When God Leads You Into Scary


I never would have done it. Not in a million years. But then I felt the God-nudge.

And ya’ll, I’m helpless against the God-nudge.

So when God surprised me by leading me in a direction I hadn’t really considered, once the shock subsided, my goals were simple: (1) Make sure I had heard clearly, and (2) Obey Him.

It sounds so simple, doesn’t it?

Two little steps and bammo. Done. Aside from a racing heart, nausea, and the fear bombarding my mind and heart, there was really nothing to it. *grin*

If God has ever led you in a direction you didn’t expect (or if you sense He is doing so right now…) it’s easy to fall into the trap of clinging to the familiar and comfortable because of fear, and thinking it couldn’t possibly be God, because why would He ever lead us into scary?

But consider the Israelites who, though they longed for freedom, so feared change and the unknown they contemplated returning to slavery when they were well on their way to the promised land.

And just like the Israelites, we cannot get to the promise land without occasionally walking through scary.

Scary means different things to different folks: a job/career change; any sudden change of plans; staying when you’d rather leave; leaving when you’d rather stay; confrontation you’d rather avoid; insert your scary situation here _____________.
So, how do we navigate our way when God surprises us by leading us into scary?

1.    Pray, pray, pray. Ask God to establish His will, conform your thoughts to His, and help you to clearly perceive the right way to go—even when it feels scary. 
2.    Give yourself time to process what God has spoken to you. Mull it over. Sleep on it. Ponder it. Remember, to be overhasty is to sin and miss the mark. (Proverbs 19:2)
3.    Talk to your spouse or a trusted close friend. It is wise to discuss what you sense God is telling you to do with someone close to you. In a multitude of counsel there is safety. (Proverbs 11:14)
4.    Follow after peace. It’s important that we follow after peace (in spite of any underlying fear of the scary step…). Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and His voice and gentle leading in our lives will always be accompanied by peace. Colossians 3:15 says that peace is the umpire that calls the shots in our lives. 
5.    Ask God to help you obey. Most of us will need encouragement and strength to willingly walk toward scary. I know I sure do. Pray for a willing heart and strength!
6.    Step out in faith and say Yes! Ultimately it comes down to trust. Do we trust God enough to walk into scary? (And know for certain you will not walk alone!) You could wind up on the adventure of your life!


My scary scenario ended well, and though it was a complete course-change for me, God made it abundantly clear it was the way for me to go. He was in every surprising detail and orchestrated my way. And I truly believe He will do the same for you!

I don’t know what God-nudge you may be sensing, but I do know when we seek after Him with all of our hearts, He will make our paths straight and give us boldness and peace--even when He leads us into scary. 




11 comments:

Esther Stoltzfoos said...

Thanks girl.I am at this point in life right now. I must hear what God is saying and walk in obedience to him. I love my God and He loves me and we are a team. Other then that right now I am enjoying my Children and Grands. Love you.
God Bless.

Susan said...

Thanks for the great, practical advice, Julie. I'm glad you follow His nudges. It might mean growth for you, but it means blessings for the rest of us!

Karen said...

You are such an encourager! I thank God for you!

Jill Beran said...

Great post Julie! It's so true He does lead us into scary, but I love your bit about peace...that has been the clincher for me! The center of His will is the safest place to be...even when it's scary! I believe that's something He will have to remind me of until heaven!! :) Thanks again, Jill

Hester's Heart said...

Good Word Julie! And, such a great application from the life of the Israelites - there is so much I dislike about them and right about the time I point my finger I realize there is much of them in me! uuggh!

God bless you and thank you for this courageous call!
Love, Hester ;)

Kim said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kim said...

Julie,
I so needed to read this today! I am facing a difficult decision right now. I have been a stay at home mom for the past 9 yrs. Both of my daughters will be in school all day this year and my husband wants me to go back to work. But I am struggling with it because I feel that I'm not ready. I love being at home and I was looking forward to having the entire day to myself (I know it sounds selfish). I have been praying about it, but still don't know what to do. My husband is a teacher and he found a couple of openings in our school system which would actually work perfectly for us. It would be around our girls schedule, I would be off when they are, and it is only part time. I know that we could use the extra money as things have been tight with me being home, but we made it work all these years.
The negatives for me would be that I would have to give up being a part of two groups I am involved in and that is really hard for me. I feel like I still need them.
There has been a feeling inside of me that just doesn't want to go back to work yet and I don't know what to do. Would you please pray for me? Thanks again for this post. Blessings, Kim

Julie Gillies said...

Hi Kim,

There are seasons in our life for everything, and perhaps one season is over and a new one beginning. If that's the case, God will give you grace, and though you give up one thing, He will give you the new thing He has in store when you release the old. I've added you to my prayer list and believe God will enable you to clearly perceive His will!

Blessings to you!

Mining for Diamonds said...

What a timely word! I'm in the midst of stepping into scary myself right now. I'm excited, and confident that this is God's leading. I don't know how it's going to happen, because it requires resources that I don't have right now. But I can't wait to see how He provides! Thank you for sharing!

AmyAlves said...

This is so true Julie. I have seen God work miracles in my life when I choose to step out with some faith in His love for me. What an adventure our lives are becoming, yes? This is such a great word sister! Thank you! ~ Blessings from Maine, Amy

Kristi Butler said...

Great post, Julie! Your second point was one that stands out for me. We do need to take time to process the situation and pray it through.

Thanks for your encouragement!

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