After many months of preparation the time has finally come to launch. And, as many would expect, it seems surreal. But not surreal simply from the idea of leaving what is familiar behind and finally going out into an unknown world, but rather the increasing sense that I am at last beginning to fulfill what I have been called to and longed for my entire life; that as I step into the unknown I am more certain than ever before.
One question that I was continually asked was “what exactly will you be doing?” The truth is that we do not know exactly what we will be doing. However, the question never fails to bring to mind the story of Abraham, who when he heard the call of God, received it in faith and “went out, not knowing where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8) When Abraham was called, he obeyed. He did not ask for details concerning the call, he simply obeyed. And what is truly fascinating is that Abraham had no Bible! We have the whole revelation of God at our fingertips, yet we shy away from God’s call because we are unsure of the details. We are so consumed by the need to know that we fail to see what this and other stories tell us, that God never promised to give us the details in advance, but that he will guide our steps if we would only start to walk.
So what was it that caused Abraham and others to step out in faith, not knowing where they were going? What kept them from backing out due to the seeming impossibility? The answer, simply, is that instead of focusing on the details of the call, they looked to the one who made the call. The God who holds all things in the palm of His hand is the very same God who calls us by name. When the creator of all things makes a call, we can stand firmly knowing that he will see it through.
So no, I do not know exactly where I will be in each country that I visit. No, I do not know exactly what it is that I will be doing. No, I do not know where this journey will lead me. And no, not know these things doesn’t bother me in the slightest because I know the God who has called me is good and will lead me wherever I go. My life is His, and I will gladly walk whatever path I am called to, and it is with this in mind that I take my first step, knowing that God will guide the next.
