Leaping Lizards!

In the world of 'Leaps of faith-ers' vs 'Look-before-you-leap-ers,' I am hands down more of a girl of the second variety. I like to know what I'm getting myself into... Always.  I want to know the whos and whats and wheres and whys and whens and hows of every situation before I hit the 'go' button. I love DETAILS.

But following God doesn't work that way. As He grows our faith, He asks us to do things with fewer specifications than perhaps I would like. Instead of giving me an itinerary, He's been talking to me in single word commands... Go. Do. Risk. Leap.

*deep breath*

If I really want to call myself a follower of God, I have to be willing to sacrifice. I have to be willing to risk. I have to be willing to jump and trust that I will land safely.

Near the end of last year, I had a series of rapid-fire opportunities presented to me- they'd come while I was out living everyday life and then I wouldn't be able to shake them. As I'd chat with God about each one during my quiet time, then seek confirmation in His Word and with my husband, and with Godly friends, I would start sorting out the 'good ideas' from the 'God ideas.'  Show me, God... I'd ask... open only the doors you'd have me walk through. 

Now that it's January 2011, I'm having the opportunity to walk through those doors... I still don't have a lot of details, so it's becoming necessary to cross over insecurities and impossibilities and uncertainties and just Go. Do. Risk. Leap.

here's just a sample of the thrill ride that is my January 2011:

The 'little' Bible study that I wasn't sure I would have enough people to respond to starts tomorrow with 58 people participating online and 12 people in a live version in Texas! I have no idea how we're going to manage all those people, if the materials I've written will be sufficient, or what my role is supposed to be.

I start school on Friday, January 21st- I have no clue how I'm going to do as a student again, when I'll study, how I'll get homework done. Or even why the only class I could take from the list of requirement is titled something like Music from Around the World. What does that have to do with anything?

Though I still don't know where the financing is all coming from, or even why exactly I am supposed to go, I'm heading to a conference at the end of this month in obedience to God. I've been gifted with a plane ticket from someone who is stepping out in faith as well, and that paired with my mom's willingness to care for my crazy carpool schedule and my husband's blessing to go is giving the little boost I need... still? I have no idea what to expect...

So now what? I remember that though I am Going. Doing. Risking. Leaping.... I'm not doing any of it alone. I am being supported by family and friends who love me and who love God, and more importantly, I'm being carried by the Creator of the Universe. I'm not so much leaping as I am leaning.

and as far as the other unknowns? to that I say: details, shmetails.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11