The past couple of years have been a changing of seasons in my life of ministry. I have always been a huge proponent of being obedient to God, even when it didn’t make a lick of sense. It didn’t make sense that He would save me from myself, and yet He did. I vowed from that moment that I would do whatever or go wherever He asked of me. I mean, how could I not?! 
Over a decade ago, God led me on journey to Africa. I had no intentions of doing ministry in Africa and even tried to run from it when it came to mind.
Our family had sponsored a young girl from Compassion International. Her name was Glory. She was 8 years old when our family began sponsoring her. I remember thinking that there had to be more than this when I would receive her letters, but I didn’t know what that more was. She would draw pictures of me in an airplane window and write letters asking when I was coming to see her. I can remember sitting in my living room chair saying to myself, “I’m not going to Africa.” The next thing I knew I was being led to pursue missions in Africa and would eventually be called by God to lead a ministry in Uganda that would expand to Kenya and South Sudan. All this did not take place in day, nor did it come without pain and sacrifice. But God did the amazing work of transforming lives, communities and hearts through the ministry that so many had been a part of. I think I can safely say that those that volunteered on mission had their own lives and hearts transformed. I could write a book on the wonders that God has done over the past ten years, and some day, I may.
Today, however, that season has come to a close. This year the word God gave me was “listen.” I didn’t understand the full meaning of listen until I began searching the scriptures. Listen is always coupled with obedience. For most of us, we don’t listen with the intent to do something, rather we listen halfheartedly with the intent to respond so that we ourselves can be heard. We’ve all done it. We’ve been in that conversation just waiting for the other person to stop talking so that we can reply with our own thoughts. This time was no different. I heard God clearly over the past several months, but tuned Him out. Why? Because I didn’t want the change. I thought maybe my plan was better and that I would continue on, or that I wasn’t hearing God clearly. Change is difficult. Finally, like Samuel in the scriptures, I stopped listening to outside voices and my own, and said, “Speak God, I’m listening.” (1 Sam. 3)
When we abide in Christ and rest in him and truly begin to listen carefully, without interruption, amazing things happen. And for the record, amazing things can be painful! As I was listening while reading the scriptures, God brought me to John 15:2 “Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit.” Did you catch that? He prunes every branch, good and bad. He prunes the bad because it’s not useful, and the good, yes the good, He prunes so that it will produce more fruit. I know without a doubt the ministry God allowed me to lead in Africa was good and producing much fruit. I know that God’s plans are far greater than mine ever could be. I know that He had been telling me to step down and allow someone else to take the torch. I know His plans are for good and not destruction. It doesn’t mean that it’s not painful. How do I know? Because I took the time to listen through prayer and fasting, through reading His word, and then through the step of obedience. A friend of mine gave me some much needed encouragement when she said, “I have learned this past year that even when I know I am in God’s will, what hurts is supposed to hurt. While you are being held in His hands, he is also catching your tears and comforting you.” I think anyone that has gone through change can take comfort in those six words..”What hurts is supposed to hurt.”
So while the hurting is going on, I know that God is still on His throne and setting all things in motion according to His plans and purposes. It’s not the end, but the beginning of something new. A new season of obedience within a new season of ministry. I have peace in knowing the God of the universe that has called me in and out of different areas of ministry will continue until I stand before Him in all His glory. My hope is to hear the sweet words, “well done, my good and faithful servant.” All for His glory. His will, His way.
“LORD, thank you that you know what’s best in our lives. Forgive us for those times when we don’t listen. When we are too busy making our own plans rather than trusting Yours. Thank you for entrusting the care of a beautiful missions ministry to me for over a decade, and now allowing me to step down, not without tears or grieving, but in knowing that You will be faithful to continue the work in Africa and in my life. May You be glorified in and through this new season and in the changing seasons to come. May all of us take time to listen and more importantly to abide in You. Without You we are nothing and can do nothing. Let us just be the branch and let you do the work. Thank you that seasons may change in our lives, but You God never change. ” In Jesus Name. Amen
Proverbs 3:6-10; John 15; Matthew 25:23
Tethered Love 
this is such a lovely message for all of us. I am but a babe learning to crawl right now but am trying to learn to listen. sometimes what I hear is scary and I pray God will teach me to trust His plan for me.
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