Taking the First Step

It seems that the first step is always the most difficult in almost anything we put our hand to. For those who know they need to start that diet, begin working out, start saving money, (fill in the blank), it seems that tomorrow is a better day to begin than today. 

I now find myself in the same situation when it comes to writing this blog. After 15 years of teaching, preaching and sharing God's word with those surrounding me, due to some unforeseen circumstances, and a few life explosions, I found myself questioning everything that the Lord has asked of me. One of the biggest questions that has been ringing in my ears is, "God, do you still have a plan for me?" For those who know me, this may sound crazy, but even when you survive an earthquake, sometimes the aftershocks leave you laying on the ground, and the thought of standing up again is a bit scary. 

This last week,my family and I went on a vacation to Ocean City, NJ. Thanks to some dear friends we had a place to stay. Did I mention we were two blocks from the beach? We were able to enjoy their company, some family time, the boardwalk and the beach. On the morning of the 4th of July, I awoke at 5:00 AM. This was not a good thing because I was up the night before until about 1:00 AM. But I awoke and quickly recognized it as one of those times that the Lord had woken me from my slumber. I got dressed and took a walk down on the beach. The conversation I had with the Lord was a conversation that I am sure you have had with Him any time you are dealing with questions, loss, pain or you are just plain lost. It went something like this...

"Lord, what is going on? I am so lost! I do not know what to do and do not have the strength to keep wandering. I need to know what you want me to do. Why does it seem you are so quiet?" In all honesty, I think I said. "Lord, what the HELL is going on?" But in the future you can put in your own expletives as it is one thing to say them to the Lord and chance getting struck by lightning, but a whole other issue to actually write them down and then feel guilty. 

So I asked Him these questions. Thanked Him for the freedom He has given us. Not just as a US citizen but as a citizen of the Kingdom of God. That is the only real place that freedom is found. Then I sat on the beach, watching the waves, and stayed quiet hoping that He would speak audibly to me, have me find a bottle in the sand with a note in it, or He would send someone to come and encourage me and tell me how much God loves me. After being down at the beach for about an hour I went back to our beach house and then climbed back into bed. I know in scripture God talks to people in all sorts of ways but it seems he chooses to use my dreams a whole lot to get my attention and give me direction.

In my dream, I was with a group of people I did not know and I was bringing them to Jesus. They each had their excuses why they had not found Him yet but once they met me I was able to bring them to Jesus. I knew exactly where He was. After I brought these people to Jesus then He turned to me and had some one on one, God to man time. In my dream I asked Him once more, "What am I supposed to be doing, who am I, what have you called me to do after this great earthquake in my life?"

I was waiting for Him to put His arms around me and coddle me like an infant. But that did not happen. He seemed a little frustrated with me and said, "Why are you asking me these questions? You already know what to do! I told you what to do years ago. I have made you to lead others to me." He seemed genuinely sorry that I was wounded and bleeding from life's punches but then said, "Go do what I created you to do!"

Now this may seem harsh or mean but it is exactly how I father my children. I cannot tell you how many times I give instruction to my children and tell them what to do and even how to do it. Then they get distracted. Yes, some distractions may seem more legitimate than others but in the end I still want them to do what I originally asked of them. Just tonight I had to ask my kids what they were doing because somehow between the car and the house they forgot what I had instructed them to do. In my life, God has given me a clear direction since I was 8 years old and that is to love and encourage people into God's presence.

What has God asked of you?

Yes, you may have some distractions. You may even be bleeding from wounds you have created yourself, or wounds that others have inflicted onto you. Take the time you need to heal but do not allow the enemy of your soul to convince you that God is somehow finished with you. This world has so many people that are hurting and bleeding. Maybe now that you have a few wounds you can be an example of what it means to press through the pain and keep your faith and trust in Jesus. As I write this, I feel a little bit like a hypocrite because I am struggling at this very moment to run and hide and live my life for me. You see my flesh had gone into a self-preservation mode. It is saying, "If you step out again you will only get hurt! Many people live for Jesus and nobody knows about it. Just stay where it is safe and secure! Stay quiet and go about your life." Do you see that this is a cop out and a lie? I must take this body that wants to run and hide and put it into submission. 1 Corinthians actually talks of beating our body and making it a slave. This is not a one time decision but a moment by moment choice that will allow the Spirit of God to guide you. 

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

 

Here are some questions for the week...

• Are you spending enough time with your Lord that if you needed to show other people where He is, you could lead them?

• Are life's distractions causing you to take your focus off of the Lord?

• Is serving Jesus happening in your home with your spouse and children? Leading and loving people is a lifestyle! It is who you are when you just simply exist. It is not something you have to plan and put on a calendar. If it is not happening at home, then it probably is not as genuine as one would hope.

• What is your first step into what God is asking of you? Or for some of you what is the next step?

For me the first step was to commit some regular time to this blog. I hope you are challenged and encouraged enough with these words to spend some time with your Jesus. Take that much needed step today and begin seeing where the Lord will take you on this journey we call life.