I have often heard Christians say that their approach to difficulties is to take situations "step by step"...an approach of reliance on God that seems to cause scenarios to become less complicated. I can see how that would be true...
But, I'm compelled to be honest. Applying this perspective in walking with Jesus, initially does not make things less stressful or uncomplicated for me. Relying on myself is an expertise of mine, one I have devoted many years to mastering. "Hurry! I want it NOW!" seems to be the mantra of my heart.
Time and again I have witnessed the Lord take a very deliberate, albeit slow (from my faulty perspective) approach to revealing plans. It seems to be His way. Some are paced out, but then sometimes they're like following an intense P90X interval workout (and if you haven't done one of these workouts...let me tell ya! it's crazy).
But, basically it's one step at a time. And that's what trips me up. I'm learning that I have to take myself completely out, and watch the Lord work in and through me.
Yesterday I sent in my application for a Burundian tourist's visa (yep, that's Burundi, Africa). Lately I feel as though I'm a walking check-list. Three weeks off work? check. Someone to cover job for three weeks? check. Flight? check. Inexpensive vaccination? check. Each increment was dependent on the one before, there wasn't room to rush ahead. This is God's school of "step by step". Building faith and trust in my finite heart and mind, leaving me completely in awe and excited!
Even though I initially found this process complicated and stressful (because I desired immediate answers) I have realized I rather like this "step by step", dependent-on-Someone greater-than-me way of living. Mind you, it's still a struggle to maintain, but I love the peace and carefree-ness it brings to life. Facing big decisions can actually be...dare I say? stressFREE.
Fancy that?!
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Take a minute and stop in at Rainmakers and Stormchasers...guest blogger Alece Ronzino posted a piece that is definitely worth noting. Be encouraged!
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I'm off tomorrow night to Lakeland to visit my adopted family, the Johnsons! They're in the middle of packing up everything in preparation for our departure to Burundi on June 12th...if you think of it, pray for our weekend. I'll see if I can capture some of our fun times with the camera and post them next week.
