In His Grip: My Training Ground

Approximately 648 days ago I took a big leap of obedience, carrying Genesis 12:1 in my heart wherein God commanded Abram (Abraham) to “leave your native country, your relative, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.” A big leap because migrating to America would be at the bottom of my priority list. I wasn’t one of those chasing an “American Dream.” I was actually that someone who prayed, “Lord, please bless my nation so I won’t have to leave.” But it was something I knew the Lord was calling me to do and something I ought to obey. God is the one who sees the big picture. I’m the one who’s nearsighted.

I recalled studying the life of Abraham because during that time, he was someone I could relate to. It says in Hebrew 11:8, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” Okay, I did know where I was going. What I didn’t know was my purpose for going. I didn’t know what awaited me.

Indeed this was the land of milk and honey, but like Canaan, there were giants that need to be defeated and conquered. Trials bombarded me from side to side, I battled against loneliness, depression, fear and doubts. But through these all, I found myself digging deeper into the Word of the Lord. In barrenness, His Words became my oasis. In my desperation, I clung to His promises like a lifeline. I found my ears becoming more attentive, hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit, not only through the Bible but through experiences and words that come out of other people’s mouth. I’ve found friends and brothers and sisters in faith who’ve become my comfort, some I haven’t met or even talked to in person but whose walk in Christ have brought encouragement. This desert has become, not a place of death, but a training ground instead. It was I who was being changed. And now I claim God’s Words to Abram: “Do not be afraid…I am your shield, your very great reward.” All glory to God!

@attic_kat