Faith Journey-Day 16

Day 16- Transition is Never Easy

Yesterday, I shared about the initial “call to ministry” for Ron and our family of four. We were sure of His call…but that was about it.

This Faith Journey has been focused on many aspects of God’s character, and learning to trust His character developing in us. The fruit of peace is a huge part of that “growing in Christ” process. His peace is ongoing…it’s confirming…it’s comforting. When everything else swirls around us…He is our peace.

My journal entry from March 12th, 2001:

“I am writing this entry from the Manor House at Southeastern Seminary in North Carolina. My emotions are overflowing as I think about how God has been preparing us for this new journey. We are overwhelmed and overcome by His faithfulness and grace. Our Admissions counselor has two deaf children, both with cochlear implants, just like our Ryan–I am in awe of the ways God is confirming His call.

To even contemplate that NC might be our new home is something I never thought I’d accept without kicking and screaming. But–He has given me such a peace…His peace…about His provision.

Florida is the only home I’ve ever known. I guess this proves that home really is where your heart is. Right now, my heart wants to seek and follow Him–even if that means leaving comfort in the pursuit of the unknown, by faith.”

• Read 1 Samuel 16

Here we see our Samuel (Hannah’s son) taking on an important task for The Lord. What was his task?

 

In verse 7, what does The Lord warn Samuel about? What does He look at?

 

Jesse brought out all of his sons before Samuel, except the youngest. The older brothers were bigger and stronger. It would seem logical from a worldly perspective to choose one of them. But, the Lord wanted someone with a heart for Him.

• Read 1 Samuel 15:10-11

 

What does God regret?

 

The Greek word  for ‘regret’ is nichamti, which  mean to have deep sorrow.  God was not confessing a wrong of His own, but was instead expressing His deep regret or sorrow for King Saul’s blatant sin of disobedience.

King Saul was a disappointment. Saul’s actions did not take God by surprise, but they did grieve his heart. So, the next choice for the role of King would be someone whose heart and mind would be for the Lord God Almighty.

There where approximately 15 years between David’s anointing and the time he actually took the throne. God had a work of preparation to do in David’s life before he would be ready to rule Israel. His life was filled with trails, anguish, and fear. But, The Lord was faithful to be everything David needed, exactly when he needed it. When David’s life was in turmoil, The Lord became his peace. David and His God establishing a deep faith relationship that we see played out through most of the Psalms.

You and I must learn to wait on The Lord and not get ahead of Him. Don’t be so eager to get to the “good stuff” of ministry that you try to miss the journey of preparation. God has appointed a season of preparation in each of our lives. While in your season of preparation, don’t sit idle and wait. Be actively involved in the process. Earlier in our devotional  journey together, we discussed having an active faith…it’s so important. If you are gifted to teach…teach. If you are gifted with hospitality…serve. If you are gifted with mercy…show mercy.

God had called Ron and I to something. What?! We had no idea. Similar to David, we were in a season of preparation filled with joy, impatience, sifting, and apprehension. But, In the midst of our preparation, God called us to serve along-side a church family that He would to use profoundly in our lives while Ron was in seminary.

God will use everything in your life as preparation for your calling. Your kiddos are preparation… your marriage is preparation… your church service is preparation… the mundane is preparation… even your trials and pain are preparation. (Remember 2 Corinthians 1:3-7)

Pray and ask The Lord to help you see each “hat” you wear as His preparation for your calling. If you are born-again, you are called and you have a ministry. So, what is God preparing you for?…Not sure yet? That’s okay. Take  joy in the journey.

Praying for you to walk in His calling today!

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8