Greetings, Everyone!
And to those visiting, I say welcome. Okay, here's where I usually mention that I post every Wednesday, and I do, really. I think I've been AWOL only a few times in the past several years. This past Wednesday was one of those days. As some of you know, I serve as an on-call radio host for a two hour talk show (Along the Way - AM 900 - Faith Radio Network). Anyway, I hosted the show from Wednesday through Friday and never had a minute downtime in between. So sorry I missed you.
One more little blip I need to share. This Monday I leave for Chicago on a publicity trip. I return later in the day on Wednesday. If I'm still standing upright, I'll post that night, otherwise, next week's post will show up on Thursday. We should be on track after that! Thanks for your patience.
Two more orders of business...
Each month I give away a $10.00 Starbucks gift card to someone who posts on my blog. So share a story or insight, bless lots of people, and just maybe you'll win a jolt of java for you and a friend.
NEW RELEASE!!!
I am very excited to announce the release of my newest book, "Embracing Your Freedom: A Personal Experience in God's Heart for Justice."
Make my day and pick up a copy today! I believe the message of this book is an important word for women in our day. Follow the Amazon link below to get a look at my book:
Now, on to my topic...
A couple of hours ago I enjoyed a nice cardio workout at the YMCA. While I worked up a sweat on the machines, I stared out the window at the beautiful sky. Hazy clouds took on a yellowish glow as the sun reflected through them. Our great God, who put the stars in their place, is intimately engaged with us on this journey. He is a present and loving Father. He is our help in time of need. And He is beyond good when it comes to the desires of our heart.
While there is much focus and emphasis on all that is crumbling in our midst, God is still doing a new thing. You've heard it said, "When closes a door, He opens a window." As cliche as that may sound, it's beautifully true. He loves His children. He hears our passionate cries and He moves heaven and earth to get good gifts to His children.
But sometimes those 'gifts' don't always feel so good.
When God opens up a new opportunity and shows us a new possibility, the thought of it excites us, right? But when we take the steps to move in that direction, our sense of security falters. We're leaving the 'known zone' for something altogether different. And just because we feel a little (or a lot) afraid, does it mean that God is not in it? Not necessarily! His peace is our guide and if we have no peace, we should take no steps in that direction. But if His peace is present and His word is confirmed in us, then we need to move ahead regardless of how uncomfortable the unknown might be.
I wrote this in my new book, "Embracing Your Freedom" and it's important to remember:
When God says, 'Go!' it's more dangerous to stay behind. There is less risk in moving into the unknown than in lagging behind in disobedience and unbelief."
Are the 'known' things slipping out of your fingertips? Is your once comfortable existence shaking beneath you? How easy it is to be swallowed up in despair and fear! But have no fear! God still answers prayers, still cares about the desires of your heart, and He does new things every single day. He is doing a new thing on your behalf right now.
As uncomfortable as it might feel, embrace the unknown if that's where He's leading you. Take His hand and trust His heart. He is good and He is totally and completely in love with you.
"Yet, I still belong to You. You are holding my right hand. You will keep on guiding me with Your counsel, leading me on to a glorious destiny" (Psalm 73:23).
~ Until next Wednesday (or Thursday). :)
Have a blessed week.
Dear Cindy,
You are on to something! I devote a whole chapter in the 'Freedom' book to re-routing our thoughts. There will be no victory or freedom without a renewed mind. May God lead you to paths of peace and joy and show you all He is up to in your life! Blessings to you, sister!
Posted by: Susie Larson | October 28, 2009 at 06:09 PM
Dear Kimberlee,
For those of us who are serious about following His lead, I believe we are going to have more and more opportunities to step up and step out in faith! Here's to living a life that pleases Him! That's living!
Posted by: Susie Larson | October 28, 2009 at 05:38 PM
Dear Kathy,
I was equally blessed to pray with you for your friend Holly. I know God wanted us to pray for her. May God's healing hand restore her in every way. Blessings to you, my sister.
Posted by: Susie Larson | October 28, 2009 at 05:36 PM
Rachel,
Good for you! May you follow Him into the faith-zone, wherever He leads! And may you have a blessed and powerful retreat!
Posted by: Susie Larson | October 28, 2009 at 05:34 PM
Dear Mary,
So glad the post blessed you. Have a great day!
Posted by: Susie Larson | October 28, 2009 at 05:25 PM
thank you so much for the program on Tues 10/27. My husband and I listened in the car as I drove him to a doctor appt in Iowa City. Key phrases that blessed me: insecurity can be self-centerednesss. also, you don't have to live in the valley, there are victories inthis life too, and, a season is just that, a season, not a lifetime... I've been studying insecurity, as a root of my anxiety; several sources recently, book by Robin Weidner, book by Angela Thomas about righteous confidence, my pastor is speaking on it. you encouraged me to major on the positives! feel I/we have analyzed the negative so long; when we will practice the joyful truth that Jesus loves me, and it does make a difference!
Posted by: Cindy | October 28, 2009 at 03:59 PM
Whenever I fear the unknown, I will remember it is much more dangerous to stay put.
Can't wait to see you tomorrow!!!
Posted by: kimberlee | October 26, 2009 at 04:45 PM
A timely encouragement for me today too. As life transitions to empty nest in about a year, and things have shifted in our economy/ my husband's business, we have been "waiting on the Lord" for "whats next?"...and new things that have been simmering in my heart are beginning to open up. On the cusp of adventure is that little presence of fear of the unknown, but as you said, to stay put is to stagnate and regress, so grabbing His hand I go moving on to a new adventure!
Thanks for grabbing my hand last weekend and praying for my dear freind Holly, I had the opportunity to lay hands on her today, and refresh her. We are holding onto the promise to SEE THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING!
I love you Susie! Thanks for your heart, your faith in Jesus and your obedience to His voice!
Posted by: Kathy S | October 26, 2009 at 03:25 PM
So glad I already won a copy of your book on Facebook. I know that I know that I know that I need to read this book!! Praying that you will sell many copies.
Thanks for sharing this today. Stepping into the unknown AGAIN...as the women's retreat I have been a part of organizing is taking place THIS Saturday!
Posted by: Rachel | October 26, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Thanks Susie! This is just what I needed to hear today!
Posted by: Mary | October 24, 2009 at 08:45 PM