Anxiety. Worry. Doubt. These are the things that keep me from experiencing the fullness of God’s promise. They keep me from fully submitting to God’s plan and being obedient.
Obedience: compliance with an order, request, law, or submission to another’s authority.
God’s authority.
I have come across the word obedience a number of times the past year, but it had never it me so hard as it did this past January. God was calling me to go where I had never gone before and do what seemed impossible for someone like me. Obedience wasn’t my first reservation though, discerning the voice of God was. “Am I really being called to do this?” I had just finished fundraising for my first trip out of the country; a calling I knew was mine years before. I am going to love on the people of Tabora, Tanzania. “Was that not good enough? Isn’t this already out of my comfort zone?” These thoughts consumed me leading me to doubt the voice I had heard. It wasn’t until talking through it with a mentor that I got it. He looked me in the eyes and said “I think you already know the answer.”
Next thing I know, I am leaping into obedience and applying. I got the call that I was accepted to go on the World Race. This January I will be leaving my plans behind to go on an 11 month journey. 11 months, 11 countries, sharing what Jesus Christ did for us.
Once my excitement settled those three words from the enemy came flooding back to me…
Anxiety. I will have to rid my debt, save money, and leave behind my education.
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3
Worry. Who will look after my family? What will happen while I’m gone or even more so when I return?
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27
Doubt. Why choose me? The girl who doesn’t like to leave her hometown for more than a week at a time. Can I really make a difference?
“God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called”
Where I had an excuse, God had a promise already put in place that gave me peace. We may not like God’s plan, but that’s because it requires faith. I can control my plans, but following God’s plan takes trust in the unseen.
“Knowing God’s plan and going on the journey are two different things. The plan does not bring clarity- it demands trust.”
For the first time in my life I had heard my Father’s voice loud and clear. It just took more time and prayer to step into obedience. Once I finally submitted to his plans for me, I saw the things that were “falling apart” were actually falling into place for his purpose.
I am ready to push past those fears and step beyond the borders of my comfort zone to see the fullness of his promises.
