Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Stepping Out In Faith: Part 2

"I speak to you continually : through sights, sounds, thoughts, impressions, scriptures.  There is no limit to the ways I can communicate with you."
Jesus Calling
by Sarah Young
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One of the ways I know God is speaking to me, is when I receive the same message from more than one source.  It may be through the scriptures, a devotional, an email, nature, or the words of others.  When I feel God is "speaking to me" I look for confirmation to make sure it is a Word of Knowledge and not a word from Renee!
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Last week I went to a family reunion at my daughter and son-in-law's in NW Minnesota, about a six hour drive from here.  For most people that is not a big deal, but for me it was huge.  Major.  You see, I had been very ill for several years with Lyme and coinfections, and CFS and my reactions to chemicals, gas, etc. was so strong that I seldom left home except to go to the doctor.  Traveling that far was major, going into someone's house was major, being exposed to the fragrances of 37 people was major.  Having the strength and energy to make this trip? Major!  I had not been gone overnight from my home only once in 8 years and that was for surgery.  I had not traveled that far in 10 years, and I had not been back in this area for 16 years.  This was big.
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But the Lyme and its buddies were dead now, and I have been improving and healing and I wanted to go on this trip.  We made plans, stepping out in faith.  I told mys sister Jan on last Wednesday, "I am stepping out in faith and going!"  Immediately I felt overwhelmed with fear.  What if??????  What if?????   I asked my hubby Joel to pray and I did the same.  We were both a bit apprehensive. 
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God, speak to us! 
We need to KNOW if this is YOUR will.
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I opened my email and read a devotional by Rick Warren...........it spoke about STEPPING OUT IN FAITH, the same words I had spoken to my sister.   As I read on Rick spoke about Joshua and I remembered that I had read Joshua 1:9 3 times that week.....
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"This is my command, Do not be afraid or discouraged,
for the Lord you God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9

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I immediately felt the fear leave and an excitement take it's place.  I knew I was to go.  Joel told me later that while he was meditating he felt in his heart these words, "She needs to go.  I will be her place of safety."
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That brought to mind a verse that I hold close to my heart:

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"I will lie down and sleep without anxiety,
for You alone, Oh Lord, will be my place of safety."
Proverbs 4:8
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So, I went.  I had a great time!  I did better than we expected and I have many memories to cherish from those days.  In obedience I listened to God and let Him be my place of safety.  Stepping out in faith, just like I shared HERE last Wednesday, can look so scary, but always remember, God will be our place of safety.

6 comments:

sharon said...

Awesome Renee! Stepping out in faith is easy to say but hard to do. You did it. I've been getting 'walk on the water' as my word from various sources your story is a great encouragement. Thank you

Unknown said...

You are an amazing woman of great faith and inspiration for all of us. May God continue to bless you and work in your life. It was great to have you at the reunion. Love, Jeannie

NanaNor's said...

Hi Renee, I love hearing of the Lord's blessing as you stepped forward in obedience and faith. How difficult that must have been but how fun for you to know the Lord was leading. I love Sarah Youngs book.
Have a great evening.
Noreen

Renee said...

Hi Jeannie...so good to have you come by my cyber home and visit!!!! Love the photo! Hugs to you and thank you for your sweet words.

Renee said...

Hi Noreen
So glad you enjoy coming by my home here on the net. Love all the photos of your dog on your blog!!

Renee said...

Hi Sharon
That walk on the water reminds me of a study I listened to by Andrew Wommack, "Walking On The Water" that I listened to last week...stepping out in faith!!