Uncharted.

This pretty much sums up my journey with God at the moment! I have no idea what is happening or coming next, but I am trusting Him.

But trust is not easy when the silence of God grows so loud it’s overwhelming. Unfortunately, that’s exactly the wilderness I find myself in. The beauty of the wilderness, however, is that the solitude requires introspection. And often that will lead to a profound revelation from God. I think about the different wilderness experiences in Scripture. Initially being in the wilderness brings forth images of discomfort or trials. But every story leads to a God-ordained deliverance. And that is the promise I cling to, as well!

For the last three years, I have had my one word and scripture. For 2020, my word is UNCHARTED. Truthfully, my heart is pounding just thinking of posting this because it makes it real. But uncharted is where I am. For someone who is typically on top of things and knows what the next step is, being uncharted means stepping up to the edge of the unknown, closing my eyes, and asking God to push. Gosh, it’s hard, made harder due to my daily struggle with anxiety. I have absolutely no idea what God has in store for me and the ministry I’m called to do. But I know that it’s going to be greater than I could dream possible.

Hebrews 11:8 is my verse of the year. Abraham was in uncharted waters and yet he was faithful.

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.”

My prayer for the year is a simple one.

“Oh my Lord, I don’t know where you are calling me to go but I will obey if you lead me!”

And my song is The Very Next Thing by Casting Crowns.

I spend all my time
Dreaming what the future’s gonna bring
When all of this time
There’s a world passing by
Right in front of me
Set my sights on tomorrow
While I’m tripping over today
Who says big things
Are somewhere off in the distance
I don’t want to look back
Just to see all the times that I missed it
I want to be here and now
Starting right here, right now
With the very next words of love to be spoken
To the very next heart that’s shattered and broken
To the very next way you’re gonna use me
Show me the next thing
I’ll do the next thing
Let my very next breath
Breathe out a song of praise to you
With my very next step
Be on a road that was planned by you
Lord, wherever you’re leading me
That’s where I want to be
Eyes wide open I see you working
All around me you’re on the move
Step by step I’m running to meet you
In the next thing, in the next thing

As 2019 winds down, it will go out in silence for me. But I will thank God for the silence because I’m certain 2020 will be an adventure only God could prepare me for!

Happy Uncharted New Year!