Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

I come to you today in a very humble state.  While out to dinner celebrating my brother-in-law’s birthday, I was side-swiped. A stranger to me, yet friend of my brother-in-law, spoke a sobering truth directed at yours truly.  Their words came completely out of left field and I was caught off guard. However, the truth that was spoken shook me up and resonated deep within.

I have come to a place where I have disconnected myself in order to protect myself. It is far easier for me to keep everyone at bay rather than allow people in.  I work so hard to keep bad things from happening that I also keep the good things out. It’s not me walking on the water or walking by faith trusting in God’s Sovereign hands. It’s me believing the lie that “if I do everything right and play it safe everything will be okay.”

My past is my past and I cannot change it. However, today is a new day and I want to live by faith. To live boldly for Christ without holding back all the good I have inside and not only offering up the portion I see fit. If you have been hurt, rejected or disappointed do not let that stop you from living to your fullest God-given potential.  What I want to pour into you today is love.  We are all hoping and believing for something.  Keep hoping, keep believing and don’t give up.  The Victory is ours and the battle is the Lord’s. Position yourself to receive by letting go of fear. You may think I personally do not struggle with fear…but the truth is, many of us do. Yours could be fear of what people might think, fear of success, fear of failure, fear of disappointment, fear of not financially having enough, fear of speaking truth, fear of letting go, fear of holding on.  Fear daily tries to grip each one of us differently. While you begin to step out in faith believing, I encourage you to fear not. God is in control!

Isaiah 43:19- Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

-Ana

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 principles 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 is Georgia 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.