Walk It Out...

Things in life can become overwhelming if you only consider the epicness of a single event and not all the steps that bring it together.  For example, a wedding day can potentially bring on a lot of emotions and anxieties.  When you consider all the necessary components of a venue, an officiant, a DJ, caterer, guest list, invitations, seating arrangement, honeymoon destination, hotel accommodations, etc all at once, some people would rather elope than deal with all of those factors.  But if broken up into smaller pieces and maybe delegating certain tasks, the bigger picture becomes less intimidating and more approachable in planning.  People occasionally procrastinate because the situation at hand seems hopeless.

As I enter into the third week in Redding, California, I also need to take days at a time to absorb what has happened in order to continue walking out this desire that's taking on a new life of it's own.  Otherwise, I freak out.  A lot has happened.  I've met amazing people, bonded strongly with my lovely, spunky roommates, been blown away by the generosity of kind souls, and experienced the comfort of a loving God.

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Any and every transition can appear scary because in essence it's a new thing - never to have been experienced before. But until you walk it out, you tend to only focus on what you're leaving behind and not what you're gaining or the doors that will start flying open once you take the first step.  The first step is often the hardest.  You may feel like you're being asked to walk on water, and it's possible that's exactly what the Doctor ordered.  To trust in God is easy if everything He asks of you makes sense logically.  We've been called to live a life that is orchestrated by an unseen reality and a relationship with a God Who is everywhere and also personally with you all the time.  Eventually you need to trust more in a relationship than logic.  Eventually I need to trust more in my relationship with God than what naturally makes sense.

People who think outside of the box are always labeled negatively at some point.  Those that inspire often think differently than the mass majority. I'm becoming more comfortable with the label 'crazy.'  If you never do what you dream of, you're the one left disappointed, not everyone else. And since when is failing more of a risk than playing it safe?  It depends on your perspective, I guess.  Some people never see God move because they live like they don't need Him.  Third world countries see more resurrections because they have less options.  They've even become commonplace ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1796994/posts ).

So personally, this step into the unknown has been a hard and scary one.  But I've learned fear often blocks the door to your destiny, barking like dogs of doom (paraphrase of Kris Vallotton).  What you're passionate about but afraid to step out on could be linked to a destiny greater than you could have imagined.  Don't despise the faith you may have, though it seems small.  It may not seem like enough to cover an impossibility, but for me it started small and caused me to take the necessary steps to plan for a different future.  There's a scripture in Zechariah 4 that warns us "not to despise small beginnings."  In the New Testament, Jesus tells the story of a man who was a good steward over what he was given.  Because he was faithful over a few things, he would be given much more (see Matthew 25:23).

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As for a personal update, I've been living with three amazing roommates from the UK.  We've been supplied many things for free as God has moved on the hearts of the people here.  In Proverbs 25, it says that the heart of a king is in the hand of the Lord and He can turn it whatever way He chooses.  Favor from God can be seen in kindness and generosity received from men and women.  Since being in Redding, I've received $1400 in donations towards my tuition.  I've faced fear many times and, for the most part, acted in spite of it.  I've applied to quite a few jobs, as I'm looking for part-time employment.  Please keep me in your prayers as I look for doors of opportunity.  I have been finding that I have what I need when I need it.  And I've learned to become more thankful for the present, instead of worrying about the future.  Yay God.  :)

In closing, I would encourage you to venture out of your comfort zone.  Maybe put yourself in a place where you need God, or simply ask Him to make you hungry for more.  Then, let Him lead you.  Start with a single step.  Don't be afraid to fail.  God is bigger than any failure or sin.  He's not threatened by it.  He doesn't stop being good or loving you because of it.  Be brave.  Keep calm... and walk it out.  :)

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