The Fine Print: The Journey of Consecration

My testimony.

Hey Friend, welcome back to The Fine Print! I hope you are doing well.

You know every week we dive into the Word of God with an example, pulling out the truth hidden within, right? Well, I had another lesson planned for today, but the Holy Spirit interrupted my schedule to share something important with you. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for your guidance.

Before the start of every new year, I always seek God for a word that defines the upcoming year. Around October or November of 2024, He spoke clearly and said the word for 2025 was "Consecration." At the time, I had no idea exactly what He meant. But as we approached 2025, I began to hear that word more often—almost like when you notice a car you like, and suddenly, you see it everywhere.

In the spirit, my ears became sensitive to the word consecration. As I sought more guidance, I realized I was about to enter a process of being stripped. I'm so grateful He didn't show me the entire process upfront, because as strong as I thought I was seven months ago, I don't think I could have handled the truth of this season.

You might be wondering, "Zaressa, what exactly is consecration?" Simply put, consecration means dedicating oneself or something completely to God, setting it apart for sacred use or a divine purpose. It's a conscious act of devotion, intentionally separating oneself from worldly influences and aligning fully with God's will (Romans 12:1, Joshua 3:5).

This process means being misunderstood by others; it means not fitting in. For me, it meant a lot of tears. I've never been a "crybaby," but the Holy Spirit has a way of creating a sensitivity that isn't natural. I was genuinely afraid of the refining process, where God takes you through the fire and shows you who you really are (1 Peter 1:7). Why was I so afraid? Because I didn't fully understand the depth of my Father's love. When you truly love someone, you protect them, and you want the best for them. Receiving a revelation of this perfect love gave me the boldness to step willingly into that refining fire.

Maybe I'm late to this realization, or perhaps you've already experienced this revelation and know everything there is to know about Jesus. But for me, I'm still learning. I'm in a place of surrender, resting and experiencing the glory of God daily.

Here's the powerful truth I've discovered: the presence of God far outweighs the hand of God. In His presence, I lack nothing—I have everything I need. My prayers have shifted from mere requests to pure worship and praise. The moment I understood that I am a steward of earthly things, my prayers shifted to "not my will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42). When I realized that seeking first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) wasn't just about checking off a list of prayers each morning but genuinely seeking His throne in every area of life, supernatural multiplication followed effortlessly.

When I learned to align my desires with heaven’s agenda, the deepest desires of my heart became clear and began to unfold before me.

Friend, if your time in God's Word hasn't transformed your life, today is the day to pause and reflect. We're approaching the halfway mark of this year—are you further along in your walk with Christ today than you were six months ago? Ask God to reveal the truth to you. This isn't about how you see yourself, but how your Heavenly Father sees you. He has a specific work for you to do and all the resources you'll ever need. But if we don't intentionally set ourselves apart to be used as vessels of honor (2 Timothy 2:21), we'll remain stuck in cycles of striving rather than resting in the peace of simply being.

What does "being" mean? It means remaining in His will, which is the safest and most fulfilling place to be.

This is a call to action: Wake up from simply going through the motions and allow the Creator to accomplish in and through you what only He can do.

My prayer is that you rise up today, moving forward boldly with the authority given to you in Christ Jesus (Luke 10:19).

Be encouraged, friend. You've got this because He’s got you.

With Love,

Practical Explanation

Consecration involves intentional steps:

• Dedication: Choosing to offer your life fully to God.

• Purification: Allowing God to cleanse your heart, removing distractions and impurities.

• Commitment: Living according to God's word, staying faithful to His commands, and turning away from sinful habits.

• Relationship: Seeking a deeper, personal relationship with God through prayer, worship, and Bible study.

  
  

Real-life Application:

Think of consecration like reserving a special place in your home that’s only used for moments of quiet, reflection, or prayer. This space is not cluttered with daily tasks—it’s intentionally kept pure and focused on its unique purpose. Similarly, consecration means setting aside your heart, mind, and actions specifically for the things of God, protecting them from becoming cluttered with distractions or worldly pursuits.

Encouragement

Consecration doesn't mean perfection—it’s a daily journey of choosing God above everything else. It's a beautiful commitment that allows you to experience deeper intimacy with God, positioning you to hear clearly, grow spiritually, and be powerfully used by Him.

Supporting Verses

• Romans 12:1 (NIV):"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."

• Joshua 3:5 (NIV):"Joshua told the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.'"

• 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV):"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."