Dear Jesus, a few days ago, Your Holy Spirit spoke softly but firmly to my heart. “It’s time to leave your beloved town and move on. You have work to do somewhere else.” Right away my flesh told me to doubt Your plan.
In my mind, I reasoned, “How would I be able to leave my friends, neighbors, church family and the place I have grown to love so dearly? After all, we have thrived in the same town for over three years now. This little town has become very special to me. So, I wonder, “To where will we go, LORD?” My heart fills with uncertainty, doubt, and fear.
You responded right away causing my Bible to open daily to the same passage found in the book of Isaiah, chapter 52. “Depart! Depart! Go out from there.” You said. It didn’t take long before I was fighting that internal battle. Thoughts about all that we will have to leave behind raged against the desire to trust You. “At the local post office, we will have to say ‘goodbye’ to several people we love. There’s Debbie, who we often stand in line longer than necessary, just to wait for her to offer a blue lollipop to Travis. It was just after having met her, that I shared my testimony with this particular postal worker. And, Debbie has followed our story for over three years. “I am getting back under the same roof with my husband…No, I am not…Yes, I am…”
Then, there’s the local grocery store. We know almost every checker and I have added many of their names to my personal prayer board. Next, there’s our local coffee house. Through the work of Your Holy Spirit, several hearts in this oh so fragrant coffee house have been reached with the Gospel. I continued to allow memories to come to mind.
LORD, we are known by name in most of the stores in this sweet little town I call “home.” You have used me to hold the hands of many neighbors. You had me share the Gospel with the homeless and welcome those who are considered ‘outcasts,’ into our home. Moreover, this is where our church family is located. This small town sure feels safe and comfortable. I am worried, LORD. "What if I am making a terrible decision?" I try to go about my day as the feeling of doubt comes on strong and I struggle to trust You.
At one point, I pause to read the passage again. This time, a different verse penetrates my heart with such a force that in almost an instant, all doubt is erased and my mind is made up. I will step out in faith! LORD, follow You.
“How beautiful upon the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who proclaims peace,
Who brings glad tidings of good things,
Who proclaims salvation,
Who says to Zion,
“Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7 (NKJV)
Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who proclaims peace,
Who brings glad tidings of good things,
Who proclaims salvation,
Who says to Zion,
“Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7 (NKJV)
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