As many of you know, in 2008, God asked my husband and I to do exactly that. We'd been struggling financially for years. Until one day, Vic made one phone call that changed our lives. Thankfully, we said, "Here we are, Lord. Send us."
Maybe a career isn't the call one would expect to receive from God. Naturally,our first thoughts turn toward ministry, missions, or the like. But what if your career was your ministry?
Over the course of the past year, my husband has had numerous opportunities to speak into the lives of the men (and occasionally the women) he works with. If he hadn't said yes to God in 2008, the opportunity to reach these particular people may not have happened.
How does one walk in faith when the call of God takes you down roads you'd never imagine on your own? Here are a few pointers:
1. Trust God with all of your heart. There will be bumps and potholes along the way. When we put our trust in people or in our vehicles, we will always find someone who could care less if we reach our destination or a gas tank will fall off at the most inopportune time. Trusting God above all else is the only answer. He will provide for our needs as we focus on His will.
2. Don't depend on understanding everything. Sometimes, God is at work when the tunnel is dark and you're not sure where you're going. Or if there will be light again. Sometimes, patience is required while you wait for an answer to arrive. Jesus promised us that if we seek, we will find. If we knock, a door will open. Our own understanding is limited, but with God, all things are possible.
3. Acknowledge the Lord in everything. When that gas tank falls off and someone blesses you with a free or cheaper-than-usual vehicle, bless the Lord. When one church snubs you and another welcomes you in like you're family, praise God. When your tax return is smaller than you expected, and the company offers you an increase in pay, thank Jehovah Jireh, your provider.
4. Let God direct your path. We never know where we're going next. Until it's time to go. Like, "Hey, we're sending you to New Mexico in two weeks." Praise God. He knows exactly where He wants us to be at all times. When we trust His guidance, we have no need to worry or be anxious. Instead, we make our requests known to God and trust that His will is better than our own. So far, we've never been disappointed. Even if we don't see why He sent us in a particular direction until after the fact.
It's so funny, well, not funny, but ironic, I guess. I was totally willing to go anywhere, in fact, that's all I've ever wanted. However...God took me a mere 30 minutes down the road from my hometown, and here I sit, being fashioned, formed, crushed, and so much more for 16+ years. I think that sometimes we have preconcieved notions about what it is that He has planned for us, but trusting Him, acknowledging His thoughts are not ours, allowing Him to direct our path...those are the important things...like you said. It's not always easy, but being in His will, is the best place to be.
ReplyDeleteGood post, Alycia. My favorite line: Sometimes, God is at work when the tunnel is dark and you're not sure where you're going. It's so hard to just stand still and wait on God! But those lessons learned in the dark are just the things we need when we get back in the light.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post! I've been focusing on Psalm 32:8-9 this week, which points to the same truth: "The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like the senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control."
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