When we study the Bible we receive so much more from God than if we just read a few verses to say, “Check, got that done.” Jesus is not a check-list God. He is available for a relationship with us. It is our job to connect with Him, to read His Word, and to apply what we already know.

I tell you, this morning I almost missed my Blessing at the Annual Gloucester County Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast.  I had to Push Through… A few things happened. I was very tired the night before so I woke up late, I had to Push Through… I didn’t do a lot of what should have been done the night before, so I had to Push Through… I start getting ready and realize I have sinus pressure and a headache, I have to Push Through… And finally, I bumped my head on the corner of our bathroom wall, pierced the skin, felt a little lump, big headache now, and talking to God, I Push Through…

The keynote speaker at the prayer breakfast was Anne Beiler, Founder, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, the world’s largest pretzel franchise.  Anne shared how proud she is of her Amish-Mennonite heritage in Lancaster County, PA and how it helped to cultivate a love for and relationship with God. Her venture to open a booth at a local farmer’s market to sell pretzels was her way of trying to make a living and help take care of her family. And look at what God did for Anne, who had no money, no business plan, and an 8th grade education.

Allow me to share how Anne blessed me this morning. Her story is based on the scripture James 5:16, “Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” (Living Bible) Anne received full and complete healing only after revealing her deepest darkest secret. She shared with us how secrets kill and destroy, and that is not the life God has planned for any of us.

A quote that also helped save her is, “Alone we die, connected we live.” by Dr. Richard Dobbins of Emerge Ministries, Akron OH. Anne allowed God to be her guide and counsel. She did not just read the Bible she applied the Bible to her life. God taught her to face her fears and walk through them.

One phrase that was repeated in her keynote address and rings loudly in my ears is, “Do not focus on what you don’t have, focus on what you have; because what you have is all you need!”

Push Through… when you want to go to a meeting or event and it seems that obstacles and trials keep pushing back. Push Through… when you know you are doing what’s right and others are discouraging. Push Through… when you’re tired, whether it rains, snows, sleet, or hail, make it your business to show up. Push Through… because there is a Blessing on the other side of your Push, waiting for you!

Hear Anne Beiler’s full story on her website at: https://auntieannebeiler.com/annes-story/