This past week, I attended a conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I was scheduled to return on Sunday, however, the weather in the Northeast was wreaking havoc on flights. As I spoke to the airline representative, he informed me that not only was my flight delayed, but it was also at risk of being cancelled. (Click here to listen to this message.)
I made the decision to reschedule to the next day. Within minutes of arriving at the airport, my airline app dinged with a “your flight has been delayed” message. Then another. Then another. Apparently some maintenance work had to be done.
Safety first!
After about two hours, I was finally in the air heading home. The flight was relatively smooth, the crew was friendly, funny, and even calming when we hit a patch of turbulence. I returned home later than I had planned but I arrived in one piece.
Safety first!
As I sat waiting I couldn’t help but think about how often we avoid stepping out in faith when facing obstacles, choosing safety over the call of God on our lives.
When Jesus asked the apostles to follow Him, one could say they were doing the opposite of safety first. They left their livelihoods and families, spending the next three and a half years going to new places, meeting new people and dealing with new situations almost daily.
Even as we study the people of the Old Testament, they too were called out of their comfort zones, their safety nets. Abraham set off to a land he didn’t know. Moses left his home to rescue the Israelites. David stepped out to kill Goliath. Esther risked her life to save a nation.
Do you see a pattern here?
If we are to be all that God has called us to be, we will need to take some kind of a risk. I’m not suggesting being reckless (and neither is God!) but playing it safe accomplishes little.
Each of these people stepped out but they did not step out blindly. Every one of them had a promise from God. So while they may not have had the entire plan of God laid out for them before they took that first step, they trusted Him enough to do so.
And we must do the same.
As much as we want God to “Microsoft Project” our lives, that is not going to happen. God wants us to trust Him step by step, day by day (Proverbs 3:5-6). As we walk in obedience to what He is asking us to do, the next step will be revealed.
Will there be some bumps along the way? You bet! But just like the flight crew calmed our fears about the turbulence we encountered, God will do the same. He promises to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5); to be the calm in the storm (Mark 4:39);and to always take care of us (1 Peter 5:7).
This week, I’d like to encourage you to step out into whatever you believe God is calling you to do. Apply for that job. Call about that house. Write the first chapter of that book. Announce your new business on social media. Whatever it is – take one faith-filled step toward it.
Let’s not let adverse weather conditions or other obstacles keep us from all God has called us to. He has an amazing plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11) and we will only see if come to pass, if we are willing to step out in faith.