How to Be All In When Asked to do Hard Things

You want me to do what? Move back to Texas?? 

I argued with God. I whined. I balked. I asked for three fleece. I felt a bit like Gideon, but my request was for one more than Gideon even asked for–and we laugh at his spineless request. And of course, being the great God he is, he gave me five. Pfft!

Gideon seemed a shaky kind of guy for a judge. I always assumed these God-chosen Judges would be natural leaders of the super-hero type. Like Samson, a not so ordinary guy with a hot temper, and Hulk-type strength. Or Deborah the wonder woman whose wisdom was legendary, and to whom men submitted. I guess I’ve been watching the Avengers too much.

Gideon needed proof God was shoulder tapping him. You would think an angel would be evidence enough. It’s not like seeing angels were common occurrences. 

Proof #1-  ^“…give me a sign that it is really you talking to me. Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before you. The angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and the unleavened bread, place them on this rock, and pour out the broth.” And Gideon did so. Then the angel of the Lord touched the meat and the unleavened bread with the tip of the staff that was in his hand. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. And the angel of the Lord disappeared.” Judges 6:17-20

Proof #2 ^36 “Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised— look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said.” And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water.” Judges 6:36-38

Proof #3  ^“Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece, but this time make the fleece dry and let the ground be covered with dew.” That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew.” Judges 6:39-40

 Just checkin Lord…The bright blue sky promised the sunshine and warmth of a perfect early summer day. But my heart felt heavy as dread seized hold. Move? After eighteen comfortable years in one place? I adored my sweet church. I have a thriving business. I love being near my family. And what about my long-loved friends?

But God never promised me comfort and ease on this earth. He never promised an immunity to change. So I switched my prayer. Ok, Ok, I get it. You are opening the floodgates to a new opportunity, new souls to love and nurture. So help me to find peace about this, because like Gideon, I needed proof you really want to uproot and upend me.

And somewhere, someway, the proofs became clearer. The anxiety eased. The sick feeling abated. And I could feel excitement for a new chapter warring with my pain of leaving those I love. I could do this. So, I met with my other designer and staff, and we figured a way for me to work in OKC half of the time. I’m thankful for such a great team who will keep the business thriving when I am three hours away.

It seems like God’s plans are rarely our plans, at least not in my world.

Gideon,even politely questioned God’s sanity, “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” Judges 7:15 Little did he know his life was going to get crazier. Because at that point he had no idea God would ask him to defeat the enemy with only 300 men. He would have been shaking in his boots if he had known that little tidbit. 

But God in his infinite wisdom only reveals what we need to know in the here and now. Thank goodness.

With each uprooting, and challenge to tackle, (to the tune of ten moves since I was seventeen), there have been great joys, lifelong friendships, and abundant blessings. 

So when God calls you to be something other than you thought you would be, or do something other than you thought you would do,

Take a deep breath and jump. 

Stepping out of your comfort zone means stepping into trust–and knowing God will catch you.

Always and Forever.