God had other plans. He caused me to fall in love with a man who was perfect for me. My husband was the leader of a local college ministry. Suddenly, it seems, I was married to a ministry man. I willingly became a ministry woman. Instead of being afraid, I was following the Lord, and I really enjoyed it!
When the idea of moving so my husband could go to seminary came up, I balked. Could I tolerate living in a metropolitan area? I don’t know anyone. How will we pay for tuition? I don’t have a job. My memory was short. I had forgotten that God sustained me in the past. He reminded me that He would be there in the future. In the end, I saw that God works in my life and lovingly provides all that I need.
So, why are we so fearful of what God has for us? We know He is a kind Father. He equips us for what He calls us to do. He never fails. God sustains us through our trials. He forgives us when we sin and blesses us in spite of it. These promises are true for big life events, like getting married, and extend to smaller ministry details, like helping us open our hearts and homes to strangers.
When I am afraid of where God might be leading me, I try to remind myself of His goodness to me. I think of Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
I desire those kinds of plans in my life. A trustworthy Lord makes all His paths worthwhile. Let’s keep a proper view of God, who is leading us to a place where we don’t have to be afraid to go. We are headed toward a bright future and a secure hope.
I can remember clearly how my Yankee heart trembled when my husband Rob told me: "I am going to accept a call to ministry in Mississippi." Now, nearly seven years later, I still don't feel like I have a good grasp on being "Southern," but I certainly can see evidence of God's goodness! He has led me where I didn't want to go, and I found it to be a place of His grace.
ReplyDeleteA wise post on an important issue.
ReplyDeleteI recently came across this poem which was used by the King of England in one of his speeches. It is close in spirit to your posting about trusting God with the unknown.
ReplyDeleteThe Gate of the Year - The Kings Speech
I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year
'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.'
And he replied, 'Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!'
So I went forth and finding the Hand of God
Trod gladly into the night
He led me towards the hills
And the breaking of day in the lone east.
So heart be still!
What need our human life to know
If God hath comprehension?
In all the dizzy strife of things
Both high and low,
God hideth his intention.
1908 Minnie Louise Haskins
Your words are wise and true, Patsy. I needed to read that this morning, as God seems to be asking Mike and I to do something that is scary to us.
ReplyDeleteMegan! I am so grateful that the Lord lead you here. You are a precious influence in my life!
ReplyDelete