A rather large canvas picture stands proudly in the Dinning Room. The other night I found my eyes fixated on the image of a distressed rope bridge directed to look as if you are about to take a step to cross some sort of chasm towards a mysterious, foggy, and unknown forest. Even though I have passed the artwork many times before, never did I expect to see it so differently. It began to reflect how I was beginning to see my life into this coming year from moving to a new state all alone to preparing for the World Race.
For me that chasm represents fears, doubts, my own plans, and other people’s opinions and expectations. I wonder where the money is going to come from towards an 11 month mission trip, equipment, medications, shots, plane tickets, and bills such as rent. I also have a fear that I will never get the chance to do what I know I am called to do. Go on the World Race in August.
My bridge is well used because I have attempted to cross it many times before. You probably have tried to cross similar bridges, too. It is tough to surrender our plans and what other people think is best for us even when we know that God is calling us to take steps forward into His perfect will. It can be bone-shaking, white-knuckling, eyes closing, hysterical crying level terrifying. We bargin and plead for a glimpse of what is ahead before we even think about placing a foot on that path.
We must remember that God knows what is on the other side of whatever bridge may be in front of us. He will even go over that terrifying bridge with us and guide us safely to where He is directing each of us to go.
Thankfully I have a glimpse of what is ahead from friends who have gone before me, and the blogs that the alumni World Racers have left behind from their own adventures. However, they do not give me a full picture of where God is leading or what I will learn along the way. The World Race is an intimate time with God for each individual participant. We each have unique gifts that only God can shape and use for His purposes. The shaping of our gifts can be emotional and painful at times. The struggles I may face won’t even compare to being the hands and feet of Jesus to a world full of sin, brokenness, hurt, and in need of love.
Each step is one of trust, obedience, vulnerability, and surrender. Once you know that God is directing and you surrender your will to Him it doesn’t make the journey easy, most would say it is even more challenging, but it is rewarding. When you finally face what was unknown, and you cross your fears and doubts, it may still be scary. It is easier to know that you are never alone. God is always right there next to you. He loves us so much, and he will keep us from falling into the chasm of Satan’s traps if we let him.
Above all, make sure through intentional listening to the words of God and through prayer that you are on the path He has placed in front of you. Many detours lie around the bend, but God has an amazing plan for your life. Don’t try to cross your bridges on your own. Let Him guide and provide safety along the way.
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Philippians 4:6?-?7 MSG
