Forgive me in advance for rambling. Perhaps it’s the nervous energy that has my mind spinning. I did want to share some of my feelings right now.
Well, we have moved. On July 12 the moving truck arrived at our home in Northern Virginia and loaded our household goods. That night, the tired crew drove away as my wife and I stared at a now empty house. I confess there was an uncomfortable anxiety about the road ahead. We had moved 11 times in the past 20 years, but the Army provided a comfort zone in the moves. Each assignment was different, but we were greeted with familiar environments of military community. The uniform provides an instant bond which quickly transforms the unfamiliar into the familiar. There was something very different about this move. Perhaps it was the finality of it all. After retirement, soldiers are given one final move through the Army. For the first time in my adult life (and I’m 51 years old), we were moving to the unknown. Well, unknown to us – not the Father. He is sovereign in His plans and His purposes.
We are very blessed that God has lead us to this place. The Christ-centeredness of the community here is one of the many things we enjoy about Columbia, SC. It is common for stores tune to the local Christian radio station (WMHK, 89.7) to get their background music. Clerks, receptionists, business people speak openly about their faith. It is soul-nourishing to live in an area where Jesus Christ is honored. Sure, nonbelievers live here and Satan’s influence is apparent. There is an evil side to the area where gangs, drugs, and fleshly lust have taken control of lost souls. However, God is glorified in a very public way in this place.
My friends in other areas of the country have teased me about moving to the “Bible-belt”, but I am reminded of Paul’s admonition to the Ephesians to “put on the belt of truth.” The Bible is the Word of Truth, so what a great compliment to a region of the nation. Pray that the nation will put on the whole armor of God so that in these evil days we will be able to stand our ground against Satan’s schemes (Ephesians 6:10-14).
We continue to settle into our house and the anxiety (while it still raises its head sometimes) is largely replaced with excitement. Though I am not worthy of comparing myself to Abraham, I do relate to his journey into the unknown and I hope to gain of faith that our Sovereign Lord may grant to me.
Please pray for us.
In Him,
Dan
www.noblepurposeministries.org
