Ana Martinez, Voices Against the Grain Guest Blogger

 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10, New King James Version)

Some believers struggle on various levels whether financially, physically, spiritually or other. These struggles may be our current condition at times yet we need to remember our permanent position: that we are seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus as told in Ephesians 2:6 (“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus”).

What may look good to the visible eye is not always good.

 1 Samuel 16:7–But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him.  For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Our society is very consumed with the outward appearance.  We idolize our own appearance whether our title, sculpted abs, intellect, our bank accounts or accomplishments.   Although we are not bowing down to a big golden idol in the image of an animal, we bow down to the image in the mirror.

We also tend to judge others by their outward appearance and by what they have and do not have.  We can think someone is doing great for themselves by what they wear, drive or where they live.  However, the truth is you can have all the riches in the world and still be lonely, empty and unfulfilled.  My parents always taught me that it is more important to be faithful than successful, according to the world’s standards.  We each have gifts and talents that should be used for His Glory and not our own. I encourage you to ask the Lord to search your heart in order to eliminate anything that is not of Him, so that you may be able to withstand the attacks of the enemy.  Gratefully, we can gain victory in these matters through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer.

Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24- See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” 

About Ana Martinez

Ana Martinez was born in Michigan. When she was age 4, her parents Pastor Juan and Deborah Martinez founded the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship in Almont, Mich.  Ana grew up in the church and in a humble, loving Christian home.  Her parent’s faithfulness and commitment to ministry for over 27 years has been a testimony to her.  In her youth she was like the prodigal son.  She knows what it means to walk away from your call and to stray from the Word of God.  Her life experiences have taught her that God’s way and His principals are worth upholding.  She is a God-fearing Christian woman determined to do the will of The Lord.  Her heart’s desire is to reach the lost and win souls for the kingdom of heaven by sharing the Good News, according to Matthew 28:19. Ana truly believes people are hurting and need to know that there is forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give ye rest.”

Ana has served on the Missionary Field, and has served in and led praise and worship, web design, children’s ministry and youth ministry.  Ana’s most recent initiative isGeorgia Peach Ministry, a non-profit she founded that serves widows and orphans.  Ana is also on the board of the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship. Ana is a private chef and has worked with professional athletes over the past five years. She is also an entrepreneur and is part owner in an interior design business, a chef placement business, and is entering into the food product industry.

Ana resides in Southern California with her three beautiful children and seeks daily to model this scripture from Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”