...a new chapter...

I used to consider myself a relatively adventurous person. I went to a college that was 9 hours from my parents, took a job in the same area, and have lived as an independent spirit ever since. It really has been an adventure. I've changed my own headlight, killed numerous spiders all by myself, put furniture together, started a business, and have driven in Chicago's rush-hour traffic.

But lately, my choices and decisions have been all about playing it safe. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but my idea of safety is relying solely on myself. I hate to admit it, but my relationship with the Lord had become secondary to my own independence.

So, while co-leading a Bible study about Abraham last fall, I began thinking about Abraham's journey...and mine. Abraham was a man who risked everything because he knew Who was in control of his life. He put aside his "right" to lead his own life and gave everything to God - even following Him without having any idea where that would lead him.

I began to pray.

At the same time, I began facing the possibility of losing my job due to budget cuts. I prayed harder. I began to think about where I would go if I had the opportunity to go anywhere. Over time, my heart settled on Washington, DC. My family, the people I value most on this earth, would be close by. I would be able to live with a dear friend. And I would be in an exciting city with endless possibilities.

As I sought out the advice of godly people, prayed, and waited as patiently as possible for news about my job, I became convinced that the Lord was moving me. Even though I didn't know for sure if moving would be necessary, I began to believe that God was using my job situation to open my eyes to something new. A risk.

I remember telling a friend that I was afraid that I wouldn't lose my job and also that I wouldn't have a job in DC before the time came for me to make a decision. It seems that both of those things have happened. My job is safe and secure. But I don't think it's for me anymore. I don't have a job in DC, and unless there's a miracle within the next month, I may not have one anytime soon.

But there's one thing I know. My God is in control. He's sovereign, and He has known what I would need each second of my life. I am moving forward in full confidence that He Who promised is faithful. That He never will leave me or forsake me. That He has some great things in store for me.