My Journey with the Lord: My Conversations with God

By Vanessa Brand

Have you had a mountaintop experience with the Lord? Do you know His purpose for your life? 

If you struggle with knowing what God has planned for your life, you will enjoy My Journey with the Lord, where Vanessa Brand shares her intimate conversations with God and how He brought her to her destiny step-by-step.

In thi

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Mar 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781647738143

Book preview

Acknowledgments

I give glory to Jesus Christ, who inspired me to write this book. Every time I ran into roadblocks or self-doubt, He was always there to help guide me.

This book would not have been possible without the support of my earthly father, George De Leon. Not only has he supported me in his knowledge of God’s Word, but he’s also helped financially in a big way.

Acknowledgment goes to my husband, Glenn, who has always supported me in everything I do. Without him, I would not have had the time to do everything required to make this book a reality.

My best friend and sister-in-law, Suzanne Brand, was there for me to pre-edit the book using her writing talents as well as emotional support along the way.

I would like to thank Claudia S. for helping me financially and Cindy M. who provided valuable feedback to make this book even better.

Additionally, I would like to thank the editors, graphic designers, typesetters, illustrators, and project manager who contributed their time and energy to make this book a reality.

Finally, I would like to thank You, the readers, who purchased this book, and I pray it touches you in a very special way.

Introduction

Discovery and Awareness

My journey with the Lord was about finding my purpose in life. Why was I here? What was I born to do? I grew up believing in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and I always felt protected. I certainly didn’t lead a well-meaning life. It was all about me and what I wanted. I chased after pleasure, drinking and drugs, all in the name of fun. I went to college and started in corporate America, which I thought was my destiny.

Afterward, I managed to get a good job with good pay because I didn’t want to suffer trying to make a living as my mother did. I then married a wonderful man and had two beautiful, amazing children. Eventually, as I began to seek fulfillment in my life, I wanted to know what God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will was for my life.

After fifteen years of trying to climb the corporate ladder, I found myself asking, Is this it? Am I only here to serve myself and the needs of my family? I began to pray for guidance. This was when my journey began. I decided to leave a twelve-year-long job, looking for fulfillment, and then I ended up continuing to jump from one unfulfilling job to another.

In an attempt to find my purpose, I created a group called Mission Possible, where women could identify their dreams and goals, and together, we would create a clear path to achievement. That was when I was introduced to the idea of life coaching. I had no concept of what life coaching was and quickly learned it’s all about helping people find their path to fulfillment in all areas of their life! I thought, Wow, this is perfect for me! A dear friend offered to pay for my coaching certification. Still, I was unfulfilled in my day job and found a new job that I was sure was going to be better.

Just when I thought no jobs could get any worse, I found the job that by far beat all bad jobs! It was pure misery! I would get anxiety as I would get closer to the location; driving in the parking lot would cause total depression. I was alone, I was devalued, I was harassed, and overall I was treated terribly. I would come home crying, searching for guidance.

I would run to the Bible to get answers. Answers I needed at that very moment. God would comfort me with His words and His instruction. This was a pivotal point in my life. I made the most amazing commitment I could have ever made.

I committed to reading God’s Holy Word every day. I started in the beginning, and after two months of reading every day, I was laid off from that awful job, which at first was a true blessing, but what came next, I never expected!

I was out of work for fifteen months. How could it be that a talented woman with skills and twenty-one years of experience did not find a job for fifteen months? Unemployment only lasted for six months, and I worried and prayed and worried and prayed.

Searching and searching for something, anything. Praying God would take care of my household, my children, and my finances. I was thankful for the savings account I had, because it was what got us through. There was a lot of internal work that God had to do within my spirit and soul; I had a lot of pride, I complained too much, I compared myself to others, and therefore, I desired the wrong things.

Working my way slowly through the entire Bible over a period of years marked the beginning of an amazing journey that brought me to my heart’s desire, the ultimate purpose for my life! My life is completely fulfilling; I contribute to the lives of others every single day. God brought me to, and He brought me through. This is my love story with God.

After I was laid off, I began to write love letters to God and express all my worries, prayers, and concerns. In the following chapters, you will see how He guided me, led me to my true destiny, and how you can also be led through faith, trust, prayer, and dedication to the Lord

This book contains three main sections: My Time of Seeding, My Time of Waiting, and My Time of Harvest. In My Time of Seeding, you will read about all my insecurities and my vulnerability as I poured out my heart to God.

In My Time of Waiting, you will read about my trust in the Lord and how He touched my soul and saw me through to my ultimate victory, which leads into My Time of Harvest and how God brought me to my destiny through His strength, not my own. All I had to do was believe!

And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Heb. 11:6)

Part I

My Time of Seeding

Entering His Gates with Thanksgiving

Dear Lord,

Today is a beautiful day! I am so grateful to be able to be with my children and work on my business, Mission Possible. I am so thankful I have the Lord Jesus walking with me and guiding me on the path He carved out for me. I am thankful for this beautiful home, I am thankful for the knowledge I am gaining, I am thankful for my desire to grow, and I am thankful that I am stepping out in faith and creating products, and for the creativity that God provides me.

I am going to push through the hard part to get started and just do it. I am going to break through these initial barriers and let it all flow. This can and will happen quickly; though I will not be in a rush, I will let it happen. God. You will make it happen, and Your will would flow into and through my life. Thank You, God, for Your guidance, protection, and grace upon my life. Praise Your holy name. Amen.

Reflection

It had been two months since I was laid off from my corporate job, and I was trying to be positive because, truly, I was scared. I was trying to have faith, and I have learned that all things happen in God’s timing. There was a lot that I had to learn and go through before I could get to that next level in my life.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Prov. 3:5–6)

*****

Dear Lord,

It has been six months since I was laid off. I’ve had many interviews that I was sure to get a job, but it is not Your will, which I am happy for. Praise God! I will forge forward with my book and my coaching business.

I am at a critical point, slightly confused about what I need to do to move forward and become successful. You always provide, and I am living in the unseen by knowing I am successful, by knowing I can pay my bills and meet my needs. I stand on God’s promises; however, once in a while, Satan steps in and tries to derail my thinking. Last night I was up worried about my bills, worried about Christmas coming, worried about anything and everything. I could not sleep, so I prayed and prayed. I thanked God for His blessings and praised how holy He is, then I fell asleep, dreamed that I saw Jesus and He sat me down at a table of food and said, Sit and eat.

Oh, how wonderful You are to show me that You will feed me when I have no income. Praise You, Jesus! Then I woke up and read the Bible.

On the radio they mentioned, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Phil. 4:6).

Then later that day, I heard, Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Phil. 4:8).

Praise God as He guides me and teaches me how to live. I was focusing on the negative and the worry, and He told me to think positively and be thankful for all the praiseworthy things. These things are praiseworthy in my life:

The truth of God

My health

My home

My car

Joy and contentment

Healing

My family

My sight

The Lord’s guidance

My bank account

My gifts and abilities

Comfort from the Lord

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. (Heb. 12:28)

Reflection

During the six months of not working for a company, I spent my time building my business, uncertain about everything. How much I should spend, whom I should hire. Then God showed me the importance of controlling your thoughts, which is paramount. Finding your purpose is a process of learning to trust, having faith, and declaring God’s promises over your life. I trusted, and I was taken care of.

*****

Dear Lord,

Today you told me that it is impossible to thank You too much. I am so thankful to You for all Your blessings. I am thankful to You for my family, my wonderful, thriving children. I am thankful for my strong, understanding husband. I am thankful for my car, my home, and all the things that make it run smoothly. I am thankful for my yard, my patio, my deck. I am thankful for the money to pay for the home. I am thankful for my body, my mind, my sight, my hearing, and my brain, which allow me to do Your work.

Thank You for showing me Your vision for my life, what You put me on earth for. I know many are not in line with their true destiny and that is why so many are unhappy. I am thankful that I am on the right track and that You reveal to me how to go forward. Thank You for removing me from that awful job. I am grateful to be free. Thank You for Your creation, for Your grace and glory, and for Your almighty power. You are the King of all kings, the Lord of lords, and I worship and praise Your holy name.

Reflection

I did not know my full vision; I was confused and lost, but one thing I have learned is, it does not last long. It is only temporary. The key is to stand on God’s Word.

Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. (Jer. 1:5)

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thess. 5:18)

*****

Dear Lord,

Thank You for all that You have given and continue to give me. I’m at peace, even though my circumstances suggest otherwise. I know I am taken care of by my heavenly Father, who has all the power and glory. I am looking forward to the adventure that You are laying down before me. I am willing to allow You to guide my path and open the doors that need to be opened. I am honored that You would choose to use me in a mighty way, and I am privileged to spread the kingdom news.

Today I will enjoy, I will let You work in me, and I will trust You to guide me in the tasks that need to be done. Today I will trust You with my car. I will trust You with all earthly things every day because You told me that You care for me. Thank You for the results that I am receiving. Thank You for the peace and the love You give to me. Your grace. Praise You!

Reflection

My circumstances were dire, no income to support my family. My car was making noises, and I took a part-time job making only $15 per hour a few hours per week because unemployment was ending. It made me feel like a loser and a failure. But God had plans for me. I just had to have faith in Him.

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. (Ps. 13:5)

Seeking God and His Will

Dear Jesus,

I feel Your presence upon me. Thank You for trusting me to do Your will on earth. I am privileged for You to use me in your plans. All the glory to You, dear God. I am looking forward to this new year and all that You have in store for me. Please show me and I will be obedient; tell me and I will step out in faith. Help me understand what You want for my life and I will carry it out. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for showing me and guiding me. I know You are preparing me for great things, and I am thankful for it. Send Your angels to accompany me as I walk on the path You set before me. Help me grow closer to You; give me Your wisdom and understanding. Help me discern Your will. Thank You for the opportunity You’re giving me.

Thank You for the abundance You have given me to carry out Your work. Show me the vision that You birthed me for. Help me to clearly define my vision so I can continually grow and fulfill Your destiny for my life. You are the almighty one! Thank You.

Reflection

I was crying out to God to lead me to my purpose.

I was praying for Him to reveal it to me. If He showed it all to me, I would not have believed it and I might have thought my way out of not fulfilling my purpose.

I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me. (Ps. 57:2)

*****

Dear Lord,

I am so thankful to You, God, for showing me my vision