A Call Into The Unknown

    There are many things in life we are called to do. Many times growing up we are told to be patient as we wait for that special toy we've been wanting for a long time, or perhaps for a job opportunity that we have been longing to hear from. Other times we are called to be brave for our loved ones, be willing to sacrifice certain things in our lives for a better future. Whatever the case, God calls us to do many of these things... but being comfortable is not one of them. 
     I was reading over one of the lessons to teach to children at my church one day and the story struck me. We are all familiar with the story of how Moses leads the Israelites out of their captivity in Egypt, and how they face many years in the desert trying to reach their promised land. But the deeper story is what happens within all of those years before they finally reach their destination.
     See God uses Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, and after many trials finally succeeds... but that was only the beginning. This specific verse stood out to me: 

And the children of Israel said to them, "If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and ate bread when we wanted. But now you have brought us here into the wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger." - Exodus 16:3

     Wow. This verse just says so much. In summary, the Israelites would've rather died in Egypt where they had food and were slaves as opposed to embarking into the unknown territory of freedom. Unknown freedom required something very important though: faith. This struck me because I can relate very well with the Israelites and the fear of stepping into the unknown. 
     Now of course God never intended to place the Israelites in a position where they would not be taken care of. They simply needed to trust that the Lord would indeed provide. And He did, regardless of the stumbling and complaining the Israelites did... He always provided exactly what they needed. The reason the journey took so long was due to their disobedience. 
     Can you relate to this? I know I definitely can lately. How many times do I try and try to do things my way, only to finally figure out if only I would trust the Lord will provide... not my way or my time, but His. Sigh stubborn are we not?
     What I took from this part of the story is this: God will call us to step into the unknown many times in our lives. Like the Israelites, the fear of change can almost paralyze us from moving forward... so instead we look back. But be rest assured if God calls you to something and places you in that position.... He will be right there to provide exactly what you need and fight for you. You are never alone! Have a beautiful weekend. <3