When I reflect on the last 31 years of my life, I realize it has been made up of many distinct seasons. Sometimes it feels like I’ve lived several different lives. Yet when I look back, I can clearly see God’s hand in every season and how He has woven each chapter together for a greater purpose. It’s truly amazing.

For quite some time, I have been wrestling with a calling God placed on my life. Recently, I made the decision to fully step into that calling. To be honest, it’s been scary. But it has also been one of the most genuine experiences I’ve ever had with God. He has been so close, so present, and so faithful.

More than ten years ago, I first felt called to preach. The problem was that I had no idea what that calling was supposed to look like or how to walk it out. Since then, the journey has taken many turns. I spent a year in a ministry internship that led to becoming a certified minister with the Assemblies of God. I served as the youth minister at my home church. I walked away from ministry during a difficult season of life. I started this blog. And now, after all these years, I am officially a preacher.

What a journey it has been.

The delay may not have been God’s original plan for me, but I am incredibly grateful for His grace. Even in my detours, He has continued to work all things together for my good. His plans are never ruined by our setbacks, fears, or moments of hesitation. Instead, He continues to work His plan.

My Uncle Phil was my pastor for most of my life. Five years ago, we lost him, and not a day goes by that I don’t miss him. As I’ve stepped into this calling, I’ve found comfort in remembering the conversation we had about God calling me. He believed in what God was doing in my life long before I was ready to embrace it myself. In fact, he was ready to hand me a microphone, but I wasn’t ready to step behind it just yet.

While he isn’t here to see this calling unfold, I’m thankful he knew about it. He encouraged it. He believed in it. And I have no doubt he trusted God would do great things through my obedience.

Since my last blog post, I’ve accepted this calling and had the privilege of preaching two messages already; one at my aunt and uncle’s small country church in Kentucky and another during a youth service on opening night of our Homecoming Revival. Both opportunities have been humbling and overwhelming in the best way.

Through all of this, one truth continues to stand above the rest:

God is faithful.

When I said yes to His call, He said yes to carrying me through every step that followed. He has given me the words to speak when I felt inadequate. He has given me confidence when fear tried to take over. He has given me peace when I felt overwhelmed. Time and time again, He has proven that when we walk in obedience, He provides exactly what we need for the journey.

So let me leave you with a couple of questions:

What is God asking of you in this season?

What do you need to surrender to Him today?

Don’t allow fear to keep you from the best “yes” of your life. The other side of surrender may be the very place where God is waiting to show you just how faithful He is.

As always, I am so glad you are here💖