My husband and I are leaving this morning for a long weekend away. I am excited that we are headed to a new destination. The location is not far from where we are currently, but we have never been to this point on the map.
With the help of internet research, we know a little about the area, some events happening while we are there and have secured a place to sleep. Friends have suggested places to eat, where to find a good cup of coffee and a couple of sights that we don’t want to miss. Other than that, the outcome of the trip is a mystery.
Stepping into unfamiliar territory brings a healthy dose of anticipation with a side of tension. Right? Oh, but the places we will go and the things we will see! It is so easy to revisit familiar places and walk our routine paths, but there is something exciting about exploring a new location. We will be looking for new sights and new things to experience.
The same is true with our walk with Christ. We tend to stay in our familiar places, routine responsibilities and comfortable conversations rather than taking the journey into unfamiliar territory.
I think about Abraham. In the first few verses of Genesis chapter 12, God tells Abraham, still called Abram at the time, to leave his native home, his relatives, and to go to a land that he would show him. Would show him. Not HAD shown him – WOULD show him. God shared his plan to make him into a great nation and that all families on earth would be blessed through him.
At the age of 75, Abram departed as the Lord had instructed.
What?!? Just like that. No itinerary, no map, no details, just full reliance on his Heavenly Travel Agent.
I still recall the time that the Holy Spirit asked me to go to the woman at the next table in a restaurant and give her an encouraging word while her unbearably rude teenage daughter had gone to the restroom. I sat there. I refused to depart to the next table, let alone a land that would be shown to me.
Abram stepped out without needing every detail to be mapped out in advance which landed him a place in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews chapter 11. It was uncharted territory for Abram, but God was already there.
The same is true for each of us. When God invites us to something different, something new, something uncomfortable, He is already there – paving the way for us to accomplish what He wants us to accomplish for Him on the journey. Look up, look around and see what God has for you to see and learn about His goodness and His plan for you.
New experiences will shake you out of autopilot – physically and spiritually. Staying in familiar places and in your comfort zone can dull your senses while fresh experiences sharpens them and reminds you just how big God’s world really is.
When you don’t know every turn or what lies ahead, you depend on the guide instinctively. Embrace that – embrace letting God guide your path.
You may not be packing a suitcase today or anytime soon, however, every single morning wakes you to a new day that you have not experienced before. Every single day is a brand new Holy Adventure to experience with the creator of the universe. Open your day with prayer, spend some time letting His words in scripture speak to you, pack your spiritual bag and DEPART!
Lord, thank you for the thrill of a new day and new experiences. Teach me to see Your wonder in new places and trust Your steady hand with every mile and moment. Amen.