“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you” (Gen. 12:1). Have you ever stood at a crossroads and had to decide what next to do? You feel as if God is calling you to a ministry but at the same time, it seems overwhelming. You want to obey, but you are not 100% certain it is God’s will for you. Maybe you desire it so much that you are blinded to the reality that it is not His will for your life. Maybe you are shouting so loud to step out in faith that you cannot hear Him cautioning you not to go.
But you may also, after much prayer and soul searching, be absolutely certain that it is time to take a risk and follow God’s plan for your life, scary as it may be. When that happens, no matter how sure you are, others around you may not share your enthusiasm, and you may well find yourself starting your new journey alone. A friend of mine is moving to another state for a year. She will be learning the skills necessary to work with those in the community who have been or still are suffering abuse and/or addiction. This message is for her and all who are at a similar junction in their life. Deciding to “go out and blaze a new trail” is never easy. Family and friends may not understand your desire as much as you do, and some may not support you. I suppose you can’t really blame them since it is understandably difficult to fully embrace a vision that you are not connected to yourself.
But the Bible is replete with examples of men and women who followed God’s will, even when it must have seemed “crazy” to those around them. Take Noah, for instance. Gen. 6:13-14, “And God said to Noah, ‘I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark of gopher wood. Make rooms in the ark and cover it inside and out with pitch.” Can you imagine his family when he first told them what he was about to undertake – in his advanced years. What did his neighbors think as he slaved away, building a massive “boat” in his backyard. How many family and friends shared his vision? How many of them thought this man had lost his mind in his old age?
And what about Abraham? How many people closely acquainted with him would have said, “Sure Abraham. The voice you heard was God speaking to you. Go ahead, pack the camels, load up your family and just head out until God says, Stop!” I would think not many. Maybe you have done something similar in your life and run into resistance from well-meaning, caring friends and family who do not want to see you get hurt. Sometimes they will place just enough doubt in your mind to cause you to have a moment’s pause to reflect on your decision – and that is OK. Praying some more and reassuring yourself of God’s will for your life is never wrong, no matter how many people may think so. It is better to wait a day to receive more clarity than act too quickly. But when you are certain, you will find yourself powerfully drawn to your new path with the courage that comes from faith in God.
Now, you may also find some family and friends support your new “quest”, even though they may not understand it fully. God did not place the vision on their heart, but they trust that you are acting in good faith and with His blessing, so they wish you well and pray for your path to be productive and free of difficulties. Just remember, Satan does not want you to succeed, so expect obstacles along the way. Also remember, God is infinitely more powerful than the devil and with Christ in your corner, anything is possible. Phil. 4:13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Take that step into the unknown with unwavering faith. Face and overcome the obstacles that are sure to rise up and meet you with fierce determination. Let him guide you through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and become a better you, a better Christian who can be an example for others who are near or at similar crossroads in their life. Always remember, those who love you will pray for you and patiently await your return if that is God’s will or wish you the best wherever that new path settles you. Joshua 1:9, “…Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
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