Let me tell you a story.
In July of 2006, I was working as a camp counselor at Camp Ba Yo Ca. It was a tough week. It was hot, I was tired, and some of my campers were difficult to get along with. I remember Tuesday of that week so clearly -- that night was going to be the weekly hiking trip and overnight camp-out on the mountain, and I was dreading it! Like really, really dreading it.
At chapel that morning, one of the younger counselors did sign language to the song "You Raise Me Up." I'm pretty sure that was one of the first times I'd heard that song. The words washed over me, overwhelmingly, speaking to me right where I was. You raise me up so I can stand on mountains. Suddenly I had the strength to go climb that mountain -- and camp out on it -- strength I had completely lacked just a few minutes before. I am strong when I am on Your shoulders.
I remember that song playing in my mind all day long that day. But it wasn't in the annoying, song-stuck-in-your-head way. Rather, it was like God used the words to carry me through that difficult day, one step at a time.
Since that week, I've often named "You Raise Me Up" as one of my favorite songs. I like to listen to Josh Groban, the Celtic Woman, Selah, or anyone else sing it. But I don't remember it ever speaking to me and blessing me like it did that morning at chapel....... until tonight.
Currently, I have a big opportunity in front of me that's both scary and exciting. I haven't shared it with many people yet... if it all works out, I'll tell you about it, so until then just take my word for it :-) Let's just say it's an opportunity that involves standing on some mountains and some strength I don't know if I have. The website is open on my browser, staring at me all day long, waiting for me to work up the courage to make a decision. It's been consuming my thoughts for several days.
And tonight, I was listening to Pandora while editing some pictures, and the Celtic Woman singing "You Raise Me Up" comes on. I hummed along through the first verse and chorus, distracted by my work....and then somewhere in the second chorus, it hit me. Listen to the words! So I did. And again, just like that morning at camp years ago, I was overwhelmed by what they were saying to me.
You raise me up so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on Your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be
I'm afraid of the "leap of faith" that is before me, but I want the courage to take it.
He will give me the courage....He will "raise me up."
I will not walk into this alone or unprotected. He is my strength, and with Him I can do it.
With Him I am more than I can be on my own.
You raise me up. Thank You, Jesus.
To say that first week was tough is an understatement!
ReplyDeleteYour dad and I have watched you do some very courageous, very difficult, very stretching, very wonderful things as you've continued to step out in faith since then. I just don't think you always see it or realize it.
You are right where God wants you, and if you know...which I think you do...that He is going before you, then you can rest assured "He will not allow your foot to slip." He will catch you and not let you fall. As you put your full trust in Him, He is going to bless your socks off. Growing may be hard. It may stretch you more. It usually does. But, you have His promises and His guidance, and His assurance that He will complete the good work.....whatever that looks like. You are stronger than you know! And, God is your strength. My gracious. I don't know that I could ever get on a plane alone and fly 1/2 way around the world to spend a month ministering to children.
And, if you know He has called you to this, then you can know 110% that He will equip you for it. We have full confidence in you and His work in you.