Opportunity

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
- Thomas Edison

Going Out

He went out, not knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:8

Have you ever "gone out" in this way? If so, there is no logical answer possible when anyone asks you what you are doing. One of the most difficult questions to answer in Christian work is, "What do you expect to do?" You don't know what you are going to do. The only thing you know is that God knows what He is doing. Continually examine your attitude toward God to see if you are willing to "go out" in every area of your life, trusting in God entirely. It is this attitude that keeps you in constant wonder, because you don't know what God is going to do next. Each morning as you wake, there is new opportunity to "go out," building your confidence in God. "...do not worry about your life. ..nor about the things that concerned you before you did "go out."
Have you been asking God what He is going to do? He will never tell you what He is going to do - He reveals to you who He is. Do you believe in a miracle-working God, and will you "go out" in complete surrender to Him until you are not surprised one iota by anything He does?
Believe God is always the God you know Him to be when you are nearest to Him. Then think how unnecessary and disrespectful worry is! Let the attitude of your life be a continual willingness to "go out" dependence upon God, and your life will have a sacred and inexperessible charm about it that is very satisfying to Jesus. You must learn to "go out" through your convictions, creeds, or experiences until you come to the point in your faith where there is nothing between yourself and God.
- My Utmost For His Highest, edited edition

This devotional has really blessed me as at different times God has asked me to "go out" in ways I don't understand, oftentimes calling me to a step of obedience in opposition to my desires and the way I'd like for things to be.
"Going out" comes in so many forms and variations, many times touching a particular thing or area in our lives that we grow to depend upon, trust in, and find our happiness in, whether that be our reputation, a status quo, a relationship, a particular object or a passion that drives and motivates us such as a dream, vision or activity.
To "go out" might mean speaking the truth when no one wants to hear it, standing strong in the convictions God has placed in your heart even when it doesn't make sense to others, submitting to your authorities even when it hurts or you don't really understand their reasoning.
We sometimes wonder what the outcome of such an act of obedience will result in. To "go out" could mean loss of reputation, being misunderstood, being accused of legalism, loss of friendships, dashed hopes, and shattered dreams. It may cause deep, inward pain, heartache, and tears. The one thing I'm reminded of each time God asks me to "go out" is that He is simply looking for a heart of obedience that demonstrates and proves to Him that nothing stands in the way of my love and devotion to Him.
And because I know my Father, that "He doth not afflict willingly" (Lam3:33) and that He "honours those that honour Him" (1 Sam 2:30) am I able to "go out" in faith and obedience believing that no matter the outcome, "as for God, His way is perfect."

Hope it blessed you as it blessed me.
~ Jen

Brothers

Brothers: they make the greatest friends, protectors, comrades, encouragers, teasers, and advisors...and I'm doubly blessed to have two of them!!!