Stuck

I've been stuck in the latter part of Hebrews 11 for the past month or so. And by stuck, I mean that God has has so much to say to me there. I can't get past it, nor do I really want to. There's just so much.... I read this on January 2nd on Hebrews 11:8.... "He went out, not knowing where he was going." -Hebrews 11:8 "Have you been asking God what He is going to do? He will never tell you. God does not tell you what He is going to do - He reveals to you who He is. Do you believe in a miracle-working God, and will you "go out" in complete surrender to Him until you are not surprised one iota by anything He does? Believe God is always the God you know Him to be when you are nearest to Him. Then think how unnecessary and disrespectful worry is! Let the attitude of your life be a continual willingness to "go out" in dependence upon God, and you life with have a sacred and inexpressible charm about it that is very satisfying to Jesus." -Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest So much of my life I feel as though I'm wandering around clueless, begging God for some sort of sign that I'm on the right track. I'm willing to go where God takes me as long as I'm okay with the outcome. I want guarantees from God, and the truth is, there are none. Following Christ requires complete and total surrender. I know this. But how hard it is! I have begun to pray that God will slowly pry my fingers from the death-grip that I have in certain areas of my life. That I will open my hands in full submission and obedience to Him. Following Christ isn't safe. He never said it was. And initially, that evokes fear in my heart. But wait... I'm reminded that my God loves me. That He is good. That if I truly believe that God is who He says He is, then why am I so afraid? He is my Father, and my life is full of reminders of His love. I'm reminded every time it storms outside, or when my husband tells me he loves me, or in the laughter of the children I work with. He reminds me of his goodness - that though He isn't safe, I am always safe with Him. May my heart echo Paul's when he says, "but whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." (Romans 3:7-8) Matt Chandler is a pastor at a wonderful church in the DFW area. He was instrumental in my spiritual growth as a teenager. A few friends and I made the trek out to Prestonwood Baptist where he spoke each Monday night at a service called, Metro. Matt was recently diagnosed with brain cancer. He has a beautiful wife, Lauren, and three precious children, Audrey, Reid, and Norah, who was just born in September. Watch this video, and be encouraged. Listen for his reference to Hebrews 11. Oh, to have a heart like that! I will not live in fear this year, Lord. You are enough, and better than life itself.