Day 15- The Call
On Day 14, we met Hannah. I know some of you were, already, familiar with Hannah’s amazing story of faith and sacrifice. Each of us need reminders from scripture of ordinary people who were able to do extraordinary things because they had the faith to.
In my own Faith Journey, I shared that we had just found out I was prego with baby number two. I had such a mixture of emotions. I was excited but scared at the same time. The Lord had carried me so far in my relationship with Him. If He called me to be mom to two special needs children, I knew He would equip me. But…I did not want to.
Ryan gave us so much joy. But, I have to be honest, I didn’t really get to “enjoy” him as an infant. I was always so worried about him. My days were filled running to and from specialist appointments. I didn’t get to just “be” with him. I longed for that.
On January 18th, 2000, Landon Garrett Smith bellowed into our lives. He was so loud.. and fat… and healthy. Ron and I had a silent sigh of relief when he passed his hearing test. I truly got to lavish on Landon all the mommy moments I wish I had gotten with Ryan. But, God in His loving kindness allowed me to have Landon at a time where Ryan was doing really well. He was communicating through Sign Language; putting sentences together and beginning to read. He had, also, started walking on his own…Praise The Lord. I loved being a mom to these two boys.
Ryan was now a big brother (age 4) and took his responsibility very seriously…for a while. I have to chuckle because Landon’s “loudness” was quite irritating to our Deaf son. There were many times over the years that Ryan tried to sell his little brother or get others to adopt him.
During this time Ron had begun teaching a college and career Sunday School class. He was loving it. I had started teaching a single ladies Bible study. We were both growing in our faith walk individually and together.
About a year later, Ron sat me down for a serious talk. He said, “I feel like God is calling me out of corporate life and into full-time ministry. I’m not sure exactly what that looks like but I felt that you and I should pray about that together.” My response…” what took you so long? God’s been telling me that about you for a while now. I just thought it was best to let the Holy Spirit nag you and not me.”
After meeting with our pastor and sharing with our families, we were presented before the church for prayer as we started this journey into preparing for full-time ministry. The hardest decision had been made. We said “Yes” to His calling …where ever, whenever, however. But, I discovered, it’s the little stuff that was bogging me down and stressing me out…
- Read Matthew 6:25-34
What is Jesus teaching against in these verses?
Write verse 27:
That’s truth! What good is worrying?! Not one little bit! Easier said than done…
Where would we live? How would we make it financially? Where was Ryan going to attend school? Will our house sell? AND etc…my list was very long! Without fail, Jesus worked out every last detail and eased any worry that I allowed to enter my thought life.
We have to learn to leave the details up to Jesus. He is a detailed God who has ordained every second of everyday…if we allow. Worry and anxiety can be crippling. That’s why Jesus addressed it. That’s why I felt The Lord calling me to write about it in various ways.
My motto became, “You called us…You take care of us.” I wrote that at the top of many journal entries during our time at seminary.
Pray about the people or situations that are causing worry and anxiety in your life. Remember, if Jesus takes care of the lilies, grass of the field, and the birds…How much more will He care for you, Dear One?
Praying for you. Each day in His Word draws us closer to His side and stronger in our faith.
