Just Start... Day 5

100 days to Brave... I am working through a journal a friend of mine gave me for Christmas; it’s entitled, 100 days to brave by Annie F. Downs. I’ve never thought of myself as brave nor have I thought of myself as a coward. I am using my blog to document my journey toward being brave or whatever comes out of these next 100 days. My prayer is that you’ll follow along on this journey with me, and find encouragement, wisdom and bravery as well.

1 Samuel 17:37 (NIV)… “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.”

Question: What are you journeying toward?

Maybe it’s something you long to create, write, say or do...

I think right now, this early in the journey, my destination is unclear and uncertain. This is why I am on this journey through this journal; to bring clarity into my life, especially as I prepare the the next season of my life (the next 10-15 years). I have a goal to write a book (haven’t determined the topic or focus yet) or a daily devotional to help people read and apply God’s Word to their lives. I would like to create, produce and share teaching videos. I am going to commit more time to mentoring and coaching the next generation of leaders who are called to serve Jesus in the world. I also see myself working in the “marketplace” so that I will have a greater opportunity to connect with those who are far away from God or have no interest in knowing Him.

I would love to say that I will retire as a local church pastor, but I don’t think that is possible. I am not a very good “shepherd” or pastoral presence for people inside the flock. My gifting and strengths don’t line up with what people in the church need.

What’s next for me is hard to say and harder to see at this point. I am thankful for the promise that God is always with us, never willing to leave us alone. The Lord walks with us into every situation, known and unknown; He whispers to us and challenges us to follow Him. May we have ears that truly listen to our Shepherd’s voice; may we have eyes to see how and where Jesus is leading us. May we be diligent to truly step out in faith and serve the One who gave Himself for us so that we can have new life in Him.

“Courage is with you as you say yes to things that seem scary.” A.F Downs