I’m moving after being settled for nearly 11 years. I’m packing up my belongings and my emotions yielding to God’s leading to relocate in Rocky Mount North Carolina.
While I don’t covet my home, I do covet the memories made in it. When we moved here, my youngest was in third grade and has just completed his first year of college. My oldest started his high school years here and is now active duty in the military.
Many guests have entered our home leaving as new friends.
Oh, I know the memories will always be with me, but leaving where they were created is like having something surgically removed. It’s necessary and painful, but over time, our hearts will mend.
While this is difficult on many levels, I know that this is the right move to make.
How do I know?
- Because God has given me peace that surpasses my understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).
- He has all of me.
- I trust Him.
- Because He has chosen to confirm this in multiple ways that others may not grasp.
Nonetheless, I’m surrendering to God’s plans, not mans’.
Are you on a journey with God? Is He leading you to change jobs, move your family, change careers, take a step of faith towards your calling, or remove yourself from an unhealthy relationship?
It’s difficult making life-altering decisions. But knowing we can trust God’s leading, whether it is to remain, or pack up and relocate, gives us confidence in the journey.
I was reminded of an article I wrote a while back, “When to Stay-When to Go,” and the scripture from Numbers 9:15-23 resonates afresh today:
“On the day the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony, and it appeared like fire above the tabernacle from evening until morning.
It remained that way continuously: the cloud would cover it, appearing like fire at night. Whenever the cloud was lifted up above the tent, the Israelites would set out; at the place where the cloud stopped, there the Israelites camped.
At the Lord’s command the Israelites set out, and at the Lord’s command, they camped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they camped.
Even when the cloud stayed over the tabernacle many days, the Israelites carried out the Lord’s requirement and did not set out. Sometimes the cloud remained over the tabernacle for only a few days. They would camp at the Lord’s command and set out at the Lord’s command.
Sometimes the cloud remained only from evening until morning; when the cloud lifted in the morning, they set out. Or if it remained a day and a night, they moved out when the cloud lifted. Whether it was two days, a month, or longer, the Israelites camped and did not set out as long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle. But when it was lifted, they set out. They camped at the Lord’s command, and they set out at the Lord’s command. They carried out the Lord’s requirement according to his command through Moses.”
Change is uncomfortable. It brings about sacrifice. It makes us stronger because we depend on God’s strength through the struggle of it. It can be painful, but there is a purpose in the pain.
“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
While God commands us to make changes in our lives, He never changes, (Malachi 3:6).
God loves us, cares for us, is compassionate towards us, and His desire for you and me is to know Him intimately.
Let’s trust His heart!
Will you yield under the leading of God?
Will you leave all you know to follow Him?
Will you remain camped even when you want to go?
Will you go when you want to stay?
“The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
The Israelites followed God’s command because they did not want to be without His presence.
Let’s desire God’s presence more than what our flesh wants.
This change isn’t about us as much as it is about God and how He desires to use us to bring Him glory and to further His kingdom.
Though I am moving upon God’s command and He will be with me, I know He will also remain with those I leave behind. He is Omnipresent and somehow loves them more than I do. I am entrusting them to a trustworthy God and with that knowledge, I can have peace.
I would love to know what journey God has you on so I can pray with you. Just leave a comment or private message me.