One 'Small' Step

Today I am going to start something new. Something pretty scary and intimidating for me, but something that I believe the Lord has been preparing me for and leading to for quite some time.

I'm not exactly ready to put it out there, but I do plan to share eventually.  But for now, I just wanted to share some of the struggle and process that this has led to recently.

For one, I've realized that when I have nervous energy, I clean.

So right now, my house is cleaner and tidier than it has ever been. (At least one of my coping mechanisms is somewhat productive, right? My husband may be encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone more often, for the sake of our home).

I've also been reminded of two, how easy it would be to succumb to emotions that contradict what the Lord has been saying to me through His Word and through the Holy Spirit in prayer.

Oh, how I have to be guarded against my own heart!

I am so thankful for accountability - trusted friends in my life that have journeyed with me, so that they can remind me and by my guidepost of sorts, to confirm that this is indeed the way that I should go.

Do you have that? Do you have someone in your life that you trust enough to let in? That can help point you back to the last thing the Lord spoke to you when you haven't heard anything lately or when opposition sets in?

If not, I hope that you will pray and ask God for it. It is a true gift from God.

Three, I've also discovered that I am pretty darn good at coming up with pretty valid reasons as to why I should stay exactly where I am right now. I probably should have looked into law school. I can argue with myself with the best of them.

If it wasn't for this annoying little fact that I know, I know, that this is where the Lord is leading. And so despite my best effort, my best defense doesn't stand against the Lord.

And I am thankful for that. Thankful that  I have had a similar encounter with the Lord to say, like Peter, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68) To proceed without the Lord, well it would be pointless. All else would be fruitless. (John 15:5)

Four, I have been reminded of the importance and power of obedience.Of agreeing with God and then going with Him.

Going with the God that loves me (loves us), immensely, has my best in mind, and has the power to do through me whatever He calls me to.

He has already freed me - but I have to choose to walk with Him out of the prison cell.

And sometimes that looks like work. Scary, intimidating steps. But He's with me.

So - I'm making little ebenezers to further hold me accountable and remind me of what the Lord is doing, when I face more opposition and doubting and want to turn back. Like this post.

(*An ebenezer is seem in scripture when Samuel, after receiving victory in battle, set up a monument of stone, literally meaning "Stone of Help" to remind him of God's help.. Today, it can be anything that reminds you of God's very real presence and help (a scripture posted in your home, a bracelet you wear that reminds you of something the Lord has spoken to or done in your life, etc.)

So, here is to stepping out in obedience in a scary, new, fun, exciting and challenging direction the Lord is leading. He promises to equip (Philippians 2:13) and to complete what He has started (Phil 1:6).

"One small step for man, one giant leap..."

It may just be one 'small' step, but obedience leads to more freedom, and that is a game-changer.
A life-changer.

One more way that I'm stepping into the abundant life that the Lord has promised me.

"...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." -John 10:10