when going "ALL IN" for God means staying put for a while

One year ago this week I thought I would be starting on my next big project. I was scheduled to meet with an author to sign a contract and ghostwrite her book. The night before our meeting was scheduled, my author's family had a house fire. Everything for her and her family was put on hold. Including the book I had planned on spending the better part of 2017 working on. 

I was faced with the question of how I was going to pay my bills for the year. I prayed: God, I've been feeding these kids you gave me every day since day one. They've come to expect that now. Should I start applying for jobs? Should I tweak my platform and market myself? 

The answer always came back: Wait.

So that is what I did. I waited in all the areas that God was telling me to wait. Even when it didn't make sense. Incidentally, one area that He told me NOT TO WAIT was in the area of giving. Which also didn't make sense. 

Obedience is hard. And it usually doesn't make sense. But I decided that I would obey, even if I didn't understand and even when my attitude about it wasn't always right. I kind of treated it like a challenge. I was like "Okay, God. If you want me to wait, then you're gonna have to show up." 

God was like "A challenge Robin...really? Okay." 

I've learned a few things about obedience while in the middle of the "wait." It isn't really boring. Actually, it is kind of an adventure. It doesn't look adventurous or glamourous. But God didn't ask me to wait and do nothing or not provide the work or resources I needed. It was kind of scary at times. I worried. But God always showed up. In ways that I couldn't have imagined. 

I learned that going "All In" for God doesn't always mean moving forward on the outside. Sometimes "all in" means staying put so God can move on the inside. 

As I get ready to walk through 2018's door, I glance back at 2017 and the picture is starting to make sense. The waiting wasn't a time-out or a punishment. It was preparation. For something different. Something better. 

And I hear something just on the other side of the door. It's not a big-booming voice. It's not a huge announcement. It's a kind statement, almost like a whisper: "It's almost time to go." 

My proverbial bags are packed. I think I'm ready. And even if I'm not, I think I'll walk in obedience anyway. 

Happy New Year, Friends! Praying yours is full of Holy Spirit Adventures, no matter how glamorous they look!

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