Just about every Saturday, my parents and I go out to dinner at the mall in Dallas – NorthPark (aka, the mothership). Being creatures of habit, we always go to P.F. Chang’s. It’s great. (If you go, get the Norther-Styled Spare Ribs as an appetizer. They’re incredible. You’re welcome for the promo, Chang’s.)
ANYWAYS! Last night, I was explaining to my parents the stress and worry I am feeling as a result of the fundraising I still have to undergo for the Race. We were discussing ideas of what I could do to raise funds and wondering if there was anything more I could be doing right now. It eventually got to the point for me where I was getting a bit overwhelmed. Not only because I was thinking about all that I still have to do, but because I honestly have been feeling like I’m struggling to hear the Lord in all of this.
Something I have a hard time doing is discerning God’s voice from my own thoughts. I have a pretty overactive mind, so I’m always thinking – of possibilities as well as for answers. Many times when I am trying to discern what God is saying, my own thoughts get in the mix and I can trip myself up. On one hand, I’m thinking, “Do I send out more support letters? How can I sell more shirts? Does God want me to work harder?” While on the other hand, I wonder, “Am I being impatient and overworking myself? Am I not giving God the space to do His work?” By the end of dinner, I had decided that I will regroup when I get home and see what realistic steps I could take the remainder of the weekend to use my time the most wisely.
Now, if you’re a regular at Chang’s (or have been to any asian food/Chinese restaurant, really), you know you get a fortune cookie at the end of your meal. I love them because 1) they taste good, and 2) what’s not to love about a fortune cookie?! I don’t need to explain myself. When I cracked open my particular cookie tonight, the fortune said as follows:
“You will be reassured that you’re heading in the right direction.”
Now, if that cookie’s fortune within itself isn’t reassuring (pun kinda intended), I don’t know what is!
Sometimes the Lord uses funny ways to talk to us. For example, I especially like it when God speaks to me through music. Whether it be literally, with a worship song, or using an old jam I hadn’t heard in a while, I think God sends me good ~vibes~ through music. And now, fortune cookies. With all of the worrying and stress going on in my head, God stopped me in my tracks to tell me something I desperately needed to hear. “Everything is going to be okay. Keep pursuing Me.“
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
This fortune cookie (with the help of this scriputre) helped to remind me that yes, discernment can be hard, but it does not always have to be that way. By immersing myself in scripture and taking the time to talk to God, He will teach me how to better hear His voice. I can learn and judge what He would say if, for example, He were sitting across from me and we were having great conversation and Pad Thai for dinner.
I will continue to head in the right direction of doing the will of God and obeying what He commands me to do. Praying and studying scripture will bring peace and discernment for me as I continue to fundraise, and I pray you will do the same as the Lord guides you on your path.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
With Love,
Baileigh
