Is God Calling You to Go Out On a Limb?

By Judy Johnston

I’ve been reading through Max Lucado’s book, “God Came Near” with a new friend.  I met Michelle at church in a small group and since then we have had some sweet times of fellowship together. 

“God Came Near,” was the first Max Lucado book that I read and it has been a pleasure to re-read it with Michelle.  The day I gave her the book we were at the beach.  Michelle was so excited she couldn’t sleep and I remember waking up at 3AM and hearing her in the bathroom with the door closed reading aloud to herself in a whisper, the first chapter of the book.  It is a precious memory of two ladies beginning an exciting adventure into a new friendship. 

The book is especially nice to read before Christmas.  Lucado expands our mindset on the incarnation of Christ.  This week we went over the chapter about the Joseph and the risks that he took when he trusted God for his future and the future of his family.  Lucado’s word picture was of Joseph being, “out on a limb.”  Let me tell you it was a tiny little branch with the weight of the world on it, ready to fracture at any minute. 

Can you imagine putting yourself in Joseph’s place and thinking of what you would have to do to stand beside Mary and take her as his wife? Here’s a partial list:

To stand beside Mary, Joseph had to:

·        Ignore the gossip

·        Defend her

·        Protect her

o   From rumors

o   From a tyrannical King who killed babies

o   From his synagogue, who would tell him to divorce and let her suffer her own shame

o   From his own arguing family-his parents would have demanded his loyalty to them

·        Trust Mary, God & Gabriel in impossible circumstances

·        Provide for her pregnancy

 

In the bible study that follows the 3 page chapter, Lucado asks many questions that maybe you should ask yourself.

 

In what ways today does God call us to venture into the unknown?

 

When have you felt God asked you to go out on a limb for Him?

How did you respond?

What were the results?

 

We are constantly confronted with this comfort zone that we live in.  Like a bubble it can keep us from experiencing the fullness of what God has for us.  Yes, we are safe and taken care of but never-the-less God calls us to something more.  Life without risks is daily, uneventful.  I’m so glad I have always answered “Yes” to God’s requests of me to take a chance on the unknown.  Lucado’s final question is telling, “Is God calling me to go out on a limb? “  Ask yourself; maybe just maybe God has a new plan for your life in 2013?

A Quick Word -- Acts 26

Paul’s conversion Acts 26:15-18
 
New International
            “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’
            “ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ¹⁶ ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. ¹⁷ I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them ¹⁸ to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ 

The Message:

            The voice answered, 'I am Jesus, the One you're hunting down like an animal. But now, up on your feet—I have a job for you. I've handpicked you to be a servant and witness to what's happened today, and to what I am going to show you.
             ^17-18"'I'm sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I'm sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.'

            Paul’s commission: Jesus’ words, “I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light…”

• Paul’s aim in converting:
• To open their eyes
• Turn them from dark to light
• Turn them from Satan to God
• Present Jesus’ offer of forgiveness of sins
• Offer them a new family of believers
• Offer them the chance to really live by believing in the Savior

       Truly we can do nothing less. Miss Judy

"This is my worship-- Excellency in all that I do."

       

          I walked in the door to find out about curriculum on the Bible.  Our small orientation class was greeted by an energetic man, Dr. Jeff Victor.  I remember getting a packet of information and a kind greeting.  That’s all I remember because all I could think of were databases.  Data it’s what I like, maybe because it is static and unchanging.  So when the presentation was over and Dr. Victor was free from other requests I walked up to him and said, “I do databases.”  Dr. Victor said. “We need you!”  That was my introduction to Summit Bible College.  I had known of its existence since 2000 when I worked with another non-profit here in Bakersfield.  I remember Dr. Victor coming into our building at the time and introducing himself and his new venture, a Bible College right here in Bakersfield. 

          I have only worked part time for a few weeks here at Summit Bible College and my experience has been marvelous.  Never have I been involved with such a devoted, enthusiastic group of people.  Nurturing is hardly the adjective that one in today’s culture would use in conjunction with their job.  But that is exactly what God has given me, a place to grow and become more like Christ every day.  God himself has handed me a group of intense Jesus followers and I have clearly been in awe of the atmosphere around the office. 

          What business starts their day with Worship?  Every day?  It’s an amazing formula: “Here God we offer all that we do today to You!  Please, Bless our efforts on Your behalf to raise a group of Pastors and Christian leaders that have all of the resources they need to minister to Your people.”  I am amazed at the simplicity and the impact that Summit is having in the community.

          I do not come from a Christian background, but individually sought after Jesus as a high school student  Years later when I had my only child I knew that her future commitment to Jesus would be of paramount importance.  As a young mother focus and balance in my marriage & business life seemed impossible.  I learned from joining Bible Study Fellowship that all things are possible with God. 

          It has been a journey of four decades now and I find I am becoming one of God’s saints.  I used to wonder how the people at my church knew all the words to all the hymns as they sat in the pew year after year.  A few weeks ago I realized that now I know all the words to the hymns we sing.  Praise God for seeking me, Praise God for winning me and Praise God for his future ministry that He will do through me, let all the Glory go to God.

          All Your works shall praise You, O Lord,  And Your saints shall bless You.   They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, And talk of Your power, To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, And the glorious majesty of His kingdom.   Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.   Psalm 145:10-13

          Judy Johnston has been a part of ministry for more than 23 years. Currently she is a part of Bible Study Fellowship, ('89 to present) CBC Choir, ('92 to present) AWANA (7 years total-- so far). She also mentors at the SAY Yes! Center. ( '03 to present).

          Recently Judy has joined Summit Bible College as a part time employee helping with the database and the SBC newsletter. Her sweet, loving attitude has been a blessing for all of us. She lives Colossians 3:23 and states "This is my worship-- Excellency in all that I do."