Charting Your Course
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” II Cor. 5:7
I decided to “follow” the Lord at a very young age. I meant it literally. To the best that my five-year-old mind could conceptualize. And, in truth, it is a decision I have never revoked or regretted.
As I grew, I found myself choosing my own course, and hoping that Jesus would bless it…and go before me and blaze the trail. Do you see what just happened? No longer was God in the driver seat. Rather, He walked beside me, or went ahead when I needed Him- to the places I wanted to go.
I have always sought His direction for the big stuff- where to go to college; who to marry; when to have kids; if we should buy a home; direction for changing careers…but I have never fully developed the skill set that allows me to walk in the Spirit, day in and day out. Hearing His voice in the moment to moment decisions. Particularly in the “over my head, out of the boat” radical following. (Like Peter did when he walked on the water.) I am still a bit of a newbie on my journey to the life of radical faith. Risky obedience. A journey to the land “that He will show me.” (As he did with Abram.)
A few years back, there was something that I wanted to do- something I needed to do- but had no ability within myself to do. I decided to just “go for it” and began the process of planning the event, publicizing it, and making purchases. It was a bit frightening, but I made the decision to just “not worry about it.” As I walked in faith, interesting things began to happen. People offered to help me with it, thus alleviating a lot of the financial and labor intensive stress. As I shopped for the necessary items, the Lord blessed me with BOGO (buy one get one free) items. Later, a person who had never before, or since, given me money, presented me with a $100. Because the Lord told her to do it during her prayer time!
In that moment, hope was birthed in me. Hope that if I quit figuring it out, and started walking it out, it could come together. Since that day, I have had other trust walks that have worked out on a smaller scale. But, suddenly, I find myself thrust into a bigger stakes situation. The thing I am walking out now is on a much broader financial scale, more personal risk, and with more manpower needed. But with less obvious help. There are times that I want to high-tail it out of here and go back to where the living is easy. Well, at least predictable. But as I walk on in faith, I am finding nuggets of blessing. Handfuls on purpose. (Like Ruth enjoyed in Boaz’s field.) Assurance that I am on the right path.
I must admit that these confirmations give me the daring to keep on plugging, even when the path is uncertain. But then the Lord raises the stakes. Now, He tells me that the time has come to quit doubting and looking back. Commit to the journey. Cut the limb off behind me. Now, I am closer to the destination and further from the boat I left. But the winds and waves are higher. The fear is real. The triumph is guaranteed- only within the quiet confirmations of my spirit.
Charting our course in Christ is less about knowing the destination and route, and more about following His leading without question. Without applying our own reasoning. Simple, child-like faith. Walking by faith, not seeing the provision or conclusion…all on the hidden path.
Are you tired of playing it safe? Are you ready to live like Jesus and the early disciples did? Following the Lord’s leading? Do you want to see God show up in your life in a big way? His provision is found on the path that He has laid out for you! Joy is found in obedience. Blessings and jaw-dropping testimonies await you there!
Have you stepped out in faith but are now looking back over your shoulder, wondering whether to go back or keep walking? Eyes forward. Focus ahead. Keep your gaze firmly attached to your target, the Lord Jesus Himself, who walks before you and leads you in the way you should go.
Lord, it is a new year. A new season. I want to experience more of your presence, more of your favor, more of your glory than ever before. I know the supernatural occurs when we walk as you did. As You still do, leading your children to life everlasting.
Help me, Lord, to hear your voice. To discern your path for me. Allow me to be uncomfortable if I veer from the direction you chose for me. Give me the stamina to keep in step with you. The courage to walk where I cannot see. Make me a true disciple. A Christ follower.
Powerful message, Sherri. I needed to read that! May I follow by faith and not by sight!
Iris, we are baby-stepping it to the goal!