Without Faith it is impossible to please God

Many family members and close friends have responded to my email. One that stands out to me is from my very dear roommate from my first year at ORU. Thank you, Marsh Marsh!

Hey Shannon! Thanks for including me in the update!! It's so good to hear what God is doing in your life! You are definitely in my thoughts and prayers as you step out to do what God has called you to do!

I understand what you mean when you talk about wanting to do what God has called you to do but not knowing how to start or feeling equipped to start. God never makes small plans for his children, based on what they can do in their own strength. He doesn't go find a billionaire and ask them to do things for Him because they actually have the money to do it (although He will use billionaires, too, if they will allow him to). He asks those who are willing to obey and to do, no matter how ill-equipped we may feel we are for the job. But the great thing about it is God never intended for us to do it or even be able to do it on our own. He has already been working in advance to get everything lined up that you could ever need to accomplish the task; He has it all planned out to arrive just on time and be exactly what you need. God always knows the end from the beginning.

I finally know what I am supposed to do with my life, but it is so huge that I can't even begin to imagine how to make it happen. So I have to keep reminding myself that I'm not going to be the one to make it happen, God is. I just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other and taking steps, do the little things here and there that He shows me to do, and trust Him to work out the rest.

I'm also going through the same feelings of wondering if I'm really heading in the right direction. But the good news there is that I don't have to get everything perfectly right all the time, and I'm most likely not going to. But it's ok, because God still loves me, and will let me know when I make a wrong step, will guide me back onto the right path and forgive me. He's not going to give up on me and take my dream away from me just because I mess up. I've found that the most important thing is to take a step. Even if you're not sure if it's in the right direction, at least your moving. It's a whole lot easier to steer a ship that is in motion to turn it onto the right course. But a ship that is stagnate in the water is impossible to steer. If you allow fear to keep you from stepping out, you stand there paralyzed by fear, you will never get anywhere. So if you think that you are supposed to go to Seattle, then why not? At least you're doing something about it! God will work everything out and make everything fall into place. And once you're there, you'll be able to tell if it was the right move or not. If it wasn't, then you'll know, and God will help you to get to where you need to be. What do you have to lose?

Faith is the key. It is impossible to please God (and to serve him) without faith. Use your faith to trust God to work everything out and provide everything that you need. Confess with your mouth that you know the will of God for your life, and that you make the right decisions as He guides you with his Holy Spirit. Confess with your mouth that God is working everything out, is preparing everything beforehand, and will provide all of your needs according to his riches in Glory in Christ Jesus!

You can do it, girl! I believe in you! God won't let you fail, even if you make mistakes. You are the only one who can cause you to fail, and the only way to do that is to give up and stop trying to do what you've been called to do. No matter how many mistakes you make, you will still get there, you will still achieve the goal, as long as you continue to press on toward the mark of the high calling that God has placed on your life. I am so proud of you for having to courage to step out and attempt the impossible, to follow the plan God has for your life. Remember, you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you!

I love you! ~Marcia :o)

(Love you, too, Marsh!) I love hearing from different people about their walk with God. He has put big dreams in all of us, and He provides the means and the inspiration...why do we think He can only do the small and mundane?

I have already had one interview...which didn't work out so well. No problem, though! I have a different interview for a consulting company in downtown Seattle on Monday morning. If Jesus is calling me out of the boat, I'm going!!! I don't care if the waves are high and they are crashing all around me. If He has called me, He'll make sure that I don't sink.