Heart Choices: Knowing When to Stay and When to Move -->

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Knowing When to Stay and When to Move



Stay, go, stay, go. What to do?  Sometimes I wish it would be more obvious.  I think of the Israelites in the wilderness with Moses.  They were guided by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. (Exodus 13:21)

Seems easy enough.  When the cloud stopped, they stopped.  But we know how they didn't always listen and obey.

I realize I have a guide too.  It might not be an obvious sign in the sky kind of thing. But my Bible is the Word of God and there's plenty of guidance for me.

Sometimes I am called to stay in situations that my human flesh wants to rebel against.  But over the years, I've discovered something.  Often when I'm ready to bolt and do my own thing, it's because I dislike temporary discomfort.  With hindsight, I can look back and see how the Lord was preparing me for something up ahead.  All too often I had my eyes on what I wanted instead of keeping my eyes on Jesus.

I remember serving as a children's leader in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). At the end of each year we were asked if we would continue in this position.  I remember thinking why would I ever leave since I loved it so. I stayed for seven years.

But I have to say that when the time came for me to leave it was obvious.  I knew it in my heart.  It was a season in my life and the Lord had other plans for me. The experience I gained during this time was invaluable to me in my future. But I didn't know that at the time.

Now I'm working in a school with preschool children. The seven years of weekly training in BSF helped me learn much about discipline and positive ways to interact with young children.

I think of Jesus walking this earth in a human body and yet fully divine. He knew what was ahead and the path He would need to take.

And going a little further He fell on His face and prayed, saying "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." Matthew 26:39 (ESV)

Jesus submitted to the will of His Father. Even though the path ahead would be painful, He obeyed perfectly.

I would rather say yes to God's best for me than say yes to many good things I think I can do for God.

So I pray about when to stay and when to move.

How about you?  How do you know when to stay and when to move?

I'm linking up with Bonnie of Faith Barista for her Faith Jam series leading up to Easter.



Blessings and love,

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Debbie Petras
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7 comments:

  1. Stay or go, that's the question. I pray as well for God's guidance and patience to wait. God's best is what I want too. That's why I stay until a clear direction is given to go. Thank you, Debbie! Abundant blessings to you as you stay in the presence of the Lord!

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  2. I, too, pray about when to stay or move. Usually asking for confirmation before making decisions. Isn't it great to look back and see how God prepares us for every step of our journey. What a loving God!

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  3. I have thought of you all week! Blessings! Yes, I pray and yes sometimes wanting to run is produced by the stretching God has me going through in that situation. I too wish it was more clear, but then again, that is faith. Abraham didn't know where God was leading him.
    Blessings..hugs...you are in my thoughts and prayers more than you could know

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  4. Sometimes I, too, wish it would be more obvious whether to stay or go. I'm always afraid of running ahead or balking behind. I love how you describe the different seasons in our lives as God's preparation for what we need in future places in this journey. Thank you, Debbie.

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  5. The bible is my guide too and yes, everything that hapoens in our lives has purpose. We just need to be close to God evertime fo know what he is teaching us.
    inspiring post!

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  6. Hi Debbie! I do think that God makes us ready to move, and shows us when to stay. But it sure would be nice to have those clouds, wouldn't it? I'm all for 'big show' moments. But as the prophet found out, it's in the silence that we hear the Lord.

    I get more tangled up in "is this you or is this me?" I'm getting better at knowing who is speaking as I get older, but it's still a struggle. How wonderful that you knew when it was time to move on from Bible Study. And you were prepared for your next job. How great is that?

    Blessings on your Sunday,
    Ceil

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I love to read your comments! I know you have something to share so join in the conversation. And thank you for taking the time.

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