When the Word Feels Personal

There are moments when you sit in a pew and suddenly realize the message isn’t general at all.

It’s personal.

That’s how I felt when I visited the church of Representative (and Pastor) Milton Nicks Jr. From the opening moments of the sermon, I had that unmistakable feeling, the one where you look around for a second and think, Is he talking to me?

Because it felt like he was.

AND coincidentally, as soon as we arrived in Earle, AR "Expecting a Miricle" by The Clark Sisters was playing on the radio.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJvCRT_P-EY

The message centered on Mary chosen, favored, uncertain, and still obedient. Not because she had all the answers, not because she knew how the story would end, but because she trusted the One ordering her steps. When Pastor Nicks reminded us that God chooses us, not the other way around, it landed deep in my spirit.

Especially in this season of my life.

I don’t know the outcome of this election. I don’t know what the final chapter will look like. But what I do know, without a doubt, is that God is ordering my steps. I know I’m covered. I know I’m supported. And I know I didn’t arrive here by accident.

There was a moment in the sermon that stayed with me long after the final “amen”:

“With God, nothing shall be impossible.”

Not some things.

Not convenient things.

Nothing.

That kind of faith isn’t loud or flashy. It’s steady. It’s the kind of faith that keeps you moving forward even when the path isn’t fully visible yet. It’s the kind of faith that says, I don’t need to see the whole staircase I just need to trust the next step.

That’s my why.

I didn’t choose this path because it was easy or predictable. I chose it because it was placed on my heart and over time, through people, through experiences, through moments where God kept saying, There’s more for you to do. And like Mary, I didn’t always understand the “how.” But I understood the call.

Pastor Nicks spoke about favor not the kind you earn, but the kind that covers you even when you don’t feel qualified. Favor that shows up before you’re ready. Favor that reminds you that your assignment isn’t based on perfection, but obedience.

That resonated deeply with me.

I’m walking this season with what I can only describe as crazy faith, faith that God’s guidance is real, faith that His timing is intentional, and faith that no matter how things unfold, I am exactly where I’m supposed to be right now.

I left that service grateful. Grounded. Reassured. AND with a ham. (I swear, "politicking is going to make me gain so much weight. Every time I go anywhere to talk to people, they offer me food, and I feel rude if I turn it down.)

Not because I received answers but because I was reminded of who’s in control.

And sometimes, that’s more than enough.

#AudreyForArkansas ... and GOD