We Were Meant to Go: Columbus Day

"By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out to the place which he was to receive for an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he went." -Hebrews 11:8 

Via TJC

When I was a child, we didn't have a lot of money. So on weekends, we would pile into a car and just go somewhere. We explored America. This great country was bigger than what we could afford, but we could still go out and see it.

I think about that car on this day: Columbus Day. 

In 1492, Columbus crossed the Atlantic and reached a new land. His voyage belongs to a history that carries both daring and suffering. It also brings us to something we recognize in the American spirit: the desire to see what lies beyond the familiar.

Americans are built differently.

At our best, we believe there is something worth doing beyond the place where we are comfortable. Even a child in a car can discover that the world is larger than his circumstances.

Our beginnings were different.

Some ancestors chose the crossing. Others were brought here in chains. Indigenous peoples were already here. We inherit all of that history. And whatever our beginnings, we can choose to be the people who do not stay behind when there is good work ahead.

I want that exploratory spirit in my Christian walk. It may even be the case that I cannot escape that exploratory spirit because I am an American and have inherited a culture that began with outrageousness and exploration.

Abraham went because God called him. He stepped into a future that he could not see because he trusted the One who called. Faith gave him a reason to leave the familiar.

Christ calls us to follow Him with that kind of trust. He gave His life for us and rose from the dead. We belong to a living Lord. There are people He would have us love whom we have not met yet. There is work we have never tried, and room to grow beyond the faith we have practiced so far.

Perhaps you have been watching a ministry from a distance. You respect the men who do it. You wonder whether you could serve beside them. Then you remember what you lack, and another week passes. Bring what you have. Let Christ teach you as you serve. A willing man can learn, and the people who need help cannot wait for every volunteer to feel ready.

I want to remember that when I am counting all the excuses for the places that I cannot go…the places where Christ is calling.

Battle Order

Before today ends, contact one ministry you have admired from a distance and arrange your first visit to learn where you can serve. Take the first step while the rest of the road is still out of sight.

Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to follow You. Give us courage to go where Your love is needed, and humility to learn when we arrive. In Jesus' name. Amen.