“Yes”. It was not audible but it was clearly a yes.
This “yes” came as I sat alone in a prayer room at the student conference. I was in my last semester of university and seeking God’s guidance for what would come next. Was it going to be grad school, teaching, seminary or ministry with Campus Crusade? I had spent time thinking and praying about this decision. I made a list of non-negotiable elements for this next chapter that I believed were from God.
Logically, one option stood out but I was sitting in the prayer room because I wanted God’s confirmation. In the quiet stillness of that room, God responded to my direct question, “God, I will do whatever you want. Do you want me to join the student ministry staff with Campus Crusade?” Shortly after that conference, I applied and began the process that has shaped the past 46 years of ministry.
I think back to that moment which was so atypical for me. Being alone and being still was not, and still is not my habit. Yet, that moment has provided the strength to face really difficult moments of doubt, frustration, discouragement and even moments when others told me to leave staff. That moment of stillness before the Lord allowed me to hear his voice. When the difficult moments have come, I’ve returned to stillness and asked the question again, “God do you want me to stay?” The answer has continued to be the same, even when I’ve pleaded, “God, can I please quit?”
Taking the time to listen and hear God’s answers have proven to me that “in quietness and trust is my strength.”
Thank you, God, that when I am willing to wait before you in quietness and trust, you will answer me. Amen.
Throughout This Day: Create the space for quietness before God and give God the opportunity to answer your questions. In quietness and trust will be your strength!