First Steps on the Unknown Path

Sometimes I feel that God is directing me on a certain path, but I am not sure that I am ready to get on that path yet. I am not sure what I am afraid of more - being successful at it, or failing all together. I see, the little things, He put on my path that show me the direction that he wants me to go, but I don't see the outcome of the journey.

I think I have come to the point where I need to make that "Leap of Faith" and let the Lord know that I am willing to accept whatever he has in store for me. The Spirit is willing. The Flesh is Afraid! I know that once I get on this path, there is no turning back and life will never be the same. I think I need to have the Faith in Myself that I can become this person the Lord wants me to become. I can lead the way he wants me to lead, and I can build up his kingdom the way he wants me to.

I have been reading over Elder Bednar's talk Your Whole Soul as an Offering Unto Him, and I have been likening it to what I have been learning in my class this semester- to be on the Hero's Journey. Elder Bednar discusses the differences between Sacrifice and Consecration. "Sacrifice requires us to willingly offer anything and everything that we possess for the sake of the gospel of the Savior—including our character and reputation; our honor and applause; our good name among men; our houses, our lands, and even our families; all things, including our very lives if need be. 

Consecration is related to but different from sacrifice.  The word consecrate means to develop and “dedicate to a sacred purpose.”  Sacrifice is what I will offer, surrender, yield, or give up.  Consecration, on the other hand, is to fully develop and dedicate to a sacred purpose.  

As we live the law of consecration, we are willing not only to offer anything and everything we possess for the sake of the gospel, but we also promise to develop and devote our best selves—our time, talents, and strength—to the building of the kingdom of God on the earth.  

Consecration includes and encompasses sacrifice and much more.  We are not only willing to offer up our possessions, but we will become the best we can be and assist however possible in building the kingdom in righteous ways.  

We will not only die for the gospel, but we will develop ourselves and live for the gospel." 

Developing ourselves and others to help build up the kingdom of God. And most importantly LIVE for the gospel. What a great goal to have in life! But in order for me to do that, I need to gather up my courage and my faith and take that first step on the Hero's Journey...