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The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9

So far, this year has seen its share of unexpectancies. I didn’t think I’d start the year still in pain from sciatica. Its December onset was sudden, but after a spinal steroid injection earlier this month, so was its end. Just like that.

At the writing of this post, my mom is just home from the hospital after being in ICU as a result of a fall and a very hard hit to her head. One minute she was fine, and the next, was headed to ER by ambulance. Never saw it coming.

As part of my work line, I’d offered my nonprofit support services in a temporary role to a certain department at my alma mater. I’d expected to be there just over a month, but out of the blue, that temporary situation changed, and it looks like I’ll be staying on long-term. When God says . . .

My point? YOU NEVER KNOW. In an instant, life can change. Or so it seems. In His infinite wisdom, God is constantly, perfectly, at work. He orders, opens, closes, establishes, all as He sees fit. We can always trust His hand to call it all to be.

Instantly and suddenly are His way, but great is the Lord constantly, and that’s fine with me.

In what way have you seen the Lord work a “suddenly” in your life?

No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed . . . Isaiah 54:17 ESV

What’s on your heart to be or do? What’s been tugging at you, ringing in your soul, keeping you up at night? What can’t you stop thinking about?

I can look back over my life and see times where I, by His grace, didn’t shy away from challenges or new experiences or “stepping out on faith,” as we like to say . . .

>When the opportunity presented itself for me to join my high school chorus on a European tour, I wanted to go, and with financial support, I went. I’d never flown before that trip.

>When I was inspired to start my own magazine a few years after graduating college, I did it. I was the founder of something. PRAISE!Magazine was published for seven years.

>When the Lord needed to do some “uncovering” work in me, showing me all my trifling, immature ways, I let Him. It wasn’t easy or pretty, and it continues. But I surrendered and let Him. I needed to. Had to.

>And when the vision came for the Melchee Johnson | New Day work line . . . well, let me tell you how fast I picked up that assignment. Real fast. And I didn’t question God, nor was I afraid. And here I am in it almost a year later.

What’s the point here? Many of you have stirrings and callings for serving, ministry, business and more, but are putting things off, things you know you should be doing. You’re putting off changing your mindsets and attitudes and dispositions, ways you know you should be walking in.

The excuses? My favorites:

–I am who I am, I’m not changing. Yeh, that’s true. I call it stubborn.

–I’m too busy. Yep, and distracted. Trying to be Superman or Superwoman. Get off it. You’re not.

–I like my life just the way it is. Ok then. Great. That’s being selfish. Could be helping somebody. But you’re too busy, remember? With you?

It’s really time for us to just grow up and stop all the foolishness. We need to drop the pride and settle ourselves in God and His way. Then and only then will our lives be what they’re meant to be. Our attention will be given to the right things, and we’ll answer the tug in our hearts and accept the call for the work He wants us to do. And foremost, we’ll become and live as His children. The being will be it.

What are you waiting on? What’s holding you back? If God has knocked, why haven’t you answered?

I’m a child of the Most High. I live, move, and have my being in Him. My work line, this blog, my prayers, the books I edit–it’s all to help point you in that direction, too. I’m by no means perfect at it, certainly and often missing the mark in my own walk. But I know what’s in my heart. I know Who’s in my heart.

When He invites you to a lifestyle of full-time faith, open the door. When He gives you an assignment, take it. Let all this other stuff GO. Don’t be afraid.

I double-dog dare you on all this. No, let’s make that a triple-dog dare. I triple-dog dare you to be bold enough to say yes . . .