Moving cross-country is not something I recommend to most newlyweds. The culture shock, relationship strains, and adapting to a new community can take a toll on any couple. But that’s exactly what my husband and I did eleven months after we got married.
Four years later, we did it again. I’m sure some people thought we were crazy. Maybe we were. I remember attending a going- away party for my husband’s boss at six months pregnant and talking to new acquaintance about our situation. I told him our families were over two thousand miles away.
“What are you going to do?” he asked. He had this look of shock on his face like my husband and I had made the worst decision ever.
I wasn’t sure how to respond, so I politely excused myself and went looking for my rock, my calm- Chris. I found him laughing with his boss’s friends and asked him under my breath if he was ready to leave yet.
We survived. That’s what we did. Our faith grew stronger and our marriage did too. And while I would never tell you it was easy, I can say without a doubt that our decisions were God-ordained.
Although it took some time and space to realize it, I can look back and see his hand in each detail, turn and step. I’ve always hated the expression, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” but I do believe God can use the difficult times of our lives to produce character if we seek him in the process.
Moving can also get in your blood. The excitement, the yearning for something new can make you restless, unable to see the blessings in front of you.
It can keep you looking forward when God wants you to take a look around you instead.
A few weeks ago, we found ourselves there again. In familiar territory. Opportunities were knocking at the door, decisions loomed, and we were asking the old, familiar question, “Should we stay or should we go?”
The answer is still uncertain. We are seeking God and he is saying, “Wait.” I’ll be the first to admit I’m not a good waiter.
But as I wait and make a conscious effort to be still instead of rushing into a life-altering decision, I’m learning. I’m growing, and I’m realizing it isn’t always the huge leaps that make our faith stronger.
It’s staying put. It’s listening. It’s a willingness to be quiet and say, “I don’t have the answer.”
Sometimes staying in the place God has us takes more faith than moving the mountain.
Because staying means believing there’s still work to be done, even when the well appears dry.
Staying means believing God can still breathe life into a seemingly hopeless situation.
Staying means believing God can make all things new, even when our surroundings remain the same.
I may not have an answer yet, but he’s changing me. It’s a beautiful thing, because I’m learning to savor the journey.
As the sun sets and fireflies dance, I’m not worrying about the future. I’m resting in the beauty of today.
Join me here: #ChasingCommunity
This is really wonderful writing, Abby. I’ll share this on Facebook later today. God’s been speaking to me the word, “Wait,” so I’m receiving lots of encouragement from Him through this post this very minute!
I love this: “It isn’t always the huge leaps that make our faith stronger. It’s staying put. It’s listening. It’s a willingness to be quiet and say, “I don’t have the answer.” Sometimes staying in the place God has us takes more faith than moving the mountain.”
Praising God it spoke to you where you are today, Betsy. You are so loved, my friend. xoxo
Abby,
I’ve moved around the country in what I would call four major moves. New beginnings and fresh opportunities can be exciting. I cherish the friendships that I have made and still keep up with across this great Nation of ours. My life tapestry has been made richer. But, like you said, sometimes it takes more faith to stay. It is so hard to believe that I’ve been in one state for 20 years now?! I’m glad though that I gave my children roots as they were in the prime of their growing up years. They will always have a place to call home. There is value in that! Will be praying for you as you wait on God’s guiding…
Blessings,
Bev xx
Absolutely, Bev. There is value in that. Thank you for always offering words of wisdom. You are a treasure!
“Staying means believing God can still breathe life into a seemingly hopeless situation.”
“Staying means believing God can make all things new, even when our surroundings remain the same.”
… these two statements. They are anchoring me today, Abby.
Thank YOU!
So thankful and humbled to hear that, Leigh Ellen. Lifting you up in prayer this morning too. Love and hugs, my friend. xoxo
I’ve never lived anywhere but Buffalo NY. I sometimes think about living somewhere else but I have never had the opportunity or incentive to move. I’ve never even traveled anywhere exciting – never seen the ocean or the mountains or a tropical island, I’ve never been on a plane or a train. But in some ways I am content. I have a feeling this is where God wants me to be. For whatever reason. Thanks for this wonderful article. It makes me realize that sometimes staying put & standing still is ok.
Elaine, I spent some time in Buffalo many years ago. It always amazes me how our world is so big, yet small in many ways. I’m so glad God used this post to encourage you today! Thanks for being here.
Oooh, I know that tension well. The excitement pulls against the the fear and it’s tightest at the center–in the wait. Those refining times of waiting are some of the hardest, yet some of the sweetest. Continuing to pray with you, friend. I pray His past faithfulness will give you peace as you wait. My word this year is “stand,” and I’ve often wondered what in the world it was supposed to mean. This summer God’s been showing me that “stand” looks a lot like “wait.” Thanks for sharing this encouragement, Abby. ((xoxo)) (P.S.– one of your lines in here is almost identical to the title of something I wrote recently (turned in but yet unpublished). 🙂 Fun coincidence. 🙂 )