Yesterday I was having coffee with a believing woman in the marketplace when this question became part of our conversation. On a side note, this is exactly what Believing Women In Conversation is all about as I gather with women and witness the fruit of our conversation in relation to what God is doing, our identity in Him, and what He is calling us into at this time in our lives.
But, let’s get back to this question which will undoubtably have us all pondering its meaning. For me, it struck an immediate cord in which I could easily relate. Let me say what I believe is important to note with this question. We are not being called up to base camp, but rather being asked to return. This is not to be missed because it holds deep significance.
I really enjoy watching television programs where individuals are being tested as they choose to step out of the ordinary and into the extraordinary. These include climbing those mountains that few of us will attempt, and many other extreme physical endeavors. What I have noticed is that there always seems to be a place where these individuals can return to get fresh supplies, much needed rest, support, and a directional reboot before they once again head out.
For believers this is a necessary step, too. When we are called out, and given a new assignment, it will be from our base camp. Our base camp will be where our seeking, our perseverance, our walking in obedience, our trusting, and our believing has landed us. We are not fed by milk anymore, but we require a full menu of life sustaining meat. We have come to understand that without the richness of the meat, God’s Word, we will not survive.
Once again when we are called back to base camp it is not a punishment. It is a time when God is doing necessary critiquing, so we fully understand where we have just come from. It becomes a time when we get much needed rest, and where we are getting refortified for our next assignment. All of these things are critical to being deployed successfully.
Being called back to base camp is a blessing, but I know there have been times when I have felt that I have stayed too long. Times when I was sure I was ready to go, and yet I continued to wait on the Holy Spirit to make my next step clear.
Thankfully, when it is time to once again step out it will be at exactly the right time, and I believe we will have everything we need to run the next leg of our race.
Psalm 37:23 CSB A man’s steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.