Everywhere I Go
Last week I had the opportunity to go to San Diego California for the National Association of REALTORS Conference and Expo. There are things about the trip that were challenging and there were other things that simply blessed me. For example, the trip out was long, but I had the opportunity to eat dinner with some amazing friends and fellow believers. Then the fun began with classes and seminars non-stop. As I reflect on that trip, I can so see the hand of the Lord in so many ways. We heard the powerful story of Jessica Buchanan, an aid worker rescued by Seal Team 6 in Somali after being kidnapped by rebels for 93 days. Her story of mental toughness and hope was incredibly inspiring.
Moses was giving instructions by the Lord as to how the nation of Israel was to travel. They were given instructions about how what order to line up, but they were to wait upon the Lord before moving. The Lord uses something easy to notice to direct them. Check this out…
15 On the day the tabernacle, the tent of the covenant law, was set up, the cloud covered it. From evening till morning the cloud above the tabernacle looked like fire. 16 That is how it continued to be; the cloud covered it, and at night it looked like fire. 17 Whenever the cloud lifted from above the tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites set up camp. 18 At the Lord’s command the Israelites set out, and at his command they set up camp. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. (Numbers 9:15-18 NIV)
The Lord was the Leader of the Israelite nation. Moses was the leader and tasked with speaking the instructions of the Lord. When He used the cloud during the day and the cloud or pillar of fire by night, it was pretty obvious when the Lord was ready for them to move.
I have learned over the years to seek the Lord before moving. I want Him to direct my path in life. I want His Wisdom and His Discernment to lead me. As I was reading this passage this morning I remembered a song that Rich Mullins had written and recorded many years ago and it’s simple message moved my heart then. The song “Everywhere I Go I see You” was later recorded by Michael W. Smith.
This past week on Sunday after hearing the story of Jessica, we had some downtime to see the sights of San Diego and after visiting Coronado, we also went to Mt. Soledad Veteran’s memorial. The view from there is amazing and it’s humbling to be reminded of the men and women of our armed forces who serve to protect the freedoms we enjoy as a nation. As we were driving around the city of San Diego and La Jolla, I was also reminded of the journey through cancer with my son Jeremy Hicks. I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey that was so tough about just less than four years ago.
I believe that the Hand of God and the Glory of God can be seen wherever I go in this life. He has been with me through suffering and pain. He has been with me through much joy and victory. I believe that where I am today and the story of my life was written, produced and directed by The Lord Himself. I just want to be obedient and move when He says move and stay when He says stay. I see His hand everywhere in so many ways through the story of my life.
Pressing On!
Dwayne