And the Lord said, “Time to put on your big boy pants”
I am finding more than ever that following where Jesus leads is not a task for the faint of heart. I am convinced that when we are really ready to follow Him, He will lead us into uncomfortable and even scary places, but ultimately they are good places.
That is where I find myself these days, knee deep in planting Decatur Gathering Church and struggling to find the time to get it all done. So far this week I’m working 12 to 15 hour days that last until around 3am and I am prone to complain. But then, the other day, I read a passage in Job that really spoke to where I am at. God told Job,
Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me.
-Job 38:3
Or in ‘the Adam Walker translation” I read it as, “Put on your big boy pants and get going.”
A lot of times this is something I need to hear. Really the bottom line is that sometimes God calls us to do some tough stuff. He asks us to sacrifice big things in our lives that have become idols. He calls us into difficult places, cultures and situations. And then, we get to deal with difficult people on top of that.
And, in those moments when it seems like too much I think His message is often simple and strait forward. He says, “I am God, I have called you to this, now put on our big boy pants and do it. Have faith.” This is similar to what God said to Moses when Moses objected to doing what God was calling him to do. In Exodus 4:11-12 God says, “Then the LORD said to him, ‘Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.’”
My spiritual journey is often a tough one. I’m guessing yours is too. I thank God for moments like this when he reignights the flame under my spirit. If Moses needs some encouragement to move forward, I certainly do as well.
July 17th, 2008 at 8:37 am
I saw a bumper sticker the other day. It read: “Christianity is not for sissies.” So true!
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:09 pm
When God gets this kind of lingo going He often sounds a little on the ghetto, get over yourself voice.
Bringing up a ministry from the ground up is hard and full of labor but would you have it any other way? (NOPE!)
You and Jessica are in my prayers.