When faced with the choice to answer God’s call or play it safe, I default to playing it safe. I always have some very “reasonable” excuses: “I am so busy!”…”You know I am uncomfortable in these situations, Lord.”…”That sounds like a task for someone smarter or more charismatic or (fill in the blank).
This absolutely applied to the call I felt to start this blog, which is why it took me months to launch it. The conversation went something like this: “Lord, I am not a Bible scholar. What would I have to say that anyone else would want to hear? What if I misrepresent You? What if I mess it all up?”
Lately, I have been reminded repeatedly of a visualization God led me to a few years ago, at another time when I felt His call to step up. I get these analogies from time to time. They help me to give structure to the lessons I am learning through the Holy Spirit, but I often need to be reminded in new situations.
Picture this:
A father is working on his car in the garage when his four year old child walks up and says, “Can I help you fix your car, Daddy?” The child wants to spend time with her father and wants to do what her father is doing.
Dad looks up from what he is doing with a gentle smile and says, “Sure!”
Now we all know that the toddler will not be a huge help and may even make the task more difficult and time consuming, but Daddy said, “Yes”. Why would he do that?
He does it because he is much more motivated by building a relationship with his daughter than in avoiding any disruptions to his schedule. He also knows that he directs the steps the child will take and he will not let her do anything that will harm them or the project. Lastly, this is a great opportunity to pass along knowledge and skills that will aid the child in future projects.
Now let’s shift scenes:
God is working out His plan for the world everywhere – all at the same time. I come to Him in prayer and ask “Abba, can I help You build Your kingdom?” He welcomes me (actually He would welcome all of us) to do just that. Now He knows that I am not a Bible scholar or preacher, and I am not always sure what the next step should be, but I can have confidence that I am building my relationship with my heavenly Father. He will direct my steps, and He won’t let me do anything that will harm me or the kingdom. He will use this time to teach me new things that I may use in future projects He has for me. All I need to do is be attentive and willing to act.
I find that I am not too busy. I may feel a bit uncomfortable, but that is how we grow. This task He has called me to has been hand-picked for me. So, I step out in faith and see His plan unfold.