Stepping Out in Obedience ... Walk by Faith

^{A SMALL DOSE OF DEVOTION}

^{Stepping Out in Obedience and Walking by Faith ...} It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. Ephesians 1:11-12 (MSG) *** In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:11-12 (NIV)

Yesterday, on my facebook business page and also on my personal page, I posted a question regarding a business decision. Basically the question involved taking my business to a new and different level. What can that possibly have to do with this Bible verse and even stepping out in obedience??!!

By gathering as many facts as possible and analyzing my options, I am trying to take away the risk involved in this important business decision. But if this is what God wants, then I should be willing to take the risk - NO MATTER WHAT! Most of us, in general, are afraid to take a risk - there's a fear involved - fear of unwanted results (failure). We don't want to lose out on our dreams but we also don't want to take a chance. 

While reading my Bible today, I came across the story of Saul, when he ends up being blind for three days. (Acts 9:1-20). Do you remember Ananias? The Lord asked Ananias to go to Saul and lay hands on him. Now Saul was a man who was out to get believers so imagine the surprise Ananias must have felt. Ananias says to the Lord, "YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS!!" (Acts 9:13 MSG). I can almost hear Ananias saying this, with that tone of a teenager when you've just asked them to clean their room. And personally, I know that I've said this to God also - SERIOUSLY, you really want me to do WHAT!

Saying YES to God can sometimes be difficult BUT it's also very REWARDING. God understands our doubt, our guarded caution, but He will NOT ever let us down. STEP OUT in OBEDIENCE! Watch what God does to grow our FAITH!!

In answer to that business question I posted, the answer to God is YES! YES, I will do it. Am I scared? You Bet! Am I nervous? Do you really have to ask?! Will I be ready?? All I can do is work my hardest and hope for the best. One thing I have learned, is that if I do fail, I also know that it's not because I'm supposed to "give up my dream", I just may need to take other steps to get to the final result .... While I can't guarantee the results, I can remember to WALK in FAITH.

Have a Very Beautiful Blessed Day!

Country FarmHouse Blessings,