Grateful Living
“When the Light Is Green - Go”: A Journey of Trust and Transformation
This week, Carol Browning offers insight into her life. From missionary service to new studies in chaplaincy, Carol’s story is one of faith, obedience, and God’s perfect timing.
Primarily, I am grateful beyond measure for God’s love, grace, mercy, and provision. His presence has shaped my life for all the right reasons.
Primarily, I am grateful beyond measure for God’s love, grace, mercy, and provision. His presence has shaped my life for all the right reasons.
I became a Christian at fifteen, and it was then that I realised faith wasn’t inherited; it was personal. I had always thought that being born into a Christian family automatically made me a Christian, but I soon discovered that God doesn’t have grandchildren—only children who make their own choice to follow Him. That decision marked the beginning of my lifelong journey of faith.
Part of that journey led me to Arnhem Land, where I served as a missionary for over six years. Being accepted into a different culture and community, and using the gifts God had already given me, was an incredible privilege. There were certainly challenging times, but it was there that I began to truly understand how the Holy Spirit works in us and through us to bring His message of love and hope to those around us.
Over the years, I have served in many different areas within the church, and through this, I’ve learned what it truly means to belong to God’s family. We each have a part to play. While I am no longer able to serve in the same active ways I once did, my passion for connecting with people remains strong—a passion that perhaps began as one of six siblings! God has since channelled that into my role on the Pastoral Care team.
In 2023, two friends suggested I “should have been a Christian counsellor.” I’d heard that whisper from God before, but I always made excuses. This time, He didn’t let me go. After months of prayer and wrestling, I finally took the leap. Fast forward to October 2025—I am now nearing the end of nearly two years of studying Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care.
These past two years have stretched me—technologically, emotionally, and spiritually—but they have also strengthened my faith. One truth stands firm: The will of God is not logical—it’s theological. Trusting the Holy Spirit is far more important than leaning on my own understanding.
So, when the light is green—go.
Part of that journey led me to Arnhem Land, where I served as a missionary for over six years. Being accepted into a different culture and community, and using the gifts God had already given me, was an incredible privilege. There were certainly challenging times, but it was there that I began to truly understand how the Holy Spirit works in us and through us to bring His message of love and hope to those around us.
Over the years, I have served in many different areas within the church, and through this, I’ve learned what it truly means to belong to God’s family. We each have a part to play. While I am no longer able to serve in the same active ways I once did, my passion for connecting with people remains strong—a passion that perhaps began as one of six siblings! God has since channelled that into my role on the Pastoral Care team.
In 2023, two friends suggested I “should have been a Christian counsellor.” I’d heard that whisper from God before, but I always made excuses. This time, He didn’t let me go. After months of prayer and wrestling, I finally took the leap. Fast forward to October 2025—I am now nearing the end of nearly two years of studying Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care.
These past two years have stretched me—technologically, emotionally, and spiritually—but they have also strengthened my faith. One truth stands firm: The will of God is not logical—it’s theological. Trusting the Holy Spirit is far more important than leaning on my own understanding.
So, when the light is green—go.
Posted in Grateful Living