A few years ago, my friend, co-worker, and
pastor returned from a conference talking about the topic of this question...if
God asked, would you?
Would you follow where God wanted to lead you, even if it meant being uncomfortable?
This week, we say goodbye as he and his family move out of state to follow where God is leading. It will be far from comfortable or easy. Staying would be safe. Going involves risk.
Jesus never said following Him would be safe. Following Jesus involves risk. It means stepping out in faith, even when you can't see where the road leads.
Following Jesus isn't easy, but walking in obedience is worth the risk.
God asked, and my friend said yes.
God has been preparing the way for him, and maybe, as we watch his example of obedience, He's preparing the way for someone else.
What I do know is how thankful I am that God orchestrated our paths to cross and run parallel for six years. I don't know what God has planned for the future, but it's in looking back where I see how I've grown, and the lasting effects of our working together and friendship.
As I told my friend, I'm happy for him. I've had the privilege to watch God equip him with the passion and ability to love and serve others. And now it's time to share that somewhere else.
But, I won't pretend I'm not sad to say goodbye. And that's okay, because maybe the depth of sadness is equal to the impact made in my life.
Now I can't help but wonder...if God asks, will I?
Would you follow where God wanted to lead you, even if it meant being uncomfortable?
This week, we say goodbye as he and his family move out of state to follow where God is leading. It will be far from comfortable or easy. Staying would be safe. Going involves risk.
Jesus never said following Him would be safe. Following Jesus involves risk. It means stepping out in faith, even when you can't see where the road leads.
Following Jesus isn't easy, but walking in obedience is worth the risk.
God asked, and my friend said yes.
God has been preparing the way for him, and maybe, as we watch his example of obedience, He's preparing the way for someone else.
What I do know is how thankful I am that God orchestrated our paths to cross and run parallel for six years. I don't know what God has planned for the future, but it's in looking back where I see how I've grown, and the lasting effects of our working together and friendship.
As I told my friend, I'm happy for him. I've had the privilege to watch God equip him with the passion and ability to love and serve others. And now it's time to share that somewhere else.
But, I won't pretend I'm not sad to say goodbye. And that's okay, because maybe the depth of sadness is equal to the impact made in my life.
Now I can't help but wonder...if God asks, will I?
In Christ,
Photo credit: FreeImages.com
Linking up with Faith Filled Friday, Grace & Truth, Blessing Counters, The Weekend Brew, Give Me Grace, Sunday Stillness, Inspire Me Monday, #RaRaLinkup, Sharing His Beauty, #SmallWonder, Playdates with God, #TellHisStory, Everyday Jesus, Thought Provoking Thursday, Blessing Counters, Faith Filled Friday
Well said, Laura.
ReplyDeleteGreat question Laura! I have been asking myself this question frequently in the last year. I retired from teaching for 30 years this past June and I have been praying brave prayers full of questions but also with my heart open to the answers that God will provide. I love how you explored this today through the story of your pastor. May we all go where God is leading us. Blessed you shared this at The Weekend Brew.
ReplyDeleteThis is so encouraging as God may be moving us for health reasons, but at 67-68 we are unsteady about the possibility. Moving is rugged and we are not the youth we once were.
ReplyDelete"...because maybe the depth of sadness is equal to the impact made in my life."
This is powerful, Katie.
And I love the photo at the top. It is delightful!
oops...Laura...I was still thinking about Katie's photo and wrote it here. Sorry!
DeleteThat's a hard question to answer. I hope my answer would be yes. It takes a lot of God's grace to help us take those risks. Praying for your friend on his new venture of faith.
ReplyDeleteYes, walking in obedience is worth the risk! Thanks for linking up with the #RaRaLinkup via Purposeful Faith.
ReplyDeleteI'm speaking on the story of the Good Samaritan this week and trying to listen close to hear God's asking voice. Thanks for linking with #SmallWonder, Laura.
ReplyDeleteGod has been putting some probing questions like this on my heart and in my writing lately. It is convicting, challenging, and stretching. So nice to visit again from #TellHisSTory.
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteI've follow God and said yes to things which the natural mind could not comprehend. I've given up career, convenience, money, relationships in pursuit of Him. It hasn't always been easy but I believe obedience yield high dividends. The Lord is able to rapidly expedite kingdom business with our delightful, rapid "YES".
Preach it, sister. And I am living this right now. So I guess my answer is yes. (Although sometimes my feet drag a little bit...)
ReplyDeleteGood question. It's hard when you don't know what's going to happen but I guess that's the point of faith :)
ReplyDeleteamen daughter of Zion, thank you for this wonderful post
ReplyDelete