We recently had the blessed opportunity to spend the afternoon with dear friends.
They live over the hills and through the woods, up and off the beaten trail where we've explored before. It was an adventurous day of pursuing God's will for our family's next move and He revealed Himself to us in multiple ways that day.
These mentors of ours are dear saints...retired missionaries from Papua New Guinea, in their 70s and 80s now,
FULL of the type of wisdom years, experience, and a close walk with God produce.
"Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.
'With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding.'"
Job 12:12-13
These friends of ours are the type of people that when they speak...we listen. So, it was truly a delight to spend our day with them. We walked the acreage of their property while our kids swung from the oaks. We discussed life in the Lord, ate organic fruits and veggies they'd bought special from the Farmers Market in town for our visit, and mostly...we listened.
"Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future."
Proverbs 19:20
Before our trek back home, we took time to pray.
As we gathered, our gentleman friend shared words we will never forget...again, the type of man who doesn't speak constantly, but when he does, you listen. What was he preparing to share? We clung to his analogous words.
He told us what he himself had never forgotten from decades before, when he left his corporate career with wife and children in tow to spread the gospel in Papua New Guinea. He told us of advice he'd received as he made the choice to lose his life...to find it.
Step out...
His words were to step out and start moving...
He said that if we observe a boat, still, unmoving, docked with a dormant rudder in the water behind it, we'll see that the rudder can't steer the stagnant boat. There's no momentum. However, if we unleash the ropes, set sail, and head out to sea with movement, the rudder begins to accomplish it's purpose. It steers the direction of the boat.
rudder: noun. a flat piece of wood or other material at the back
of a boat or plane that is moved to change the direction of travel.
Our friend shared with us how he was encouraged back in the days of feeling prompted by God to step out into the mission field. He recalled how he needed to take steps forward in order to see God's leading. Stagnance was sure to accomplish nothing.
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you."
Psalm 32:8
Step out...
The will of God will steer our life's course like a rudder behind a moving boat. The Lord is faithful to guide.
"The steps of a man are established by the Lord."
Psalm 37:23
Surely there are times to be still, but when we sense movement, it would be wise to step out in obedience, in faith, knowing that God's perfect plans cannot fail. He will lead as we trust His directing. He will guide us as we step out.
"And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you,
O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you."
Psalm 9:10
So, as we listened and learned and took hold of what wisdom had to offer through our time out in nature with friends, we traveled back home full of insight and God's love and a yearning to advance in obedience, to trust in the Lord and step out.
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you."
Psalm 32:8
Step out...
The will of God will steer our life's course like a rudder behind a moving boat. The Lord is faithful to guide.
"The steps of a man are established by the Lord."
Psalm 37:23
Surely there are times to be still, but when we sense movement, it would be wise to step out in obedience, in faith, knowing that God's perfect plans cannot fail. He will lead as we trust His directing. He will guide us as we step out.
"And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you,
O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you."
Psalm 9:10
So, as we listened and learned and took hold of what wisdom had to offer through our time out in nature with friends, we traveled back home full of insight and God's love and a yearning to advance in obedience, to trust in the Lord and step out.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6
