I live in a town that I affectionately call a "destination". My family smiles at me with patient amusement whenever I refer to it that way, but to me, it is a perfect description. The weather is mild and lovely, the scenery is beautiful and the mood of the town festive and unique. It is close enough to the Pacific that each night the evening breezes cool the hot summer air and refresh our spirits. Each weekend travelers make their way here to enjoy the sites, eat in the restaurants and cruise on the river that runs through the center of our little town. But as special as I feel this “destination” is, it is the path which brought us here that made arriving even sweeter.

The days and weeks prior to moving to a new town came with times of uncertainty, questions, and challenges – Were we making the right choice? Was this the plan God had for us? Will there be a job there for me? A home? Friends? But with each challenge placed before us we looked to God for the answers. Our prayer was for God to show us the way and lead us. We desired His will, not our own. Then, when an obstacle was placed in one direction, a door opened in another until the path and destination was made clear and we were filled with a sense of peace.

We have learned that nothing happens without a reason. The lessons learned and the patience gained while we waiting for God's answers grew our faith and prepared us for where we are today, both in location and in our hearts. We have been given a greater sense of appreciation for all the blessings in our life and the journey we are on. By keeping our eyes on Jesus, our path was clear because He was our goal.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

I trust my Lord completely. And as comfortable as I am in my current “destination”, I will follow Him to wherever He chooses to take me in the future – in life, in location, in service. Along the way, each time I am removed from my comfort zone, I know He is stretching and growing me for His glory. I am not perfect, far from it! But I love a perfect God. I know that He loves me just as I am but He also loves me far too much to allow me stay the same. I am clay being molded and shaped by the Potter and I welcome His skillful hands. “And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8)

Until I reach my final destination, I pray that my life lived for Him will show His glory. With each step forward and each stumble back along the way, I will continue to keep my eyes on where I am going – to Him, my ultimate destination.

Living for Him,
Joan

11 Comments

  1. Joan, I love what you wrote:

    "I know that He loves me just as I am but He also loves me far too much to allow me stay the same."

    I am way out of my comfort zone right now. This topic is one that the Lord is teaching me. Learning to trust Him when you don't know where you're going.

    Loved this timely post. It was perfect timing for me to read it.

    Hugs and love,
    Debbie

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  2. AnonymousJuly 21, 2010

    Loved your perspective! xo

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  3. "The lessons learned and the patience gained while we waiting for God's answers grew our faith and prepared us for where we are today, both in location and in our hearts."

    The peace comes in the waiting and in the obedience. It sounds like you are in a lovely place physically and spiritually. Beautiful post.

    Shalom,
    Denise

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  4. We have been in the same situation you have been in, moving from place to place and trusting that God was leading us every step of the way! He has always been so faithful...

    Thank you for your comment on my blog! I am amazed that even though we have never met, we seem to be like minded sisters in Christ. I love your blog!

    In Him,
    Leanne

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  5. Having recently moved, this couldn't be a more timely post for me. I need to keep pressing in to Jesus and asking for his guidance, strength, and wisdom. This has been an incredibly hard move, but I believe we're in the right place. It just doesn't feel like "home" right now.

    peace~elaine

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  6. Sounds like you have been led beautifully by the Lord and I'm sure He has many more blessings in store for you.

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  7. You wrote such beautiful reflections here...and I agree that everything happens for a reason...all part of His plan...so we can have peace...regardless....

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  8. Amen! It is wonderful to know that you are comfortable with your "destination". The assurance that it is the perfect will of God in your life helps you to be happy and enjoy that place. It is not easy to be away from our comfort zone, but it is true that the whenever God takes us from our comfort zone, He stretches us for His glory.

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  9. Joan I always enjoy your writings. God has truly gifted you.

    Thank you for your visit and your encouraging words.

    Blessings,
    Joan

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  10. The place you live in sounds like a wonderful place; I love cool breezes from the water :) ...

    You are right, Joan, we are on a journey and when we keep our eyes fixed on the One who loves us, we can make it through anything.

    Thank you for the wonderful encouragement.

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  11. Oh amen! We are on a journey to our final destination. So important to stay focused.

    Blessings.

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