GENESIS 12:1

Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.

TO PONDER:

"The Lord through his Church has assigned you to serve the Auckland Lutheran Parish." They are words I will never forget. Words that shocked, surprised and excited, all at the same time. It was the translation of Genesis 12:1, in modern form in 1995 to my ears. "Go, leave your country, your family, your roots to the land of the long white cloud I will show you" It was the start of an adventure of faith that has been hard, tiring, beautiful and so incredibly enriching. It's been a journey of grace that is still continuing as God calls me to go daily on his adventure. There are days that are still difficult. There are moments that are so beautiful. There are occasions that leave me speechless. There are situations that break my heart. There are details that I long to know but often remain hidden or unexplained. But the one thing that is constant is that the call to go comes with a promise, "I will show you.". The adventure of faith is possible because God is present, leading, revealing, showing, guiding, calling, protecting, equipping. There is not one part of the adventure that God doesn't know. No details that he is not across or goes unplanned. It's his promise and his presence that gives confidence to embark on the journey of faith...a journey that has led to the NZ, to Perth, to the country and the city, to the US, Europe, Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia and perhaps now, even to India. It's a journey that has taken me into homes, emergency departments, ghettos and unclean places. It has taken me to government offices and homes of business men and women. It has taken me over land, sky and sea and revealed God's breath-taking glory. It has led to worship and praise, and laughter. It has resulted in hugs, tears and struggle. But the call remains for me...and for you today. 'Go...from your country (your comfort place...your familiar place...your usual place) to the land, the community, the people I will show you." So will you? Will you let God take you on an adventure of faith today? Who knows what he will show you!

PRAYER

Lord God, give me your grace that I may respond today to you call to embark on the journey of faith to which you are calling me. Help me trust in your promise, that you are with me and will show me where to go. Amen.

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