In Heb. 11:8, the writer points out the faith of Abraham: “By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.”
If you have attended Sunday school, and/or read your Bible you know that in Gen. 12 we see Abraham starting a journey. He lived in Haran at the time that God called him to go west to a promised land. He didn’t have Google Maps to show him what to expect. Abraham and Sarah (his wife) packed up their things and headed to where God had called them. This new adventure would lead to the building of a new nation and eventually to the birth of the Son of God.
The point is, we need to trust God when he calls us to go to a new place. I am a United Methodist pastor. As such, I am sent to different places to share the gospel of Christ. This means moving to new towns and serving new churches. Every year there is a meeting of our bishop and the district superintendents. They gather in prayer and they try to discern who needs to be where.
I say this because after 20 years of serving the Doniphan area, I have been asked to serve another place. As a UMC minister, when I am asked to serve, I serve regardless of location. This is what I am called to do.
This isn’t my first move. I originally moved from Warrenton to Williamsville. Susan and I packed up the kids (the oldest child was 6), Susan transferred her job and we moved. For seven years we served that wonderful church, and our kids grew up in small-town America. Then I was asked to serve Doniphan UMC. Susan and I packed up the kids and our stuff and moved to this wonderful town and served here for 20 years. I truly believe this is all in God’s plan.
Now in six weeks we will make our next journey. Our kids are grown and moved into their own households. We have accumulated more stuff (which means a yard sale will be happening soon). We will pack up our things and follow in Abraham’s footsteps. Gen. 12:1: "And the Lord said to Abram, 'Go forth from your country, and from your relatives and from your father’s house to the land which I will show you.'"
Many ministers across the state and the country are answering the call to go to a “land God will show them.” This is part of ministry. It is also the part that causes many to leave ministry. You see, God is going to ask us to do many things outside of our comfort zone. But God does not call maliciously. He calls because we are part of a bigger plan. He does not drop us off and forget us. He walks with us and guides us and looks out for us.
Susan and I have a great adventure ahead of us, and Doniphan will be receiving a new minister who will also be starting a new adventure. Serving God is never dull.
Just a thought.
See you in church.
