Similar to many of you, what really stuck out to me in this message was the reminder to leave, trust, and obey - this is how we are called to respond to the blessings in our life.
Thinking ahead to the next few months, I am struggling to trust that I have made the right decision in leaving behind school and family and possible job opportunities here for another summer serving on the water. Starting to think about grad school applications, I am feeling pressure to do and be more. I feel myself being squeezed into a mold of what the "perfect student" should look like. I need to take these classes, work this many hours a week, meet with this person, etc. - but not matter what I do, there is always someone who is doing more than me or is better than me. But through this sermon, I am reminded that He is the only one who can make something great out of this life. When Daryl described the poster of Jesus outside the door of the United Nations, I thought about him standing outside my door. I imagine Him saying to me "I can make it work.. I can make this life of yours work!" Too often I am trying to make my own name great. God is calling me to give up trust in myself for trust in Him and His plans so that I can make HIS name great. Relinquishing control and leaving behind what I know to be safe and comfortable allows me to be blessed and to bless others. The unknown ahead still terrifies me, but I know that God has blessed me and brought me to where I am today, so who am I to doubt that he will continue to deliver me through these next few months?
Just follow. Such a simple response that in this moment is bringing me comfort. It is a reminder of what He has done and brings hope for what He will do. Because it is in the following that we experience blessing, not in the staying.
Love reading all of your posts throughout the week and looking forward to the rest of this series!
Amanda - great post. We are praying for you. being at college and constantly hearing "You are in control of your life" - "You are in control of your future" flies in the face of 'Trust and Follow."
ReplyDeleteAmanda, thanks for sharing! Man, I feel so similarly, thinking, "Is there where I am supposed to be? Really, you're calling me to the water again? What about grad school - I can take classes over the summer? Should I be making money? What about this and this and that and this and that?" And He responds so simply, "Josh, just follow."
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