As a Christian I understand that my life is not my own. (See 1 Corinthians chapter 6 verse 19 and Galatians chapter 2 verse 20). I also read the Word of God and am reminded that God only has good plans for me. I’ve memorized Psalm 23 and know that wherever God leads, I should not be afraid because He will be with me.
Though I know all these things in my mind, I can’t fully say I know all these things in my heart.
In the past few weeks, God has made it abundantly clear that it’s my time to move on from the place I’ve ministered for the past six years. This is a really exciting time for me. I’m so very blessed to be supported by my ministry family and friends as they pray and send me out past my comfort zone.
In this ministry and life transition, I’ve been reminded of a few truths that have helped me to take flight into the unknown future.
If you don’t grow, you have to go.
In my six years of working and being in ministry at the same location, I’ve seen this truth come to pass. I’ve noticed that once a person has stopped growing and being challenged in their relationship with God that it’s soon time to get up and go.
Because God is faithful to complete the work of sanctification in my life, I can have faith in God that if I’ve learned the lessons of the season, God will bring on other challenges to further my growth.
Faith implies unanswered questions.
When God says, “Go”, I’ve learned that faith doesn’t always mean all of my questions will be answered. In fact, God is intentional in giving all His children the opportunity to exercise faith. This blesses me because I understand that without faith it is impossible to please God. (See Hebrews chapter 11 verse 6).
Unanswered questions are opportunities for me to trust God and bless His heart with my child-like obedience. I can have confidence that when God calls me to take a step of faith that He will provide the necessary graces to help me walk.
Each season is in preparation for the next.
I’m learning once again that the Lord is a masterful teacher. He is faithfully thorough and wise. I’m seeing God’s sovereign plan in using the past seasons of trial, testing, and temptations to train me for the plans He has for me in the future.
I understanding more and more each day that in God’s manifold wisdom, there is a lesson to be learned in every season that will help build a foundation for the future. I can breathe easy and trust that if God is calling me to go, that He has already been preparing me for the next chapter in life.
Expect the giants.
I can learn from the example of the Nation of Israel and the Promised Land. When God called all of Israel into the Promised Land, there were still mighty enemies that inhabited their land. When God says, “Go” there will always be reasons to not take that step of faith.
There may be financial giants, emotional giants, or even awkward giants, that will need to be handled, but I praise God that He is a giant slayer! I can trust that if God calls me to it, He will see me through it!
Just be faithful with what’s in front of you.
In the transition, it’ll be easy to be overwhelmed with all the fine details that need to be taken care of. Believer, just be faithful with the next thing that God has put on your plate. Don’t worry about tomorrow; just worry about the next thing you have to do. God is faithful and will work out all things according to His plans and purposes.
If and when God says, “Go”, continue to look to Him for wisdom and perspective. Remember that God is a Good Father will only has the best plans for His children. Don’t be afraid to take that next step, God is already there.
Aaron serves in Murrieta, CA and is a pastor at Cross Culture Murrieta, a teacher at Calvary Chapel Bible College, and is also the director of On The Edge.
Aaron Sabio’s previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/aaron-sabio.html
Aaron Sabio lives in Oceanside LA, is a pastor at Calvary Chapel Vista in Southern California. He enjoys coffee, volleyball, and singing with his worship band, [REVO]Collective.