honestly homebody

If there is something I know and love to experience are mountain tops. The thrill of the elevation and the majestic views are inspiring! I look back and realize the climb was—Oh so worth it! Those mountain top moments came with a price whether I know it or not. There have been times in my childhood when I just happened to be placed on these mountain tops only from the joy of living life, walking along friends, and not knowing there was risk going that high. I was raised as a middle child of three girls and to say I was independent was an understatement because I loved to explore, I pretty much could disappear without anyone notice until a lot of time had passed, and I wanted to move my body. In that time of my life the last thing I wanted to do was stay home. Thankfully, God was ever present and watching from heaven above.

The irony of my current circumstances is that I’m proud to say I’m a homebody, I only venture off to places I feel safe, and when I step into rooms or space that I don’t then I know the only reason I’m there is because God made a way! There is no other way I would want it to be. Like Moses when he spoke to the Lord and said…“ If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place. How will anyone know that you look favorably on me—on me and on your people—if you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people on the earth.” Exodus 33:15-16 (NLT). I don’t want it, I want God’s way. I know my flesh may desire things and outcomes, but if it’s not God’s way then it will not suffice. God’s way is truly better. Fortunately, God is oh so good! He responds to us the way He responded to Moses. “The Lord replied to Mosses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name.” Exodus 33:17 (NLT) God is a good heavenly Father. He knows you by name. He knows every single one of us. He calls us gently like a whisper in the wind, yet all we have to do is respond in obedience, open our hearts to align, and desire what god wants for us. He is always there and makes a way to those mountain top moments.

The climb is treacherous at times, no doubt will we be tested on the way, and other times maybe not even notice because we have our gaze on our Lord Jesus, we’re to endure those moments of pressure and not give up (I repeat do not give up!) because just when you feel like you can’t go any further or wait patiently any longer that’s when God sees our heart or faithfulness. He makes a way when you see no way.

I just experienced another moment like this when I wanted to give up. I had a Jonah and the whale moment for the past few weeks leading up to Holy Week, I slipped back into the backseat of my faith. I wanted to ignore the calling that I knew God was calling me towards, but there seemed to be so much resistance from other people, some worldly some fellow Christians that didn’t understand what God was asking of me. I just wanted all the noise, hate, and doubt that was coming my way that I figured it was best to play safe and blend into the crowd. Yet the Lord calls us and gives us more chances than we deserve, I have to admit—it hurts my heart to disappoint His heart. Our love, my relationship with Jesus won’t give up! I have seen and experienced too much to ever give up on this journey.

My natural response is to follow and like Moses I say to our victorious King Jesus “…Then show me your glorious presence.” Exodus 33:18 (NLT). I need to be in His presence through worship, through moments of prayer throughout my day, and through the moments in personal Bible study. That lifestyle equips, strengthens, and engages me to reflect on His love for me and how the Holy Spirit will guide me further as long as I surrender to His will. He will comfort us in these moments and will be our rock, a firm foundation. “ Then the Lord replied, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose…The Lord continued, “Look, stand near me on this rock. As my glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and let you see me from behind. But my face will not be seen.” Exodus 33:19-23 (NLT) In this time in the Old Testament, God’s people could not look directly at Him, but now because of Jesus our Lord and Savior, who conquered death we can all be in God’s presence. We’re redeemed from the great fall of Adam and Eve. It’s not just a story, it is the living word. His word is true and this faith walk is yours to follow if you too decide to surrender and begin this journey.

“May the Lord bless you and protect you.

May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.

May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace.”

Numbers 6:24-26

In Jesus name, Amen.