When You Give Unto the Lord. . . Part 2 (Giving When It Doesn't Make Sense)

Anyone who actually knows me will tell you that I am a planner. While there are moments when I do appreciate spontaneity. . . for the most part, I like knowing exactly what to expect like where I'm going, what I'm doing, and how I'm executing a task.

So I know some people were (or will be) shocked to learn that on January 1, 2019, I moved from Maryland to Texas without an elaborate plan.

While I kept hearing, "Kara, you're so brave! This is amazing. . ." and similar things, I honestly was trying my best not to freak out😬.

This installment of When You Give Unto the Lord is about releasing control and simply surrendering to His Will. . . even if it doesn't seem to make sense (to you or anyone else).

A piece of the backstory:
God actually began dealing with me about moving to Texas in July of 2017. At that moment, I wasn't sure about any of the details (like how and when it would happen). I wrestled within myself (for a few weeks) and only spoke to a couple people about it because I was concerned that I was just imagining things. I began praying for insight and clarity and sure enough, the instructions I originally heard were continually confirmed.

As time went on, I tried to establish a timeline as well as a course of action. Around September of 2018, I thought I had maybe 75% of the plan figured out when suddenly, some pieces of the puzzle were rearranged and no longer fit.

I felt very discouraged & confused. I knew that in order to obey God, I needed to (literally) make the move but with the turn of events, I truly had no idea how I was going to "make things happen" or what I was going to do, once I got to Texas.

Unexpected encouragement
In October, my mother had the opportunity to participate in a Masterclass Workshop & Concert with Donald Lawrence. I had known about the event for months but didn't decide to attend the concert until the last minute. It was amazing to hear some of my favorite songs being performed- live and having the opportunity to hear some of the stories behind the writing process made me appreciate them even more!

The day after the concert, my mom showed me this video from one of the choir's rehearsals. It really blessed me! And after watching it, she encouraged me to reconfigure my plan.

Not Making Sense, Making Faith

Don't know how I'm gonna get there.
But I walk by faith. 

Don't know how I'm gonna live there.
But the just shall live by faith. 

Can't even see the purpose that's waiting there.
But I trust the Author of my faith.
And when people ask how I'm gonna do. . . when I do what God told me to. . .
For the rest of my life. . .

 I'm not making sense.
I'm making faith.

A few weeks later, I turned in my letter of resignation & broke the news to my work family that after eight years, I would be leaving. (Telling the students was definitely the hardest part of the process.)

During my last few weeks in Maryland, I was blessed to receive words of encouragement, gift cards, and meaningful presents from friends, family members, and even some strangers who simply heard about what was going on.

While I was dealing with a range of emotions, I was ultimately confident that God would bless me because of my desire to obey Him. I gave Him (my sense of) control and wholeheartedly believed that He would make ways and open doors for me.

The Leap of Faith

On January 1, 2019, I flew from BWI to DFW with 1 large suitcase, 1 duffle bag, and a backpack- partially filled up with lots of snacks. I tried to be strategic as I was packing so that I wouldn't end up spending more money than necessary.

For my first month in Texas, I rented an Airbnb. My room was super comfortable & I had the most loving and gracious hosts! They treated me like I was their granddaughter. We bonded quickly and they offered me great advice for restaurants & my job search. (We still keep in touch.)

My church family kept (and actually keep) checking in to see if I need anything and while I'm good for saying, "I'm fine. . ." I'm working on being willing to ask for and graciously accept support- especially when I know that people genuinely want to help.😇

Another Test(imony)

I was scheduled to check out of the Airbnb on January 30th and a few days before that date, I still didn't know what I wanted my next step to be. No substantial job offers had come through yet so I didn't want to just rush and try to find a place to rent (as far as my living arrangements were concerned). 

On the morning of January 28th, I could not sleep in for anything! I had woken up early and all of my attempts to get more rest seemed to fail. I decided to get online and do some more research on available rooms. I had registered on a website for people looking for rooms, roommates, and so on, so I went ahead and updated my profile.

While I was making those changes, one of my mentors/friends called me with an unbelievable proposal. She invited me to work (like actually get paid- lol) and stay with her for a couple of months (rent-free!). I was shocked but grateful! (And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. - Isaiah 65:24)

That afternoon, I made a trip to Target and picked up an air mattress, bed set, and another suitcase to make it easier to transport the new items! The next evening, I headed over to her place and the day after that, I started my temporary work assignment.

This was yet ANOTHER reminder that when we give unto the Lord & obey Him, we actually make room for Him to bless us.

This whole experience continues to stretch and increase my faith! If I'm totally honest, His Plan has been much better than mine!

And so, I just want to encourage you. . . whatever you feel led to do--> pray for direction and take action! Give everything to the Lord- any fears/concerns, desires, etc. and allow Him to have His Way in your life. He's already promised to be with you!

What will you choose to give unto the Lord?

Bonus:

To keep me motivated while I prepared for the move, I made a playlist of encouraging songs. . . Here's a snippet of it. Enjoy!