Have you ever known God is telling you to move but not sure what that means? Or even if you know where He’s calling you but it just doesn’t make any sense? I’ve been there a time or two as well.
We’d had a special speaker at church and I’d been hearing God whispering to me during the whole service, “Come”. It didn’t make sense. Come where? Do what?
“Lord, I NEED some details. Okay, maybe need isn’t the right word but I would LIKE some details.”
No details were given. Simply a chance to follow Him.
As we neared the end of the service I knew God was inviting me to be obedient and get baptized.
Why would God ask me to do something that made no sense and honestly felt really strange?
You see, I’d been baptized when I was young. I wrestled with God about it in my heart for quite some time. I even left the service right after and sat in my car for a bit.
As I sat there I tried to explain to God how this didn’t make sense. Why would I need to do this again? I was 41 years old, the pastor’s daughter and led the youth ministry. What would my “kids” all think of me?
I’m not proud to say those thoughts went through my head but am so grateful God never stops loving me. Despite my weaknesses.
No big bolt of revelation came. No profound understanding. Only a choice to come with Him or not. As He had shown me time and time again, the choice was mine. Would I say yes?
A little side note here, we’re what you’d call a “cowboy church”. Our baptism’s most often happen in a livestock watering tank. We’re not talking heated and comfortable by any means.
I bet you’re praying this is where I walked back in with my head held high and said, “Whatever it may be, bring it on!”
Nope. It was more of a quiet, “But if you say so God”. Not a resentful, apprehensive yes but a calm, expectant yes. A yes full of trust.
I let my need to see before I believed slip away as
I followed God into the unknown.
He’s faithful and I’ve met Him in the unknown many times before. Each time I’ve answered, “But if You say so” He’s been right there to meet me.
Faith works when we use it.
When Jesus asked Simon Peter to drop his nets again it didn’t make sense either. Peter’s day of fishing had already proven unsuccessful. He could have tried to reason with Jesus why it wasn’t the best idea. But I love his answer!
“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” Luke 5:5
Now I know we can read on after and see what a glorious night of fishing it ended up being. But…Simon Peter had NO idea what the outcome would be when he said YES.
I love how we’re given such a great example to step out in faith even if we don’t understand. I find it so reassuring how Peter doesn’t come back with some lofty type of answer. He’s honest and real.
As I broke the plane of the cold baptism water I still didn’t understand. I simply made the choice to follow. Coming up out of the iciness I felt a huge wave of blessing wash over me.
Lord, if you say so…
I’m sharing this post with several other blogger’s at these Faith Linkups. I encourage you to check them out. If this post resonates with you and feel it would help others please feel free to share. Easy to share buttons below. ~Laura~
Enjoyed being your neighbor today at Purposeful Faith, Laura! Beautiful post.
Love the honesty here, Laura! Sometimes our steps in faith aren't some amazing running to God yelling yes. Sometimes we do it quietly and obediently. Beautiful words. Have a great week!
Beautiful testimony! Love this, Laura!
Sometimes it just takes a small step of obedience. You never know what this may open up and who may be impacted.
Obedience is His request and trust helps us respond without knowing why we have been asked or what purpose it serves! Great post! Happy to be your neighbor today at the Linkup at Tell His Story.
"Faith works when we use it." I love this, Laura. I prefer the expanded outline of how everything is going to go, too. But you're right … faith is a choice, one God wants us to make even when the details are scarce. I'm glad to be your neighbor today at Coffee for Your Heart.
This is lovely. My family is in the midst of making some big choices… and I'm trying so hard to listen and obey as He says to move.
What a story, Laura! I love that you got baptized! I can imagine how you felt though. But you went ahead. Well done! You're good inspiration for all of us.
Beautiful, Laura! I'm very sure you have not seen the last of the blessings that will come from that moment of obedience. Jesus was baptized right before He was sent off into his ministry. Not sure what God has in store for you, but I know it will be amazing! Yay for you for stepping out in obedience! And what a blessing for your children to see! I'm sure that will be stored in their hearts for the rest of their lives. Neighbors today at Thought Provoking Thursday.
Thanks Ellen! I appreciate your encouragement.
Thanks Chelsey! I love that God looks at my heart and knows even when I struggle with what He's asking there are still blessings in the obedience. Praying you have a great week as well.
Thanks Karrilee! Blessings to you.
Amen to this Mary!
Thanks Pam. God has given me so many chances to put my faith into action and trust Him over the last several years. Stretching me for sure.
I would still prefer the expanded outline too Lois but learning to trust regardless. Blessings to you!
Thank you Ally! I'm praying for you with your big choices. May you hear His voice above all others.
Thanks Betsy! It was a double blessing as the speaker stepped aside and let my dad baptize me. Father's blessing too. It was amazing.
Thank you! I've been blessed in so many ways already and am trusting Him with whatever else He has in store. Blessings to you.
Hi Laura,
I completely identify with how you felt! (and we've got the "cowboy church" thing going on, too! ha!) Jesus calls us to the uncomfortable, doesn't He?! But it is so worth it!
I also want to personally invite you to my new link-up, Hope for Tomorrow that will begin on May 2nd. I'd love to see your encouraging posts as part of the community God has put on my heart to build!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Love the cowboy churches! He does call us out of our comfort zone but it's SO worth it. I'm looking forward to your new link up. Blessings!