Being in the military has both its pros and cons.  One of the more exciting, yet very challenging aspects of military life is the permanent change of duty station or PCS period.  For those who may not be familiar with the term, this occurs every 2 to 4 years when a military member must change assignments, often requiring a move to another city, state or at times even country.  The change in assignment is often very exciting, as new responsibilities, promotions and challenges are assumed by the military member, that often lead to growth, both professionally and personally.  The burden then falls on the families and loved ones, who have to pick up and leave everything that they have come to know as normal life for the next leg of this ever changing journey.

My family and I are right in the middle of this period for the third time in five years and we are experiencing some of these very emotions.  As I reflect, I’m reminded of three familiar men in the bible.  God led Abraham, Moses and Elijah to move from their comfortable settings in order to get them to their destiny.  I really see a lot of what God has been doing  in our lives during this cross country move, when I revisit the lives of these three great men.  Let’s talk about it:

1. Your Destiny is Anticipated:  Gen 12:1-3 Now the LORD had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family.  And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you.  2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”  Abraham (who was still named Abram at the time) was told by God to move out of his father’s house, but he was not told where to go.  What God did tell him, was what he could anticipate once he got there.  Abraham would become a great nation, have a great name, receive divine protection, be blessed by God and be a blessing to many others.  All this was tied to Abraham moving when told, does it mean that he would not be blessed if he had stayed put, probably not, but his complete TRUST in God certainly opened up his ability to receive significantly.  While many would use the word obey in Abraham’s case, I chose the word trust purposely.  I can obey my boss while talking about him/her behind their back; not completely agreeing with them; think my idea is much better than theirs or even do what I was told with a wrong and sarcastic attitude.  Many of you understand exactly what I am saying because you are smiling right now (you’ve done it before when you were supposedly obeying or submitting).  The bible says that without pause, Abraham “departed as the LORD had spoken to him.  He did not argue or attempt to negotiate with God, he merely grabbed his family and left, because he trusted that God had his destiny in mind (God would not double cross him).
2. Your Direction is Always Available: Ex 13:21-22 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.  Many of us have asked these questions “which way should I turn, what do I do next, where should I go now?”  Moses and the children of Israel did not have to worry about this, because Jesus Himself showed up in the form of a pillar of cloud during the day and fire at night, to show them what direction they should travel.  I’ve come to let you know today that you may not see the cloud and fire, but just as Jesus was with Moses then, He will be with you now (and forever).  Guess what?  He likes it better that way, He “knows the plans that He has for you” and if you will take these same questions to Jesus, He will answer and guide you with great pleasure.  Direction is always available to you, just ask and trust “The One” who gives liberally, and He will guide you along your journey.
3. Your Provisions Await: 1 Kings 17:7 And it happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. 8 Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying,9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you. I know that you have heard this verse preached before, “Where God Gives Vision, He Gives Provision.”  Well this is exactly what God did for Elijah.  He told him where to go (vision), and then told him where he would be provided for (provision).  Today the Lord does not always tell us the specifics about the provisions, and because He often does not, we tend not to believe that any provisions will be waiting for us.  This then hinders us from trusting the same God who has provided everything we’ve ever received.  The bible says to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;” it’s that second part that makes trusting so difficult at times.  Faith is believing what we do not see, but our limited thinking will only allow us to believe something if we actually see it.  This is why God created us in His image; we (Christians) have the Holy Spirit living inside of us and He enables us to push beyond our many limitations.  God told Elijah where his provisions would be, today He has told us in His word that our provisions will be where ever we need them (Phil 4:19-20 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus).

God created us, He knows us better than we know ourselves.  He knows everything that we need and everything we will need to accomplish His plans for us.  So why is it so hard for us to trust God when He desires to move us out of our comfort zone?  During my family’s most recent move, we have seen God show us favor in even the smallest of details.  Now it has not been hassle free, but God has certainly shown us that He is supplying all of our needs and that He is certainly trust worthy.  We believe that this move is a part of our destiny, that Jesus desires to guide us daily along the journey and all that all we will need to accomplish His plans are waiting for us even now.  From now on, When God moves You move; Trust (Him) like that!!