I have read the story of Abram and Sarai many times (Genesis 12). In a nutshell, Abram and Sarai were solidly established in the land of Ur. Although they were childless, they were surrounded by friends and family. They had prospered financially and were probably pretty comfortable. Nevertheless, when Abram was 70 years old, God said, “Go.” Abram and Sarai were called to leave everything that was familiar and press into all that God had prepared for them. God didn’t sit them down and explain all of the details for this move. They didn’t have a map with clearly outlined plans. Instead, Abram and Sarai walked one step at a time and were led to the land of Canaan in stages. They faced many challenges. Some are described in the Bible, but I am sure that most are not listed. In addition, once they arrived in Canaan, famine struck the land. Really! Why would God allow a famine when they were obedient to Him? In the process, Abram and Sarai were changed. God even gave them new names. Abram became Abraham and Sarai became Sarah.
So often we read Bible stories and think it was only for them. Not so! God can still completely disrupt our comfortable lives with the call to “Go.” Trust me. I know! This is exactly what God has done in our lives. Vince and I were very comfortable in Hawaii. We had properties there and it was HOME. Together, we had cofounded Cracked Egg Ministries and were taking one step at a time to help wounded women find healing and wholeness with the King. After years of study and pursuing clinical hours, I had finally completed my Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy and obtained my license. I was speaking and teaching, working with domestic violence, and more. Vince was retired from the Air Force and working as a real estate broker in what we thought was our promised land. Every now and then I would sense God telling me, “Don’t get too comfortable.” Nevertheless, I quickly dismissed such words and settled into my Hawaii homeland.
Genesis 12 became an anchor for me when God impressed upon Vince and me that He was calling us to leave Hawaii and “Go.” Their story became REAL as we left everything to answer His call. As a woman, I reflected on the struggles Sarah must have faced having the security of home taken from her when they began their long camping expedition across country. There were dangers of many kinds. She must have wondered what God was doing and questioned what awaited her on the other side of this journey. As Christians, we know the “rest of the story.” We know that God blessed their obedience mightily. We know that God gave them a son - in their old age, I might add. Abraham and Sarah were the parents to the Israelites, the Jewish people. Jesus came through their line. We know these things because they are written in the Bible. Nevertheless, Abraham and Sarah didn’t know them when they started walking. No, all they knew was that God said, “Go.” And so they went.
Today, Vince and I don’t yet know “the rest of the story.” We don’t know all that God is doing. We simply know that we have obeyed. At the end of the day, that is all that is required of us. God is responsible for the rest. This morning I listened to the “Dare to Dream” talks I did several years ago at the First Presbyterian Women’s Retreat. (They are posted in the videos section.) For a moment, I felt a deep sense of sadness and grief as I reflected on all we left behind in Hawaii. At the same time, the words I spoke at that retreat fanned the flames inside of me regarding all that God is doing right here and right now. We don’t really understand it yet. At the same time, we see God at work day in and day out. And, like Abraham and Sarah, we know that we too are being changed on this journey. God doesn’t often call us to what is easy. The question truly is, when God says “Go,” will we obey?
In Him,
Julie
*Ladies, I believe I will one day write a book to share the many lessons I am learning on this journey. For now, however, Vince told me I should begin blogging. And so, I have begun. My blog posts are very real. We are not “comfortable” in any way. We are in the midst of this huge transition season. It’s scary. It’s sad. It’s exciting. It’s so many things. Above all else, it is so very good. I love what God is doing in our lives. So, please join me on this journey. In addition, I would love to hear from you. You can leave comments down below if you have anything to share.