Staying means comfort, risk-free, known terrain, but going …
I hate change.
No I like change.
Uh-uh, change is disturbing.
No, it’s exciting. (there’s nothing like inner conflict!)
Gosh! I hate my life.
No, no. I really love my life, but these decisions are killing me.
Should I stay? Or Should I go?
While the beat of that song plays in your head, I’ll tell you we struggled. We struggled within ourselves. And we struggled with God. Then my husband and I finally came to the conclusion.
“Okay. We’ll go.” We’ll give it all up and follow God. (not like we weren’t totally given to ministry already!)
“It could never be better to stay once He [God] determines otherwise.” Streams in the Desert January 14th.
That may be right, but it doesn’t help the fear of the unknown, the uncertainty of the future, the misunderstanding of others placed on us.
“He [God] goes on ahead of [us]” John 10:4
That’s more comforting. God is leading the way, going in front of us, and showing us the way.
F. B. Meyer states, “All the tomorrows of our life have to pass through Him before they can get to us.”
Now that’s a shield in which I can get behind and forge ahead.
Maybe going is the best answer when God says, “Go.” (check Matt. 28:19-20)
So we find ourselves taking an Abrahamic call. My husband resigned a great pastorate of over eight years. We don’t know where we are going. We are unsure of what we’re doing. We simply answered the call to go.
We didn’t come to this decision lightly. The struggle took a while and we often switched places with one sensing the call stronger and the other not. We never struggled with each other. But were united in intense struggle to do only what God wanted. My security was challenged. His identity challenged. This was all so new, and well…challenging!
Our last Sunday is January 25th. Then . . .
I have no more to write. I don’t know anything more. Going . . . with eyes wide open!
Wow. Now that is stepping out in faith. Trusting God is so easy to preach, talk about, tell others they should do, then God turns the tables and you are tested. I don’t know you, but you Twitter entry caught my eye and so I read your blog.
I am a senior pastor and have been at my church for 7 years. I don’t foresee leaving here, but that’s up to God not us. Bless you in this time of uncertainty, excitement, insecurity, total abandon… as you know He hasn’t brought you this far to let you fall.
Grace and Peace,
Jimmy Pruitt
MSCC Abilene, TX
http://www.mscc.tv
Robin, It is always scary to step out into the dark unknown, with no sure footing. It’s like Indiana Jones in the third movie. As he has to step out into the chasm between himself and his goal, he steps out into thin air. But when he does, the bridge appears. I’ve always loved this segment of the movie. May the Lord bless you for your Abrahamic obedience and lead you to that land He shall show you. Blessings…
The whole thing gives me tingles. What a scary, happy, sad, exciting adventure!
Stepping, scary tingles but very missional. God is doing some really cool stuff. even this night. WoW.
Thanks for the comments new friends and not so new ones.
May God be … Yes, because he is … the great
I AM!!!
What a life to live!
Hi Robin. Introductions first – we’re twitter friends as of about a week
Does your husband have any experience in small group ministry? We’re looking for a Pastor for discipleship and life group ministry here in Cairo, Egypt. It’s an amazing church – truly multi-cultural, and Cairo is a fantastic place to live and work.
Let me know – we really need the right people and we’re trying to build a dynamic pastoral team right now. http://www.maadichurch.com
Mark.
Mark,
If God wasn’t so big and doing things that are so beyond my imagination, I’d laugh like Abraham’s Sarah. But since he is, my legs are shaking even more with such great opportunities.
The answer is yes to your question. And Chuck said he’d ponder these things in his prayers to see what God may be saying.
Either way, God is doing great things, and I’m certain he’ll place the right people in leadership to bring about a demonstration of his glory. You may contact Chuck at brycechu@mssblue.net.
May God bless you and use you greatly for his Kingdom’s sake!
Robin,
If God says, “Go” and you go, then it’s up to God to guide, provide, and help our insides.
Scary, exciting, sure, and unsure…isn’t that what the faith walk is all about. Most who seriously do it wouldn’t trade it for anything. And in reality the non-faith walk is scary, exciting, sure, and unsure…and there is no safety net there…no God to be waiting and watching each step taken.
BTW, as of January 25…you’ll have so much more to write. The story isn’t ending there. It’s just time for a chapter change.
Blessings in abundance of peace, strength, wisdom, health, provision…hope to see you later this month!
I’m freaking out a little bit here.
My girls are in harmony singing the praises of joining God in Egypt. Dreaming of the adventure, the sights, the work, the history, the travel.
Me, I’m shaking at the sacrifice, the loss, the work. What if this is what God wants?
The girls are “all in.”
I’m “all in” if God’s taking me “all in.” I know the life of faith is an adventure, and would have it no other way … maybe?
Yikes!! Should I STAY? Or should I GO?
Hi Robin,
Your faith and obedience are inspiring! In the words of Yoda…. “There is no try. There is only do, or do not.” Praying for you as you and your family “do”.
Peace,
Leslie
So you’ve been promoted. Corporate as looked at your file, saw that you’re an excellent candidate: the right history, temperment, skills and most important abiility to OBEY.
So you got called to a new office. And like any good employee who loves the company and wants the company to succeed, you pack up and move and do the very best job you can…
See that would be the script if this were a worldly calling. You know! We see it all the time. People pack up their whole lives & families, move all over the globe for a paycheck.
At least your reward wont be so fleeting.
And unlike an earthly company, our Corporate headquarters CAN and will make sure EVERY NEED is absolutely met.
So go, have fun, do good , get a few jewels for your crown to set at His feet!
(and send me picts!!)
Chere
Robin,
“An object in motion can be guided.” Think of when your car is parked how hard it is to turn the wheels, but when it’s moving they turn easily. Sounds like your in the “motion” part & God is guiding you, but you’re not sure of the destination yet.
Have you ever heard that saying, “You don’t get the ticket until you board the train?” You don’t always get to know where you are going until it’s time to board the train. Then He gives the ticket with your destination on it. Right now you’re standing at the train station and waiting for the ticket. My prayers are with you. What an exciting life. God is never boring!
Claire Harris
Okay, I’ve decided. I’m going. I’m going, going, going …
I know exactly how to get there. My mission to be missional will be achieved by allowing God to display his glory and holiness in and through my life. In moment by moment obedience, I’ll get there. I’ll be right on time, and right where I’m supposed to be. Whether that’s in Egypt, Houston, or the grocery store, I’ll be at my appointment doing what I’m created to do.
I feel like a test was given. I wonder if I scored well? Would I have trusted God enough to go anywhere? I wonder …