_I woke Sunday morning to my husband telling me we had slept through the alarm. I have to admit, history would have predicted this scenario: I would have flung the covers back, gave the silent treatment to my husband who obviously either didn’t set the alarm or turned it off and went back to sleep, and then slammed cabinets in the bathroom while getting ready. After more silent treatment in the car on the way to church, I would have put on a smile and proceeded with service that Sunday morning. I am ashamed to admit this scenario has played out more than a few times in my household – but not this Sunday. Guess what?! I jumped out of bed and said, “it’s ok, we will make it to church on time” and then I proclaimed very loudly, “THE ENEMY WILL BE DEFEATED TODAY!” as I ran myself into the bathroom.

I can’t express in words what Sunday morning at our new place meant for me. I have never in my entire life been a part of something so powerful.  The enemy took a huge blow Sunday when the doors of our new campus opened. I really hope during this series on Sun Stand Still that you grab hold of a few truths. You are not here by accident. You have not gone through certain experiences in life (however painful they are) for nothing. You are much more passionate about some things than others because God designed you that way. When you grow in a relationship with Jesus, the enemy will be defeated in your life, and God will use you (all of you, all of your past) for HIS glory. We are either of the world or we are of God. We are either falling in love with what the world has to offer or we are falling in love with Jesus. Every step you take in your walk (reading the Word, time in prayer, really loving and giving to others) loosens the strongholds of sin and shame in your life and allows God to do great things through you.

I look forward to this season at Mt. Olive with you all. You are capable of doing amazing things for the Kingdom of God. You are an incredible group of people and I am truly blessed to call you family.

-Nicole

To read other entries in the Sun Stand Still blog, please click here