Sunday, April 15, 2012

Step Out In Faith

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. -- Ephesians 2:10

What has God called you to do? Are you doing it or are you spending all your time making excuses, perhaps doubting that you heard Him correctly after all?

When God calls us to do something, He really expects us to do it. Sometimes we even want to do it. But then Satan plants these doubts, these insecurities. We wonder if maybe we got it all wrong. Maybe it isn’t God calling us to do this thing. Maybe it’s really Satan leading us astray.

So we hesitate. Time passes. And still we remain in limbo waiting for … something. What we really want is God standing right before us telling us loudly and bluntly exactly what He wants us to do. Unfortunately, it rarely happens that way.

A dear friend and her husband found themselves at a crossroads. They knew that God was calling them to leave the area but they didn’t know where they were headed. So they got everything settled -- packing up their home, turning over a Sunday school class to another teacher -- and headed to a rustic cabin where they could think and pray and wait for God’s answer.

It came and -- surprise -- it wasn’t what they were expecting. Still, they went obediently. She is filled with awe and inspiration. God has charted a journey they never would have chosen on their own and yet they already feel that this is exactly the right fit for them.

I asked her to explain the process. For her, she told me, God has always either opened doors or closed them. She simple goes forward and tries to pay attention to where God is leading.

I’m sure others have different experiences. But I like her explanation. I also wanted to stress that she and her husband made time to LISTEN to God. Sometimes we’re so busy telling God what we think we want and what He should do, that we don’t pay any attention to what He’s saying. Maybe that’s why we’re confused.

Another dear friend feels God is calling her to step out and into a role unlike anything she’s ever done. We all see her talents and know she’d be great. She questions her calling. Doubts, I tell her. Insecurity can derail God’s plans for us unless we have faith in our convictions. My advice? Go back to God and really listen. Then trust what you hear and act on it.

So what is God calling you to do? God will never, ever call us to do something without knowing we can do it with His help. Trust Him. Stop making excuses and take that leap of faith.