BRING IT ON!

OK, OK, so I didn't actually say what the step was..... it was a little intentional. I feel less overwhelmed and able to articulate it now!

Based on God's confirmation through our pre-college reading, last Tuesday Allan handed in his resignation at work. There were several scripture passages that led us to pray for confirmation that the job was our 'net', but the final word came from Luke 16:13 "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money".
For those who know a little about our past, giving up secure employment was a massive step. God knew what he was asking. This has been the most liberating decision! We have time to better balance study, family and ministry! We pray God will provide some casual work to fit in there somewhere, but it has to fit around God's work now!
Al finished yesterday, but the intervening week has been a whirlwind!

On Wednesday night we were covered with prayer at our corps. It was a special time as those who are praying and supporting us through our journey were filled with scripture and words from God which provided more confirmation, peace and assurance that this is the will of God for us.

On Friday we enrolled in two units at the Training College - God's hand was certainly in that, enrollments had closed! Next week we begin learning in Pastoral Care and Christian Leadership. We're so excited to not only be studying again, but there is the environment, the content, the practical applications. We just can't wait!

On Sunday Allan shared his testimony with the congregation, and although I was concerned about the reaction, we received nothing but encouragement for following God's calling and going forth with faith. Our corps family are so supportive of our desire to move in our ministry

On Sunday night we were blessed to be able to spend some time with our Officers and talk with them about our journey the next step in our application for officership. SOOOO much paperwork!

You know what, this may have been a long journey thus far, but God had never asked us to do more than we can handle. Could we have managed taking this step a year ago? NO. Were we ready last year to be so challenged in both our ministry and our commitment? I don't think so. God's timing is PERFECT.

Thank-you all for your love and prayers. We wouldn't be where we are without it!

So what next? Only God knows. How exciting!

With a step of faith.......

I shared some months ago that the Holy Spirit had been challenging us to leave our net and follow Him. What was the net? After much prayer it was this week revealed, and God asked us to take the step of faith - '"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."' Mark 8: 34-38.

Today we took that step, a BIG one. I don't know where our feet will land, but I know the rock beneath us is Jesus. I choose not to live a life of regret wondering what I missed out on because I would not follow God.
I can't tell you I'm not scared, but we feel such peace. In fact, we are so excited about what God has in store that we want it to happen! Part of the excitement is the unknown, and just that were doing all in faith!

To you I say, has God asked something of you that seems too big to give? Compare that to giving the life of your son. Seems insignificant now doesn't it!?!?!
When you are fully obedient to the calling of God, He will honour that faithfulness.

Penny