Are you tired? Sad? Broke? Broken? Ready for change but don’t know what to do?
Years ago I learned the lesson of The One Next Thing. I was living in Chicago, focused on work, two and a half years into my dream of big city life. My soul was withering from lack of mountains and pine forests, while my heart ached to be near my terminally ill brother 2000 miles away in Washington state. It had been a long season in limbo, not knowing what to do, when God whispered…
It’s time to move home.
But I only have $50.00 in the bank?!?!, I pleaded.
Just do the one next thing, came His calm response. Just pack one box.
So I packed a box.
One next thing, He reminded.
I packed another box. And back and forth we went.
The next day He nudged me to try to sell jewelry to a nearby bead shop. The woman behind the counter wasn’t interested. I told her my story. Why I was moving from Chicago to Seattle. She bought all but the most valuable piece and then pointed to a store across the street. Go there, she said. He’ll help you.
Across the street I was told about a jeweler who made house calls. The jeweler arrived the next day, took my ring, and returned three days later with a handful of cash.
Then Spirit suggested I put a sign up in my apartment building. Everything for sale. Make offer. Neighbors came. Bought. Donated.
Then I was led to take my clothing to a consignment store. The owner took all I had, saying she’d mail a check when it sold. I gave her an address in Seattle.
A family member offered to help pay for the moving truck. I accepted.
Two and one half short weeks later I was packed and had exactly the amount needed for the moving truck, car trailer, movers, gas, food, and motels for the trip. The journey cost everything I had.
When I arrived in Seattle I needed to refuel the truck before returning it but I didn’t have the money. A check arrived in the mail from the clothing consignment store in Chicago. Just enough to fill the truck.
It wasn’t long before I had a job, an apartment, and many months with my brother before he went home to Heaven.
So be encouraged and believe. When the Lord nudges you to action, don’t get overwhelmed. Trust that with God, all things are indeed possible, one next thing at a time.
Amen.
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God. ~ Mark 10:27
Terri says
Joanna, I was deeply touched by your step by step willingness to act in faith as called. Also, by God’s timely provision, allowing you to return home. I am sorry that your brother was so ill but thankful that you were able to be together in those last months. I am also thankful that you are back in your hometown, as your shining face and expressions of faith continue to be an encouragement to those who know you.
Joanna Morgan says
Thank you Terri. God is soooooo Good. And you are very kind. I am constantly amazed at how things have come full circle again and again. Even after moving clear to Texas, God brought me back home for a third time. I’m finally getting the message. Not leaving again unless He tells me to : ) We are blessed to have our roots in this place.
Pam says
Joanna, this is a wonderful story… one step at a time. I was told a long time ago that it is important to walk in the direction you want to go. God will open the doors as we keep stepping forward, and close those doors that are not in our best interest. Your story confirms the power of that message. Thanks for sharing.
Joanna Morgan says
Thanks Pam. I agree. If we just keep moving forward as we are led, way opens. I just pray to stay on the narrow road and no longer turn to the right or to the left and have to backtrack long distances. Thanks for contributing!