One of my favorite movies is "Field of Dreams," because it echoes the spiritual journey.

There is the poor guy trying to farm, and a voice tells him (amplified by a vision) to build a baseball field where his corn stands. This is not a whole lot different from the normal Christian life.  God is constantly nudging me to gain skills, form friendships, and perform chores that don't make good sense to my selfish soul.  However, I have learned to just go ahead and take the journey when He leads.  There is always that "aha!" revelation at the end.  I see a symmetry, a justification after all the twists and turns along the trail.

Does this sound foreign to you?  Are you unaccustomed to hearing God's voice?  Look around you.  Listen closely.  If you have accepted Jesus as God's son and taken advantage of the offer of adoption (John 1:8)  He is attempting to speak to you.  Is there a green light of opportunity?  That is God's voice.  A new friend or a stranger in need?  The Holy Spirit is energizing you for action. How about an unfilled position at church?  There is your calling.  


As God gave me each of three wonderful children, I heard Him whisper to my heart plans for them.  I waited an worked, as parents do, sometimes wondering how God planned to get three rebel rascals to act as soldiers in His kingdom.  Now, I enjoy those "aha" moments when I read their testimonies online, see their work among junior high schoolers. 

Last year, our church was supposed to help build a roof on a Belizean church.  Instead, they dug a foundation for a radio tower.  This project caught their imaginations, strained their backs, and gave them great joy as they saw the dream completed.  This year, our church building project in Belize has been changed and sidetracked five ways.  We look forward eagerly to seeing what God will work out.  It must all congeal soon, because the first team leaves in two weeks. 

How concerned is God about our finances and deadlines?  We exist in time...He creates time.  He holds all things together.  I feel sure that when we look back, we will see that what He really wanted was a blank check from our church.  Not a pet project or sacrifice, but just a willingness.  Isn't the ultimate love-gift an unconditional chunk of time given to our loved ones? That's what God desires from us, His beloved bride.  He will take care of the details when we trust them to Him.  We can't count on health, prosperity, or ease, but we can always count on Him to show up.  And that makes all the chores seem pleasant and sweet.