I quickly typed the email and hit ‘send’ before I lost my nerve. The night before I tossed and turned thinking about it. How would she take it? Was it too crazy of an idea? Could I handle the rejection?
In some crazy act of faith – crazy because I’d never taken this kind of step of faith before – I took a step of obedience toward where I felt the Holy Spirit leading me. The night before I had seen a vision of a women’s conference play out before my eyes, complete with me leading the planning team and even speaking during the opening session. This call toward a leadership role had just taken a turn and I’d been given a very specific direction.
It was September already and we did our conferences in the spring. I figured they would have formed a committee for the next year’s conference shortly after the prior one ended, so must already have a theme chosen and be well into the planning stages. Why did God give me such a clear vision of a conference? Maybe I could at least join the planning team and see how it worked, prove myself to them so I could have more of a leadership role next year?
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What can God do if I simply take the small step of “yes”?
All summer, I had been reading scripture about people who demonstrated outrageous obedience to God. People like Abraham, who immediately packed up his whole family and took off on a journey to a new land, not knowing anything about the destination. He didn’t even ask to think it over or question why or where. Abraham just said “yes”.
I wanted to try some of that radical obedience, at least in a small way, and see what it was all about. So, I decided to take action on this latest prompt from the Holy Spirit immediately. Not ask a thousand questions or procrastinate until the moment passed. After all, I wasn’t being asked to move my family halfway across the world. No, I was asked only to share the ideas I’d seen the night before. Surely I could do that!
That morning, I dashed off an email asking our new women’s ministry director where could she use some help, where was her biggest need right now. I didn’t tell her about the conference idea yet. Thought I’d see if the Holy Spirit had any other corroborating clues for this vision before I shared too much…
Do you know what I heard back in response later that morning? “I have mostly been praying about a conference or retreat for the past few weeks. I want to make sure it’s what God wants us to do.”
All we have to do is obey the Holy Spirit and let Him take care of the rest.
All my worries about timing and my abilities (or rather inabilities) were just my fears talking. God’s ways are bigger and wider than our ways. If He wants to put a plan in motion, don’t you think He can orchestrate all the pieces?
I began learning that lesson that day. Let God handle the big picture plan. Let God handle the worries. If He has given me a task to do, I just need to obey the Holy Spirit and let Him handle the rest.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)
This post is part of a 4 week series about the Holy Spirit. Click HERE to catch up on other posts in this series.
This series will look at topics such as:
– Inviting the Holy Spirit to begin working within us
– How to listen for the Holy Spirit
– What it means to obey the guidance of the Holy Spirit
– How obedience is linked to trust
– How the Holy Spirit equips us, even when we don’t feel qualified
– What impact we can have in the world when we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit
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Kelley says
This series is awesome — thank you so much for sharing your journey with us! The women of St. Philip’s were (and continue to be) so blessed and changed because of your obedient yes to His call!
alydchase says
Kathryn, I found you at Holley’s place today. We aren’t neighbors in the link up (you were up early! 🙂 but your title caught my eye. I love that you told a story of wild obedience in such an unassuming way. You shared your anxiety at pressing “send” on the email to the WM director. That is so ALL of us! I have a similar story involving a volunteer coordinator position. I have taken the year off from teaching and been struggling to feel like a contributing member of society (eye roll, I know, my worth is not wrapped up in what I do, but that is so hard to swallow!) The Holy Spirit led me to volunteer work. I was just emailing to ask if there was some way I could support the team. The response was, “I can’t tell you how thrilled we are to hear you are interested. We just lost our volunteer coordinator for your area and we were wondering how God would fill the need.” Bam. And it’s effortless. No need to struggle when we listen to the Master! I look forward to stopping by again, Kathryn, have a lovely week.
Kathryn says
Love your story! I’m still amazed when I get those BAM moments and see just what the Holy Spirit can do when I just get out of the way and follow. Thanks for stopping by!
Julie Lefebure says
“I just need to obey the Holy Spirit and let Him handle the rest.” Amen! That should be my motto for each and every day. Your words are encouraging to my heart today as I’m currently walking through a time of transition in my life. Thank you, Kathryn!
Hi! I am Jeri... says
Kathryn, it is so scary stepping out of our comfort zone, obeying when He speaks. I’ve been there, still doing that. But it’s a small seed you’re planting by sending that email. You never know what that seed will grow I to. Thanks for your encouraging words of letting go and going for it.
Kathryn says
You’re right – you never know what God can do with our simple acts of obedience! Keep planting seeds and see what amazing things He can grow with them!
Elise says
I love your heart Kathryn! So awesome. 🙂
I could identify with so much of what you wrote — and your courage is encouraging!
Keep listening to the Spirit alone, He is so in love with you.
Learning to take risks right along with you <3
Elise
sarahgirl3 says
What a cool experience! Love when God comes through in a huge way when we do one simple thing!
Kathryn says
I’m having so much fun writing about this conference experience! God was all over it. Simple steps, yet big growth! Thanks for stopping by!
Michelle says
“All we have to do is obey the Holy Spirit and let Him take care of the rest.” Thank you for this encouragement! Can’t wait to hear the rest of your story…especially the confirmations and blessings from your radical obedience. Very inspiring to read about your courageous faith!
Kathryn says
Glad you are joining in this journey! Letting go of my fears and learning to trust God has been one of the greatest challenges and greatest joys in my life. I love that I’m finally able to share.
Dawn says
Beautiful. I love to read stories of God’s radical love for us displayed through obedience. I want that faith, too. Though it requires risk, and often risk of rejection. Isn’t it awesome , though, that God never rejects us. Looking forward to more of your journey.
Renee says
I am finding your posts so inspiring….insightful. I too have been stepping out in “outrageous” obedience to Holy Spirit. My husband and I are finding this kind of obedience sometimes difficult, but we are standing firm knowing it will work together for good….other times blessings abound and certainly we are growing closer to God on our journey.
Kathryn says
Glad you like these posts! This is new territory for me – this trusting and being obedient – but I’m excited to see just where it takes me. Inspiring for me to hear from others who have been on this journey, too – and to hear confirmation that it’s worth it!
lisha epperson says
Kathryn we’re singing the same song….each of us answering His call of faith and obedience. Saw the title of your post and knew it would be a must read. Bless you as you continue to step out of the boat for Christ. I’m cheering for you.
Kathryn says
Thanks, Lisha! Have loved reading through your site and discovering similar struggles and similar dreams. Cheering for you too!
bluecottonmemory says
“I just need to obey the Holy Spirit and let Him handle the rest” – oh, yes! When we listen and obey – take that step of faith – He takes us places we never imagined. Thank you for sharing your courageous step into His will. I remember the fear inside when God was prompting me to pray for someone in the grocery store – but He opened the door. He gave the words – and it was all grace!
Kathryn says
Wonderful – and encouraging to hear your experience with obedience!