Well during that time while they were going through the desert God was present to them in a cloud by day and a pillar of fire during the night. And this was how God led the Isrealites to the Promised Land. He didn't tell them directions or how long it would take, but he was there with them in the cloud and in the fire.
They had to trust that God was taking them somewhere. I mean, how much trust does it show that they followed a CLOUD through the DESERT!? Granted, if a pillar of fire appeared, I'd probably follow it too... But at any rate, because they were faithful (at least somewhat, haha), God brought them all to the Promised Land. They screwed things up from there, but God took them where He wanted them and where He promised to take them.
Why is this relevant?
Well, in my life, I desperately want to be following the Cloud. Not in a weird look-to-the-sky-for-guidance kind of way, but in a Holy Spirit give me peace when I'm underneath God's presence, and make me desperately thirsty for you when I'm not.
That might sound weird still, but in my life thus far, God has been very faithful to show me when one thing is ending and another is beginning. I'm not saying I've done it well or gracefully, but I have tried to follow where God would have me to be.
I am consistently praying for this leading of Christ in my life. I want to be in my Sweet Spot, where I am most able to be used by God for His glory. And I have recently felt that God was saying, "It's time."
That being said, I will be moving tomorrow, Lord willing, to Bumpass VA, to do what I'm deeming "fund-raising" (AKA working as much as possible) for what is next for me, which at this point is looking like being in Myrtle Beach for a season with my brother and sister-in-law as they bring two lovely boys into the world =)
What's after that for me? Well I don't know! I'll let you know when the Cloud moves me closer to that season. Why am I telling you all this? Well, because I am greedy for your prayers. "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." I am nervous to be leaving a place that I know and love so much. I am trusting that God has big things in mind for my life, and that this is just a part of His plan. No matter where God leads, I will follow. Be it wealth or poverty, ease or difficulty, I pray that the Joy of the Lord will continue to be my strength.
I also hope to encourage you. I believe that often we think that we have to move in order to be of better use to God, or we glorify those who go overseas to do mission work (it is awesome btw!), but until God moves you, you stay right where he has you and dig in! Minister to your co-workers, your neighbors, the lost in your city. I didn't leave Lynchburg until now because my ministry here wasn't over, and if that's how you feel right now, then don't you dare go anywhere. You're doing an awesome job, and you keep it up!
God has great plans for us, as long as we are willing. Let us continue to pray for one another as we journey through this life, if you are a fellow follower of Christ, then I won't say goodbye, but rather, see ya later! =)
Also, I want to say thank you to my Lynchburg people, you are some of the most incredible people I've ever met, and my heart is heavy to farther from you. Thank you for being there for me through the past 6 years. Ya'll have been the biggest blessing to me, and I promise that the distance won't change how much I love you and that my ears are open if you ever need someone to listen, and my door will be open if you ever need a place to rest. I honestly don't know how to say thank you for all the breakfast date accountabilities and all the lessons you've taught me, I hope that the way I live will be worthy of how you have poured into me.
Love you!
Because He Lives,
Courtney Woolfolk
