Last week I had the pleasure of a coffee date with a friend who is standing on the threshold of major changes in her life. She stands at a crossroads with many questions about the direction God wants her life to take. Her faith is strong and real. She desires to do God's will for her life. Yet, she is in a place of waiting to see what He will reveal His Will to be.
Talking to her took me right back to different places in my life when I have felt the same way: graduating from high school and making college decisions, graduating from college and making post-graduate plans, dating (ugh!), infertility...
As I sat across from her with a heart that remembered how it felt, I found myself praying that God would give me words of encouragement and wisdom to speak over her life. I wanted to encourage her to keep her eyes on the Lord, but it was evident that she is seeking Him. Then it occurred to me: What part of Him is she seeking? His heart, His face or His gifts?
I was able to speak these words to her in love, because I have been there...begging God to give me a glimpse at His plans, share the play book, show me what gifts are in His Hands. Knowing would make it easier to trust Him, to prepare myself, to feel some measure of control, to have an answer to tell those who asked, 'what are your plans?'
So often the world teaches us to visualize the goal, the payoff, the dream. Yet, as Christians, it seems we should be seeking His heart not his gifts, focusing on His face not just His hands.
"Listen, God, I'm calling at the top of my lungs: 'Be good to me! Answer me!'
When my heart whispered, "Seek God,"
My whole being replied, "I'm seeking him!"
Don't hide from me now!"
-Psalm 27:7-9 The Message
I am not a big fan of high ropes courses--and yet they are a big part of the Young Life camp experience. The courses are always done in pairs. When I was a high school student it was with a leader. As a Young Life leader I had to suck it up and feign bravery for the students I took to camp. (Complete sidebar here, but crossing with a frightened, nonverbal autistic teenager was one of the most difficult things I have ever done in my life.) As an adult at family camp, I have had to be courageous for the sake of my children.
It never fails that I get a little wigged out up there. Each time the calm comes not in looking way out to the goal, down at the ground where I fear falling or up at the movement of my hands. No, the calm comes when I look into the face of my traveling companion or the experienced wrangler supervising the ride.
Look at me! We can do this. Look in my eyes. Trust me. We are in this together.
The same is true in the often terrifying high ropes course called life. Of course we are curious about what the future holds. We want answers. We want to plan.
God wants us to trust. Don't look too far ahead. Don't fix your eyes on how far you have to fall. Fix your eyes on Him. He is trustworthy. In Him you are secure.
Hear my voice, LORD, when I call; have mercy on me and answer me. "Come," says my heart, "seek God's face"; your face, LORD, do I seek! Psalms 27:7-8
7 comments:
You share so much wisdom. Thanks. :)
Wish I could sit down and have coffee with you about this stuff! You have NO idea how perfect this was for me to read today! Thank you!
What a great and timely word for me today! Thank you so much. Your blog posts should be published as a devotional book! I so enjoy stopping by to read. Thank you for allowing God to use you in this way.
Your words were words from Him. They are some of the same words I have read in two different books this past winter. As long as we keep our eyes on Him, our focus on Him, we are safe. When we take them off and look at our circumstances then we will fall or fail, just as Peter walking on the water to Him. Also, we all need to daily ask ourselves...are we seeking Him to know Him or just what He can give us? Blessings on your sweet family today.
I just had to comment on behalf of the young lady you shared the coffee with to say thank you.
This past weekend a sweet mom of some of the children I baby-sit for asked me if I was available Saturday morning...not to baby-sit, but to run some errands with her, to share a cup of coffee with, to catch up with. She listened to what was going on in my life. She asked questions. She gave some incredible advice. I got in my car after that morning and couldn't stop the tears from flowing.
What a blessing it was...and I thank you for the lives you are blessing all by just taking some time to listen and advise.
Oh Jen, that was meant for me this morning! We have be in a place of uncertainty for almost 3 years now, and even though I "know" this with my mind, I've struggled with knowing it in my heart. I want to just give up sometimes. I want to know all the answers - or at least have a glimpse. But try as I might to look ahead, there is nothing to see. Trusting in the moment is the only thing that brings any measure of peace. Now if I could just remember that!
Thanks so much for sharing your heart on this!
My husband and I are in a waiting period of a possible adoption. This post will be read over many times. What an amazing perspective it gave me today! Thank you...
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