Start In The Backyard

The other day, my nine-year-old son was feeling under the weather so I kept him home from school.  We were sitting on the couch watching one of my favorite television evangelists and the message about Jesus was so inspiring that I turned to my young son and said, “I think it would be pretty cool to be an evangelist or even a Bible teacher.” 

He simply responded, “Well, why don’t you?”

I thought about it for a few seconds (truly pondering the question) and answered, “I just don’t know where to start.”

What I really meant was that I don’t have any formal theological education (and it would cost me in the tens of thousands to get one).  I’m not as knowledgeable about the Bible as I would expect from a Bible teacher.  I really don’t like speaking to crowds (although I've become much more comfortable).  I've always earned an income and where would it now come from?

The excuses just kept flowing through my mind when he responded with such an unassuming confidence.  “Why don’t you just start in the backyard?  You could invite a few people over and talk to them about Jesus.  It’s no big deal.”

Wow, how simple is that? What a novel idea!  I can just start here.  I don’t have to make any drastic life changes or wait for better timing.   I should begin right where I’m at with what I’ve got.  His suggestion reminds me of Jesus’ command to start now.  Now is the accepted time.  Not tomorrow.  Not when we get our lives in order.  Not when we feel better prepared.  Whatever that first step means to us, we need to take it now. 

“In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.  Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2. 

God has created each and every one of us for a specific purpose.  And He doesn’t turn us loose in an aimless attempt to figure it all out on our own.  He intentionally places desires and interests in our hearts leading us to fulfill His perfect purpose.  As long as we look to Him for guidance, our paths will be divinely directed.  “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”  Psalm 37:4

We were not put here to muddle through life trapped in fruitless, unrewarding careers that provide little more than a paycheck.  Too many of us have big plans to follow our life dreams once we retire or once the kids get older.  Perhaps we’re weary from encountering too many obstacles.  Regardless of all the hurdles, we are created to live each day in our dreams and we can do that by fixing our eyes on Jesus. 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith.  For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  Hebrews 12:1-3

Maybe your heart’s desire is to pursue a new career or devote more time to a favorite hobby (even getting your photography or baking skills to earn money for you).  Maybe there’s a tugging in your spirit to make minor adjustments to your life by being a more intentional parent or by stepping up your game as the nutritional gatekeeper for your family.  

Possibly, accomplishing items on your bucket list like running a marathon, learning a new language or going on a mission trip will give you the discipline and self-control you need to grow into your destiny.  Whatever your calling is, don’t delay.  Take one step at a time and let the Perfecter of your faith guide you.  Don’t make it more difficult than it really is and never underestimate the power of simplicity by starting right where you’re at with what you’ve got.  As my son so cleverly suggested, “Just start in the backyard.”

Vanessa