My husband James and I and our two small children are about to sell up, leave our family and friends and go to South Wales to do a year of mission training, with the long term vision of going to Australia to work amongst Aborigines. What was once, to me, an interesting but quite far fetched dream of my husband has suddenly become my reality! I feel like I’ve walked the miles of this journey in my mind countless times but now it’s time to actually take the first step and go everything in me is going into panic overdrive. All my fears and insecurities about money, our home, uprooting our kids, and the future, are threatening to overshadow the amazing potential of this adventure. I’ve found it is so easy to talk about going anywhere God calls me but when it comes down to packing my bag and going, it’s terrifying!
In the midst of all this I’ve felt drawn to read about the disciples and their willingness to leave everything and go with Jesus. When Jesus called to those first disciples, “Come, follow me,” they didn’t first rationalise their decision and then come up with Plan B in case of failure. They left their nets at once and followed him (Mark 1v16-18). When Jesus sent them out in twos, he said, “Take nothing for the journey…no bread, no bag, no money in your belts” (Mark 6v8). They literally went in the clothes they had on and yet I’m upset about selling my washing machine and sofa and wondering how to take all my little home comforts to make my journey easier! When Jesus told them to “go into all the world and preach the good news” (Mark 16v15-20), they knew him so well and completely trusted his provision that they just went. What incredible faith and obedience.
The choice to go on a journey with God is ours. If we take that first step then the Bible is clear that we will see signs and wonders, healings and people saved because we go in Jesus’ authority. Ultimately what have we got to lose? Nothing! Earthly riches don’t matter because our treasure and reward are in heaven! But imagine the great adventure we could have if we are just willing to take a step and GO!
