My Faith Was Demanding It

cbtrip-9012-400

Six months ago, I wrote a post stating that I wanted to get my hands dirty.

(Interesting to note that I also wrote posts about other big hairy audacious goals like getting married and having kids. And unfortunately I’ve got nothing to report in either area. NOTHING.)

In the post I said,

It is easy for me to dream of changing the world from the comfort of my living room couch but I lately I have felt called to do more. I want to go to the ends of the earth. And I want to get my hands a little dirty.

And I referenced a quote by Jimmy Carter,

My faith demands -this is not optional-my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I can, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.

So for the last six months, I have been more intentional about finding time to serve. Serve by doing whatever, wherever, whenever.

I have sought out opportunities to pitch in locally. I have become a ‘”lunch buddy” to the-cutest-kindergartner-ever through Preston Taylor Ministries and taken advantage of a handful of serving opportunities at Cross Point.

I even investigated a few opportunities to serve internationally but nothing really was coming together, that is, until last week.

Last week Shaun Groves reached out about the possibility of me joining him, Keely Scott and a team of bloggers in Guatemala in September. Without a moment’s hesitation, I agreed.

This was the opportunity I had been waiting for, the opportunity I had been praying about, the opportunity to get more intimately involved with an organization I am passionate about. My faith was demanding that I say yes. My faith was demanding that I go.

But between you and me, I am more than a little shocked that He is enlisting my help, that He is entrusting me with this opportunity.

Acutely aware of my insecurities and fear, I find myself running to Him for strength. And in a moment of clarity come to realize that this trip is not just about what He can do through me. This trip is also about what He will do in me.

Would you be willing to pray for me, for our team? Pray that over the next few months God would begin to prepare our hearts and our minds for the trip?

And bloggers, would you be willing to help spread the word by adding a little Compassion Bloggers banner to your site? Details here.


Related Posts with Thumbnails
  • http://intensedebate.com/profiles/bahava bahava

    so excited for you!! praying for you guys! :)

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/Lindsey_Nobles Lindsey_Nobles

      Thank you.

  • http://insidemydays.blogspot.com JBussell

    Fantastic! This is a great opportunity. I will definitely be praying for the group as well as you individually. My first international mission trip was this past February to Mali, West Africa. You always hear "that trip changed my life." I think my trip changed my perspective, which in turn changed my life. I'm sure you guys will do amazing things! I can't wait to follow what you have to write during your trip.
    My recent post They Really Are Perceptive

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/Lindsey_Nobles Lindsey_Nobles

      Thanks Jeremy!

  • http://www.paulgardner.info/ Paul Gardner

    Praying that you have a life transforming trip Lindsey (both for you and the kids!)

    I can't put the banners up unfortunately because my denomination has its own child sponsorship program but I pray that the sponsorship pie grows (so all the kids can get more!)
    My recent post The Problem With Default Settings

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/Lindsey_Nobles Lindsey_Nobles

      Thanks Paul. And no worries about the banner. I understand that completely!

  • http://intensedebate.com/profiles/21stcenturyworshipproject Nicole Wick

    What a great honor. I'm so excited for you and and I'll be praying for your trip. I'm so excited to see what God has in store for you

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/Lindsey_Nobles Lindsey_Nobles

      Me too, I am eager to see what God has in store.

  • http://twitter.com/sara_schaffer @sara_schaffer

    God has an amazing way of making us restless before giving us a divine promotion. Congrats on this opportunity, and count me in on the prayer team. I'll especially pray that God keeps you hungry for Him in this process. Blessings and peace to you!

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/Lindsey_Nobles Lindsey_Nobles

      Thanks Sara! I appreciate your prayers. And I love that you are praying for me to be hungry for Him.

  • http://intensedebate.com/profiles/gritandglory alece

    this feels a little bittersweet, but i am really so excited for you! i know how strongly this has been on your heart, and i can only imagine the impact it's going to have on your life (because of my own experiences). i smile just thinking about it all. it's gonna be good, linds. it's gonna be good.

    i'm praying with and for you every step of the way.

    and… thank you for your obedience to Him.

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/Lindsey_Nobles Lindsey_Nobles

      i know. bittersweet. but someday (hopefully in 2011) i will come to south africa and stay with you! thanks for the prayers. can't wait to see you next week. you've been gone a long time.

  • http://www.thestubbornservant.com Nicole Unice

    Lindsey,
    I love this post. I love that you are using your blog to chronicle your life and prayers, and then being a testimony to God's faithfulness through it. Blogger Banner added! Can't wait to read about the trip.

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/Lindsey_Nobles Lindsey_Nobles

      Thanks Nicole!

  • http://intensedebate.com/profiles/rebeccannb rebeccannb

    This is so exciting! I will definitely be praying for you guys!
    My recent post Saturday’s Race

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/Lindsey_Nobles Lindsey_Nobles

      Thank you Rebecca. I am so excited I can hardly stand it.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/jenvdavis jennifervdavis

    You are part of an amazing group of women and with a great organization! And you are right–if the Lord has called you to it, He will be faithful to use you to accomplish amazing things for His glory. Congratulations!

  • http://intensedebate.com/profiles/jennyrain JennyRain

    eeeee! I am so totally excited for you Lindsey! I will definitely pray for you and figure out how to load the banner on WP too. When do you start raising support? Will you email/send me your support letter too?

    sooo excited for you friend!

    on another note, I was just thinking yesterday that it has been SO FUN to watch God work in your heart and in your life in the last few months… SO amazing. And even more amazing because you are choosing to cooperate with what God is doing in you… it's really beautiful :)
    My recent post What’s Love Got to Do with it Relationships 101

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/Lindsey_Nobles Lindsey_Nobles

      jenny, thanks for always cheering me on. your positivity and joy is contagious. your prayers are felt.

  • http://www.thegypsymama.com Lisa-Jo

    Since I first started reading your blueprint posts, I've been struck by your honesty and open heart, Lindsey. That I get to travel with you and learn more about that heart in person is really quite amazing to me. I am so looking forward to it. So very very much.

    ~Lisa-Jo
    My recent post Time to get the passport back in the game

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/Lindsey_Nobles Lindsey_Nobles

      Me too. I'm looking forward to meeting you "in real life", hearing you laugh, watching you play with kids, and learning from you! I kind of wish we were going tomorrow. I don't know how I'm going to wait 2 months.

  • Pingback: Tweets that mention My Faith Was Demanding It | Lindsey Nobles -- Topsy.com

  • http://www.aholyexperience.com Ann Voskamp

    I'm looking forward to traveling to Guatemala with you, Lindsey!
    We'll go on our knees and pray our hearts to open wider than our eyes
    that children may rise up and run free
    in Jesus…

    We are your handmaidens, Lord… use even us.

    So grateful for you, your faith that says yes!

    All's grace,
    Ann Voskamp

    My recent post how to buy the best summer holidays

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/Lindsey_Nobles Lindsey_Nobles

      I can't wait, Ann!

      I plan on learning a lot from you. Soaking up your faith, your peace, your words, and your wisdom like a sponge.

  • http://twitter.com/irishwings @irishwings

    what an opportunity! i look forward to hearing more. :)

  • http://www.future-smiling.com Deb Owen

    So excited for you! (And of course — prayers, and banner posted ;-) )
    Can't wait to read updates. ;-)

    deb

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/Lindsey_Nobles Lindsey_Nobles

      Thank you Deb!

  • http://twitter.com/sethwmatlock @sethwmatlock

    Lindsey, we'll definitely pray for you and those you'll influence on the trip. So happy for you!

    My faith was demanding for something after reading Hole in the Gospel. Especially when Mr. Stearns conveyed his thoughts on Eph. 2.8-10. Simply put, we are saved by grace, for works. I prayed about those verses and God has provided me with a trip to Africa in Oct and Nov. Further proof that God will provide faith-growing opportunities when we open our hearts. God bless.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/Mary_ Mary

    Absolutely I will pray! So excited for you and what God is going to do through you!!!
    My recent post More Than Defined- 10 reasons I consider myself Southern

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/Lindsey_Nobles Lindsey_Nobles

      Mary, Thanks for your enthusiasm and prayers.

  • http://www.crownlaiddown.com Holly@Crownlaiddown

    Beautiful, Lindsey!! I am praying for each of you and for the field of beautiful hearts, ready to receive sowing and watering in the name of Jesus. So glad Sophie shared this post on twitter today!!

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/Lindsey_Nobles Lindsey_Nobles

      Thanks Holly!

  • http://intensedebate.com/profiles/kabarnes Karen

    So excited for you and this opportunity! I will definitely be praying for your team. It will be amazing!
    My recent post Haiti Trip- Looking Forward to Haitian Worship

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/Lindsey_Nobles Lindsey_Nobles

      Thank you Karen. After seeing your pictures and reading about your experiences in Guatemala, I'm even more excited.

  • http://www.justachick.com Dedra herod

    So excited for you, proud of you and in awe of your bold step of faith! Can NOT wait to hear what amazing journey He is going to have you on. Completely dedicated to praying for you and your team. My honor.

    My recent post 4Tunate 4 Friends – amazing story of friendship

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/Lindsey_Nobles Lindsey_Nobles

      Thanks, friend. I miss your face. Although I fear I'll hardly recognize what's left of you when I finally get to see you!

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/digitalmomblog digitalmomblog

    How AMAZING! SO excited for you Lindsey, what God is stirring in your life & how He uses YOUR gifts.
    My recent post iPhone App Reviews- Kindle App

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/Lindsey_Nobles Lindsey_Nobles

      Thanks Molly! Looking forward to hanging out with you guys tomorrow!

  • Bianca

    I’m SO proud of you! Your life won’t be the same :)

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/Lindsey_Nobles Lindsey_Nobles

      That's what I'm counting on. Loving following you in Africa. And I loved reading what Carlos had to say about you preachin' it on his blog. You have it going ON!!!!

  • http://Www.sarahmarkley.com Sarah Markley

    So so proud of you and wish I could go with you!!
    My recent post Silence and Authenticity

  • http://www.momof6blessings.blogspot.com Teena

    I am so excited for you! I hope to meet our little boy some day!

    I put the “widget” on my blog..can’t wait.

    Praying.

    Hugs,
    Teena

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/Lindsey_Nobles Lindsey_Nobles

      Thanks Teena!

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/todshuttleworth todshuttleworth

    Lindsey – This will be a GREAT experience. We do business there. You will love the people. Let Grupo Nelson know if you need anything.

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/Lindsey_Nobles Lindsey_Nobles

      Will do. Thanks Tod.

  • http://Melissabrotherton.com Melissa Brotherton

    This is such an amazing opportunity. Praying for you and the entire team as you prepare for your trip! I’m hoping someday I can do this too. :)

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/Lindsey_Nobles Lindsey_Nobles

      Thanks Melissa!

  • http://silenthearts.wordpress.com Morgan

    What an exciting opportunity for you!! I added the banner to my page. :) I’ll be praying for you and looking forward to hearing about your trip!

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/Lindsey_Nobles Lindsey_Nobles

      Thanks Morgan!

  • http://passionsforthesoul.typepad.com/vicki Vicki Small

    A-HA!! I saw Shaun Groves' post on Facebook about your having been added to those Compassion bloggers who will be going to Guatemala, and I thought, "Lindsey Nobles…Lindsey Nobles. Isn't she the gal I've exchanged e-mails with at Thomas Nelson?" And you are! How totally wonderful that you're joining up with Shaun and the others on this trip!

    I'll see if I can get the banner to work on my blog. The widget for Achile's heart surgery didn't. :o (

    Blessings to you!

    My recent post Leavin-no jet planes

  • Anne

    So excited for you. You never know. You might be able to cross two things off your list. You might get your hands "dirty" AND bring one of those sweet babies home with you. :) I saw your baby Jaheem yesterday and for the first time he had his hair braided. Precious, but I do love those curls!!!!

  • http://greekgrits.blogspot.com Tammy

    I am SOOOOO excited for you! I can't wait to read your stories. I will definitely be praying for you on your journey.
    My recent post The not-so-hiphop Mom