More Than Enough: Jesus: the Author of Infinite Possibilities

By Leila Henry Riley

Most collections of testimonies seek to encourage and guide believers, but this special collection serves as a profound depiction of how to endure challenges, fuel endurance, gain victories, and share testimonies in your kingdom destination.

More than Enough offers personal narratives chronicling the authentic lessons of folks who overcame anomalies in their Christian walk. Each testimony epitomizes the supremacy of the God of infinite possibilities and provide rails for other Christian to embrace as they pursue everlasting life. Author Leila Henry Riley seeks to cement the fact that God is more than enough because He is the only one who will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. She shares stories intended to assure readers that every Christian can triumph over the most challenging obstacles by trusting and developing a deeper dependence on God.

This compilation of inspirational testimonies presents easily understood lessons designed to uplift and build the faith of those facing seemingly impossible situations.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Dec 17, 2019
• ISBN: 9781973677017

Leila Henry Riley

Leila Henry Riley holds a BA in special education, an MA in correctional special education, a diploma in supervision and administration, and certifications in mentoring, victim awareness, and conflict resolution. She is also a certified holistic life coach, motivational speaker, district coordinator for her church, and founder and president of the Leila May’s HOPE (Helping Others Pursue Excellence) Foundation, summer program for children. Leila has authored several articles, poems, short stories, devotionals, and sermons. She currently lives with her sister in Florida.

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Copyright © 2019 Leila Henry Riley.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

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Bloomington, IN 47403

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

ISBN: 978-1-9736-7702-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-7703-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-7701-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019915794

WestBow Press rev. date: 11/25/2019

Appreciate and tap into the infinite possibilities that God designed for you.

To some of the most important people in my life:

My 102-year-old mom, whose dedicated life demonstrated to me that prayer is the greatest weapon in a Christian’s warfare

My supportive daughter and family members who have encouraged me to trust God to turn all impossible situations into possibilities

Wonderful Jesus

J. P. Denton / James Rowe (1896)

Verse One

Wonderful Jesus! Glorious friend!

He will be with me unto the end,

Cheering, upholding, keeping me strong,

Fearless and loyal, shielding from wrong

Chorus

Wonderful Jesus! Marvelous King!

Ever His Praise My spirit shall sing,

When I behold His glorified face,

How I shall praise His wonderful grace!

Verse Two

Wonderful Jesus! Showing the way

into the blessed kingdom of the day:

Guiding my footsteps, holding control,

making me happy, Keeping me whole.

Chorus

Verse Three

Wonderful Jesus! All through the night.

He’ll enfold me, giving me light;

Then when the morning breaks on the shore,

This He will whisper, Mine evermore.

Chorus

CONTENTS

Introduction

CHAPTER 1 A Warm Hand on My Shoulder

CHAPTER 2 Favor for the Season

CHAPTER 3 The Journey Down Eumaeus Road

CHAPTER 4 Storms on the Horizon

CHAPTER 5 The Chain Breaker

CHAPTER 6 Always on Duty

CHAPTER 7 Yes, Jesus Is the Answer

CHAPTER 8 Bridge Over Troubled Water

INTRODUCTION

Being the beneficiary of the incredible, dynamic, and authentic power of God for more seasons than I can count, it’s easy to declare to all who are dealing with situations that seem impossible that God is more than enough.

When the lightning dives from the east and settles in the west, that—to me—is amazing. When all the flowers dressed in their decorative costumes extend a gracious invitation to the butterflies who are showing off their hip-hop moves on their regular rounds, that is stunning. It’s when the blue sky securely hinged to its assigned post refuses to make earth its vacation spot at any time declares, This is the distinct creative power of the Almighty God in action. When I’m down and out and on my face, thinking that there is little or no one to help me out, there comes to my rescue the God of infinite possibilities.

By all accounts, each experience in my life is an opportunity to acknowledge the phenomenal authenticity of the Creator of the ends of the earth. He is the One who is more than enough, and His magnificent power generates the confirmation that He is worthy to hold this exalted title. Many may speculate how He designed the lightning to display its elegance as it dashes across the night’s sky, but in retrospect, this, for me, is the ultimate dynamic power of the mighty God in action.

Fresh in my mind is the launch of the awesome opportunity to take a leisurely stroll down memory lane. Unlike any other adventure, this was the gift of a lifetime. A visit to the hall of fame was not on my bucket list; however, what amazed me as I strolled along is the fact that the faces of those who decorated the halls were in no way Hollywood stars, but rather heroes and heroines of faith.

It is safe to say elegance stared me in the face as I gazed steadfastly on each. No replication of any face was unveiled; however, carved in my consciousness was the familiar face of the giant who taught me in fifth grade. Ms. Hyatt engraved in me all the instructions I needed to develop my self-esteem and become the winner I was preordained to be. Her name was inscribed there as well. Sister Ettie, as she is affectionately called, was my Sabbath schoolteacher and my dear mother. If at all I wanted to compete in the race called life, the opportunity was carved out because in her own unique way, she bestowed all the lessons I needed to embrace in life.

Dominance protruded from my father, Uncle C. Fortunately, with the mantle passed down to him, came also the authority to be my preacher and spiritual leader. Accordingly, he mastered the use of the written word and made sure to use it to build spiritual wellness.

These were heroes of the day, who mastered their assignments with passion and dignity, thereby leaving the rail for me to hold on to. Not one ounce of irresponsibility dominated any section of their résumé. From them, the invaluable lessons needed for my stability and growth were deposited into my life. Ultimately these lessons have impacted me in exceptional ways, so I am the person who is able to rise out of every adverse situation, bounce back from every fall, and light up the corridor for others following on my path.

However little earthly wealth I have acquired in life, it is correct to say, I am the wealthiest person living on this side of the planet because I am the recipient of God’s infinite, unconditional love and grace.

Etched on the pages of this book and meticulously arranged are the epiphany of inspirational testimonies that have been documented to

• cement the fact that God is more than enough because He is the only one who will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory;

• serve as rails for pilgrims who are faced with impossible situations;

• encourage and build the faith of other travelers who would dare to pick up their batons and dash for the finish line;

• clarify questions in enquiring minds about the God of more than enough;

• fully publicize the distinct power and authenticity of the God who is more than enough; and

• provide opportunities for you to have your own testimonies of the God who is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Inevitably, everyone experiences seasons of impossibilities in their lifetime. Moreover, the Lord declares, I am the Lord, is there anything too hard for me to do? (Jeremiah 32:27). In case you are wondering about the answer to this unique but thought-provoking question and should there be the least doubt in your mind as it relates to His declaration that there is nothing too hard for Him to do, I suggest that you pause for a moment and think.

Did you know that as an eight-year-old child, I heard the audible voice of the Lord, cementing the information that He would be with me always and that there is absolutely nothing too hard for Him to do in my life? Little did I know how soon after this occurrence that He would call me into ministry. Amazingly, this experience was the beginning of my forever change. It led me to the conclusion that God is no respecter of persons because many years before me, Josiah, the son of King Amon, only eight years old, was commissioned to be the ruler of the greatest nation in his day. He took up the challenge and diligently ruled for thirty-one years in Jerusalem. What an example!

Undoubtedly, the infallible King, our Lord and Creator, is the architect of this vast universe. Though many questions His supremacy, I am confident that wherever you are, you can observe that there is the almighty power that called this unique universe into existence. You can agree with me that He is present on every continent at the same time; therefore, He is the omnipresent One. He is also the omnipotent and omniscient One. No one is more powerful, and no one else knows everything. He’s able to be more and do more than enough in my life and in everyone’s lives.

In as much as More Than Enough is my story, I can truly report that the countless lessons garnered from the lives of patriots and prophets of yesteryear have immensely impacted my life in positive ways. Through their experiences, I have learned to stand firm in the belief that troubles don’t always last. Another lesson that has had an immense impact on my life is that God will make a way out of all adverse situations because He keeps all His promises.

Make no mistake, More Than Enough is the book that dispenses practical instructions and real-life testimonies that are worthy for people of all ages to emulate. Hence, those who emulate them will maintain their permanency during their stormy seasons. You see, during my journey, not one problematic encounter was clever enough to dissuade me from my pursuit of the living God. Humiliation could not stop me, as you will see. Gaining degrees were in no way a deterrent in my pursuit of becoming a servant leader. Living a life punctuated by various kinds of illnesses were not given the chance to steal my love for the King.

Permanently deposited in my life’s treasure box are resilience, opportunities, and infinite possibilities. These have helped to mold and motivate me and enhanced my growth and steadfastness despite adversities. My affirmation is, My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). Do you know that what He has done for me, He will do for you? Will you let Him intervene in your situations and fashion you into the servant leader that you are ordained to be? Will you trust Him to prove to you that He is the author of infinite possibilities? You’ll find out that He’s impartial in all His dealings with man.

CHAPTER 1

A WARM HAND ON MY SHOULDER

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W hen was the last time that you had a near miss and God intervened, snatching you with His righteous right hand? The instruction in Isaiah 41:10 is written to dispel the fears that haunt us on our unpredictable journey. Fear thou not for I am with thee: I will help thee; I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. What could be more reassuring than to have the right hand of God guiding? Even if there is a near-miss situation, protection is guaran teed.

One would think that on this warm Sunday evening, Mandy, the shy girl living on Rose Lane, would be sitting in her cozy living room, watching TV with her family; however, this was quite the opposite. As the last drop of juice was drained from her glass, with her furry dog trotting alongside her, she was on a mission. This mission was clearly to enjoy a leisurely stroll down the pebbled, winding street in her small but buzzing town.

This was not only awesome, she thought, but safe because she stayed clear of the edge of the path. One more step though, and to her amazement, what was magnified by her highly bifocal glasses were two cars racing down the dimly lit street. Quick as a flash, the cars collided, and they would have caused considerable harm to her if that power had been delegated to them.

Whether Mandy had the time to process her thoughts as to the direction to sprint for safety would be anyone’s guess. It was obvious that she was in a stunned mode. The two cars burst in a thundering clash and, to her surprise, went up in flames. Automatically this shock paralyzed her with fear, she was frozen. Then the hot tears falling from her beady eyes formed a curvy flow down the side of her face.

It’s difficult to think that someone would not be saturated by this intense scare. Mandy stood trembling, but soon the Almighty Guide came to her rescue. Although she was trapped in this unusual situation, the knowledge that she was in the company of notoriety consumed her; moreover, on her petite shivering shoulder, an extremely warm but gentle hand took its pitch.

You would’ve thought that the parade was in town again because immediately after the collision, people from the neighborhood flooded each side of the road. The search for answers to satisfy their curiosity was apparent.

Without another moment to spare, a medium-built gentleman wearing a skimpy T-shirt and high boots spotted the little girl standing on the far corner, away from the accident. The fright was observably still ripping through Mandy’s frail body. Nevertheless, this was understandable. Shockingly, but to everyone’s delight, the little girl and her shaggy dog were unharmed. They were safe under God’s umbrella of possibilities.

Almost out of breath, the kind man walked over to her and did what any father or concerned person would have done: he struck up a lively conversation.

How did you get over here, little girl? he asked.

In a muttering sound, Mandy responded, Don’t know. Can’t say. These beady eyes were shut tight! I was too scared to take a keen look around. Why are so many people milling around at this time?

Reflecting on Mandy’s experience,