Pilgrimage (27 page)

Authors: Lynn Austin

Tags: #Religion, #Christian Life, #General, #Spiritual Growth, #Women's Issues, #REL012120, #REL012000, #REL012130

BOOK: Pilgrimage

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And maybe I was like baby Ben before this trip—stuck in place, not venturing out of my comfort zone, waiting to be carried rather than risk taking a step in a new, scary direction. God felt far away at times, but the truth is, He was always near. Even if I do fall—and I surely will—He will be there to catch me, offering forgiveness and grace, picking me up so I can begin again.

It’s called a walk of faith. “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you,” God told Abraham (Genesis 12:1). He had no map to guide him, only God’s promises of a fruitful future. Was it scary to leave his comfortable life and walk with God, not knowing exactly where He would lead? Absolutely. But Abraham’s faith and his relationship with God grew with each frightening step that he took. God called Abraham “my friend,” and that’s what God wants with me—with us—the intimacy of trust and friendship.

And so I return home determined to stand up and walk forward with my God in faith; determined to climb out of my tiny, claustrophobic pot so I can grow and bear fruit; determined to build my assigned part of His kingdom according to the Master’s plan.

My pilgrimage to Israel might have come to an end, but the next step on my journey is just beginning.

A N
EW
P
RAYER
FOR
THE
J
OURNEY

(A prayer of Moses the man of God, from Psalm 90)

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. . . . A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. . . . Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. . . . Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. . . . May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.”