By Faith

"It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going." - Hebrews 11:8

"The journey of the man who would become know as Abraham is a paradigm of all authentic faith. His is a movement into obscurity, into the undefined, into ambiguity, and not into some predetermined, clearly delineated plan for the future. Each future determination, each next step discloses itself only out of a discernment of the influence of God in the present moment. The reality of life for Christian men and women requires that they leave what is nailed down, obvious, and secure, and walk into the desert without rational explanations to justify their decision or guarantee their future. Why? Solely and simple because God signals this movement and offers it His promise... For contemporary Christians, there is an essential difference between belief and faith. Our religious beliefs are the visible expression of our faith, our personal commitment to the person of Jesus.- Brennen Manning (The Signature of Jesus)

As i was reading this I couldn't help but think of my dear friend Ashley Leir. If you know her you would know in less than a week she will be moving across the country. Leaving all that she knows and entering into what Brennen Manning calls "His promise". If you know Ashley you would also know how incrediable she is! Her love and passion for Jesus is infectious, she's always the life of a party, and has a heart as big as my booty ;) Ashley, I love you! Thank you for always putting a smile of my face and being someone who inspires me to love Jesus more! You have been an amazing friend!!!

Taking the active step in faith we all are on the journey to what God is promising us. We may not see it right away. We all need to believe (to be established) that what God has for us is greater than anything we can do or someone else can do for us. If you are in the darkest valley, the driest desert, or on the highest mountain top let God be the one leading you. Have faith that He is your strength and joy. Where He is taking you will be worth the hard times.

"But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence." Jeremiah 17:7