God, what am I doing with my life that’s really bigger than myself? I feel lost, like I need to decide my whole future and I have no clue which path to take. Please give me clarity and reveal to me what decision to make.
Follow me.
Of course, Lord. Where are we going?
[Silence]
Follow me.
Yes, Lord. But where are we headed?
[Silence]
Follow me.
I would love to, Lord, but how can I when I don’t know where to go?
You do not need to know the place, but only the Way.
But Lord, each time I ask for direction, You do not respond. Am I supposed to just walk forward without knowing which direction to walk in?
Yes.
Why?
That is what faith is.
[Silence]
Okay, Lord. I will follow You. You are faithful and have never broken a promise. It is impossible for Your will to be anything but good. So I will follow You because I love You. Lord, would You please guide me in prayer? Convict me and place on my heart what I need the most in this new season of life.
Courage.
Why–never mind. Yes, Lord. I will pray for courage.
[Two months later]
The Great Commission
The Great Commission. The Great Commission? What’s the Great Commission? It sounds biblical. Why do I feel like this is something I should know? Hmm… Oh well!
[One week later]
The Great Commission
There it is again. Why do those words keep popping in my head when I don’t even know what they are referring to? Hmm… weird.
[Yet another week]
The Great Commission
Okay, okay. I’ll look it up.
The Great Commission:
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him they worshiped Him, but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20)
Oh. I’ve read that passage countless times. Had no idea it was called the Great Commission… You know what’s funny though, is that these words kept popping in my head shortly after I learned about that 11 month mission trip, what is it? The World Race? And my heart just about soared when I saw those countries for July Route 3. God, is this something You want me to do? Should I apply?
Pray.
[Four months later]
Okay God, I’ve been praying about it for months now and You have broken my heart for the world’s injustices and opened my eyes to the need for Your love across the nations. I believe You are calling me to apply. But I’m going to apply for January 2015 because July is just so soon and I don’t think I’ll be ready by then. Besides, what if my sister gets married this year? And my Dad has that knee surgery coming up. I’m needed here. This is right. I’m sure of it.
Then a teacher of the law came to Him and said, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” Another disciple said to Him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” (Matthew 8:19-22)
But what if–
That is what faith is.
But July is so soon. Surely I can’t prepare in time. I am not ready.
Courage.
[Silence]
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified do not be discouraged; for the Lord, your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)
[Silence]
I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Indeed the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep. The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side. The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all harm. He will protect your life. The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever. (Psalm 121:1-8)
[Silence]
The Lord is with you mighty warrior. (Judges 6:12)Okay, Lord. I hear You. I don’t know what’s going to happen or where You will lead me, but all I really want is to experience You more. I’ve spent too much time studying You and not enough time experiencing You. My relationship with You has been convenient and not committed. I will follow You wherever You go. I will not hesitate. I will not procrastinate. You are calling me now and I will obey. I’m terrified out of my mind, but You will protect me. I will go out of obedience to You because I love You and You loved me first.
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)
Here am I. Send me.
