Happy 2012

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!