Lord, Lead

With the end of the LES45 challenge and 50 5ks in 50 days quickly approaching, I have been pondering what’s next. At one point I had thought I’d be rolling right into another challenge, but I don’t believe that will be the case. I’ve also had so many suggestions heading my way, like getting back into creating art, selling Whole30 approved goodies, providing one-on-one online coaching, or selling an online course combining all that I’ve learned. All excellent ideas by the way! One of my favorites, however, has been to open a restaurant in my small town; it sounds good because I love cooking and I REALLY love people, so cooking for people is very appealing :)

I can’t lie, all these suggestions and ideas coming my way have really had me asking if my life could, or should, be heading in a different direction. One minute I get excited about an idea, the next I find the question of “who do you think you are?” popping up in my head. With the current focus in my devotions (which I don’t believe is coincidental), one thing’s for sure, whatever is next shouldn’t be what I (or others) THINK is good, but what I KNOW is GOD. Not what I THINK is GOOD, but what I KNOW is GOD.

While to some it may seem what has been taking place the past couple of months (or since the inception of this entire site and endeavor) couldn’t possibly be God, I beg to differ. Sure, we’ve focused on our physical well-being as we tried to eat a whole foods diet. Yes we were focusing on moving our bodies to become healthier in body and mind. But we also focused our efforts on centering our lives around Scripture, and God’s Word. Every time the enemy or some random thought crops up that what has been taking place has been making NO DIFFERENCE, I have ammunition to shoot the thought down.

Because of the website that was created back in 2014, and social media resources, at least one (often cases more) person in the following countries have been reached: US, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Germany, Australia, Japan, Mexico, Bangladesh, Namibia (Where?), United Arab Emirates, Trinidad & Tobago, Portugal, Pakistan, Switzerland, Kenya, Cambodia, Ecuador, Bahamas, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Sweden, India, Haiti, Spain, Denmark, Thailand, and Costa Rica. As can be seen with the examples of Jesus and Paul (once known as Saul), sometimes it only takes ONE. I’m not sure if you are familiar with it or not, but Acts 1:8 states “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Who would have thought a gal in small town Indiana could reach others in other countries with the Truth of God’s Word – all because she was passionate about living well in Christ, eating healthy and physical well-being? Not me!

Not only has God planted seeds in at least thirty different countries, but He has been reaching so many people here in my community, and beyond. People have been engaged from California to New York, Arizona to Kentucky, and Illinois to Texas. Folks I may never meet in person, but who have come across God’s Words because of this site, and now have His Words planted in their hearts. Others have reached out to me for prayer, believing someone on the other end was faithful to do what they said they would. How amazing!

And did I say people in my community have been reached? They have. Little did I know the first challenge was going to affect so many family members (six come to mind) of one gal who experienced a makeover in the way she viewed food and also lost fifteen pounds. How could I have known another gal during this challenge would experience some extremely turbulent times and need prayer to help not only see her through, but also provide peace and comfort in the life of her loved one? How was I to know yet another gal would need support and encouragement as her family faced unexpected trials in their lives? I didn’t know. But I do know God was in it ALL and I am grateful I (as well as others) were able to be a part of it. I also had no clue my husband would regain confidence and energy, and my children would begin to learn how certain foods affect them, because of what began here. I have also been pleasantly surprised by the passion and deepening love that has grown for my family and others, as a result.

This is what I pray continues, my passion to allow God to move me as needed (even if it seems unorthodox), in order to reach, love and help others. I don’t need to create and sell art to do that. I don’t need to be a part of Shakeology, Arbonne, It Works! or some other company to do that. I don’t even need to come up with my own product to sell, to do that. In fact, I’m kind of uncomfortable with all those ideas, it just doesn’t seem to fit – for me personally. And the restaurant idea? I still like it.

So what’s next? I’m entering a season of deliberate prayer. Sure I pray. I pray for my husband and kiddos. I pray for the ladies in our challenges. I pray for those I come into contact with. I pray before devotions. But I keep envisioning when Jesus would depart from the people for prayer and fasting and a time of drawing close to God only to re-enter strengthened in the Holy Spirit. I’m not sure what exactly this looks like, but I sense it is going to be important. Maybe it will be the book I sense I am to write. Remember that? Or it will be continuing on? Or maybe it will be something I haven’t even been able to imagine yet! But I do know it will be God, and that will be GOOD!

Have a great day!