Faith to Place your Life in His Hands

I love it when the Spirit moves me to listen to music that glorifies God.  Anybody ever have an empty tank and feel the need to fill it with worship of our Creator God?  I have so needed His presence these past few days.   I listened to a song that I have heard many times, but for the first time, God spoke to me through the words.  More on this in a minute.

The past week has been quite amazing and full of many different emotions.  In the middle of our wonderful family vacation to Disney World, Allen and I were faced with a life changing decision that required the biggest leap of faith we have ever taken.  Many reading this blog have heard of our upcoming move to Decorah, Iowa, where Allen will begin the post as Director of Choral Activities at Luther College. 

This UNEXPECTED adventure began just a couple of months ago when Luther contacted Allen and asked him to apply for the position.  We were both surprised, but also very flattered.  Luther College has one of the finest choirs in the nation and has a long and wonderful choral tradition.  Allen sent his materials, and they contacted him for a phone interview.  When Allen hung up the phone from the interview, he said, "I was so honest and blunt that I'm sure they won't call back."  Well, guess what?? 

Not only did they call back but they invited him to campus for an interview.  This interview took place the first week of May.  All of this was happening so quickly, we almost didn't know what to think! 
A week ago Sunday, we received the call---"Allen Luther wants you!"  We prayed and sought God--not knowing for certain what His will was.  That being said, as we talked about what to do, I remembered two separate occasions where the thought entered my mind,  "We are going to Luther."  Both times, when this thought came to my mind, I was spending time with God and listening for his voice.  Its interesting, I wasn't even listening for an answer about Luther.  I was just reading my Bible and listening to a sermon.  The first time this feeling came was before Luther asked Allen in for the interview.  It was really early on--so out of place.  I remember thinking--"What?  Where did that come from?"

As it came down to the wire, there in our hotel at Disney World, I asked Allen a few poignant questions.  He was really struggling with the decision.  Neither of us really knew for certain what God wanted, but I wanted to hear Allen's heart.  I asked him,  "What do you feel, deep down in your gut?"
He said,  "Its the right thing, but I don't want to do it.  I'm scared."  To me, that was the clear answer that God was calling us to Luther.  We both knew it was the right thing--deep down.  But, we were afraid of what we were going to have to give up:
1)  the awesome choir program and students at SHSU.  This was our comfort zone.
2)  living in Texas where ALL our family lives.  Leaving my extended family is going to be REALLY hard.
3)  Going to a totally different culture, and a town of only 8,000 people.  I'm a city girl, and a town of 8,000 people is scary to me.
4)  Starting completely over.
5)  Cutting our salary in half!  Whoa.

So--as you can see--this choice requires a lot of sacrifice on our part.  This was another clue to me that God was calling us to Luther.  We kind of feel like Abraham--leaving our home, comfort zone, etc. and going to a foreign place.

We were praying for God to give us a clear sign.  We never received a really clear sign.  I've learned through this process that sometimes God just whispers softly and gives wisdom instead of a clear sign.  That is what He has done.  He also points us to His Word, and reminds us that we walk by faith and not by sight.   He says that perfect love drives out fear, and that His Spirit is NOT a Spirit of fear.

In my life, when I have obeyed God and stepped out in faith, He has ALWAYS confirmed His blessing.
He may not have done it right away, but at some point, He has always shown me that He was in the choice that was made--and I was in His will.  Sometimes He does it more than once.

Well, today, He began to confirm that we have made the right choice.   I have to say, after the decision was made, I was relieved, but also a bit sad.  I have had a mixture of emotions:  excitement, and grief.
Starting over is never a fun prospect for me.  I always tend to ask questions, "What will I do?"
Then, today as I was longing for His presence...NOT an answer, just HIM...he began to speak to my heart.

I put on the most recent album of Christy Nockels (formerly of Watermark), and began to listen as I took care of Caroline and Julianne.  The second song on the album, "Life Light Up" began to play.  I've listened to the song several times, and honestly, it wasn't one of my favorites...that is....until today.
God used these words to speak to my heart and to confirm His plan for us in Decorah, Iowa.  You see, no matter where we go, He is with us.  And, when He calls us to the next place, things may be hard, but His blessing and peace will flow. 

With You, I can go anywhere
I can do anything
You are the song I bring...

With You, You are the air I breathe
'Cause You are my everything
And I am Your offering...

I may live and I may die
Either way You're glorified
Bless the day I give my life away!

Let my life light up like the city lights
And let it burn for You in the darkest night

In You, I can begin again
I'm part of a bigger plan
'Cause You are the Great I Am!

In You, Your life is in my veins
And You've broken all my chains
'Cause You are the God Who reigns!

My light will shine on earth
And my Father will be praised!!


Sure, I'm a city girl--used to the city lights---going to a small, quaint town in Northeast Iowa.
Jesus Christ is the light of the world, and he lives in me.  His light will shine bright through me
for His glory.

So, if you are struggling with a decision and haven't had a clear direction from God, start to think about what it is you are fearing.  Any decision made out of fear (other than the fear of God) is the wrong decision.  You can know you are in His Will, when you trust Him and obey His word and walk in His light.

This should be our motto:

Here's my life, I give it to You
I place it in Your hands
I place it in Your hands

Here's my heart, You're dwelling inside
I place it in Your hands
I place it in Your hands

For so long I have held on to all that I am
When all You want is for me to place it in Your hands, in your hands, Lord…in your hands…

Here's my thoughts, I want to think of You
and place them in Your hands
I place them in Your hands

Here's my time, take it as You will
I place it in Your hands
I place it in Your hands

For so long I have held on to all that I am
When all You want is for me to place it in Your hands

Here's my life, I give it You
I place it in Your hands
I place it in Your hands...