Beginnings

I'm thinking back to the times that I first learned how to do certain things-walking, running, rollerskating, driving, etc. Transitioning to the next step is always kind of awkward. Beginnings are all that way. They are uncomfortable, abnormal, and down right difficult sometimes!

I moved to Florida in July. Many months prior to this big move, I struggled with questions:
 Is this really where I am suppose to go? Am I being called to serve Him clear across the country? Can God use me this far from home? Am I going to be alone? Is this really God's Will for my life? 
I can't even begin to count on my two hands the amount of times I wrote down the pros and cons of such a major life decision. It was confusing and frustrating, yet it was the biggest decision I have ever had to make in 21 years. Not only was it the biggest decision but it was also the easiest.

Yes, you read correctly! All of my questions seemed to cease when I came across a familiar verse. Philippians 4:7 says, "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." At this point, I realized that I didn't need every single one of my questions to be answered but if I wanted peace, then I had to release myself of doubt. I had to let go of every question because in reality, that perfect peace that passes all understanding is the same peace that doesn't HAVE to understand everything. Knowing that I was going exactly where I was suppose to go and doing what I was suppose to be doing was enough for me.

Encouraged. Strong. Determined. All the things one would think I would be feeling. I was fearful, anxious, and worried. I was saying "YES" to God's Will. Yes, God was leading me away from those I hold close to my heart. Yes, He has protected, guided, and directed me up to this point. And yes, I wanted this. I was scared out of my mind. I wasn't scared of teaching because with God's calling comes God's enabling. I wasn't afraid of being alone because He promised me long ago that He would never leave me nor forsake me.

I was afraid of the unknown. Isn't everyone? I wanted to know what was going to happen, what to expect, what to anticipate. In Acts 20:22, Paul made the story of his own life clear by saying, "...I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:" I didn't know then, nor do I even know now, what God was or is going to do with me in Florida-in my "Jerusalem". But I'm excited about it!

I knew God was leading me away from the place and people that I hold close to my heart, but He has also given me more people to fill my heart with. I knew that He had always protected, guided, and directed me and He will continue to do that no matter where He takes me. And I still wanted this-God's Will-more than I've ever wanted anything else.

I thought walking, running, and driving-all of those "beginnings"-were awkward and difficult moments in life but moving across the country definitely has got them beat! These moments were also the start of something extraordinary. I'm beyond blessed to be on this beautiful journey and I wouldn't trade it in for anything!

Because of His infinite love and His amazing grace, I will forever be....Anchored in Him.