It’s been over seven months since Dude and I quit our day jobs. It’s been a journey of discovering our passions and talents and looking for ways to bless others with the gifts we have been given. It’s been about taking what we know and trying to make a difference. But the road is long, narrow and bumpy. We encounter people regularly who think we are foolish. We think maybe because they don’t understand why we haven’t found a job yet. But we’re not looking for just any job. We’re simply trying to follow a clear calling to pursue our dreams and passions. We sometimes doubt ourselves and the choice we made. Should we just give up and forget about our dreams? Should we just find jobs, any job? It’s in our control to do that, to make things happen. C’mon! Be practical, be realistic.
But that is not what God has called us to do. As Christians, we are taught to “live by faith” and to give God control of our lives. What does that look like? It’s easy to live by faith when everything is going your way. It’s easy to say, “I give God control over my life,” when nothing is going wrong. We’ve all been there. We probably call out to God the most when something is out of our control. When a family member is struck with illness, we pray to God for healing. When someone is mourning a loss, we pray to God for comfort. When a child goes missing, we pray that God will bring them home safely.
For us, it is more than that. Giving God control means doing the little things He impresses on our hearts daily. These may be things out of our comfort zone. We may have things we deem more urgent or important that we would rather spend our time doing. But we’re trusting that when we listen to God, He will make the big things happen. The big things are the huge audacious things we have no control over.
Living by faith also means trusting God in the little things. We trust God to inspire us everyday. We trust God to provide for our daily practical needs and that He will continue to provide for us as we continue on this journey. We trust God to know better than we do.
I have been reading Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. This is what has been speaking to my heart:
[quote]Instead of single-mindedly pursuing some goal, talk with Me about it. Let the Light of My Presence shine on this pursuit, so that you can see it from My perspective. If the goal fits into My plans for you, I will help you reach it. If it is contrary to My will for you, I will gradually change the desire of your heart. Seek Me first and foremost; then the rest of your life will fall into place, piece by piece. ~(Based on 1 Chronicles 16:11 and Matthew 6:33)[/quote]
I believe we are doing what God has called us to do. At the moment it’s about telling our story to, hopefully, inspire and encourage others.
[quote]Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track. ~Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG)[/quote]
This is how we are trying to live by faith and give God control. Would you give up control of your life to someone else?
Well written Flo and I love the picture above. Trusting God is easier said than done. Your story reminds me of my study of Acts when the apostle Paul simply answers, “…if it is God’s will” when asked about his future plans. “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 We are placing our trust in the Lord with you as His desires becomes your desire and His steps becomes your steps.
Thanks so much, Eng! It is such an encouragement to know that you understand and are praying with us. Thank you for sharing these verses. It means so much us and it’s exactly what we needed to hear!