The Fun Side of Faith

Adela is a good hand on the farm. Here she is keeping the sheep in line the day we weaned lambs.

Just when you get comfortable, start to feel successful, or think that you've figured everything out, God asks you to do something new. 

May be He allows something big to fall into your lap or a problem to arise in your family. Or, as it is in my case, He asks you to move forward with a calling. 

Talk about petrifying. 

I just don't like it. I want a calling that comes with a 9 - 5 clock in and out. I don't want to sell anything or convince anyone of anything. I just want to do a good job.  (This is, by the way, what many farmers, ranchers, and entrepreneurs feel 🤷🏽‍♀️). 

About this time last year I felt called to develop a program for women who would like to lose weight and break down the strongholds they have around food and eating. The work fascinates and fulfills me, but as I take the program to the next level, the fear has been overwhelming. 

A couple days ago I was out feeding farm animals and watching all the sheep graze peacefully out in the field. We had built the fence and opened the gate, watching them hop and jump and run forward, eager for the untrod ground and green feed. They have no thoughts of their forward feet taking them anywhere but to good places.  

I smiled. God loves me. It really doesn't matter what waits for me on the other side of obediently stepping forward. His love surrounds me and allows the fear to fall away. All that is left is faith and, when I stopped to think about it, ... fun. 

When all the worry is set aside and we trust in a powerful God who loves us, life is a brilliant adventure. It's fun. Even the challenges and slip-ups included in His beautiful plan are okay, because we are doing it with Him. Joy and joy again awaits. 

This week, I'm setting fear aside. My heart lightens as I trust in my good good Father. 

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. "All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all.
Isaiah 41:10-12, NIV

The dogie lamb we raised last spring are all grown up, but they still follow us around.

What has you paralyzed with fear today?