Confusing God's Calling with Man's Calliing

We received word that the youth pastor of our home church resigned. Having worked alongside him during school breaks, we knew the void he’d leave behind. So, we rolled up our sleeves and dove into youth ministry wholeheartedly during our summer vacation.

My husband (then fiance) and I drew upon our past youth group experiences, designing and implementing the summer ministry program. It all came so easily, like we were designed to do this. The youth responded so positively, that the pastor’s wife nonchalantly asked, “When are you done with school so you can become our next youth pastors?”

Those were weighty and dangerous words, but we didn’t know it back then.

(I'm writing at the {re}fresh blog today. Come join me for the rest of the story.)

5 Ways to Turn a Bad Decision Around

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8

Letting go of our well-laid plans is never easy. We labor over every decision, weigh the pros and cons, pour over every detail and even seek Godly counsel that in the end, we sometimes ignore.

Our plans make sense, satisfy our hearts' desires, hold prosperity and the betterment of ourselves and our family  in the wings. They're well-intended, but any plans outside God's will are disastrous!

About five years ago, I accepted a job, against Godly counsel, that looked promising in every way: more money, better and cheaper health benefits, a lucrative 401K plan, and still close to home. Within eight weeks none of that mattered as I found every facet of my life turned upside down. My pride kept me going, holding onto this job that I just knew was right, but screamed, "TURN AROUND! WRONG WAY! DO NOT ENTER!"

Month after month things grew worse, at home and in my department, but I was in this job to stay, like I had something to prove to God, and planted my feet firmly under my desk. Then one day, I lost my footing; literally tripped and fell, head-first into a solid, steel reinforced fire door. Even then, while suffering painful concussive headaches, I stubbornly stayed. Two months later, I surrendered - admitted I'd made a wrong decision, begged God's forgiveness, and let the healing process begin.  

So how do we get back on track when we find ourselves in the midst of disaster; when it's obvious we made the wrong decision?

1. Stop! Make an about-face and turn back towards God.
2. Set things right. Admit you're wrong-doing and ask God's forgiveness.
3. Step in line. Ask God, "Which path?" and walk on it.
4. Seek Godly counsel from someone who will keep you accountable to God's will.
5. Savor God's presence. Develop daily God-time. God alone is our ultimate counselor. Be intentional to spend time reading His Word, talking about your struggles, your intentions, and listen for His advice. He will speak if we listen and welcome His presence into our daily lives.

I've never looked back after leaving that job. God did a miraculous healing in my life both physically and spiritually in the months that followed. The headaches didn't subside for seven months, but those were some of the sweetest times spent alone with God. He taught me about abiding and being still and knowing him as God; God of creation and God of my life. He taught me total dependence on Him for every need and showered me with grace and very good and abundant gifts.

Are you in the midst of a tough decision? Is it dangling promise and prosperity, but Godly counsel says, "Stop?" Won't you take the time to stop and seek God's presence, ask Him what His plans are for you? Ask, "What's the right path, God?" and walk in on it. 

God promises, "I will counsel you and watch over you." What is there to fear?

Say Yes to God's Sacred Adventure

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you...an move you to follow my decrees.." Ezekiel 3:26a, 27b

God met me in my quiet place. His Spirit blew through open windows though never rustling the leaves outside. His joy filled me up with laughter that couldn't be suppressed and it changed me.

All week long anxiety and pressure mounted, turned my world upside down and I stared my God-portunity down. This TV show, Penn's Pals, was nowhere on my radar and certainly nothing I concocketed from my own imagination, but as the week wore on and wore me out, I wondered and questioned, "Am I stepping into God's will or is this just a huge distraction from the Enemy?"

Rest finally came Thursday night. Exhausted by all the challenges I fell into God's hands and said, "Catch me, Lord. Search my heart. If this is from you, give me deep rest and breathe life in me and through me." Twelve hours later (yes, 12) I awoke, peaceful and rested.

I quieted myself inside my office sanctuary and opened the windows, welcoming His presence and Holy Spirit. Opening my devotional, He met me with these words:

"Though I am the Lord of the universe, I desire to work in partnership with you. As you say yes to this sacred adventure, you become more fully the one I designed you to be."

(Jesus Lives, by Sarah Young, (Thomas Nelson, 2009m pp. 76-77).

Hmmmm...a sacred adventure? Penn's Pals is certainly an adventure and now my spirit knew it was a sacred calling, prepared in advance especially for me; one that God intends to work in me and through me for His purposes. I'm not sure how, or what that looks like right now, but as long as He's in it, I know there's good things ahead!   I cannot express the overwhelming peace and joy that's replaced my anxious, worrisome heart. Praise God!  

Expectant.  

Standing ready and prepared to watch what God is doing,   

Dawn

Filled to Pour Out

"Be confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippian 1:6

The sitting package weighs heavy on my mind. My husband wraps a prayer around me in whispers to the One who created me for this: an empty quill--filled from the Source to pour out His healing words across a page.

Pain and wholeness, hopes and dreams sealed tight in green and white, carried through glass doors. Obedience and sacrifice layed down. Let go. Now waiting.

Borrowed patience waiting. Silence fills and words run scarce. God speaks: 

"Write those things I say to you. Write and hold back nothing of all I shall say to you. For I shall speak to you in the darkness and shall make your way a path of light...Do not doubt or hesitate, for I the Lord your God go before you. You already have My promise that the work I begin I am able to carry through to completion." (Frances J. Roberts, Come Away My Beloved, Barbour Publishing, 2002)

Sweet words poured out upon my heart from the Source of all my writing. He's in control and will fulfill his every purpose. I wait on him and watch and give thanks.

"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me. Your love O Lord, endures forever-- do not abandon the work of your hands." Psalm 139:8

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

Lord, as I wait on you, seek your face--empty me and fill me from the well with water to quench my thirst-that always satisfies.