Unexpected Journeys

This was my view as I began the sunset walk down the Mount of Beatitudes.  Taking my first steps, I had no idea what would be in store for me journeying down this mountain.

Our teacher, Lysa, was leading the crowd and I decided to hang back so that I could consider and ponder and take a moment to process the ways the Lord had been speaking to me during my time in Israel.  My earpiece was in and I listened to the words Lysa was sharing until her voice began to crackle and the words cut in and out because of the distance between us.  I had loved her teachings and messages throughout our trip, but in this moment I was able to quiet the voice as I let the earpiece hang and I began to hear another voice...a voice speaking directly to my heart.  Throughout this trip, God would use unexpected moments to encourage me, challenge me, whisper loving words, and remind me how powerful and precious His Words are.

As I enjoyed the quietness and the beauty around me I found myself walking alongside another woman from our group that I had not yet met.  We struck up a friendly conversation talking about what and how we would share when we returned.  As our trip was coming to a close I was feeling a little anxious.  Where do I begin?  How can I possibly share with someone when I have so much I want to say?  Would others want to hear about what I saw or what God did in my life?  I told her how grateful I was that earlier that day one of the Proverbs 31 ladies shared that we should choose one or two moments that really stood out to us so that when we returned home we would have something meaningful to share without overwhelming ourself or others.  It was then that I discovered she was also on staff with Proverbs and our conversation led us to talking about how she is a writer and author of books, which steered us to a discussion about walking in obedience to the Lord.

Lysa had taken a wrong turn down the mountain, which made the walk a little more exciting, so at one point there were several people standing alongside the path so that we could hold on as we carefully maneuvered down the incline.  As Glynnis grabbed hold of the hands reaching out for her she said something to me.  I didn't hear her, so I politely nodded my head and said "yeah".  I quickly realized that was not the response she expected when she repeated herself by asking the question, "Is there something the Lord has asked of you that you haven't responded to?"  I was caught off guard by her bluntness and directness so without thinking I told her a desire the Lord had placed on my heart.  Up to this point I had only shared this with a handful of people.  I had been protecting this gift, being afraid of someone saying something to take away this "call" on my life.  As soon as I shared I began to cry.  I cried because I never share this God given dream.  I cried because I am insecure and unsure of myself.  I cried with relief in freely sharing.

More often than not in recent months the Lord has continued to show me that in the unexpected moments He reveals more of Himself to me in unexpected ways.  I am beginning to crave the unexpected.  This is not who I am.  I have a plan.  I have a schedule.  I stick to what's comfortable.  But, recently my joy is found in special surprise moments and revelations from the Lord.

I've come home from my time in Israel with many other moments like this.  Moments that I love to share and other moments that I have kept between the Lord and I... for now.

As I have been reading through the scriptures, praying to the Lord for direction on how to walk in obedience with this path He is leading me on, I came to this verse that stopped me and loudly spoke to my heart.

Hebrews 11:8

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance.  And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

Do you see that?!!  He obeyed even when he didn't know where he was going.

My daily prayer is this.  I want to obey and trust Him, even when I don't know where I am going.

So let me ask you,

"Is there something the Lord has asked of you that you haven't responded to?"

If so, share it!  Tell me, tell your spouse, tell a friend, or as I did, a sister in Christ that you just meet.  Find the joy that comes in obedience.  The joy that awaits you as you step out in faith trusting the Lord even when you don't know where you are going.

Look for the unexpected message in unexpected places and at unexpected times.

He is always sharing.  May we always be listening.