Getting Moving.

Two stories- one strikingly similar outcome:

Sarah, an awesome girl at CFC in her early twenties, went on a medical mission trip this summer. As a recent college graduate, she had her career track laid out in property management. Though she not interested in pursuing a career in medicine of any sort, she went abroad to help people there who couldn't afford medical care. As a result of ministering to people who desperately needed help, she's now, only a couple of weeks later, preparing to enter nursing school. Over the course of her life, God willing, she'll be a critical partner with tens of thousands of people who need a kind, professional touch in their darkest times.

Charlie and Sharon, from CFC, opened their home to a couple of teens for a reality TV show- America's Strictest Parents. While they were terribly concerned about the way they'd be portrayed, and whether their love for the Lord, and the way they honor Him in their home, would reflect their genuine concern for the kids, or if they'd have silly "Dum-duuuuhhhm" music playing whenever they had to lay down the law dubbed over their actions to discredit them, they agreed to the shoot. While originally scheduled to air only on CMT, it's now airing on MTV. Their impact on homes is measuring in the millions. Their business web-site now gets thousands of hits, and they've received letters and e-mails (to which they faithfully responded) requesting help in the authors' homes with their own family situations. Charlie has been strongly urged to write a book sharing their secrets of parenting.

What's the common thread? Moving forward without knowing what the outcome will be, and seeing a result much greater than could have been anticipated. So many current-day teachers, success coaches, and even preachers tell you to have a plan, set clear goals, adjust your mind, make a decision to succeed, and on, and on, and on....

The problem is that, in faith matters, we don't even know exactly what to ask for. And, we can't see the curveballs. But, God can. So, the best approach, I think, is to move forward in faith. Heavy on the "move," and heavy on the "faith." In other words- do something. Not rashly, or without discussion with your Father. But if you feel that He is leading you to do something, even if it gets you way outside your comfort zone (pulling teeth in Peru, and having a camera across your breakfast table for two weeks would both qualify), get on it. In faith, we have confidence in the things that we hope for, and we accept the visible proofs of His faithfulness so much that we also trust Him with the things that we have not been allowed to see yet (a rough paraphrase of Hebrews 11:1.)

So, what's going to happen when I put my full trust in the Lord? He's going to do with the situation as He will. Sometimes, it will be a raging success. More than you could have dreamed. As He said- 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.' Jeremiah 29:11

Other times, the situation may not live up to our expectations...at first. Unfortunately, sometimes we let the speed bumps take on the scale of "calamity" and throw in the towel way too early. Instead, be patient. Wait on the Lord. Because "...those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:31. After all, He did promise that "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has comprehended the things God has in store for those who love Him."

So help me, I'm going to do something big, hairy and audacious this week- fully trusting that He will guide the outcome. How about you? Have a great week.

Sam