Devotional Series:   

Strength-to-Strength: An Incredible Journey

 Minister Korrie McKinney

     In March of 2009, I came to Jamestown Tennessee for New Life Worship Center’s spring revival. There was an instant connection for me with the church. I loved it and all the people in it. One morning I went into the sanctuary and began to pray, God spoke to me and told me to “Get ready!” and I knew exactly what He meant. At this point in my life I was a sophomore in college and lived in Branson Missouri, I had already felt that I had done the work God had sent me to do at my school and would soon be leaving to begin the next chapter in my life. I moved home for almost nine months, I had a chance to spend time with my family and friends and I was able to grow as a minister. I knew that I was called to New Life but I did not know when I would be going. I did not tell many people what God had told me, but I waited for Him to reveal it in His time.

     In October I came for another revival in Jamestown and prayed that God would confirm to me three times that I was meant to come…and He did. I prayed that during our New Year’s revival He would give me an exact date…and He did. So, I began to make preparation for a new mission. My family and my church took it hard. They struggled with the idea that was grown up and getting ready to embark on a new life and a new ministry. Every step I took was a fight and a struggle. Every step I took brought new tears and new fears. I never doubted God or doubted my calling to Jamestown but I was scared, nervous and excited about the things to come. I said it like this, I feel like I’m looking into a tunnel and instead of their being a light at the end I just see darkness and the unknown and God gave me this verse, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”-Psalm 119:105. I know the voice of God, and no matter how dark the tunnel may seem and He says go all I have to do is obey and He will light the way. I do not need to know what is ten steps ahead of me I just need to know where to place my foot next.

     When the day finally came for me to make the nine-hour journey I was filled with mixed emotions. I felt sad that that part of my life was coming to a close but excited that a new adventure full of mystery and excitement was getting ready to begin. I walked away from my family and friends in tears. I walked away from the place that I grew up. I walked away from my comfort zone and stepped out in faith not knowing what lied ahead and the only thing that I knew for sure was that God was in it and He is going to do great and mighty things. With two cars, a budget truck, 7 people and a cat we started off. Our nine-hour trip turned into a 14-hour expedition. I told Bishop Paul that I just wanted to be in Jamestown so bad and it felt like I was never going to get there. It was the longest and hardest trip of my life, but it was worth it when I finally made it to my new home.

     During the weeks of preparation, it was easy for me to get overwhelmed by the unknown. It was easy for me to doubt myself. I feared that I would come here and just be in the way and become a burden to those around me. I feared that I would disappoint the leaders and members of my new church and most of all God. Lying on my bedroom floor I felt so overwhelmed and nervous that I couldn’t breathe and at that moment I heard a voice say, “Inhale God Exhale the Word…that is how you breathe!” At that second I jumped to my feet and began to inhale God and exhale His word. I began quoting scripture of strength and power. I was able to push my flesh aside and look spiritually at the things that God was doing. In another moment of weakness God told me this, “Korrie, I am not taking you from strength to weakness, I am taking you from STRENGTH TO STRENGTH!” Oh my goodness you talk about power and a Holy Ghost moment I had it! Psalm 84:7 says, “They go from strength to strength…” God does not take His people from strength to weakness but from strength to strength. We as humans are weak vessels but with God our weakness is made strong. Our faith is tried and tested and proven over and over again. Philippians 4:13, “I can do ALL things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” He did not say we can do some things or a few things he said ALL things! 2 Samuel 22: 29-33 says, “For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness. For by thee I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. For who is God, save the Lord? And who is a rock, save our God? God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.”

     I can do ALL things through Christ! I have run through the fire, I have leaped over a wall, I have fought my enemies and I have won!!! Satan did not stop me! His demons did not hinder me! I am the daughter of King and they have no power over me! I am washed in the blood and guarded by Christ! Psalm 28:8 says, “The Lord is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.” We are not a weak people. We are not a weak generation.

     Satan will try to make you feel that you are worthless and weak but you are not! You are made strong through Christ you are worth something because God took the time to design and mold you into a perfect vessel to do a perfect work for the expansion of His kingdom. Satan would not waste his time on you if you were not worth something. He is afraid of you and me because we are built with power far greater then his and if we come to realize that then he knows that he has no authority or power over us. God has taught me so much throughout this incredible journey. I had learned that family and friends will come against you, I have learned to walk away and I have learned that God is my strength and power and with Him I can do ALL things!