Leap into the Unknown with Your Known God

Hebrews 11:8-10 – “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith, he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.”

Having been an avid Trekkie since I was a pre-teen, it didn’t surprise me when God brought to remembrance a particularly impactful episode from the original Star Trek series as I struggled with a potentially life-changing decision. The award-winning episode in question was entitled, ‘The City on the Edge of Forever.’ Kirk and Spock must leap back into time through a portal to rescue their friend. By doing so, they will potentially undo the devastating ripple effect that a delirious McCoy set in motion through his interference with history. “The City on the Edge of Forever” impacted me significantly as a child.

One scene stood out to me more than the rest. Kirk and Spock realised they had a narrow window of opportunity. The future of mankind hinged on this one truth: if they were going to jump, then they had to jump NOW. Their only other choice was to abandon their friend, altering the course of history forever, and therefore live out their remaining days in the relative safety of arid and ancient ruins. Jump they did, eventually meeting up with their friend. In doing so, they rectified the damage McCoy caused, and all was right with the universe.

I received my marching orders, He called me out of my comfort zone.

That pivotal scene flashed before my eyes as I felt God’s not-so-gentle conviction. He had been speaking to me for years. By obeying the voice of the fear of the unknown I was directly disobeying God’s call. I needed to jump. The Kairos moment, or portal if you will, would soon shut. Jump I did, heart pounding. He was there to catch me.

I landed where I am meant to be in this season of my life. More importantly, I landed where I am supposed to be at this moment in history. A revival is coming to Canada, and an awakening is coming to the Canadian church at large. I received my marching orders, He called me out of my comfort zone, a zone that was causing my spirit to slumber through my disobedience. I feel my spirit awakening once again.

As I prayed into this, another picture came to mind. I saw game pieces on a chessboard being moved in a lightning speed sequence. I am the first to admit that I know nothing about chess beyond that it is a game where you must think ahead, planning your offensive strategy while anticipating the counter moves your opponent might potentially make. God is moving His people into strategic positions. He is sovereign, He has a plan in motion, and yet He still gives us a choice. As He prompts us to move or stay, we can obey His voice and allow Him to lead us where He wishes us to be, or we can stay in the relative safety of our comfort zones, at the enormous cost of being ineffective in the advancement of His Kingdom.


Personal Application

For some of my readers, submitting to God’s directions could mean staying right where you are for this season. Remain alert and awake to His call. Keep your lamps filled with His oil and make sure your wicks are trimmed and your vessel is clean. Your Bridegroom is coming, and when He does invite you to go with Him, the door of invitation will quickly close. (Matthew 25:1-13 Parable of the Ten Virgins)

For others, there is a compelling pull in your heart to step out and take risks. I suspect that many reading this word fall into this category. Perhaps that pull has been strengthening over several years, perhaps for only a few months. Your Sovereign Lord invites you, “Follow me.” You already have a good idea of just what He is calling you out to do. It is up to you to obey that call. In the same way that Andrew and Peter, James, and John set their nets of self-sufficiency down and followed Him, so must you.

And for still others, you have no idea what God wants you to do but you are experiencing a vague dissatisfaction. You can’t put the finger on the source of that dissatisfaction. Listen for His voice. If you are wondering how you can discern between your voice, the voice of the enemy, and the Great Shepherd’s voice, spend time in worship and Bible reading. Draw close enough to Him that you easily recognise the peace that comes with being in His fold. I suggest you begin by reading John 10:1-18.

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All Bible verses attributed to the ESV version unless otherwise indicated.

Until Next Week

2018 Katherine Walden

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