3 Ways to Follow God When the Path Isn't Clear
God didn’t give Abram (later to be called Abraham) a detailed map or even show him the exact final destination. He basically said, “Abram, leave your comfort zone and go where I will show you.” However, God also added that he would bless Abram and his descendants if Abram obeyed him. Abram didn’t know where he would end up, but he knew and trusted God’s character, so he obeyed anyway. Abram’s obedience happened one step at a time. With each step, Abram heard a little more from God.
God didn’t give Abram (later to be called Abraham) a detailed map or even show him the exact final destination. He basically said, “Abram, leave your comfort zone and go where I will show you.” However, God also added that he would bless Abram and his descendants if Abram obeyed him. Abram didn’t know where he would end up, but he knew and trusted God’s character, so he obeyed anyway. Abram’s obedience happened one step at a time. With each step, Abram heard a little more from God.
I feel that this is what God requires of me as well. In November, I lost my job. I don’t know exactly where God is taking me next but I am trusting that it will be a good place—a place of blessing. Each day since, I have been doing what I know to do within each day. I’ve been looking, applying, and networking. I’ve also been taking advantage of the time and learning some new skills. All the while remembering that God is a good God who loves to give good gifts to his children. Each day I feel like I’m a little closer to knowing where he is taking me next and this brings me peace even in the not knowing.
Like Abram, I am learning lessons as I walk through my journey. Three lessons that God is teaching me are:
1. Step Out of My Comfort Zone
SEE ALSO: 5 Tips Everyone Should Follow When Reading the Bible
God wants me to continually step out of my comfort zone and trust him with the unknowns. I have to leave room for God to guide me. If God were to come show me step-by-step his exact will for my life, it wouldn’t require faith for me to follow him. Moreover, if I know exactly where I’m going beforehand, the idea probably isn’t from God. It probably came out of my own head and ideals. God likes me to follow him in faith and trust—not in knowing. This frees me from getting stuck in my own ideas, which often can take me away from God’s will, because let’s face it, my own ideas can be very flawed as well as limited. God sees everything—past, present and future. He is not limited.
When I think back to times when I actually did step out of my comfort zone, it can give me confidence to do it again. A few years ago, I got married and moved many, many miles away from the state that I’d lived in my entire life. I knew it was for a good reason but I didn’t know a lot of the details that I would encounter after the move. But I did it anyway.
2. Take One Step at a Time
There’s also another reason God doesn’t want me to know too much too soon. If I know too quickly, I might get overwhelmed and give up because it seems too hard. I might know where I’ll end up but I won’t necessarily know how. And, this not knowing how would cause me to have all kinds of anxious and worried thoughts. Nobody can do their best work under stress. God doesn’t ask me to take a step that is five miles up the road. Each step of this step-by-step approach is made under the daylight of the present moment. Everyone can take one step at a time.
SEE ALSO: 3 'Bad Christians' Share What it Means to Follow Jesus
I once tried a ropes course that was over twenty feet above the ground. My initial thought was that there was no way I could balance myself and walk across those ropes. I wore a safety harness but my jitters didn’t seem to understand that I was completely safe. It was still scary. But…as I took one step at a time, I reached my destination.
3. Action Lessens Worry
I tend to overanalyze everything and overanalyzing causes me to worry and even become paralyzed. Taking action erases a lot of these worries because the act of doing something takes on a life of its own. I concentrate on the task at hand, not the results that will come later. Worry about future results usually happens before I ever take an action to complete something. Taking actions regularly is a way of living in the moment and often deletes some of the fears of the future and regrets of the past.
Also in that ropes course, I realized that most of my worries came before I started each section. Thinking about the possibility of falling happened before my first step. But…when I took the action necessary and started moving, my action really did erase a few fears because I wasn’t thinking about them.
SEE ALSO: How You Can Follow Jesus on the Job
Bonus Lesson: God is With Me as I Go
Abram was able to trust God in the not knowing because he believed that God was with him. I also have this assurance because Jesus said, “…be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Even to the end of the age means in every moment of my life.
Is God speaking to you about leaving your comfort zone and going without knowing? If he is, spend some time in the Bible and in reflective thought and wait for him to give you your first step, not the whole plan, just the first step.
It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8).
Jennifer Heeren loves to write and wants to live in such a way that people are encouraged by her writing and her attitude. She loves to write things that bring people hope and encouragement. Her cup is always at least half-full, even when circumstances aren’t ideal. She regularly contributes to Crosswalk.com. She lives near Atlanta, Georgia with her husband. Visit her at www.jenniferheeren.com.
A Visit to Sutherland Springs Baptist Church
On November 7, 2017, the worst thing that could ever happened, happened… In a church. One place you would think you would be safe. My husband and I went to Sutherland Springs to serve dinner earlier this month with Mercy Chefs. We passed out food, prayed over the people, and loved on them throughout the night. Everyone in Sutherland Sprimgs is still in much need of our prayers.
On November 7, 2017, the worst thing that could ever happened, happened… In a church. One place you would think you would be safe. My husband and I went to Sutherland Springs to serve dinner earlier this month with Mercy Chefs. We passed out food, prayed over the people, and loved on them throughout the night. Everyone in Sutherland Sprimgs is still in much need of our prayers.
As she broke down, one lady told me, “this is my church and my town." We hugged her, and cried with her as she told us her story. “I had planned on going to church that day, but my grandson came down with fever so I stayed home with him. As soon as I got the call about the shooting, his fever broke. God kept me from going to church that day. There are stories just like mine all around the town.“
I thought to myself, God protected her and her grandson that day and many others in the town. I don’t know why he chose the ones he did to stay at home that day, but we will find that out when we get to heaven. God doesn’t ask us to understand why things happen. He says, “Trust Me.“
Another lady named Freda told me that she was shot five times in the legs! During her two-hour surgery, her family gathered in the waiting room, hugging each other and crying together. They all thought she was going to die. Two weeks later, she walked out of the hospital without even a cane or a wheelchair! Now that is a miracle! There is a reason Freda is alive. She told me that she moved to Sutherland Springs to get away from Hurricane Harvey, so she survived a hurricane and a shooting! Hand that woman a pen and paper and let her write a book!
There are no words to explain what happened or why. All I can do is point people to God and tell them to focus on him. He is the healer, wonderful, Counselor, Almighty, Prince of Peace... this verse comes to mind: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
What happened that day is unexplainable, and excusable, and one of the most horrific things that have happened in my lifetime. I know that God can bring something good out of something bad. We may never know what it is but that doesn’t matter. Just trust.
- Amy Simmons Crafton, Founder of AmazingGrace.Life
2 Years of AmazingGrace.Life!
When we started the website www.amazinggrace.life, we thought, “wouldn’t it be so cool if we had 200 people visit the website? Turns out over 85,000 have come to the website looking for answers and wanting to know more about Jesus! How cool is that?! Only God could make that happen!
Two years ago today, AmazingGrace.Life was started! It has been so exciting to see God work. It’s amazing to see what happens when you make yourself available to Him, and depend on Him to guide and direct you!
When we started the website www.amazinggrace.life, we thought, “wouldn’t it be so cool if we had 200 people visit the website? Turns out over 85,000 have come to the website looking for answers and wanting to know more about Jesus! How cool is that?! Only God could make that happen!
When you trust God and are available to Him so he can use you, great things happen! I always pray, “God, I want to be in your will, please guide and direct me in the way you want me to go. I’m available to you so you can use me for YOUR purposes and what you want me to do with my life.” When you ask God to be in His will, get ready to experience things only God can do!
From the beginning, our mission has been to educate people about the truth and life of Jesus Christ, and how to become a Christian. It is our hope to reach tens of millions of people all over the world with the Gospel of Jesus. We wrote a booklet called Amazing Grace to share the Gospel of Jesus. It shares the story of Jesus’s life, and why God sent his only son to earth. We have distributed over 110,000 books in four languages all over the world. It’s so inspiring to get emails from kids who are reading our book across the United States, and in other countries as far as Russia, India and Sudan. The book is available on our website at www.amazinggrace.life. Or, if you would like a physical copy of the Amazing Grace book, please email us at info@amazinggrace.life.
So what’s next?
We are hopefully going to get the Amazing Grace book distributed through large organizations like World Vision, Samaritans Purse, Salvation Army and Compassion International. Now, wouldn’t that would be a God thing? We can only imagine how many kids/adults lives we could reach if these organizations took our booklets all around the world! We can’t wait to see what God is going to do in our third year!
Let’s help lead others to Christ! Please join our team in helping educate others about the truth of Jesus Christ! You can do this by sharing our posts with all of your friends so that they might go to the website, and learn about Christ and the hope, grace, mercy, love and forgiveness He has for those who love Him and know Him as their personal Lord and Savior
Thank you for being a part of our journey!
What Our World Needs Now
When Jesus was walking on the earth, he encouraged people to follow Him. He brought healing, comfort, peace and forgiveness to anyone who asked for it. He lived in a time when executions were common. People were scared to death for any given reason, murdered for political disagreements, and rulers’ enslaved people. No matter what was going on around Jesus, he brought peace, love and comfort. That is what our world needs now. PEACE, LOVE, COMFORT. Jesus is LOVE!
When Jesus was walking on the earth, he encouraged people to follow Him. He brought healing, comfort, peace and forgiveness to anyone who asked for it. He lived in a time when executions were common. People were scared to death for any given reason, murdered for political disagreements, and rulers’ enslaved people. No matter what was going on around Jesus, he brought peace, love and comfort. That is what our world needs now. PEACE, LOVE, COMFORT. Jesus is LOVE!
Philippians 4:1 says, “The way to stand firm is to keep our eyes on Christ, this world is not our home.” If we believe in Jesus He will bring us peace, comfort, love and forgiveness. Who would not want that? The Bible says, “In the world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.” It’s so hard to understand why horrible things happen, but God doesn’t ask us to understand. He says, ‘Trust Me.’ We will face difficult times and tragedy in our lives, but with Jesus in our hearts he can bring you peace in the midst of your crisis. Once you invite Jesus into your life, he will ALWAYS be there for you. If you follow him and develop a relationship with him, you can talk to Jesus anytime of day, like you would a friend.
After I asked Jesus into my heart at a very young age, I remember talking to him like a friend. I knew he was there for me. Still to this day, I talk to him, sometimes out loud, sometimes silently, and sometimes I just sing out loud in my car songs of worship that come over the radio! It makes me feel good! It brings me peace and closer to God when I tell him how I’m feeling and ask him and trust him for everything I need.
I need Jesus, you need Jesus. We all need Jesus. Our country needs a revival! I challenge you right now to start praying on a regular basis, daily, moment by moment. Pray for the victims and first responders for EVERY crisis, storm, shooting or tragedy. We need more people like you to pray and encourage others to pray. I also encourage you to get in a small group or church that feeds your spiritual needs. Make sure it is “Jesus” centered and they believe He is the Son of God.
Have you sought Jesus to bring you peace, healing and comfort during this time of tragedy? Send us an email at info@amazinggrace.life about how God is working in your life.
8 Simple Ways to Share God’s Love with Your Little Ones All Day Long
If you’re looking for ways to share God with your little ones, here are 8 simple things that you can start doing today:
If you’re looking for ways to share God with your little ones, here are 8 simple things that you can start doing today:
Pray Out Loud Throughout the Day
As you go through your day, look for reasons to praise God out loud. Ask Him for help. Pray over your husband and children. Show them that prayer can happen anytime, anywhere because God is with us all the time, everywhere. While there is definitely a need for solo prayer time with God, by sharing some of your prayer time with your children, you’re laying a strong foundation for them as they learn what it means to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Read the Bible Out Loud
I try to read at least one chapter from God’s Word out loud to my daughter every single day. She’s too young right now to understand the need to sit still and listen, so I just read to her while she crawls around on the floor and plays with her toys. She’s still hearing God’s precious Word, and I pray that she will, as a result, learn to crave daily time with Him. Even if your children are too young to really pay attention, start reading the Bible out loud to them today.
Play Worship Music (And, of course, have dance parties!)
My husband is really good about this one! He’ll come in for work, put on worship music, and dance with our daughter while I’m making dinner. The music and dancing make the entire house seem brighter and lovelier. During the day, put on some worship music, sing and dance with your kids. Enjoy worshiping the Lord together!
Tell Your Children God Loves Them (and repeat continuously!)
Before each sleep time (naps and nighttime) I tell my daughter 3 things: “I love you, your daddy loves you, and, most of all, God loves you!” I want her to hear this so much that she doesn’t ever question how much she is loved by her earthly parents and her Heavenly Father. Also, incorporate this into teaching games. My daughter is starting to learn where her body parts are so this is a fun one for us! Point to your child’s nose and say, “God loves your nose!” And so on. Such a fun way to teach them that God loves every part of them!
Use Everyday Things to Teach Your Child about God
It’s so easy to lose our wonder in the world around us and all that God has created. Start using small, everyday things to teach your children about God’s creation. When you see a butterfly, say “God created that beautiful butterfly.” Or a sunset. Or a flower. Share in the beauty God has created with your children all day long.
Read Children’s Christian Books during Story Time
There are so many wonderful Christian children’s books out there that make learning about God lots of fun! We love The Jesus Storybook Bible, Just in Case You Ever Wonder, God Gave Us You, and If Jesus Lived Inside My Heart. As your little ones are getting ready for naps or nighttime sleep, take a few moments to read from one of these books.
Get Your Children Involved in Serving Others
This one can seem a little more intimidating than the rest but is still doable, even if you have very young children. If you’re sending out a care package or a handwritten note to someone in need of love, have your child make a finger painting (or even just a hand or footprint) to include. There’s something about baby “artwork” that seems to brighten just about anyone’s day! Also, take your children with you as you serve others. My husband and I started volunteering at a homeless ministry when our daughter was about 4 months old. I would cook the food and then we’d all go together to deliver it. I would hold our daughter as my husband helped serve the food. She wasn’t able to actually participate, of course, but she’s still seeing an important aspect of following Christ: Service to others. Also, having her with me gave me opportunities to share God’s love with the other moms and children there. As she gets older, we’re looking forward to teaching her about donating her toys to children in need, among many other service opportunities.
Talk about God Regularly in Everyday Conversations
Remember, kids are always listening! As you talk with your friends, family, and others in the community, make sure you mention God regularly. Don’t be afraid to talk about how God has brought you through struggles and how He has blessed you. Your children will benefit from knowing that God is with us through every struggle, every season, and every joy in life. Don’t relegate God to a “Sunday church conversation.” Make Him a part of every aspect of your life and let your children hear you do this.
You May Also Enjoy:
16 Bible Verses For Wives and Moms who are Fighting for their Families
Teaching Yourself to Crave God’s Word
Taking Time to Focus on what Really Matters Today
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about how to share God’s love with your young children, just start with these small, simple strategies. Don’t worry about finding perfection in time, method, or place. Simply include God in every aspect of your day with your little ones.