This past Sunday, I had the honor of being the first person in our group to share at a church service. Noe felt that I had something to say, and so suggested I be the one to represent our group. I didn’t really know what to do with this-was it a testimony? Was it teaching? Was it for 3 minutes or 30?
That morning, I had read the story of the Israelites and manna. People have constantly been comparing our journey to one of two old testament travels: Either that of Abraham-leaving comfort and the familiar to follow God into the promised land, or that of Moses and the Israelites leaving Egypt and once again, entering the promised land. Either way it is a pilgrimage-a long journey to seek the sacred and find ourselves. Within this, I see three themes: God’s promises to us, His provisions for us, and our participation in what He is already doing around the world.
Abraham was called out by God to in faith step out. He didn’t really know where he was going or what to do-he just knew God said leave and he left. ‘The Lord had said to Abram “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1).
God has definitely called us to leave this year-to leave behind baggage, both physical and emotional, to leave our family, friends, countries and comfort, and to step out in faith. While we have not done our ATLs yet, each ministry involves waiting for what God has to show us. This month, for example, we are serving with Roger, and at least part of the time is at Woolaning Homeland Christian College. This was not even an option when we discussed what ministry we would like to do, but God led us here anyway. I trust this is a ministry He has shown us, and will use us while we are here.
God Promised great things to Abraham for leaving-I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you. I will make your name great and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.
I feel God has promised us similar things-that we will be a blessing and those we encounter will be blessed by God through us.
God also promises that when we scatter abroad our gifts (of love, of hope, of joy, of His truth, of His presence), our righteousness will endure forever (Psalm 112:9).
With these promises, we follow in the footsteps of Abraham and leave all to step out in faith and into the future God has for us.
While riding in the Jaloopey Troopy.
