When God Calls You to Make A Change

A few years ago an acquaintance shared that she and her family attended a mega- church about twenty-five minutes away. I thought, Why would they drive that far? It seemed ludicrous when there were congregations to attend closer to home.

Today we are members of that church.

When I think of this story, I realize the church move we made was not our doing. It was a move of God. He drew us there, he changed our thinking, and now we are seeing why he moved us.

Change is difficult, isn’t it?

But God will often ask us to make a directional move that, on the surface doesn’t make sense. It may not be convenient. It could require leaving loved ones behind.

Just ask Abraham, who the Lord asked to leave familiar, comfortable digs in Ur for a promise. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2-3).

Just ask Moses, who had settled into sheepherding for forty years, never to return to Egypt (he thought). “So now go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:10).

Just ask the disciples, who dropped their fishing nets and never looked back (Well, maybe once or twice). “Come, follow me” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people” (Matthew 4:19).

God asked my husband and me to part with the familiar and leave dear friends at our church. We both used to be leaders within our congregation. Now we are a number, and not sure where, or if we are to plug in. But we are praying about that, and know when the timing is right, the Lord will make it clear how we are to serve.

In the meantime, we are learning. I am getting some questions answered that I always wondered about, and I am being obedient to God by reconnecting with my Jewish roots through a class I am attending.

God moves us to where he wants us, one way or another.

Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” In other words, we might have a plan, but God’s plan overrules our strategy.

We can either listen for God’s clear direction in advance, or wait for him to forcibly move us. I’ve done it both ways, and the latter is always more painful.

So on faith, we are worshipping God at a new church home. We don’t know what the future holds, but we know we are where God has re-planted us. In the first couple of months, I had waves of doubt, but when I did, the Lord would knock me over with a wave of the Holy Spirit through the worship experience or message, and I would relax.

Do you feel change in your atmosphere? Be proactive about it. Ask God where he wants you to go, and what he desires for you to do.

He has a reason for the change, so on faith, move forward with God in the lead. His plan is always best.