Headed to Macedonia

Feb 17

Two lines.  It couldn’t be.  But there it was – two lines.  I set the plastic indicator on the counter, and the sound echoed making me jump.  My heart stopped momentarily, and I inhaled searching desperately for air.  My mind raced with numbers – days, dates, times circled in my brain looking for a place to land. 

  

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God (Romans 1:1 NIV) followed Christ whole-heartedly.  He was jailed, flogged, and shipwrecked; yet still he chose to follow.  God called him to preach the gospel, and he took that job seriously.  Paul traveled on many missionary journeys, yet none intrigue me as much as the journey to the province of Asia.

 

The Bible tells us that when Paul tried going into Bithynia, God wouldn’t allow it.

 

When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. Acts 16:7 NIV

 

I have to wonder why? God called Paul to preach.  Wouldn’t He want Paul to preach any and everywhere?  Paul wasn’t sinning or on a fast road to destruction.  Still, God chose his servant’s path for him.  We aren’t given much insight into Paul’s thoughts.  We just know that the next night he had a vision of a man in Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”  After the vision, Paul and his companions got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. (v. 10) 

 

God called me to write.  He has confirmed it on many occasions.  He alone has opened doors in that area that have blessed me immensely.  My youngest child will be in kindergarten next year.  I have commented often about how amazing it is that God would lead me to this place right as my youngest is going to be gone all day.  How timely to have all day to devote to writing. (Have I mentioned I have two books I’m working on?)  I am following Him with my whole heart.

 

Yet, there I stood looking at the two lines, wondering how the plans got changed.  My dearest friends, I am pregnant.  The Lord willing, I will deliver mid-September, right after my youngest hops on the big yellow bus to kindergarten.  I know I’ll be blessed with a new life in our home; a baby is always a blessing.  But I have to admit to you, I’ve struggled with the change of plans. 

  

“But Lord,” I cried, “I was following what you called me to do.  How can you take that away from me now?”  And He said, “I’m not.” 

 

“I don’t understand how all this can happen with a baby on the way,” I pleaded.

 

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

 

Yesterday, I submitted.  I gave it to Him – the writing, the baby, my plans – I gave it all.  And I felt His pleasure.  In that familiar voice, I heard Him say, “Trust me, Carol.  I am not asking you to give up your writing.  I called you to that.  I’m asking you to give up control.”

 

So friends, I humbly ask for your prayers as I pack my bags and travel with my Lord and Savior to Macedonia.  I have concluded that He wants me to write the gospel from there.

  

You Might Also Like

  • Carmen Feb 17 at 5:40 pm

    There is going to be so much bliss to soon enter your life because you said YES to your Sovereign…because what HE wrote for you before you came to be, is now being fulfilled…

    lv you (and that lil’ life growing inside you!)

    Luke 1:45
    congratulations, Ewe wonderful Mommy!

  • Michelle Howell Feb 17 at 5:45 pm

    Congratulations Carol!! Just think how many crazy stories we will be blessed with during your pregnancy!!!

  • LauraLee Shaw Feb 17 at 8:40 pm

    Congratulations! God will take care of you, all your hopes, dreams, plans…He’s got it covered.

    “The One who calls you is faithful, and HE will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24

  • SherriMonique Feb 17 at 8:58 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS! Praying for you in this blessing of life.

    Sherri

  • Xandra@Heart-of-Service Feb 17 at 9:10 pm

    I can appreciate your prayers of apprehension, but you are so right about God being faithful in His time. Congratulations!

    Xandra

  • Amy Wyatt Feb 18 at 2:31 am

    Maybe He’s calling you to write a book on pregnancy 🙂 Love ya girl!

  • The Stokes Family Feb 18 at 3:04 am

    Absolutely a BEAUTIFUL post . . . I am so excited for you!

    Love you!
    Amanda

  • Melanie @ This Ain't New York Feb 18 at 4:35 am

    Congratulations and understanding of the apprehension all at once here, friend. It will work out. I could see it when I met you that God’s Hand is in your life. Girl, His prints are everywhere! I just know it.

  • Barbara Feb 18 at 1:28 pm

    This blog is proof that you are able to be a good mom and write. Now God is just calling you to a higher level and will give you a new dimension to view life from as well. I am excited for you…when a woman says Yes to God…well just as Lysa from Proverbs 31. And congratulations on the new baby

  • Cheri Feb 18 at 1:50 pm

    CAROL!!!! YEAH!!! Oh man, I am so excited for you. A new little baby. You gotta tell me what you’re having as soon as you find out(if you’re gonna find out)so I can go shopping. Am I rambling?

    Anyway, you are such a dear sweet friend with a heart for Jesus. I just loved reading this this morning and can’t wait to call Kyle to tell him!

    Remember…He has a plan and His ways are perfect!

    Hugs, Cheri

  • Kimberly Feb 18 at 5:20 pm

    I am so excited for you, Carol! A precious new baby and a heart humbly and willingly following God on His perfect and amazing path for your life! And I am excited for your teeny tiny one He is forming right now…what a blessing to have you as his or her momma!

    Praying for you!
    K 🙂

  • Runner Mom Feb 18 at 11:09 pm

    Hey, Carol! Congratulations, sweet friend! What a blessing…even in Macedonia! I can’t wait to see how God will use your obedience! Enjoy this sweet time, girl!

    Hugs,
    Susan

  • Just me~ Bobbie Jo Feb 19 at 5:12 am

    Coming out of lurking-Congrats, How exciting.

  • ocean mommy Feb 19 at 3:49 pm

    YOu know I’m praying and love you dearly. It’s going to be quite a trip! 🙂

    Hugs and prayers…
    steph.

  • corlesss@yahoo.com Feb 20 at 3:10 pm

    I’m so excited for you Carol and I understand your apprehension. I was exactly where you are now 26 years ago. I really wondered how God could bring a baby into our home at such a time in our lives, and, I thought I was too old to have another baby at 36. I look back often and say “thank you God” because His plan was perfect in that He knew she would be my reason to keep on going during a very difficult time. Your baby will be a blessing and an inspiration for your writing ministry. You minister to so many lives through your writing. God has given you a beautiful gift and a purpose! God’s promises are true!

    And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose…….Romans 8: 28

    You are a such a good mom, God gave you another little one to bless. God Bless You Girl! I love you.

  • painter3471 Feb 21 at 5:02 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS!!! What a blessing. I love your posts Carol I am a fan.

  • Christina Feb 22 at 4:55 am

    Congratulations. It’s so funny how we make plans and then God shows us the plan he already made for us. WOW. I’m pretty sure any plan He makes will be better then the one’s we make. Isn’t this called Divine providence?

  • Leigh Fulford Feb 24 at 12:51 pm

    You are going to, and already do have an amazing story to write, because it’s God’s story, not yours! Love you! Praying for you!
    Leigh

  • %d bloggers like this: