Mmm...coffee...

I had an encounter with a starbucks "Barista" yesterday. As a way to say thank you, I had decided to pick up some coffee for the church office staff who support the church in so many ways. As I was attempting to carry all of the coffee away from the starbucks counter, it became clear to me that it wasn't going to be easy to get out to the car without dumping the coffee on the ground.

I mentioned to the Starbucks barista, "what are the chances I make it to the car without spilling?". Her response was interesting..."you are a man of God...the coffee won't spill. God wouldn't let that happen...

I have never talked about my church/faith/job with this particular "barista" other than once when she asked me where I worked. Because I was curious where this conversation might go, I responded to the gal by saying (with a smile on my face) "well then, what if I do spill? Does that mean I have to abandon my belief system?".

Her response was both confusing and also exactly what I needed to hear..."No, if you spill, it is only because you didn't have enough faith..."

My immediate reaction was "Wow...what a profound statement". Now, before anyone jumps to the conclusion that I somehow believe that all you need do is believe, and nothing bad will ever happen to you, trust me...that is not the intent of this blog. However, there are times in our lives where I believe God does ask us to simply have faith that the coffee won't spill...to step out, even if we think the burden might be too great, or the load too heavy to carry.

I've been wrestling with the next steps of my job/calling lately. I often worry that if/when I take the next steps in service to Christ, the "coffee" is going to be too much carry. So, I've been stalling. Just sitting at the Starbucks counter, refusing to leave because I'm scared of what is next.

Maybe...no, not maybe, I believe that God had a message for me that day which I am going to share...My plan is not for you to spill. My plan is not for you to fall. My plan isn't necessarily going to be easy, but if you have faith in Me, I won't ever leave you alone.

Prophets and angels, messengers of God are walking next to you today. God is reaching out to us, reminding us that faith in God is not something which guarantees a stress-free life...it guarantees a isolation-free life. It guarantees an ever transforming life.

My hope for you, and for me, is that we will turn our lives over to God again today. Recommit yourself to the work which He calls you to. And, if you find yourself wondering if you will make it from the coffee bar to the car without your life crashing into a brick wall, remember that God's plan for your life isn't for you to fail. It is for us to boldly step out in His name and walk together in faith, that others might see our lives...our deeds...our faith, and praise our Father in Heaven.

I'll be praying for you...would you do the same for me?