Are you at a crossroads? Big or small, not knowing what
direction
to take can be over-whelming. How can you know which way you're to go?
Twenty-two years ago I stood at a major crossroads. Following
ongoing confirmation through godly counsel, God’s word and circumstances, I made
my decision. This led me into the most wonderful time of my life with the Lord.
A short time later I stood at yet another crossroads, with a
second decision to make.
This is a two-part post. We’ll continue part 2 in next week's Monday Marker.
I’m sharing my story with the hope it will help, if you
find yourself at a crossroads. The directional marker God staked down for me during this
time changed my life.
Twenty-two years down the road, that marker still affects how
I make big decisions. I haven’t always adhered to it and regret when I’ve
doubted, jumped ahead of God, and made decisions without seeking clear direction
from Him.
It all started at a Bible study I regularly attended. Two
guests came to talk about their recent overseas, short-term mission project. They shared
about the work and experiences they had during their trip.
Foreign missions had never been on my radar before. I was moved
speechless by their stories, and saw many faces of hurting people in their
pictures and slides that resonated deeply with me.
Several years prior, I’d gone through a horrific divorce. Through
God’s mercy and grace, I’d found deep comfort and healing. I was drawn to helping others going through similar experiences. As I listened that night, I
was surprisingly compelled with a desire to know more.
Through my church, I met a lot of missionaries and heard
about short-term opportunities. Through these connections, God introduced me to
Youth with a Mission (YWAM), an international organization that trains long and
short-term missionaries, Christian leaders, pastors, etc.
YWAM training campuses are scattered all over the world. The
For a struggling, single mom of two, this seemed a crazy,
far-fetched notion. But I couldn’t ignore the deepening desire and ongoing confirmation.
It took the Lord a year and a half to get us there. He provided miraculously
through finances and support of those around us. This was the best time of my
life and also the worst.
After my divorce, I endured emotional abuse and harassment
from my ex-husband. I went to extremes to keep the peace while my fear of him
grew. The insane events that often unfolded, reminded me of the TV show, COPS.
His life was out of control and spilled onto the kids and me, even though we
were divorced.
However, God continued pouring good things into my life. I
truly was at a crossroads. It’s no coincidence that the training is called Crossroads
Discipleship Training School. One day, while doing Bible study homework, I
read this:
Stand at the crossroads and
look; ask for the
ancient paths, ask where the good way is,
and walk in it, and
you will find
rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)
I asked, “God, is that You?”
For months I’d put these wild notions on the back burner,
leaving it up to God if He wanted us to do something as outlandish as this.
I’d asked the Lord to fill my heart with His desires, replacing
those that weren’t of Him. I also asked Him to show me in His word.
This was the push I needed to recklessly abandon myself to
my new Husband, Jesus, and trust Him with my mustard seed faith. Doors opened with each step we took in preparations to go.
If you’re at a crossroads and your decision isn’t life
altering, take time to pray, seek godly wisdom and wait. I’ve learned the
hard way to NOT force any doors open.
If your decision is life-altering, know that God will not
put you in the position to make an overnight decision. Finding His direction
isn’t a big mystery you’re burdened with to solve. He doesn’t play games with
our head like that.
As you seek God’s direction, keep praying, stay in His word,
seek godly wisdom and don’t make any decision based on your emotions.
I invite you to share below in the comments or email me a
personal comment via the contact form on the right.
Until next Monday, stay the course.
Terri
