Brenda Rodgers

The Word . . . A Revelation

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Brenda Rodgers

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All I wanted that morning was to go to church, sing to the band jamming out, hear once again how much God loves me, and go home happy . . . and peaceful . . . and satisfied.

Sitting there, waiting to get my feel good tune-up for the week, the word flashed on the screen.

I looked at it, and then my heart started. No, no God! Not now! I’m not in the mood to be stretched. I’m not in the mood to be obedient. But the thumping continued. I knew what that meant.

Over the next few weeks the word continued a subtle persistence – creeping into my mind as I brushed my teeth, tied my shoes, and walked to the mailbox.  Like a good Christian I rationalized it away and tried to convince myself that it probably wasn’t God’s voice. It was probably some subconscious desire to prove something or just to say I have been on a mission trip.

But I know His voice. I knew what was coming.

So I prayed. O.k., o.k, so I’ll send an email to get some more information. That’s all. Just an email. Then it will go away.

Except that the word didn’t go away.

A few weeks later I was running and listening to a sermon on my IPod. My husband was following along behind me on his bike. The words I was listening to were about fear and stepping out in faith and obeying God. As I went around the curve in the cul-de-sac my husband caught up next to me. Barely able to get the words out of my mouth I said to him, “God wants me to go to Africa.”

I said it, and it hurt. I didn’t want to go. I wanted to stay here and be safe. Safe in my little neighborhood where every fourth house is the same and our problems are disguised as what new car we’re buying next or where we’re going on vacation.

As I tried to keep the rhythm of my runner’s breath tears rolled down my cheeks. I was revealed – this heart that is still so far away from God’s heart.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24

When has God given you a word that you didn’t want to hear?

Comments

15 responses to “The Word . . . A Revelation”

  1. bahava Avatar
    bahava

    ohhhh africa!!! love her. so much! ironically, the word god's been given me has been the opposite. i've been begging to go back to africa and he's been saying: stay.

    Reply
  2. Jen Wags Avatar
    Jen Wags

    So did you go yet? I love your obedience sister!

    Reply
  3. Triple Braided Avatar
    Triple Braided

    Katy, I thought you had a heart for Africa! You'll have to tell me all I need to know. I'm feeling better, but have been really nervous!

    Reply
  4. Triple Braided Avatar
    Triple Braided

    No, Jen, I have not gone yet. The trip is in November. This post is the beginning of the story. I will be posting more soon! Thank you for reading!!

    Brenda

    Reply
  5. Jen Wags Avatar
    Jen Wags

    What is Triple Braided? 😉 I love your heart. We serve a Mighty God!

    Reply
  6. Maria Avatar
    Maria

    God had definitely given me a word I did not want to hear. It was hard, it was tough, it broke me down but rebuilt me as a stronger person. The word came to me after lots of prayer but when I finally listened, a big weight was lifted off my shoulder, and my faith was made 10-fold stronger.

    Maria @ Linen & Verbena

    Reply
  7. Triple Braided Avatar
    Triple Braided

    Jen, Triple Braided is based on Ecclesiastes 4:12. We used it in our wedding, but it applies to all fo our relationships especially our relationships with our Sisters in Christ. Basically me + Christian community + God = a Triple Braided Life which cannot be easily broken. I used this name so that this blog would be a ministry for women to stay close to each other and close to God. Thank you for asking, and for your sweet message! 🙂

    Reply
  8. Triple Braided Avatar
    Triple Braided

    Maria, I'm starting feeling that after saying "yes" to Africa. It did not come easy, but I know it will change me for the better. Thank you for commenting! 🙂 Many Blessings!
    Brenda

    Reply
  9. Kelly Avatar
    Kelly

    Wow, that is awesome! I'd be scared, but you are a very brave, obedient person. A true inspiration.

    Can't wait to read more about your trip. 🙂

    Reply
  10. Jennifer Camp Avatar
    Jennifer Camp

    Dear Brenda,

    I love these journeys He calls us to. I went on a mission trip to Ethiopia three years ago, and, for months leading up to the trip, I didn't know why I was going. I simply knew I was supposed to go. It didn't feel like the "convenient" thing to do, timing wise, considering our youngest was one year old and I was going to be leaving my three kids for two 1/2 weeks — but He called my husband and I to go. And it was the beginning of something in me. I love how you are trusting in Him, despite the uncertainty, despite the unknowns now. Just know it is going to be good! He is doing a new thing! I will be praying as this excitement unfolds. I pray He continues to clear the path. Saying 'yes' is powerful and beautiful! Yay! I know that beating heart! . . 🙂 Blessings to you, Jennifer

    Reply
  11. x_coribeth_x Avatar
    x_coribeth_x

    I can't wait to hear the rest of your story. It's amazing how God can steal our attention with just one word.

    Reply
  12. Rebekah Avatar
    Rebekah

    This is beautiful! How exciting that you'll get to go to Africa. I'm sure it will be one of the most incredible experiences in your life as India was for me.

    I don't think God calls us to things we don't desire; but I do believe that we aren't aware of some of the desires He places within our hearts. After all, I didn't want to write a non-fiction book and start a blog, but now I can say that it's one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. Sometimes it's the things we avoid at first that come to be some of the most special things of all. May God bless this journey you will soon be taking!

    Reply
  13. Paige Avatar
    Paige

    Brenda, the call to go on a mission trip was one of the greatest blessings I have ever received! To witness all God accomplishes leading up to, during, and after is AMAZING!!! At our first meeting, I wondered how this such diverse group of people could possibly all be feeling the call to go. I can promise you God had a purpose for every single person on the trip, including my two daughters! I watched, as through the week, each persons purpose became clear and was given such a peace to know "God HAS this!" I had no reason to worry, doubt, or question because "God HAS this!" It was truly a BEAUTIFUL display of God's love! I am so excited for you and can't wait to hear about all God accomplishes through you!

    Reply
  14. Dawn @ Dawnings Avatar
    Dawn @ Dawnings

    Brenda, may God give you the grace to rise to the occasion he has called you to. May your obedience to his call be a sweet aroma to Him. I'm so glad to have been an encouragementment with a post about packing for Africa. May God bless you.

    Reply
  15. Triple Braided Avatar
    Triple Braided

    Thank you so much for all of your encouraging words and stories! They have truly helped me keep my focus on God's purpose, and I am excited! I will be posting "the rest of the story"! Thank you blogging friends!!

    Reply

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