I received my World Race acceptance call shortly after New Year’s Day 2018. In the months leading up to the New Year, after my first missions trip, my alone times with Jesus every morning were intense, and both hard and sweet at the same time. I was hearing His voice clearly through Scripture and that still small voice, and my reading of Scripture would actively convict me and speak to specific areas of my life I needed to mature in. Then, there are the times when the voices of people around me, the enemy of my soul, and even my fearful and logical mind get in the way of my Savior’s voice.
During those times when the voices around me are louder than His voice, I struggle to pray, and I struggle to worship and have courageous faith. I struggle to believe God calls me, the unqualified, for His use. But, it’s in these times that I must hold on to faith, even faith the size of a mustard seed. I’m learning that it’s in the moments that we struggle to hear His voice, we are actually growing. In those moments, I need to actively silence the other voices and find comfort in knowing my Heavenly Father promises to never leave or forsake me. I’m learning that perhaps He is waiting to see what I will do with what He has already spoken to my heart previously. Will I step out in courageous faith and obedience or will I sit paralyzed in fear and doubt, letting life pass me by without pursuing His purposes for me.
I once heard it said that when the teacher is silent, it is usually during the test. This morning, I had planned to send out my first round of support letters, but last night I had a printing problem and my computer seemed to be bugged and slow and all sorts of doubts crept into my head. It was almost like a test saying am I truly committed to this World Race and following God’s leading. I can turn back now before I’ve really gotten started, or I can remind God of His promises and fan my mustard seed faith and see what God will do through me and how He will provide. Reading over my journal entries over the past few months, God has revealed Himself to me in huge ways and He has promised to use me if I trust and surrender my all to Him. During the silent seasons, I know it’s in my best interest to keep doing what I know He is leading me to do, keep seeking Him daily through His word and prayer and worship, even if I don’t see the path in front of me clearly.
So, as I write this blog post (Friday January 26th, 2018), my computer now seems to be working like brand new, I was able to print the letters, and I will put them in the mail this afternoon. I have taken a step a faith, and I know I have a long road ahead of me, but I know God will provide.
My faith grew in the silence.
*Please prayerfully consider donating to my World Race journey. Not all are called to physically go to the foreign mission field, but you can partner with me and we can be Jesus’ hands and feet together. Consider a monthly or one-time or quarterly donation. Also don’t forget to subscribe!*
In courageous faith and for His glory alone,
Sharon
@sharonruns on Instagram and Twitter
