One of my new favorite things is introducing this wonderful community to new writers. It is a delight to share the words of Lesley Crawford today. She is a faithful member of this community even though she might be new to you. How I wish I knew her in real life because her words have been blessing me since I used to link up and write with the Five Minute Friday community. I’m pretty sure I won’t be meeting Lesley anytime soon since she lives in Scotland, but I won’t say never.
Soak in Lesley’s story of what it looks like when God calls us to surrender and the incredible blessings that followed when she said “Yes”. And then head over HERE to read more of her words.
Here’s Lesley’s story:
There’s something I’ve always admired about Jesus’ disciples.
Despite the many occasions where they get it wrong, when we first meet them they begin by getting it absolutely right. As they work by the shore, fishing and mending their nets, Jesus appears. His call is simple, but enigmatic:
Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people. (Mark 1:17 NLT)
And, immediately, they leave their nets and go.
When I try to imagine myself in that scene, the outcome is a little different. I want to go, but I can almost hear the questions tumbling out:
“But, Jesus, what exactly do you mean? Where are you asking me to follow you to? What will it involve? How long will I be away from home? If I leave my fishing business, how will I make a living? Is this going to be dangerous?”
And when I imagine Jesus’ response, I have a feeling it may be similar to Mary Poppins’ answer to the Banks children in the new movie:
“We’re on the brink of an adventure, children. Don’t spoil it with too many questions.”
Although, by nature, I like to be in control, to know what’s happening, and to understand what I’m signing up for before I commit, over the last few years I have been learning gradually to embrace the adventure of following Jesus, and it all began with a single word…
Surrender.
Towards the end of 2015, I encountered the idea of having a word for the year. The thinking is that instead of making lots of New Year’s resolutions, you choose a single word as a focus. I liked the idea but, as I prayed about which word to choose, I was less excited by the word that came to mind.
It truly was the first act of surrender to accept the word and, like the disciples, I embarked on a journey with no idea where it would take me.
The year that followed was an amazing adventure. Saying “yes” to God led me to places I’d never have expected but brought blessings beyond anything I could have imagined.
One of these was becoming part of a new church plant in the community where I live. I was apprehensive and there were many uncertainties, but when it became clear that it was where God was leading me, I had to say “yes.”
I am so glad I did! Having struggled with church for years, I have finally found a place to belong and a wonderful group of people that feels like a family. It has been so rewarding to work together and see God impact our community.
Another unexpected surrender was giving up the pseudonym I used for my first year of blogging to write under my real name. I still remember my fear as I hit “publish” on that post, but it was undoubtedly the right decision.
It opened up new writing opportunities, helped me find my voice, and grew my confidence in gradually sharing more openly with others.
And as I look back now, three years on, it is amazing to see the ongoing results of surrender to God, because last year it led to the fulfilment of a long-held dream.
Around six years ago, I had an idea for a curriculum for Christian groups in primary schools to help them explore the storyline of the Bible and understand how it fits together. I put a lot of work into it, I used it with one group of children, and I longed to share it with others, but there was no opportunity at the time.
After sharing about my writing with someone last year I told him about the resource and, all of a sudden, I received the encouragement and support that I needed to work on it and to share it.
Since the resource launched last August around 100 groups have been using it, and I have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback and the way God has multiplied the impact of my work beyond anything I would have imagined.
But it would never have happened without the surrender.
Looking back, I can see how God was working during those years of waiting to prepare me for what was to come. Each step we take in obedience to God paves the way for what is next, but we rarely get to see the whole journey in advance.
Join us at #TellHisStory as Lesley Crawford shares how our part in surrender is to simply say "yes". @lesleyc1819 #featuredwriter Share on XI think I’m finally learning that it doesn’t really matter whether we can see the way ahead. God knows exactly where he is leading us and, if we trust him, he will take us there, one step at a time.
Our part is simply to say “yes”.
Where is God calling you to step out in surrender today?
Share some love today and let others know about Lesley and the #TellHisStory community.
Blessings,
Image credits:
https://pixabay.com/photos/yes-summer-write-sand-holiday-2076813/
https://pixabay.com/photos/walk-path-walking-feet-trail-2635038/
https://unsplash.com/photos/etzeCeDY-t8
Surrender is what Good Friday is all about. When we say yes, we are joined on any scary road and it’s always worth it – Congratulations on all counts!
Thanks, Sue! Yes, Jesus’ surrender is the most important of all and it is encouraging that he knows what it is like to surrender even when it is hard.
“Yes” to God. You have inspired me to figure out what “Yes” it is God wants for me and from me.
Thanks, Maree! So glad it has inspired you!
Oh my friend, this encouraged me SO much! I am praising the Lord for what He done with your “yes” to His glory!! Wow! And your first point about the disciples- I needed that. Thank you! May we live surrendered!
Thanks, Bethany! I’m s glad it encouraged you!
Hi Mary,
Lovely to meet you through Lesley’s guest appearance 😀
I love that your program has grown Lesley! Praise God for your surrendered heart.
Happy Easter to you both,
Jennifer
Thanks for visiting me here, Jennifer! Happy Easter to you too!
The yes is worth it!
It definitely is! Thanks, Tara!
What an amazing story of the blessing of obedience and joining God in His work. Amazing. laurensparks.net
Thanks, Lauren! Yes, there are amazing blessings when we surrender to God!
Lesley, I’ve been reading your words since you were anonymous, so I remember a lot of the parts and piece of your story. But it’s fun to see how it all fits together, how one thing led to another to get you where you are today. And Mary, thanks so much for opening your blog up to these guest voices … each one has been so good!
Thanks, Lois! I’ve always appreciated your words and your encouragement through this whole journey. It is fun to look back and see how God has been at work.
Sometimes that first step of surrender is so hard, but God is so faithful and continually leads us. Your story is so inspiring, and even though the surrender was hard at times, God has used you to bless many others. Thank you for sharing this story. Blessings to you, Lesley! And to you, Mary, as you host this linkup and share your own stories with us.
Thanks, Gayl! It is amazing what God can do when we surrender to him. Blessings to you too!
I had to smile at your story, Lesley. This is my first year for a word of the year. I was less than thrilled at first too, but I have been learning and growing by focusing on this word. I guess that’s why “surrender” is needed! 🙂
I love how God can use a single word to have such an impact on us, even if it’s not a word we would have chosen for ourselves!
Thanks for sharing this story today, Lesley and Mary! God’s ways are so much higher than ours. He is so amazing, that He had you work on that curriculum and then wait on Him, surrendering it all, until HE knew the time was right. What an encouragement and confirmation for me today also–He sees and knows each step ahead, and my surrenders are all held so safely by Him! Blessings to you both!
Thanks, Bettie! It is so encouraging to know that God has good plans for us and that his timing is perfect
I so enjoyed reading your story! When we think of surrender, we often think of the really big decisions. But you’ve reminded me that we need to surrender in all the smaller steps along the way in order to be ready for the “big” ones.
Thanks, Barbara! Yes, I think surrendering to God in small ways can prepare us for the bigger ones. I definitely noticed that during my year focusing on the word. As I surrendered in small ways, I was more open to trust God for the bigger things.
This is amazing! I love to hear about how God brought you into a new place of freedom and adventure with Him.
And the reminder from Mary Poppins is perfect for our faith!
Thanks, Becky! Yes, I liked that line from the film. It is a good reminder not to ask too many questions but to embrace the adventure!
Lesley, this is such a beautiful post about God’s goodness. I suspect, when He gave you that word, Surrender, He may have had a twinkle in His eye, because He was already envisioning all He was going to do with and inside you.
I love reading about how He shows up, and He’s done that big-time in your life. I appreciate the reminder to say “Yes” when God calls. 🙂
Thanks, Jeanne! Yes, it is encouraging to remember that God knows exactly what he’s calling us to even if we can’t see the way ahead, and to know that his plans for us are good.
Wow, Lesley! I learned at least 2 new things about you! That is so awesome about the Bible curriculum! It was all a matter of God’s timing, it sounds like. And I love that you participated in a church plant since that’s what I did in the Middle East. It’s so true that you can find your place more easily in a smaller group. I loved it. Blessings on your ministry, friend!
Thanks, Betsy! Definitely God’s timing with the Bible curriculum. I had put so much work into it years ago and it had sat on my computer for ages, then it all suddenly happened very quickly! And I love that you have been blessed by participating in a church plant too!
Lesley, thank you for sharing your story. This is what I will be thinking on today: “Each step we take in obedience to God paves the way for what is next, but we rarely get to see the whole journey in advance.” So true and yet how we long to know where we are going and the outcome. May God help us to be faithful, trusting and obeying Him. Blessings!
Thanks, Joanne! Yes, I definitely still struggle with wanting to know the outcome sometimes. It’s important to trust in God’s faithfulness. Blessings to you too!
What an inspiring story, Lesley! Surrending to God with “yes” might be scary, but so worth it. Congrats on your writing curriculum! Gods timing is absolutely perfect.
Thanks, Tiffiney! Yes, it can be scary but definitely worthwhile! It’s amazing to look back and see how God was working everything together at just the right time!
Dear Lesley, I love that you not only speak into our lives but even more so, are sharing Christ’s redemption story with the next generation.
What a legacy you’re living out!
What an inspiring story of obedience. ❤ Thank you for sharing this, Lesley, and Mary for inviting Lesley. Amazing where a simple yes can take us as we surrender to God’s plan.
Thanks, Linda! It’s amazing how God can do so much more than we imagine when we surrender to him!
What an encouraging post that shares how God worked in and throughout your times of “yes.” I know that I’m like you in the fact that I would’ve had so many questions in my response to Jesus. A good reminder of our great need to surrender!!
Thanks, April! I’m glad it encouraged you. I’m glad it’s not just me who can get caught up in wanting to know all the details sometimes!
Thanks for letting me share here, Mary! I always love taking part in #TellHisStory. And if you ever decide to visit Scotland, let me know!
What an inspiring story of obedience. ❤ Thank you for sharing this, Lesley, and Mary for inviting Lesley. Amazing where a simple yes can take us as we surrender to God’s plan.
Thanks, Anna! Yes, it’s amazing what God can do when we are open to his leading!