All posts tagged hebrews 12

When you take a step of faith as my family did last June, it feels a bit like walking blindly off a cliff and onto a bridge that you can’t see. God has prompted you that the bridge is in fact there, but you must take the step to find out. We did. It was a scary jump, but as soon as we did our feet hit ground beneath us. We knew it was right.

Leaving a career to pursue ministry is not easy. Watching your wife drive across town to work a night shift to help financially is worse. Watching your web development income dry up is downright terrifying.

So then we find ourselves blind in the middle of a swaying, decrepit bridge. We are at the second decision of faith.

While the first step isn’t easy, it isn’t the only one you have to make. The next series of steps are clumsy. You grope around in the dark for something to cling to. You can’t see anything. You’re scared, but can’t show it. There are two more people behind you that need the assurance. And you have a nagging thought;

“If we turn back now, there is a cliff waiting where we came from.”

The other option is not so clear. It’s still dark. There might even be nothing there. God called, but maybe to sacrifice. As many happy endings as we have in the bible, there are plenty that end badly. Steven was stoned. John the baptist was beheaded when he thought Jesus would free him from prison. Christ himself was tortured to death. There are enough possibilities at the end of this bridge to make me reconsider.

So what do you do in the dark when you can’t panic and you can’t see where you are going? Even though I’m still in the darkness, I have a few practical things I can grasp when I read Hebrews Ch. 12. If you’re also in the middle of the bridge, I hope this encourages you.

Be Wise and Attentive to Your Family.
It’s o.k. to stop and think. If something is causing the bridge to be unstable, evaluate it. You definitely don’t want to travel heavy. Financially, it’s o.k. to cut back to make room for what’s important. Lay aside the weight that hinders. (Heb 12:1).

Also, be sure that your family is staying close with you. Don’t let resentment foster, so deal honestly with any fears from your family. It’s important to make sure they are not following you, but following God along with you.

Be Faithful and Attentive to Your Calling.
It’s easy to forget details when you’re in the dark. Remember the original calling that you felt; God didn’t call my family to prosperity. He called us to ministry and the preparation for it. What did He lead you to do when you first stepped out? Look for opportunities to further that. He’ll bring them along in his timing. When income and opportunities are dry, consider Christ and his endurance and use it as a way to relate to Him better.

Hebrew 12:3
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Be Quiet and Attentive to God.
In all the commotion and instability, you may be missing clear direction that is coming your way. Make sure you are listening for God’s voice, and set your feet in the direction of Christ. His word will be the only light you have on the path. (Psalm 119:105)

Hebrews 12:2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Encouragement for you and me.
In my effort to make it across the bridge where God has called us, I will remind myself of this. “Michael, pay attention to these things, and you’ll have the most important ones covered. Your family, your calling, and your God.”

I love the encouraging words of Verse 12 in the ESV; “Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees and make straight paths for your feet,..”   That is to say, fight for your second wind and stay focused.  

I encourage you to open up Hebrews 12 for yourself.  Keep it close by and keep walking forward.