasonable salary per my level of education, etc. Bills were still coming in every month, so I put my pride to the side, applied for welfare, moved temporarily into a homeless shelter and I even applied to work at Burger King (yet never heard back). I eventually would get seasonal jobs here and there, but nothing really permanent. Things begin to get even harder, but I still held on to my faith. Experienced health problems, but I watch God heal my body. God kept making a way out of no way. I travel with my Bible in my car with me, so when I would cry out to God, I would read His Word and pray. Often times, I did feel forgotten about or rejected by others. The Holy Spirit comforted me encouraging me not to be bitter and to forgive those who weren’t there for me, etc. Despite what I was going through, I had a peace that I could not explain (I still do).   While living in the shelter, despite me being a little reluctant to go at first, however, I had a positive experience where I gained structure, discipline and even taught Bible study from time to time. God also used me to lead others to His Son Christ Jesus. I even enrolled in continuing education at Harvard (online) with a focus on Christian Studies. In addition, I’m excited to also announce that I graduated with honors from a Life Enrichment Program titled God’s Leading Ladies (via The Potter’s House-Dallas, Tx).

Being part of that program was nothing short of a blessing. I’ve grown so much from it. Before graduating, I did share some of my testimony about being homeless and the church staff did reach out to see how they could be of service. Long story short, I didn’t qualify for any of their programs. For integrity reasons, I won’t discuss why I didn’t qualify, but just know that I’m not disappointed about it. They did, however, give me some helpful community resource recommendations. I am appreciative for the Agape love. God already revealed to me through prayer this: DO NOT WORRY. Therefore, I will not and can not. Everything at it’s appointed time. If we say we trust God, we have to trust Him even when we don’t get the answer we expect right away. Just know this, a delay is not necessarily a denial. I needed to mention that because I believe that there will be someone who reads this right now that may need to get that deep down into their spirit as encouragement. Beloveds, no matter what, be encouraged. I sure am. This is all part of my testimony. God is an on time God. His timing is perfect. I’ve learned how to BE STILL AND KNOW THAT HE IS GOD. He (GOD) HAS NOT FORGOTTEN ABOUT ME (or you). He’s given me reassurance that everything that I’ve been through was only preparation, not a punishment. I at peace with that. Amen. I’ve learned to grow up in the process. The growing pains hurt but have been worth it.  JESUS HAS NEVER AND WILL NEVER LEAVE OR FORSAKE ME (or you)!

Here are some scriptures to live by:

Deuteronomy 31:6. Let us press on and continue to fight the good fight! For our faith shall move mountains! Do not worry! Trust God over everything! Trust Him over money. Trust Him over circumstances. Trust Him! Walk by faith and not by sight.

Nehemiah 8:10 King James Version (KJV) Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Written By: Maishayn Wilson