Stop Running!

Compassion is the thing that causes us to act. It is a bubbling up in your bowels that causes you to move; it makes you respond. Compassion is fueled by passion. My soul weeps for hurting people—for people who lack hope, resources and opportunity. I desire to spend my life encouraging, equipping and empowering others to be who God made them to be. Over the years I have asked God, “How do I take this passion and do something meaningful with it”. In response, the Lord has been revealing to me my purpose. But I have been afraid to move forward.

A few months ago, the Holy Spirit prompted me (yet again) to move forward in my purpose. It was time. This time I could not ignore it or make excuses any longer. After receiving confirmation over and over again that it was time, I distinctly remember sitting in church on a Sunday morning and hearing the guest pastor say, “Do the thing you keep running from”. Dang! I had to act. It is scary, risky and uncomfortable. But if I don’t believe that God will take care of me as I act in faith, then I need to give up now. Like Paul, I stand on the promise of God about my purpose and my future (Acts 27:25).

In a huge step of faith, I resigned from my safe, comfortable and somewhat secure position at the local church where I had been on staff for almost 5 years. I did not know what was next; I just knew I had to move. After two months of knowing I was heading into unknown territory, I was invited to apply for a ministry residency program at another local church in the area. It is a one-year, full-time, support-based program that trains future leaders for full-time vocational ministry. After a lengthy application process and months of waiting, I learned that I had been accepted into the residency! This is about to be real!

I have been thinking about Abraham of the Bible. He only knew he was to pack up and go. He didn’t have the next step but he obeyed the right now step. This is how I am living right now—obeying the right now step, even though I can’t see the whole staircase. Of course, I have my plans, but I am learning to submit to God’s plans that are so much GREATER! My ultimate desire is to give my life in service to God and to others.

As I continue on this journey, I hold on tightly to this promise: “God is within her, she will not fall” Psalm 46:5

I appreciate your prayers and would be happy to pray for you as well.