I think one of the biggest myths we face as Christians is that if God brings you to a big decision, a big change, a big life event, you will have peace about it. That's simply not true, and it's definitely not biblical. Anyone who has made a big life change can tell you that there are always second thoughts, doubts, concerns... At times our choices may seem clear and you may be blessed with an overwhelming peace about it (and I pray this for you, friend) but 9 times out of 10, that isn't how it seems to go down. I have moved away from home twice now - to places very far away. These were decisions I knew would permanently change my life and would temporarily shift everything I knew. I have ended a relationship I thought would last forever because I felt God nudging me to, because it was not providing me with a life that glorified God. These were big choices I had to make, and even though I felt God's call in them, they still required tremendous amounts of courage. In fact, sometimes I fought The Nudge for months, other times I mourned the life I left behind, and still others I spontaneously burst into tears as I could feel my life changing completely - leaving behind people and places I love, and a future I had imagined for myself. After I made these decisions my heart required months (see: years) to heal, regrets reared their ugly head, and my faith was shaken. I asked myself, and now that I am on the verge of making yet another life-changing choice I ask myself again, If this is what God wants, shouldn't I have peace about it? Filled with guilt for "a lack-of-trust," and doubts of my ability to hear God's call, I turn to the Words I know are from God and the people He chose to tell them - our biblical heroes. Though I long to be like Mary, I find myself often like Moses. While Mary was quick to obey and accept God's call for her life, Moses was slightly more hesitant, and I love that he was. I love that God chose to use him anyways, because it means God chooses to use me anyways. When God spoke to Moses through a burning bush, Moses was afraid - and understandably so (can you even imagine)! He was afraid of God (Exodus 3:6), and he was afraid of what God was calling him to do - doubting himself, doubting God's choice to use him, and fearful of the outcome (Exodus 3:11-13). Sound familiar? I love one other thing about this story - I love the promise God makes Moses. While Moses was fearful and doubting, he asks God, "Why? What makes you think I can do this?" (Does this also sound familiar?). To that the Lord responds in the most beautiful of ways, "I will be with you." (Exodus 3:12) The God of the universe, the great I Am, promised a fearful human that He will be with Him. He makes this promise to us also. His story is not unique - his story is the story of countless others that made a big change in the bible, and his story is my story. His story is probably also your story. It's understandable to fear the future, to fear the consequences of your choice. It's even understandable to have some second thoughts and doubts - you don't need to feel guilty about that. Change is scary. Change is stressful. God knows that; He knows, and He listens. He longs to comfort you and remind you that He is worth the pain the change may cause. He longs to remind you that His plans are greater and His timing is perfect. He longs for you to trust Him. He longs to show His power in your life and use your obedience for His glory. We are human, He is God. Change is scary, and often painful, but He is good, perfect in all of His ways. If you fear change, be brave. Take comfort in those that have come before you that were also scared but had courage to change anyways. Look at stories like Moses, or Abraham who was willing to sacrifice his son but not without sadness - our biblical heroes. Go to God in prayer. Is this change what He wants for your life? Be brave if it is, and be brave if it isn't. Either way, His plan is perfect and His ways are good.
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AuthorHello! I'm Becca -humanitarian, caffeine addict, lover of books, people, and all things Jesus. You can find me in my pajamas, day dreaming about rainy days and saving the world. Archives
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