Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 23, 2018
The righteous will live by faith. Romans 1:17
Walking with God for 30 years has taught me that when you dare trust Him, He may take you into narrow places that require faith.
From 2005 to 2011, Colorado Springs, Colorado was my home. I loved the people, the ministry opportunities, and the nature. Many afternoons I pulled on my tennis shoes, grabbed my iPod, and headed out for a hike.
One afternoon as I rounded a curve on one of my favorite hiking trails, I sensed a gentle whisper. It wasn’t audible, but it was as clear as if it had been spoken. “I want you to give me your life. Even Colorado Springs. If I keep you here, I want you to be okay with it, and if I take you from here, I want you to be okay with that too.”
I turned to face the majestic Rockies. Tears puddled and ran down my cheeks. Colorado was so special to me but in the previous months I had felt a tugging on my heart. It was time to give up this beautiful state that I had come to call home. And, not only did I feel as if the Lord wanted me to leave Colorado, but that I was to rid myself of many of my possessions so I could lighten my load to minister to groups on a multi-state book tour.
So, one sunny afternoon while I was sitting on the porch at my favorite coffee shop, I came across the story of the rich young ruler in Mark 10. This familiar story spoke to my heart in a new way. His possessions and riches were too important to him, and my comfort had become too important to me. God was asking me to step out in faith.
After several other confirmations from the Lord in my circumstances and through Scripture, I knew it was time to move. I placed my furniture for sale on Craigslist and within two weeks it was gone. I gave away most everything else: my television, pictures, dishes, and I was off on a new adventure with Christ in my itty, bitty Volkswagen which I called “The Rollerskate.” Over the next year, I lived out of a suitcase and shared about Jesus with groups big and small.
As soon as I made the decision to follow Christ into the unknown, unexpected miracles began to happen. He faithfully provided financially for me each step of the way even though I started my road trip with little.
He gave me the precious opportunity of wiping away people’s tears and encouraging them—and the gift of sharing His love was worth more than any kitchen table or my favorite comfy couch.
God may not ask you to sell your possessions, but at some point in your journey, He may ask you to follow Him into the unknown. And, what He asks of you may stretch you beyond your resources. When He asks, say yes. Why? Because your yes will prepare you for a later time when you will need greater faith to say yes to an even bigger calling. You will experience fulfillment and know you are pleasing your Father.
“. . . seek his kingdom, and all these things will be added to you” (Luke 12:31).
Prayer
Lord, help me to always be open and willing to trust you, even if you call me into the unknown. Help me to always to say yes to you, even if I am afraid. I know you will always prove faithful. Amen.Application
The next time God asks, say yes.Related Reading
Habakkuk 2:4; Hebrews 11:6-7; Psalm 119:10Post/Tweet today
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