We're Moving to Dallas
In a few short weeks, Caroline and I will be moving to Texas. It's the next step in God's greater plan for us and I'll be frank with you: it's a scary plan. We know very few people in Dallas, we don't have a church home, jobs, or even an idea of what life might be like outside of the places we know and love.
We've both practically lived in the same places our entire lives. I grew up in Little Rock and Caroline was born in Louisiana but grew up primarily in Arkadelphia. We've both been blessed to travel and see other places around the world (Caroline even lived in London for 6 months!), but traveling and making somewhere new home are very different things.
We share a nervous excitement. Studying for our masters degrees at Dallas Theological Seminary is a dream come true. We are pursuing the same degree and get to take many of the same classes together. At the same time, working and studying are challenging companions. Add to that our marital, social and spiritual life and the equation becomes that much more complex.
I have been preparing recently for a sermon covering the near sacrifice of Isaac. I always stand in awe of God and the relevance of His Word.
At times when I feel closest to God he tests me and reminds me of his faithfulness.
In many ways our situation differs greatly from Abraham's in Genesis 22. I haven't been promised descendants that number as the stars or grains of sand, nor have I been promised a son in my "old" age - and I certainly haven't been asked to sacrifice anyone close to me. But I think even with what we lack in historical and cultural context with Abraham, we make up for in the application of his obedience.
Abraham was faithful to follow God's command. God made a covenant with him, and up to this point, nothing had run contrary to God's Word. His timing and approach were often different than Abraham's expectations, but nonetheless, Abraham trusted God. When Abraham was commanded to go, take his son, and offer him as a burnt offering to God, it wasn't about the irrationality of the command.
He didn't question why God would promise descendants through Isaac, whom his wife Sarah had well into her old age, if he were to ultimately kill him. He didn't rebuke God for a faulty covenant. For Abraham, it was about obedience. It was about trusting in God's faithfulness to the faithful.
You see, Abraham was obedient immediately in Genesis 22:1-3 gathering what was necessary. He was continually obedient in 22:4-8 as he made his way to the place he would sacrifice his "only son." He was ultimately obedient in 22:9-10 in heart and mind when he raised the knife above his son on Mount Moriah. For Abraham, obedience to God was paramount.
Likewise, God was faithful to his covenant. In Genesis 22:11-12 He was faithful to prevent Abraham's sacrifice of his only son. In 22:13-14 He was faithful to provide a ram without blemish in the thicket nearby. In 22:15-19 He was faithful to preserve His promise to Abraham to bring many great nations from his descendants.
God tests us to determine the quality of our faithfulness and obedience to Him.
And while God may not be specifically commanding me, Caroline or you to give up something of great value, such as a child, He is commanding that we be faithfully obedient. And perhaps that means offering ourselves as a living sacrifice for His work.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2
We received no financial aid from DTS. And while disappointing and trying, Caroline and I have found it necessary to be obedient to follow where it is God has led us. Is it because of our obedience that God chooses to bless us? No, but I think it may be in light of our obedience. We know Him and love Him, and out of that knowledge and love obedience follows.
When our faithful obedience meets God's approval, our faith is affirmed and strengthened.
God uses our faithful obedience to strengthen our relationship with Him. God longs to draw near to us; it's why He created us. He longs for restored relationship with us.
We're excited to be moving to Dallas. And while uncertainty exists, we know that God will be faithful to provide and preserve His promise to us. We will rely on His Word and lean on Him for support in the coming months and years. Trusting God's timing and approach won't always be easy, but with the promise of His faithfulness the burden is made so much lighter.