Called Out

Called Out

The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.”

Genesis 12:1

Every time I merge onto the freeway by my home, I remember the first time I drove on it. I was trying to follow the GPS through a detoured construction zone. I’d moved from rural Montana to the “big city” of Little Rock, and I felt frazzled and zapped on most days as I tried to adjust.

For the Amish, moving isn’t as big a deal, and many of them become experts at it! Here is writer David Schafer’s observation about when he moved to Amish country.

We popped in at Henry’s shop from time to time. . . . On one visit Henry gave us some shocking news.

“We’ll be moving down to Windsor, Missouri, this fall.” . . .

They left behind lovingly worked gardens, bird houses and fences and yard plantings. They left neighbors, relatives, and friends.

To most people, there is a loss of security in moving homes. It’s traumatic for children who have to make new friends, go to new schools, and learn new areas. . . . But none of that applies to the Amish.

They move to a place that has a school exactly like the last one. Same dress code, same curriculum, same holidays, same school bus (their own two feet or a pony and small buggy if they live farther away). Friends and relatives are probably already there and the new neighbors will soon be good friends that share chores and home church meetings and become part of their daily lives.

Sometimes God asks us to step out of our comfort zones, and most of the time we don’t find the new place the same as the old one. I’m so thankful that in the midst of life’s changes, God never changes. He led Abram to a new place, not only to discover a Promised Land, but also so Abram would know God’s promises better.

Are you feeling called out of your comfort zone? God will be with you wherever you go!

Dear heavenly Father, when I step out into the unknown, I’m thankful it gives me a chance to know You better.