Early in the morning, you might feel like a fish out of water when you climb out of those warm, soft covers into the cool morning air. You might be reluctant to move, even though you realize you must get up and face the day.
Similarly, sometimes, even though you know that God is calling you to move forward on something in your life, you may feel reluctant to climb out from between those "covers" of familiarity and habit and face that new challenge. It's even worse when you think there might be a real risk, or a real danger, involved in taking that step.
I'm talking about where I am, I suppose, but I'm sharing this because I believe many of my readers are also facing major changes in their lives right now. A handful of people in my immediate circle of friends are currently in the midst of big moves--career moves, address changes, etc. Meanwhile, I've been "spring cleaning" my life for over a month, now, and I feel some major changes in my own career are coming soon. In fact, these are changes I've been needing for quite some time.
But you know, even the change I need and have prayed for still scares me sometimes. It's not the new horizon as much as the journey to that new horizon. Things move so suddenly, when they move, and you never quite feel you have prepared for them enough.
I believe that the "journey" times in our lives are periods of a special kind of testing, to see how well and how faithfully we follow, and to teach us (again) that we can travel without the proverbial "kitchen sink" and still make it there alright. If God is moving us, He will provide the essentials we need along the way, and prove to us that we don't need anything more than what He generously gives us (Deuteronomy 8:3). Furthermore, He will take us to a "spacious place" (2 Samuel 22: 20), shielding and protecting us along the way, and establishing us with a special wall of protection when we get there (Psalm 91).
I don't want to drag my feet and complain like the Israelites in the desert, longing for the old familiar tastes of leeks and melons on the shores of the Nile (Numbers 11: 4-6). It is much better, by far, to eat the milk and honey God has prepared at the end of the journey! The old things left behind pale in comparison to what God has planned (Isaiah 43: 18-21). It is also important to remember that what I get along the way is more than I could have ever thought to ask for (Matthew 7: 9-11). I'm well-cared for, whether I'm coming or going, and God is looking out for me.
That "fear of the unknown" that scares us at the beginning of change can be combated with "trust in the known," which is the Lord and His provision. He is faithful. If you're "journeying" right now in your life, don't forget to trust the God who arranged the journey.
Similarly, sometimes, even though you know that God is calling you to move forward on something in your life, you may feel reluctant to climb out from between those "covers" of familiarity and habit and face that new challenge. It's even worse when you think there might be a real risk, or a real danger, involved in taking that step.I'm talking about where I am, I suppose, but I'm sharing this because I believe many of my readers are also facing major changes in their lives right now. A handful of people in my immediate circle of friends are currently in the midst of big moves--career moves, address changes, etc. Meanwhile, I've been "spring cleaning" my life for over a month, now, and I feel some major changes in my own career are coming soon. In fact, these are changes I've been needing for quite some time.
But you know, even the change I need and have prayed for still scares me sometimes. It's not the new horizon as much as the journey to that new horizon. Things move so suddenly, when they move, and you never quite feel you have prepared for them enough.
I don't want to drag my feet and complain like the Israelites in the desert, longing for the old familiar tastes of leeks and melons on the shores of the Nile (Numbers 11: 4-6). It is much better, by far, to eat the milk and honey God has prepared at the end of the journey! The old things left behind pale in comparison to what God has planned (Isaiah 43: 18-21). It is also important to remember that what I get along the way is more than I could have ever thought to ask for (Matthew 7: 9-11). I'm well-cared for, whether I'm coming or going, and God is looking out for me.
That "fear of the unknown" that scares us at the beginning of change can be combated with "trust in the known," which is the Lord and His provision. He is faithful. If you're "journeying" right now in your life, don't forget to trust the God who arranged the journey.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go," (Joshua 1: 9).
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