I dare you to read this. Actually, I triple dog dare you to read this.
Woah. Things just got serious.
I've done a lot of stupid, illogical things in my lifetime. I'm sure if you asked my mom for examples she could go on and on without slowing down. Most of the time, there was a reason for my ignorance. Either I lost a bet, was trying to show off for my friends, or was dared to do the impossible.
I grew up believing that receiving a laugh from my peers was worth any embarrassment that followed. One time, I lost a bet and had to shave off every hair on my entire body. I am grateful my youth leader crashed through the door to stop me before I had successfully shaved off my eyebrows. That would have been bad.
For many, following God seems illogical, irrational, and for some just plain stupid.
Trust me, I continuously walk through the tension that exists because I believe in a good God even though there is suffering. After my dad died, I wrestled with whether or not God existed. I even cussed Him out a few times. And yet, I have never met a genuine Christ-follower who truly believes their life was better before their encounter with Jesus than it is after their encounter with Jesus.
Suffering exists, but it does not have to shackle us to our fears any longer.
I dare you to take a risk and move. Actually, I triple dog dare you to take a risk and move.
I can't imagine the suffering you are experiencing from Covid-19 or have experienced in your lifetime. You may be battling fears, anxieties, depression, thoughts of suicide, experiencing loss, struggling financially, lost your job, and wrestling with whether or not God even exists. Our human response towards suffering and chaos is often to stay put in order to stay comfortable.
However, God encourages us to do something different.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own (Joshua 1:9-11, NIV).’”
God reminds Joshua that He is in control of what the future holds. He then orders Joshua and the Nation of Israel to move onward and take back what was rightfully theirs.
Do not allow your fear, suffering, anxiety, depression, comfortability, and everything in between, to cripple you and stop you from pursuing what God has in store for your life.
When we move towards what God has called us to, Heaven touches down.
Stay strong during this time, friends. Lean into whatever God is calling you to do and stay bold throughout the journey. Remember the reason you started following God in the first place. Hold onto your faith during these trying times. I promise you one thing: God is not going to lead you and leave you. He will continue to guide you throughout your life.
Our job? Move.
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