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Tag: step of faith

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Psalm 103:17-18| Faithfulness

Screenshot from my April 17 Facebook Live Post

This is from my April 17, 2020 Facebook Live Post

Today we are going to talk about faithfulness.   The passage I will be reading is from is Psalm 103:17-18.  If you have your Bibles, read along with me. I’m reading from the New Living Translation.  

“But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!”

Psalm 103:17-18 NLT

One of the most challenging tests the Lord may give to you is to trust in his faithfulness during difficult times. 

As I was reflecting on this verse, it reminded me of when Kevin and I had only been married a month when he lost his job. One morning, we turned on the TV to check the traffic. There was a news reporter talking about a huge fire south of town. When we realized it was Kevin’s workplace, we stood in disbelief. 

Twelve years later, I was a stay at home mom with two young children, when Kevin was downsized after ten years at a “steady” job. Again, we stood in disbelief. 

During these lay-offs, we had our struggles. Sometimes we were gripped with financial stress. Other times with emotional stress. Much like many of you are experiencing during this pandemic. 

I will tell you that while it wasn’t always easy, our faith was strengthened. We continued to seek God in ALL things. Through our challenges, we learned how to discover peace in knowing God was in control and He was Faithful. 

I hope I can encourage someone today… It will be ok. You will get through this!

The song that I have had on repeat this week is “The Blessing” by Kari Jobe and Elevation Worship. (I’ll share the song on my page when we are finished.) It moves me to tears every time I listen to it. May it be a declaration over you today. 

Rather than praying over different requests – I would love to speak this blessing over you today…

“May The Lord bless you
And protect you
May the Lord smile on you
And be gracious to you

May the Lord show you his favor
And give you his peace…” 

Numbers 6:24-26

Blessings, everyone!

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Doubt

Photo of a peaceful pond on a partly cloudy, peaceful day

Doubt;  a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction. 

A little over a year ago, I made the decision to schedule a personal retreat day once a quarter.  I knew I needed time away from ministry to be still and to listen to God. It was a warm July day. As I sat quietly, I opened my Bible and began reading this passage found in Matthew.  

“But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘Take courage. I am here!’

Then Peter called to him, ‘Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.‘

‘Yes, come,’ Jesus said.

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!’ he shouted.

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. ‘You have so little faith,’ Jesus said. ‘Why did you doubt me?‘”

Matthew 14:27-31 NLT

Later that afternoon, I decided I would go for a walk. There was a pond with a pier that went about twenty feet out onto the water. I decided to sit down and soak up some sun. I began praying.

All of a sudden, God gave me the image of a storm we encountered on the way home from visiting friends in Chicago the weekend before. I had never been in a car during such a terrible storm.  We literally had to pull over to the side of the road —we could not see in front of us.

As I was remembering that storm, God spoke to me, “Your soul is like that storm right now. See the calm water before you … this is your soul when you are abiding in me. I am calling you out on this water to come to me.”

I sat and wept because I know He was calling me to trust Him and step out of the boat just like he was calling out to Peter. 

I don’t know about you, but I often display doubt when being faced with a decision. I knew God was asking me to step away from my ministry role. He had even given me a date. When I asked, “what’s next, God?” He quickly answered, “Trust me, where is your faith?” Wow. Just like Jesus reprimanded Peter for not trusting him to walk out onto the water, Jesus was reprimanding me. 

It was another three months before I finally took that step of faith, and it has been eight months since that warm July day.  God continues to remind me to trust him. He continues to give me peace in knowing that I did the right thing by stepping out of the boat. 

Have you ever been afraid to step out of the boat, in fear of the unknown? Are you letting fear and doubt rob you of your God-given purpose? I’m here to say, Jesus loves you and wants what is best for you. He is for you and He will be with you. Now, get out of the boat! 

Photo of a fierce storm I took from my car between Chicago and Indianapolis
Photo of a storm I encountered between Chicago and Indianapolis
Photo of a peaceful pond on a partly cloudy day
Photo of the peaceful pond where I heard God speak to me.
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A Step Of Faith…

Photo of a dock on a lake

I have been in full-time Children’s Ministry for 17 years.  During that time…

  • I have loved the calling God has had on my life.
  • I have loved leading teams and growing the children’s ministries in three churches in Indiana, Arizona, and Ohio.
  • I have enjoyed connecting with parents while loving on babies and children of all ages.

It has been amazing—God has been so good!

However, over the past year, I sensed God calling me to something new. God has continued to put this passage from Isaiah before me. 

See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)

While Kevin and I were on vacation in late August,  I was listening to a podcast. The speaker talked about the attributes of Jesus. When she said Jesus surrendered to the will of his Father I began to weep. I knew it was time to surrender to what I have known and step into the unknown. I came back and told my pastor I would probably transition in June of 2020. 

Then, while on a personal retreat on October 10, I spent time praying and listening. I heard the Lord say, “Do you trust me?” I heard him say it several times that morning while sitting on a cabin porch.

Another time when I was sitting on the wooden dock at the pond. He said, “I am calling you out on the water. Are you going to step out?” I went home and told Kevin that knew it was time to submit my resignation and step out on the waters of uncertainty. in faith and trust that God will lead me forward.

Therefore, I submitted my resignation effective December 31, 2019. No, I am not leaving Salem Church of God to go be a children’s pastor at another church. I am simply stepping out in faith and trusting God will lead me where he wants me.