Moving

This has been the theme for my summer so far. We are not moving, but there are many around us who have been or will be. I have recently spoken with two people who have felt the Lord's call to move to another state sometime soon. Why? It's not for a job, or for family, but for the Lord. I am so proud of them and they are in my prayers.

When there is a “logical” reason for moving, it is so much easier- Even when explaining it to other Christians. Really, I think there's not a much scarier feeling than the pull of the Lord to just pick up and move somewhere. We begin questioning: Why? How? Are You sure? Am I sure? Unfortunately, there is no book in the Bible written only for you telling you specifically when and were to move.

There are two Biblical examples that I lean towards though. First and foremost is Abraham. Genesis 12:1 says, “The Lord said to Abram: Go out from your land, your relatives, and your father's house to the land that I will show you.” Notice He didn't say, “...to the land I told you about,” or, “to that piece of land you heard of in 'X'.” God just told Abram to leave what he knew and go, because He would show him on the way. Now that's faith. In today's fast pace society, we don't usually get that kind of calling, thank goodness! God places a certain state, city, or community in our hearts to draw us to. It still takes an immense measure of faith to go though with it. We KNOW that God will take care of and provide for us, but it is still difficult to do.

The others I think of are the disciples in the New Testament. Jesus said, “Follow Me” and they did, leaving everything behind. Read Matthew 4:18-22 for a good example of four of them. They left their jobs, and often families to follow Jesus for three years. We don't often think about this, but they had to look these same people in the face on a somewhat regular basis. They didn't go to another land, so they might have had to endure the ridicule of the people they knew. They point is, they did it. And so can you when God calls.

Perhaps you are contemplating a move right now. It might be to another state, another job, another church, or even another country. I would encourage you to fast and pray to the Lord. Ask Him to swing wide open all the doors He wants you to take and for Him firmly seal shut those He doesn't: No matter how hard you may try to pry them open or slam them shut. We are stubborn creatures and He knows this. Remember, He is our Creator – the Creator of all things. Tell Him how ornery you can be and to not allow you to stray from following Him with a whole heart, no matter what He needs to do. Now, be prepared to let Him do it and just trust Him. NO.... MATTER.... WHAT.