Some Changes With Moving

Well, as many of you know, I was in the process of moving for a few weeks now. Since it was a financial strain to us, God used some very dear friends to help us move most of our stuff over the last two weeks. They would come whenever they could and we would move whatever we had packed and that would fit into their vehicles. We moved in the same city so the distance was no problem at all. Finally yesterday we were able to just rent a small truck and move the heavy stuff, like tables, beds, chairs etc. I am truly grateful to God for how He provided throughout this time and I can already sense that this move is all in line with God's plans for my family. So we are all moved, now facing the unpacking. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support.

However, with the prospect of moving, there came some hard decisions that had to be made. Due to the lack of storage space at our new home we had to get rid of some of the things we had accumulated over the years. Some of them were things that we wanted to hold on to, but wisdom said, get rid of it, give it away, something. So along with those kind of decisions, also came the decisions to use this time to get rid of stuff that we had for a while and wasn't using, some that we were using, but it wouldn't hurt us if we didn't have them, so in essence we used this time to do a big bit of spring cleaning.

In the midst of all this moving, I almost forgot that we were into a new year. God reminded me when He caused me to think of not just moving to a new home but moving higher in Him. However, He said, "Vickie, you have to get rid of some stuff. You have to do some spiritual spring cleaning." Not easy at all.

Even though we want to move to a new place in God, and we truly would like to do all that that entails, it is very hard to give up some of the attitudes and habits that we have been holding on to for a long time. 1 Peter 2:1-3 says, "Therefore, rid yourself of all malice, and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good."

To enjoy my new home, with it's different layout and location, I had to get rid of some of the things I had. My new bathroom is smaller than my old one, so some of the things I had in my old one won't work in my new one. It will cause problems. I can't go higher in God if I keep holding on to some of my habits, even though they feel a part of me, having had them for a long time.

Most of the stuff I got rid of or gave away was good but it wouldn't be good for where I am now. Some of the things we have in our lives are not bad, but they won't be good for where God wants to move us to. Spending a few minutes in the word, or praying on the go, may work for where we are at now, but for God to use us more effectively to speak into the lives of others to help bring some change, means we need to set aside time for regular study, prayer and fasting.

Some of the people in our lives may not go with us as we climb higher in Him. We may have to sacrifice some friendships as we reach for the standard that God has set. Some of the things in our lives we know are not of God and we have hesitated to deal with them, but Peter says rid ourselves, so that there may be room to grow in Jesus.

It is not easy to move at all. We felt good when we thought of our new apartment, but almost felt disgusted when we looked at all the drawers and closets and cupboards that had to be emptied. Same it is with our spiritual walk. We are excited when we think of growing up in our salvation, but it takes a lot to get there.

It's worth it though. As we look around we are so happy we made it through this move and likewise I know there is a release for us and there are so many rewards awaiting us as we push past all that will keep us back and move forward in Him.

I am excited about the prospects. I have already challenged my Saturday study group to get up and step out there. Every single day is a new day to begin with God. Every day can be like the beginning of a new year, because He provides new mercies day after day after day.

I challenge you today to do whatever it takes, drop off whatever you have to, get rid of whatever you have to, give up whatever you have to, to go to a deeper depth and a higher height in God.

The results will be phenomenal!!!!!

Blessings,
Vickie