On Mission {Part Three} Move Out!

If you've been praying and considering what God wants you to do to launch your missional adventure, the next step is to take the next step and move!

Mark Batterson, in his book, Drawing the Circle - the 40 Day Prayer Challenge,  says this:  

"You'll never be ready...I never have been, and I'm sure I never will be, ready for anything God has called me to do...God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called....If you wait until you're ready, you'll be waiting for the rest of your life."

I agree with Mark Batterson. I have never felt ready. I have felt anxious, reluctant, and just plain scared when I share my faith, led discipleship groups, emceed meetings, take on leadership, or do something the first time. 

Three things to think about...

1.  You will never feel ready for what God has in store for you.  
I don't know how many times I have caught myself saying or thinking, "but I don't know enough."  Or, "I haven't done that before."  As though God doesn't know that already! In wanting to feel ready, I really want to eliminate the need for faith, to minimize the risk or uncertainty.  We don't want to  feel vulnerable, exposed, in taking that step of faith.  But isn't the point of taking that step making God the hero?

2. Stepping out means I am trusting God to work, rather than trusting in my preparation or my plan.  
That doesn't mean that preparation or being equipped is bad.  the reality is "Apart from Me, you can do nothing."  Pray, prepare, and go.  Don't wait for the feeling. Do the next thing by faith, trusting God to work. 

Warren Wiersbe makes this point, "You are a distributor of God's grace, not a manufacturer."  We are channels of God's love; His  Spirit can lead us.  It is less about me, more about Him.

3.  He is looking for is a willing person- someone who will take  Him at His word, someone who will love    people for Him, someone to be His voice, His arms, His feet.
"For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His."  The fruit of walking by faith comes after you take the first step. Peter did not walk on water until he got out of the boat.  We can't have that experience without swinging our legs over the side and standing up.  We find God faithful as we take the steps.

I have been a scaredy-cat at every point, but nothing beats the sheer pleasure of seeing God work, of being a part of His story. And there's not much I can say to convince you - just that, feeling scared or not ready is not a disqualifier. 

Bring those fears to the Lord. Confess them. Let His Spirit and His word strengthen your heart. Here are some passages to bank on:
·         Joshua 1:9
·         Isaiah 41:10 
·         Philippians 4:13
·         Acts 1:8
·         1 Cor 2:9 NLT

The world we live in is in dire need.  Ready or not, let's trust the power of His Spirit to overcome our fears and to work in the hearts of those around us. Let's move out and bring His love to life!

About Andrea

On any given day you might find Andrea in a meeting, on a plane, or in some part of the world where she meets amazing people and sees just a few of the awesome ways that God is working.  She serves as the Global VP for Leadership Development and HR with Campus Crusade for Christ.  When she’s home, she enjoy books, time with friends and occasionally gets to the beach. You can find her on twitter at @AndreaBuczynski and blogging at abreflections.

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