Tuesday, December 8, 2015

The Process: Every Step is a Step of Faith

Here we are, we are in the process. It is a long process. This is a whole new experience for us. It is both sad and exciting for this process to be moving forward, with each step we face a new emotion, a new thing to deal with, and our faith ever increases. Each step makes this life altering decision even more real and big. To live in this moment in time is exciting, sad and awkward. We don't know how long we have left in our home, in our town, in our church and Chris in his job. However we do know that God is good, He is trustworthy, and He is faithful. We do know that He will continue to move us forward in His perfect timing, with His perfect vision of what we need and where we need to be. He is caring and all knowing.

Recently we had a Christmas Party/ House Celebration Party to basically say goodbye to our house. It hasn't sold yet, but we wanted to make sure to celebrate the blessing this house has been to us. One of my closest friends in the whole world is in a new secure, and peaceful time in her life (much like the season we are coming out of) and she shared how this is the most secure she has felt since her and her husband were married and how wonderful it was. I am so happy for her, and I totally get it, that is how I felt when we closed on this home. I then had a twinge of sadness and fear rush over my heart, because this is probably the most insecure I have ever felt since I was a child. I am very good at being in control, and having a plan. We do have a plan right now, but it is not one we have lots of control over, and it is a plan to turn our lives upside down. Not a lot of security in that! Then I quickly was reminded of how big, awesome and great my God is, and how he meets us where we are at, and He is the source of my security.

This last week I was reminded of the security I have in Jesus because of the authority I have through Him. The authority He has gives my faith a place to stand and in turn shows me who I truly am in Him. I also have seen how far he has brought me in this season of refreshing, comfort and peace, I get it. I get that He is so good, and so trustworthy that I have very little to worry about, because He will take care of me, He will take care of my family, and He will guide us and protect us.

Lean in, He is good, He is trustworthy, He has never failed and He won't start now. Lean in, let that be your security. Trust Him. He has this, He loves you, and He won't fail you.

The Counting the Cost of Dwelling in the Land

As we are moving forward in our lives and our following of Jesus, we are finding the cost of dwelling in the land God plants us in. This cost is way worth the product and the reward but there is still a cost. As we prepare to sell our house and eventually move to Cambodia I am reminded of this cost at every turn. I am reminded of the relationships we will be leaving behind, unfinished work that God is calling us away from, moving from one season of joy, peace, and contentment into the next season full of unknowns and I am sure lots of discomfort. There is also a slice of regret sprinkled in there because of how long we lived here in Durango without truly dwelling here, doing life with others. There are some relationships that I feel like I have missed out on how deep they could of been, or how much more I could of learned from others. I have loved living in a small town and as we move forward to a large city I find myself feeling nervous, and a little bit lost just at the idea.

I also find myself looking at the what we have spent here, our time, our money and our hearts. I feel invested in the future of our church, and little sad to not being here to see all that God has for it's future. I find myself looking to make a lasting impact in our children's ministry. Which leads me to the cost. The cost of dwelling in the land.

It cost time, time spent with people. We have had more people that we have shared meals with in this wonderful house than anywhere else we have lived. We have had more people stay with us, and even for short amount so of time call this place home.

We have experienced heartache with family of choice, and come through it with an even better understanding of our awesome God. We have cried about dreams unfulfilled and cried about dreams God is fulfilling. It costs to pack up, and leave what you have known. Especially when you have truly dwelled in the land God has planted you in. However it is so worth it, and I am excited as we enter this next season to jump in with both feet and truly dwell everywhere he leads us, even though I now understand this cost of heartache and sadness when that season ends.

Dwell where He plants you. It is worth it.