change

"Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion." Psalm 84:6,7

I quoted that passage in Jan 2006, as I was making the decision to leave Brazil and return to America "de vez." I happened across that post today as I was doing a little blog-reminiscing and realized that that verse has become poignantly relevant to my life again. After returning to the US I pretty easily and quickly settled into a new home, new job, new place, new life. I got comfortable and accustomed to the Heather of that life. And then, the Lord did what He always does and He brought change, challenge, discomfort, movement, growth. This time He's brought it thru a new job which will probably lead to a new lifestyle, a new home, a new sense of purpose...

Since accepting this job a few days ago I've gone back and forth from excitement to fear. What it boils down to is fear of not being in control and comfortable. Not having it easy. The irony is that though I want those things - comfort, ease - I really long for more and as I read this verse I am reminded that that is always what God is bringing us into - more. More purpose, more dependence, more challenge, more growth, more life, more love, more adventure, more hardship, more of Him, MORE STRENGTH.

It's funny, as I think about the last post on this blog, I realize more and more that I really don't need to worry with the future. It's God's to direct and lead me into and He will indeed do that. I have no idea what my pilgrimage holds or exactly HOW I will go from strength to strength, but I'm excited about the journey.