“…and I don’t want to miss a thing.” – Aerosmith
Last night I was sharing some dreams and visions with my wife. That’s when I said something that I guess I didn’t even realize was in my head. I think I might have just stumbled across my greatest fear. Here is what I said…
“I sense God is up to something and I just don’t want to miss it”.
I have been unpacking that statement all day. It seems harmless enough right? But when I look at what led me to say such a thing, it scares me to death. Basically it boils down to several signs, events, happenings (some would call coincidence) that give me a clear idea that I am being called to something. I just don’t know what it is. While it’s exciting to know that God has something new for me, it scares me to death that my will, my drive and “I” will get in the way. I fear over thinking it. I fear not seeing the trees while standing in the forest.
Part of me says to be patient and let his plan unfold. Yet I know that following God often involves being willing to take a risk. That risk is what he can use to prove his provision in our lives. I don’t want to play it safe and miss the opportunity to grow, to be used and to bring him glory. What if Moses just kept his shoes on and walked away from the burning bush? What if Abraham said “no thanks, I think me and the boy will stay right where we are!” What if David said “Brothers, this food order is pick up only. I’m not delivering anything to you out there!”
Not sure what all of this means. I’m still working through those 15 little words. Just thought I would throw it out here in case anyone else has been there, done that and NOT missed it. Lord don’t let me miss your purpose for my life.
I know exactly what you’re going through. Before I went into full time ministry I felt and dealt with everything you have mentioned (yes, it can be scary). As my wife and I, took our journey of searching God’s purpose we learned and continue to learn another valuable lesson; “faith.” I’ll be praying that you will see clearly God’s will for your life.
Oh I so feel your pain. Or anxiety. I’m learning to wait and be faithful in the meantime. Something you have going for you is that it doesn’t sound like you’re putting words into God’s mouth yet. When I get that sense that God is revving up, I try to figure it out with the “maybe God wants me to…” phrases. The more I seek Him personally, the more he reveals. Its hard to wait and take risks at the same time. Chris Bell (chrisbell.typepad.com)gave a great message at Orchard Valley Community Church in Aurora, IL and I’ll try to give you the podcast link from August ’06 http://theorchard.wordpress.com/2006/08/ titled Rockin’ the Orchard: Vertigo. It was amazingly inspiring to me and gave me a whole new perspective on God’s will. If the link doesn’t come through, follow this: http://www.orchardvalleyonline.com click on podcasts and the August ’06 archive.
God’s plan for your life be protected!
God bless
Maria in the UK
http://www.inhishands.co.uk
Wow, this post really does parallel to mine. I’m so glad you’re sensing a direct call from God and are itching to know it and follow it. It’s a difficult experience to explain to others, isn’t it? I guess because when the Holy Spirit moves, it’s on a soul-level and intended for the believer that God is preparing. But I do understand your position and I’ve been in the same place a couple of times before. Once was just before I was asked to fulfill a significant leadership role in college and the other time is at present – both my husband and I have been feeling individual tuggings (sometimes more like whiplash) that God wants to use us to reach a difficult and unreached age group within our church and community – other young adults somewhere inbetween high school and settling down with families. We have been watching God raise up a group of committed attenders but until now have been holding our breath anticipating its demise because I don’t think either of us expected it to take off like it has recently. (oh ye of little faith) I think we also tend to overcomplicate our role and think we need to do or know this or that before God will use us but I’ve found that what He wants is simply my obedience and availability, not a leader who knows it all and can do everything to perfection. Thanks for being open!
How exciting! I’m pretty sure if you are seeking Him and asking Him to make His will obvious to you, He will. 🙂 James tells us that if we ask for wisdom, He will give it to us LIBERALLY.
My husband and I have asked God many times throughout our marriage to make His will plain (like a 2×4 upside our heads, I believe were our words). No surprise then when He did exactly that for us. His call on our lives to full-time missions was not quite an audible voice or handwriting on the wall, but it was just as obvious to us and to all of our parents. And after we knew He was calling us to somehow be involved in full-time missions, we sought His will for the specifics for one year before He made His plan clear. Now we have total peace about what He’s doing, and let me tell you, it is ALL His work and it is so exciting to be part of it.
Isn’t it absolutely amazing and wonderful that our Father, the Creator of all, would use us, sinful mounds of dirt, to accomplish any of His purpose?!
Aaron, we so understand what you are facing and I just want to encourage you to say yes Lord, YES, YES!!!
People may think you are crazy, there will be days you even think you are crazy, but Gods ways are not mans ways…
and better to be a fool for Jesus anyway than miss His best!
FAITH, that’s what it’s all about now isn’t it? And faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. From what I’ve read you get this, you are willing to take the risk, whatever it is, when you KNOW that it is God so..
You won’t miss “it” Aaron, by Gods grace, and the best days are ahead as you walk in obedience to His leading and embrace the call on your life!
Keep in touch and keep moving forward!
Every blessing to you!
Dude, you are an awesome teacher and effective speaker/leader. I told you before and do so again, you would be so influential and effective in the ministry. However, I do not say that lightly, because it is a huge responsibility to go into that field. I personally think God is calling you there (Lifepoint?), but that is just and outside opinion.
I’m still praying for ya…
Wow. I am speechless when I read all of your comments. Each of you have taken the time to encourage and share ways that God has been faithful. Thank you all! I trust his plan. It is such a rush to read how people put their faith in him and he “showed up” time and time again. I wish each of you blessings in your ministries. I will be sure to update you as the journey continues.
Mike, brother, you are all to kind. I am humbled by your words of encouragement. Thanks for believing, encouraging and always praying. You have no idea what that means to me.
Aaron, I just read this post and may be a little late in commenting. I don’t know you and your family except by your blog. However, I do believe that when that door opens you guys will walk through it, no questions asked. When the time comes and is right the Lord will let you know exactly what He wants you to do. In my experience, He has never left me guessing and I believe He will do the same thing for you. Don’t worry to much.
Blessings to you,
Ronda