Go It Alone

Have you ever felt alone in obeying something God called you to do? Did others look at you as though you were losing your mind when you shared that assignment with them? There are times God leads us to lead others into an assignment but sometimes He will lead us there alone.

God speaks loudly to me when I am spending time at the beach. Maybe because I am listening more closely, or that I’m anticipating His voice more (and that should be EVERY day I do that!).  A recent lesson from last fall was about how sometimes and at times even as a leader of others, God will call us to get into the boat alone to do something for Him. It might even be a bit risky!

When my husband and I got a kayak and got out on the water the first time, we were both in this two person boat trying to row. We kept hitting each other with the oars and didn’t seem to be able to row in a straight line!  We went back to shore exhausted.  And we’d brought hilarity to those on the shore watching us from their beach chairs! 

Later, the water called me back out and I decided I’d see if I was able to row it alone although I was fearful I couldn’t handle that big of a kayak. I got in, paddled past the waves at the shore and then was going full blast ahead on smooth water. I couldn’t believe how easy it was. And although I love kayaking with my husband, it was just so much easier alone!

We now each have our own kayak, though we do not take these when we go to the beach. and even #MoDawg kayaks with us!

What God said to me was that sometimes He wants us in the boat alone to go with Him. We will have to walk away from others who are going the wrong direction. And these people may be our friends, family and even ministry or work partners. That will not be easy, but at times Christ followers are often called to stand alone in what God had said. Sometimes we will not only be deserted,  we may even be persecuted for standing on truth.

Fear could keep us from obeying but 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that God has NOT given us a spirit of fear. He has given us His spirit of power, love and sound judgment. Satan knows we are often afraid and uses it to keep us from following God’s leading. Don’t rely on your own power over fear but call out to Christ and His power and watch God work!

If that is where you are, use this time to learn to lean into Him more than ever before. Pray for Jesus to bring someone into your prayer walk who will pray for you as you face taking the right steps. Then ask Him who is possibly ready to join you in the vision. What He teaches us is always on it’s way to someone else somewhere someday! Be patient as He takes you on this journey along to impact others one day.

Banner photo by Jordan Steranka on Unsplash