Well, I did it…again!
I was called to a great church to help launch a kids ministry at a new campus. We had a successful launch season this spring. I knew I was there to build a firm foundation. I wasn’t on the team very long before I realized God was trying to get my attention. I was so busy doing ministry, my soul became very weary. I knew this wasn’t the pace of life He wanted for me. So, before long, I started having conversations about stepping away from that ministry position. Yes, the second time in 4 years, I stepped out in obedience.
The definition of obedience found in Webster’s dictionary is the act or practice of obeying; dutiful or submissive compliance. God asked me to do something that requires more faith. I know He is calling me to a new ministry.
God keeps putting this passage before me.
“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:19
I believe God is doing a new work IN ME… so he could do something new THROUGH Me.
I’ll share my journal entry from a few years ago; “I’ve known for a while that you were beginning to do something new in my life. I know you have something for me, yet you are waiting for me to surrender my position as a children’s pastor to you, to put a date on the ending. “I’ve said before that I am surrendered, but have I really? I have held on to what I know. I’ve been in children’s ministry for almost 20 years. I’m a good administrator, good at visioning, and connecting with people. Lord, it’s time to release what I know and step into the unknown.”
In his book, Necessary Endings, Dr. Henry Cloud says…. “Getting to the next level always requires ending something, leaving it behind, and moving on. Growth demands that we move on. Without the ability to end things, people stay stuck, never becoming who they are meant to be, never accomplishing all that their talents and abilities should afford them.”
It’s time to end something to move on. I am stepping into something new. I love to champion those around me and feel called to coaching and supporting ministry leaders. Obedience to me looks like pouring into others and helping them succeed in ministry without suffering from burnout. I want to help others lead from a healthy soul.
A friend sent me this quote this morning.
“Just because something isn’t part of your life plan doesn’t mean it’s not part of God’s plan. God is working His good, pleasing, and perfect plan for your life in 1,000 ways you aren’t even aware of. Everything in your past is preparation for something in your future. God wastes nothing! Even when you have a setback, God has already prepared your come back. The God who works all things together for good, will leverage every experience, every skill, every mistake, and every bit of knowledge you have acquired!”
Mark Batterson, Chase the Lion—If Your Dream Doesn’t Scare You, It’s Too Small.
I can’t wait to see what doors God opens for me! In Hebrews 13:21 it says, “May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.”
I believe he will do what he promised!
I have watched God work through you for years now, and I have no doubt he will direct your paths where you should go. I know you will listen and follow as well. I’m excited to watch.