Faithful Obedience in the Going and in the Staying

It takes faith to go.

Whether it's moving overseas or a moving across country or a job change or a some other change that makes you leave something behind and go to the new, the unknown, it takes faith to go. It's take confidence in the Lord's faithfulness. It takes risk because you don't have all the answers. 

But it also takes faith it takes to stay.

Whether that be staying at a job, staying at a church, staying in a city or a country, or whatever situation it may be where you are making a very deliberate choice to stay, it takes faith to stay. It takes confidence in the Lord's faithfulness. It takes risk because you don't have all the answers. 

Sometimes you would rather go, but God calls you to stay. Sometimes you would rather stay, and God calls you to go. 

There is faith required for both. Sometimes the going is glamorized. Sometimes the staying is idolized. The adventure of the unknown might seem like a greater leap of faith to some, while the daily diligence in the known might be just as great a leap of faith for others. It all comes down to obedience. 

For us, we thought we were going. We wanted a fresh start, a new adventure. We were quite excited to go. We thought we were going to be in Nashville just temporarily. But last week, God provided a new job here. God answered our prayers, not in the way we thought or necessarily wanted, but He graciously answered. And we are so grateful. And in the waiting process, He grew us tremendously in our relationships with Him and with each other. In the decision making process about whether to take the job or not, He provided wisdom, peace, and great conversation about our hopes, dreams, goals.

So to those of you in the staying, you are not alone. Your faith is seen. Your obedience is beautiful. Your Father sees your heart and your community sees your faithfulness to Him. God knows the cries of your heart. He takes delight in you and is glorified by your faith. And He uses it all for your good and His glory.

So while the staying may not seem as exciting as the going, it sure will build character, steadfastness, faith, and an anchored hope. Your staying, if it is an act of obedience, is worth it. 

Now, there's always a moment when the staying crosses into comfortable. And staying must be chosen out of obedience, not out of comfort. So this is not an allowance to stay comfortable. This is simply taking notice of those who are staying in a city or in a country, in a job or in a school, and staying there faithfully even though they might rather go to something else. This is simply taking notice of those who are staying by faith.

Whatever your obedient staying may be, know that your obedience will be blessed. Your faithfulness to the place and people the Lord has you will be rewarded. Your faith will impact others for the glory of God.

For some, going is easier while staying is harder, and for some staying is easier while going is harder. But for all of us, obedience is required. And that looks different in each of our walks.

So may we be a Body that encourages one another. May we be a Body that knows each other's hearts. May we be a Body that supports each unique part. Let's celebrate with one another, weep with one another, grow with one another. Let's cheer one another on in our unique seasons and unique callings. Let's hold one another accountable to be faithful in our unique seasons and unique callings. 

Friends, wherever you are, just be there faithfully. 
And know your brothers and sisters are cheering you on.