Purpose in the Wilderness
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Seven years ago this month, I made a decision that changed the course of my life. I left my marketing job at a local university (and my stable salary) for uncharted territory. Let me tell you: The journey has looked nothing like I thought it would. It's been longer and harder than I envisioned. Naively, I thought I was simply changing careers. In reality, God was changing me. His process? The wilderness. Over the last seven years, sometimes I've questioned God. Often, I've wondered what in the world am I doing? I've learned firsthand what the Bible teaches us in Exodus: God doesn't lead us on the shortest route. (See Exodus 13:17-18.) Following Jesus isn't about efficiency or easy street. Rather, he takes us on the desert road because he sees the big picture. He's already in our future. He sees the harvest, when all we see is the dirt. Biblically, seven is a significant number — often symbolizing completeness and fullness. In an old book by A.J. Gordon, he makes an observation that corroborates Jesus' teaching in Mark 4:28, "...first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear." Gordon cites seven years as the germination period for many a missionary laboring in their fields — Carey in India, Judson in Burma, Morrison in China, Moffat in Africa. "It has seemed almost as though God had fixed this sacred biblical number as the term of the missionary's apprenticeship, as I have found it recurring again and again in the story of the planting of the gospel. But how rich his reward who has waited patiently till the seed should spring and grow up he knoweth not how! ... God has seasons and delays. And glorious indeed are the seasons which often follow His delays!"
—A.J. Gordon, "The Holy Spirit in Missions"
These words, published way back in 1893, bring much-needed joy and peace and anticipation to my heart. That's the power of testimony. We need these stories of pioneering perseverance from the saints of old found in the scriptures and history books. As we enter the midway point, the seventh month, of 2025, may this serve as your reminder: God isn't indifferent. He isn't finished. He is faithful! He will fulfill his word. He will finished what he started. I want to share my own testimony (in the form of poetry) of the work God has done deep in the soil of my own heart these last seven years... The ExodusCalled away from the crowd.
Wandering, wondering,
Where am I going?
In the dark, walking
with a word — the way
narrow, winding.
Surprisingly difficult.
Seemingly, unending.
Slavery behind me, but honestly
I missed the stability, my salary, dignity.
Slowly, I started to see:
It was a counterfeit identity.
I was deceived, drowning
in my own idolatry.
He called me, led me by hand
to the wilderness, through the waters.
Wooed me with His Word, His beauty.
Loved me, fiercely. Forgave me.
Implanted destiny, awakening me.
Jumpstarting my heart. Tuned,
sensitive to His sound, His voice.
This is abundant life:
Authenticity.
Glory. Holy. Only
He is worthy of my worship.
On the journey, Chelsea P.S. I'm bringing all the books to Baxter Arena this Sunday, July 6, including copies of my Worthy Words devotional. I'd love to see you! |