Memories and belongings from 20 years of marriage and two children were packed up in cardboard boxes that lined the hallways our home of 15 years. Saying good-bye to the place where I was born, raised, and started a family, came with a lot of emotions I didn’t anticipate.

Moving from the Midwest to WAY south of the Mason-Dixon line felt like I was moving from one country to another.  I’ll never forgot the dumbfounded looks I got from family and friends when I told them God was moving our family from Wisconsin to South Carolina. I think some thought we were crazy, but I knew, without a doubt, that God was calling me to 88.3 WAFJ. I had prayed about it and desired to go where He was leading; I just didn’t expect to be lead to the CSRA. I knew nothing about the area, except The Masters was played in Augusta, so we were literally going into the unknown, but we saw it as a great adventure ahead of us.  

As I boarded my flight with a one-way ticket, I wondered if Abram (also known as Abraham) felt the same way as I did when God led him from his homeland. Genesis 12:1 says “The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.’”  I remember the call being made to board my flight. I looked back at that little airport one last time and got tears in my eyes; it’s hard to let go of what’s familiar. God’s call was for Abram to leave the world that he knew and enjoyed, and to go to a new, unknown place that God would show him. The journey was hundreds of miles to Canaan.  This was very a long, difficult, and sometime dangerous journey by foot with a caravan of people, possessions, and livestock. Hebrews 11:8 tells that Abram knew the general direction that God was leading him but he did not know exactly where he was going or what he would find there. Think about the faith Abram must have had to begin this journey.

Like Abram, at some point in our lives, we all will be required to move in one way or another. You may need to give up a habit, leave a place of comfort, end a relationship or pursue a new calling/job. Although your past may lure you to stay and remain comfortable, if God is prompting your move, you can be confident that where He is leading is far better than what you are leaving behind. You can trust that what God has for your future is worth letting go of your past.  God controls all things, including your tomorrow.

Since my move, God has been so good…in BIG ways! To name a few…I’ve grown deeper in my relationship with Jesus and have been able to share the hope I have with others through ministry (88.3 WAFJ). I’ve also been blessed with many new friendships and learned to trust Him with my loved ones when we live 1100 miles apart. Leaving family behind was probably my biggest challenge but through it all He has been gracious and has worked out the details because He knows my heart.

As much as I love where I came from, I can confidently look forward to where God has placed me today. He may be leading you to something or somewhere as well but you’re scared to take a step of faith into the unknown. No matter what others may think, or the reservations you might have, He’s calling you to trust Him. In Deuteronomy 31:8 He promises that He will never leave you to fend for yourself. Take that first step and choose to follow!  “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."- Corrie Ten Boom  

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9

-April Sather, 88.3 WAFJ Morning Show