Jump!

This week marked ten years of service on staff at New Life Church. A. Decade. While I don’t have enough hours in the day to list all the blessings of partnering with God and his people in this place, I would be remiss to say that I recognized the opportunity as a blessing when it presented itself.

You see, ten years ago, I was just finishing up homeschooling my two kids all the way through high school graduation. It was a labor of love that (again) I honestly was unsure about when the Lord invited me into that space. Home-educating our children was something I determined I would NEVER do. Which you know is exactly what the Lord waits for in order to make the invitation! So, wanting to be within the Lord’s will for my life, I “agreed” and took a year-by-year approach to that commitment. Each summer involved me taking time to seek the Lord on his desires for the following school year. And each year he invited me to once again trust him in the process. Until they both graduated.

But ten years ago, I knew that my walk with the Lord in home education was truly coming to a close. So I was praying and dreaming about going back to school myself. I wanted to finish and seek a degree in interior design. I love to learn so going back was a dream I was finally going to get to finish. 

Or so I thought.

At the same time, our family had shifted in a way that required me to wait on school and reenter the workforce full-time. I was heartbroken. Not because I didn’t want to contribute financially, but because I sincerely thought that school was what the Lord wanted me to do in that new season. I had dreamed. I had prayed. I had made plans in my heart. And the Lord, once again, asked me to trust him for this new season.

Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,
for the Lord your God will be with you where you go.
Joshua 1:9

At the exact same moment my husband found the job listing on the church website, the phone rang with Pastor Brian on the other end. I still remember how dumbfounded I was to literally be reading the job posting AS Pastor Brian was suggesting I look for it online. I knew I needed to apply despite my belief that I was underqualified. Two days later I was sitting in an interview with Pastor David Grothe, and the following day I received the official offer to join staff.

But I hesitated.

Yep, I hesitated. Most people would have immediately seen the Lord’s hand at work on my behalf. But I hesitated. After praying for a couple of days with Larry, I finally realized that my declining the offer would be declining to trust the Lord. Yes, once again he was inviting me into a walk of faith that he really knows what he is doing, and he is worthy of my trust. My accepting the job offer was equivalent to a little girl squeezing her eyes tight, holding her nose, and jumping into the pool.

I jumped.

And wouldn’t you know that once I jumped, I realized that the Holy Spirit had securely wrapped himself around my middle like a holy floaty. I didn’t sink! Sure I got some water into my eyes, but I just bobbed in the water safe and sound. It didn’t take long for the fear to be washed away and be replaced with joy. True, legitimate, all-encompassing joy. I began to see how my skill set was a benefit, not a hindrance. I had opportunities – SO many opportunities – to learn new things. The people I worked with each day were the same people I worshipped with each week. I was welcomed. I was encouraged. I was placed. I was needed.

So, let me ask you… Is there a place where the Lord is inviting you to trust him? Despite all the ways he is tangibly showing you that he is involved, are you hesitating? I understand. Honestly, I think all of us do. Whether it is fear of the unknown, change, or making a mistake, we all have to face it and decide if we can trust our loving Father to lead us in something uncertain.

Let me encourage you to grab your floaty and jump! Squeeze your eyes if you need to, and hold your nose if you must. But jump! Our loving Father has promised to be with us each step of the way – firm steps and missteps. He joyfully walks alongside us with encouragement in the scary and laughter in the surprises. And it is in the journey with him that we experience his faithfulness again – each step a gentle whisper that…

You are adored.