Beauty In Every Corner
Obedience is not settling. It’s surrender. Surrender of self wants and expectations. Settling is choosing the lesser option - whether it be out of fear, want for comfort, lack of trust, or magnified circumstances. He is never the lesser option. Saying that, He also knows the desires of our hearts. He is kind. A kind Father who does not punish or withhold joy from His kids. His Kingdom is built on and produces righteousness, peace, and joy. Peace does not mean a lack of mystery, instead a deep trust and love whose home is in His Presence over a post code. Joy does not mean a lack of sacrifice and hardship. “There may be weeping in the night, but joy comes in the morning.”
As I sat down and began thinking about the next steps of my life, I asked the Lord, “Am I settling?” For me, this question is in regards to moving to Germany when for a while, I felt the pull of going to the Middle East. My dreams of being in the Muslim speaking world and not just watching, but being a part of seeing lives radically change for Jesus in those countries, has taken a backseat as the Lord has called me to Europe. Over the past year of following where He is calling me, I constantly laid down the opportunity in Europe to make sure what I am choosing is still where He wants me to go. Not because I thought He was testing me. Not because I thought He was lying. But because I want to feast on the daily bread of His words. These words above are what I learned from Him through this question.
To be settled and to settle are two totally different things. Settling is choosing a lesser option. Settling is a compromise of dreams or promises. But to be settled is to live in steadiness and rest as a position of heart and mind, even in the doing. Settled means unwavering peace where you are and where you are going. Beauty is found in joy. Beauty is found in tears. Beauty is found in the uncomfortable. Know that whatever your “Middle East” dream is, in every corner of the world, He is found. Following His lead, taking His hand is not letting go of the desires of your heart or shutting every door that leads to joy. It is a laying down of control and trusting that God is worthy of my whole life and He wants to fulfill my dreams and more. When faced with ease or faith, choose faith. It may not be the most comfortable or easiest option, but it is the most rewarding and leads you to becoming more yourself than ever, reflecting Jesus in every moment.
