Stay, go, stay, go. What to do?  Sometimes I wish it would be more obvious.  I think of the Israelites in the wilderness with Moses.  They were guided by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. (Exodus 13:21)

Seems easy enough.  When the cloud stopped, they stopped.  But we know how they didn't always listen and obey.

I realize I have a guide too.  It might not be an obvious sign in the sky kind of thing. But my Bible is the Word of God and there's plenty of guidance for me.

Sometimes I am called to stay in situations that my human flesh wants to rebel against.  But over the years, I've discovered something.  Often when I'm ready to bolt and do my own thing, it's because I dislike temporary discomfort.  With hindsight, I can look back and see how the Lord was preparing me for something up ahead.  All too often I had my eyes on what I wanted instead of keeping my eyes on Jesus.

I remember serving as a children's leader in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). At the end of each year we were asked if we would continue in this position.  I remember thinking why would I ever leave since I loved it so. I stayed for seven years.

But I have to say that when the time came for me to leave it was obvious.  I knew it in my heart.  It was a season in my life and the Lord had other plans for me. The experience I gained during this time was invaluable to me in my future. But I didn't know that at the time.

Now I'm working in a school with preschool children. The seven years of weekly training in BSF helped me learn much about discipline and positive ways to interact with young children.

I think of Jesus walking this earth in a human body and yet fully divine. He knew what was ahead and the path He would need to take.

And going a little further He fell on His face and prayed, saying "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." Matthew 26:39 (ESV)

Jesus submitted to the will of His Father. Even though the path ahead would be painful, He obeyed perfectly.

I would rather say yes to God's best for me than say yes to many good things I think I can do for God.

So I pray about when to stay and when to move.

How about you?  How do you know when to stay and when to move?

I'm linking up with Bonnie of Faith Barista for her Faith Jam series leading up to Easter.



Blessings and love,