I was more than excited about a mission trip, until I found out the dates had been moved from next year to this year.
I started praying bargaining.
Lord, just let it take place in August. September would also be good. In fact, I’m good with almost any month . . . except April or May.
Please let it be anytime but that.
The text popped up on my phone a couple of days later.
“We’ve finalized the dates. It’s late April into early May. You in?”
I was so out.
I’m hosting a women’s retreat in April. I have a book launching in early May. I’m writing a book, due in May.
Adding in a 10-day mission trip was impossible.
I thought about how to word my return text, the one that said, “I’m so sorry. I wish I could go. What a privilege it would be, but it’s not a good time.”
I held my phone in my hands for what seemed like forever.
I was supposed to go. I knew that deep inside of me. There was no doubt.
I sensed the whisper. It wasn’t audible, just a certainty that it was Him.
Suz, if you are more concerned about launching a book about following where I lead, over actually following me, what good is it?
Ouch, ouch ouch, ouch, OUCH!
I sat in my comfortable study in my comfortable yoga pants, while Jesus asked me to step completely into an uncomfortable season.
The adventure begins.
It’s not the trip.
I’ll share lots more about that next month, but the adventure is following Jesus wherever He leads, whatever He asks, and this is the harder part of my current adventure . . .
when He asks me to do it.
His plans are greater than mine. I believe that with all my heart, but He’s asking me to live it.
I talked to my friend, Michele Cushatt just yesterday. When her book, Undone, was released she was lying in a hospital recovering from surgery due to cancer of the tongue. She couldn’t speak. She couldn’t eat. She couldn’t get out of bed for weeks.
As we were talking she referred to that time as her adventure.
Amazingly enough, she says that placing her plans in God’s hands was a beautiful time of trust. She lived out her message of feeling undone, but finding beauty in the mess.
Later she sent me a message: “I didn’t mean to one-up you with my story.”
I assured my beautiful, strong friend that she hadn’t at all. Her story only served to remind me that our adventures are sometimes joy-filled, sometimes incredibly hard, sometimes awkward in their timing, but always life transforming.
Walking with Jesus is less about where we go, but who we walk with
Michele walked with Jesus. In the hardest season of her life. She walked with him as she released a book. She walked with him as she parented six children. She walked with him when she didn’t know if she’d ever get well. She walked with him when healing became a reality.
In the midst of the busiest season I’ve had in a very long time, Jesus is inviting me to an adventure.
When my book releases and I’m on the other side of the earth ministering to people Jesus loves, I get to walk with Jesus.
How awesome is that?
What adventure is he leading you on? Has he said go? Is the time now?
Are you arguing with Him? Are you showing Him all the things you have to do, the schedule, your plan?
If He says it’s time, its time.
Thanks for your honesty here. I relate to this a lot. It is a huge challenge to follow Jesus when he is asking us to do things that seem too hard or don’t seem to come at the right time, but so worth it to walk with him and be part of what he is doing.
Suzie, Your actions are speaking a thousand words. Obedience is so beautiful, even when it feels very costly. I pray even today that God affirms your obedience to Him. Thank you for authentic leadership.
Rejoice! Your obedience will be met with blessing! Wise friends are such a gift….thanks for sharing your leap of faith so we can leap too!
Ready, set, go! <3
Suzie, I love this story. I love the connection you and Michelle made–that sometimes our adventure is joy, sometimes pain, sometimes solid, sometimes unknown. The point *is* to be with Jesus! Thank you for sharing. I can not wait to hear what God does in and through you on the trip!
Thank you, Kelly. I have put no limits or agenda on the trip, but only to follow where He leads, to see what He is trying to teach me or how to use my life. Maybe He just wants me to be in a place where I say yes, instead of hold up all my excuses. <3 Whatever He desires, I’m so glad I have friends like you that are so incredibly encouraging.
Suzie, you’re putting hands and feet to your book. What a great example you are to many in allowing God to lead you to places unfamiliar. I’m praying for you, friend. And in a month I’ll be spending a few days with you and many other amazing women. That brings me much joy! Thank you again for hosting us this week. It’s always a joy to be a part of this wonderful community God created. Much love!
My husband and daughter are planning their adventures right now. They are both going on mission trips, one to Africa and one to Louisiana and NYC. Best wishes and prayers for your mission trip! Thank you for hosting this linkup!
Father, cover this husband and daughter. Lead them. Grow them. Let them be an integral part of someone’s life in Africa, Louisiana, and New York. In the powerful name of Jesus, amen.
Suzie, you are an inspiration. Living your message is so powerful! I think walking with Jesus is an adventure. He is always calling me to lean on Him and trust Him with what I can’t see. Bless you in your book launch and trip!
I love that you see it as an adventure too, Debbie. God calls us out of the comfortable. Into relationship with Him and with others. He shows us who we are, and what we are capable of in His power and through his leading. I’m so excited to see other women walking with Him in such a beautiful, deep way!
God has an amazing adventure for us if we are willing to step out and open all the wonderful gifts He has for us. Hiding behind anxiety and fear was all I knew for years but now I enjoy the adventure of living a full life with God.
Whew!! Praying blessings and provision over your entire April and May. He called you to this thing, He’ll bring it to completion. Amen. This story is phenomenal. Thank you for the inspiration today:)
Thanks, Meg!
I love that you walk out your faith in every way. I love that it’s not mere lip service to you. I love that you lead by example. You are a true inspiration, friend. Praying for this grand adventure that He has you on!
Suzie, attitude is everything. I can either see life is an adventure that I get the privilege of participating in, or I can whine my way through and miss out on all the fun God has for me ahead. This is a message God has been speaking to my heart latey, and your post was like a big AMEN to that. Thank you.
Praying for you today as you walk through this new season of more with Him. Hugs
“I was so out.”
Been there done that. Glad you listened to God’s whisper when your flesh was hollering otherwise! Can’t wait to hear what He does!! 🙂
I love the way you have enabled me to see the wilderness, the dark valleys, and the mountain tops as an adventure with my Lord. Thanks Suzie.
I am very excited about this book and can’t wait to read it and go through an online bible study, so many I people I can share it with. I’ve been praying for this and I will pray for you and your adventures!!!