As 2011 comes to an end, one typically
becomes contemplative and takes a review of the past year. This is happening
everywhere, from the morning and nightly news, magazines, blogs, statuses and
tweets. It is good to reflect,
remember, and recite the things that have been. Remembering allows us the opportunity to see where we have
been and stay on track for the future.
For me this has been a year of change,
challenge, and concentration. 2011
began with making one of the most difficult decisions of my life. God was
leading me away from a ministry that I had been involved with for the majority
of my missions’ career. Although Egypt was where I was called to ministry, and
Cambodia laid a foundation for life overseas, Belgium and Continental
Theological Seminary were where God revealed my heart for discipling and
mentoring. (Here's a link to my bio.) Although change is never easy, if navigated well, it can lead to the
next steps of our path toward God. Hopefully I am on the right course.
Many years ago I read the book “Hinds Feet on High Places,” by Hannah Hurnard. This beautiful allegory describes our
journey to higher places with God.
At a crucial point in the book the key character is on a high and rocky
terrain. Dense fog covers the path
ahead. She can’t see where she is going. However, if she looks down, she can
see the next step. That one rock
in the path is the only step she can see, however, that one step is
enough. When she sees it, she can
take it.
Throughout the years of discipling students
pursuing God’s call to full-time ministry, I have given this advice: You can’t take the next step if you
don’t see it. Keep doing the last
thing God told you to do, and when you see the next step, take it. But never
before you see it. The preparation that happens in the waiting could be the
most important preparation you need for the future God has planned for you.
I try to take my own advice to heart, and
remember the things I have learned through the years. Have I been good at
waiting? Typically, the answer is
no. Do I sometimes take steps on my own, without God’s prompting or
revealing? That’s an absolute,
yes! Why is this a challenge?
I have a strong theory that since the time
of man’s fall in the Garden of Eden we have been struggling for control. We
struggle with sin, yes, but the control for the “knowledge of good and evil”
that was forbidden in the garden is what keeps us wrestling with the next
steps.
This year I've had the challenge of
waiting. One day as I was praying and asking God about his timing, I could sense
the physical touch of God’s hands square upon my shoulders. What I sensed was that God was speaking to me “calm down, relax, the waiting will reveal what
is best, so stop fighting me for control.
I’ve got this.” Wow. For me
this was a powerful moment that I remember each time that anxious feeling rises
in me, longing for control. In
another post, I'll share more about God’s touch, but the point today is a reminder
to allow God to reveal the path before you – in his time, in his way. I guess he’s the fog, but he is also
the rock on the path, or as the scripture says, “the way, the truth, the life”
(John 14:6). I am thankful to know
“the way.” To know Jesus is
enough. I may not always know where I’m going, but he is enough.
Life may
change, another year pass by, delays occur, but as for me, I’ll keep allowing
God to reveal the next steps, lift the fog, and reassure me that he truly is in
control of my life.
Happy 2012!
Shannon
PS: If you want to know more about what is happening regarding my return to Europe, click here. Blessings!
I have just began a campaign celebrating my 20th year in missions by asking for at least 20 churches or individuals to partner with me by giving $20 each month for the next four years so that I can can get to England at the end of March. To read more about how you can get involved, click here to read my online newsletter, forward it to your friends, family, local churches - anyone that might want to get involved. You can also read the information by traveling to Shannon's Itineration Blog.
