GOING NORTH. FAREWELL NEBRASKA.
Leaving what is safe, comfortable, and familiar is not easy. Even the idea of change can be paralyzing especially with a family. But we only get one life and when the Lord nudges you to step into the unknown, it’s best to say yes rather than live a life of regret wondering what would have happened. But the bigger question is: Is it really God nudging you or is it just a midlife crises? a crazy idea? or your own inclinations? Here is a simple test that I take when I feel led to do something from the Lord. I ask the following questions to make sure it is in His grasp.:
G- Does what I feel called to do… Glorify God?
R- Is what I feel called to do… Respectful of others?
A- Does what I feel called to do… Advance God’s Kingdom?
S- Is what I feel called to do…Scriptural?
P- Is what I feel called to do confirmed by……Prayer Partners?
If the answer is “yes” to all these questions, then it could be the Lord. When we were debating whether to move our ministry one state north to South Dakota we also had a number of confirmations that made our decision more clear. One of the more strange confirmations came during a meeting with Roger, a mentor of ours. As we met with him we noticed a unique and unknown scripture on his wall that read,
“‘You have been wandering around in this hill country long enough; turn to the north.” Duet 2:3.
We knew the context of that verse was for the Israelites, but we couldn’t get the verse out of our minds. So I wrote my friend and asked why he chose such a unique scripture for his wall and what it meant to him. He replied:
…God [is] advising Moses that he was made for more than to be stuck in a vicious cycle of defeat. He had circled this mountain long enough. Now turn North! We think of this as an encouraging thought to those of us that are satisfied to live in our parents basement and watch General Hospital [or NETFLIX]….NOW, go do something of value, make a contribution of your life some way! You were not meant to be stuck in a vicious cycle of defeat, turn North. Accomplish something for someone!
What a powerful perspective. Shortly after reading this verse we decided to literally move our ministry one state NORTH and the words of the verse played a part of compelling us.
