Stepping Out in Faith

Stepping Out in Faith! I need to keep my eyes focused on Jesus or I could easily become discouraged. I can't say that there haven't been moments. I have shed a few tears in moments of discouragement, but have rejoiced even more from the delights of God's blessings on my life!

Now it is official! I am homeless. Most people in my shoes would be very worried in such a position. However, in my case, my homelessness is in obedience to God’s call on my life. Despite rejection from the first and only organization I applied to for missions and other road blocks, I still feel God’s call on my life. Actually, the rejection has spurred me on to be more serious about pursuing this calling. Thanks to a gracious and godly couple, I am not on the street!

Several people have prayed with and for me…and have sensed that I am still supposed to go and that it should be soon! In my pursuit, quiet times and reflection I agree with these people. Ironically, I have always been drawn to Paul…a tentmaker, hum…is that the type of life that the Lord wants me to lead? In reflection, why not? If anyone could be a tentmaker, I am sure I could with his strength and leading!

Recently, I was watching a video on the life of Paul. The part that struck me the most was when he sold all his possessions and left for ministry. My prayer along this process has been what does “all” mean? How much is “all”? Each step of the way I have been praying about what I need to keep, sell, save or give away. I have downsized considerably and should probably trim down a little more, however I find that it is getting easier and easier to get rid of stuff. I am finding that my things are just things! That which I once held as important sometimes almost sacred no longer held such importance in my life. My priorities have greatly changed and will undoubtedly continue to change. I have kept that which I may need for missions…crafts, etc. and a few household possessions and some basic furniture items. Most of what I have kept, I plan to ship over once I know more precisely where I will be. In addition, these items would either be difficult to find or extremely expensive in France.

Each day beacons me to the place where the Lord is calling me. Although, I do not know exactly when or where I will be serving, I am still confident of this calling on my life. I feel that the call is urgent and permanent and will most likely lead to SW France.

I have no bitter feelings regarding my rejection from the first and only missions organization to which I applied. Those praying for me have suggested that they feel I am to go as a tentmaker…and that I was not meant to go with this organization. In reflection it seems that going as a tentmaker will actually give me fewer constraints. I do need to be careful not to feel like it is all about me! I will always rely on God for guidance. All that I do, I do to glorify my Lord! As a tentmaker, I will have the freedom to work alongside other Christians there regardless of their affiliation or nationality. In fact, I will be able to defend other Christians which I could not do if I am affiliated with an organization. My journey as a Christian has been extremely diverse and has allowed me to gain insight into many denominational differences, their practices as well as understanding of other religions and lifestyles.

Lately, I had been convicted of having ‘abandoned’ my talent, literally burying it nearly suffocating it! My creative and artistic talents are meant to used, again to glorify God in the process. I am not going to build my own church or create my own cult. I will be using my God-given talent and creativity to reach out to others so that they too may gain and maintain their own relationship with Christ. We are living in times where the average person has not been exposed to the true Gospel and as a result does not have an understanding of faith being a relationship and not a mere ritualistic religious ‘experience.’

I give God the glory for each step of this journey…for the deep dark valleys as well as the mountain tops! I pray that I remain humble and teachable throughout this journey! Now that I am ‘homeless’—no pity needed, thanks to a gracious couple from church, I have a roof over my head. I have several offers of sofas, just in case! And I am extremely thankful for all those who hold me up in prayer! Their support is exactly what I need! Please keep praying that I stay focused, glorify God in all I do, and bear witness of his love! Without Christ, I could not do what I do! Thank you Jesus!

FYI: For some reason I was really attracted to this edifice while in Jerusalem and couldn't understand why until I read somewhere that legend has it that Paul was buried here? I really loves God's sense of humor with me! How cool is that! Thank you Lord!