Leaving Home

Are you packing and getting ready to leave home, or facing a big change in your life with a lot of uncertainty? I know something of what you are going through, because I am, too. I was supposed to be moving, but now I am told that this is not the right time: all kinds of funding issues need to be figured out. I was really discouraged at first until I read what God told Abram (or Abraham):

Genesis 12:1b – Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. (NIV)

It was a very straightforward command. What I noticed was that Abraham willingly packed and went far from home without worrying about it. There were no indications of stress or worry bothering him. Look at his age! He was 75 years old and found himself having to move far away from home. He obviously trusted the Lord through the changing and difficult circumstances. We must, too.

I am older than Abraham was, and facing difficult modern decisions. I have packed what I thought I would need. A lot of things that I didn't need went into a container to go to the needy. Did I pack my worries? Not really — but I have to. In earlier years when I was moving, everything was noted and done. But now I am feeling confused and tired. I need to trust the Lord with all the circumstances involved in a difficult move!

Proverbs chapter 3 speaks to the heart about having trust in God's leading. That is very important — it involves submitting to Him. Read it carefully:

Proverbs 3:3a,5-6 – Let love and faithfulness never leave you. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)

Yes, I thought that I knew what was going to happen, but we should not lean on our own understanding. It is so encouraging, reassuring, and heartening to trust in the Lord, since I have no idea what my future holds.

What about you? Are you facing a change, having to move, looking for or taking a new job? Commit it all to the Lord. Commit to Him every decision that you make, and you will be amazed and relieved as He leads you into the future — safe and lovely!

Prayer: Dear Lord, we commit the decisions about our future to You, and we ask You to guide us through the preparations until we enter the new normal, safe and at ease, glorifying You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Iris Ford 
Parksville, British Columbia, Canada