Sometimes being available to God means crossing an ocean to be a missionary, or moving a thousand miles or starting a crisis pregnancy center. But sometimes even harder is following God in the small stuff.
Years ago, a book Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff became popular. And while we shouldn’t worry or fret over things that are inconsequential, we do have to commit ourselves to the small stuff He leads us to. After all, years are made up of minutes. And our life’s mission is lived out one decision at a time.
Yes, we’d go crazy if we had to focus on every little detail and wonder if it’s God’s plan. (Lord, is it your will that I have a turkey sandwich for lunch?) I’m not talking about that. I am talking about focusing on obedience to what God has called you to do. To do that, we simply have to focus on one thing before the next thing.
Anne Lamott, in giving her advice to authors, says it this way:
“All I have to do is to write down as much as I c an see through a one-inch picture frame,” writes Lamott in the book Bird by Bird. This is all I have to bite off for the time being…just what I can see through the one-inch picture frame, just one paragraph describing this woman, in the town where I grew up, the first time we encounter her.”
The same one-inch picture frame can be used, not only for writing, but for our lives. The only thing we need to focus on is the one thing God desires for us to do next.
To be available, you must be available for that one thing. Don’t worry about what’s after that. Just focus on what God is calling you to do now. Don’t fret about the path ahead. God will take care of it. He’s good at it.
He’s also good at directing you now, in this day, exactly where you’re at…but you have to be available. You have to pray and ask for wisdom. You have to be open to that gentle stirring in your soul.
Sometimes I try to imagine what it would have been like to walk with Jesus on earth, to hear His words, to see the joy on His eyes when someone trusted Him, or to hold His hand as He walked along.
We have that in a different way. As Isaiah 30:21 says, “And your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, “this it the way, walk in it when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.”
Isn’t that awesome, to have God’s Spirit telling us whether to walk to the right or the left? The next step, is always the right step, when we follow Him.
Thirsting for more positive encouragement for the soul? You may like Seven Bible Study Ideas For Busy Moms
I clicked on this pin because the photo caught my eye – I was just in this place a few weeks ago. Then I found the words you spoke to be just what I needed to hear. Thanks for using this photo, or else I may not have even seen it!