"I will go"

When Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac in Genesis 24, the guiding hand of God is overwhelmingly evident:

"He will send His angel before you" (24:7, 40)

"may she be the one whom You have appointed" (24:14, 44)

the servant waited "to know whether the LORD had made his journey successful or not" (24: 21)

"the LORD has guided me" (24:27, 48)

"the LORD has prospered my way" (24:56)

The response:
Abraham's servant, in an overwhelmed response, bows low and worships the LORD (24:26).
Rebekah simply says, "I will go" (24:58).

Simple, yet significant responses.

These are not the only responses like this in the narratives of Abraham (Genesis 11:27-25:18). It is said of Abraham that "he went forth" (12:4), that "he believed in the LORD" (15:6), and that he "rose early" (22:3). Such simple, simple phrases that have such an incredible implication.

Did they question God? No, they simply responded.

Did they say, "Let me think about this awhile"? No, they simply responded.

Last October, when I encountered a whirlwind of two weeks that ended in a commitment to teach overseas, I simply responded. It was a simple and easy decision. However, it is what came after than decision that was difficult.

I questioned my decision and God's call in the coming months - much like Abraham wondering if God would really come through on His promises - and when I did this, it all started to go downhill. I was bombarded by trials and distractions and temptations...and right now, I'm in a similar place.

I find myself questioning God asking, "Why am I here? I thought this year was supposed to be a year of incredible service! Instead, it seems so focused on refining me! Is this really what you planned?"

Of course it's where He wanted me! Like Abraham's servant, last year I experienced God's guiding and providing hand time and time again as I prepared to move here.

Then why do I doubt now? Why is it that I often fail to remember the past? I get so caught up in the present, so caught up in the times that God is waiting to speak, that I forget the He speaks all the time! Yes, some times are more obvious than others, but God is the same yesterday, today, and forever! His guiding hand is ALWAYS working, ALWAYS leading, ALWAYS directing.

As I near the halfway point of my year here in Ankara, I am waiting for God's Word regarding next year. Will I stay or will I go? I have not been so patient in waiting for this response, often getting annoyed and frustrated because I just wanna know...but it's not His timing yet. When it is His timing, though, I know it will be clear and sure.

And when that time comes, I will simply look to the Father and say, "I will go."