Podcast Episode 26-Moving (to a new house, city, state or across the world)when God calls you, how do you know it’s God asking? What happens if you say no? First in my, “Where you go I will go” series- with Caroline
How do you feel about moving?
Moving when God Calls and how to know it’s His Voice? My hubby and I have moved over 20 times in the past nearly 20 years. Most of the time I was so excited for the new adventure, then we moved to the mountains. (this was move number 7, in the 4th year of our marriage) I got comfortable, content to stay. The only problem was, God only had us there for a time.
Have you ever told God no?
God was pretty clear and audibly told me I needed to be ok with moving, I told Him no. This led to months of me wrestling with Him on the matter. Things got increasingly difficult and uncomfortable.
One day my hubby looked at me and said “I want to move”. And I knew it was time.
We climbed to the top of a mountain the very next day, we both told God “Move us, shake us, shove us!”. He answered, the following morning. A phone call came in telling us they were selling our house and we could buy it or move. We definitely couldn’t buy it, so we got our answer.
Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.
Isaiah 30:21
LEAPS OF FAITH
We stayed with friends until we could find something and God pointed us to Sherman Oaks Ca. (You can hear more about it on the podcast) With little money and only a very part time work for me, we took a leap of faith.
Focus on the good
We didn’t have a couch for several months, we were borrowing the one we had before. We just enjoyed our picnics in the living room and always looked at the bright side knowing we were right where God called us to be!
small steps, small miracles are worth noting
Hubby got a job as a stunt cowboy at Knott’s Berry Farm, we got a couch and other work started picking up! So much so that we felt like we needed to move closer to Knott’s. We moved to Fountain Valley Ca, nestled between Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach.
There we found a sweet church home Calvary Chapel Refuge and loved living close to hubby’s work, the beach and airport for our travel!
My costume design business was getting busier and using my living room/dining area to build and create costumes was getting tiring. The thought of having an additional space sounded great. Before I could even truly ask for it, God moved yet again.
An unexpected phone call from my in laws let us know the duplex which my Grandfather in law purchased in the 50’s was having both tenants move out. They asked if we could go over and check out what needed to happen to rent it out. We remembered it was a two bedroom, and asked if we could rent it. Both of them felt it would be great.
After some renovations to prepare it we moved to South Pasadena with a room available for me to build and design costumes in! We have been there since then, there is more on what was next to come on an upcoming episode.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
Abram & Lot
Moving when God Calls and how to know it’s His Voice? We can learn a thing or two from the story of Abram & Lot.
Abram was Lot’s Uncle, You can find their story in Genesis 12–19 In the Podcast I’m highlighting what we can learn from their stories of moving and hearing God’s voice.
9 take aways from Lot and Abram’s story that we can apply to our own lives
1-Just because a place looks lush and comfortable doesn’t mean it’s where you are supposed to go.
Think Lot picking a beautiful location that ended up putting his family in the middle of so much evil
2-Make sure your reasons for moving or not moving line up with God’s purposes.
Such as, if a move would put stress on your family and not allow you to prioritize things like your marriage or morals.
3-Just because you are doing well financially doesn’t mean you are in God’s will.
Money is a resource not an indicator of God’s permission. ( Both Abram and Lot were financially set, but both had different heart intents)
4-Give proper honor to God when He provides direction and provision.
Abram sacrificed and worshiped God every time he moved and every time God promised him something even before it came to fruition
5-Continue to work towards your purpose even when you haven’t reached your destination. (Abram continued to walk closely with God, even though the promises hadn’t all been fulfilled)
6-You better check yourself before you wreck yourself. Watch who is influencing you, bad company corrupts good character.
I Corinthians 15:33 NKJV Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (Lot was very obviously effected by the behaviors of those around him)
7-Stay on the same page as your spouse.
Making decisions as a team, seeking God together is essential. (Lot’s Wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt. Not only did they loose their home, city and life as they knew it but their lack of unity cost their union)
8-Our journey is a Marathon not a sprint.
God promised Abram many Blessings, and he had to wait on. Stay the course.
9-Keep your heart clean–
While both men made mistakes in their lives it was obvious that Abraham’s heart was right with God even when He was disobedient in other areas-
Obedience and the peace that passes understanding
When we are walking with God on a daily basis not just when we are asking for answer to our prayers, we begin to get to know His character as well as what His voice sounds like. We will know when He is prompting us into a transition. Better yet, we will know that even if we get something wrong He is there with us every step of the way.
Will we still experience uncertainty? Hard times? Yes. This should only drive us closer to His heart. The peace of God is something we experience whatever we are walking through. But we can trust God’s plan and know that if the intent of our heart is for His purposes even if we make a wrong turn or act in disobedience, He will be full of grace and gently guide us back.
Praying you have the courage to move when God Calls, and that you know it’s His voice!
Connect with Caroline
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Podcast Music Composed and performed by Jamie Miller
If you would like more information on Jamie’s Song Writing and performing services you can ask Caroline on any of the above platforms listed for her official contact info.
