But What If You Did?

By Roger Stanton, Nation Assimilation Coach

A year ago, my wife and I were faced with an incredible opportunity to move our family from the Pacific Northwest to Hawaii. We were met with a decision that pitted the life we loved against what may be an even better life for our family. In the end, we decided against the move, but we have spent the last year in quarantine, wondering what life would have been like if we did go.

Abram, along with his wife and nephew, faced a similar situation at the end of Genesis 11. While he and his family had set out for the Promised Land of Canaan, the Bible says they settled in Harran. And then Genesis 12:1 happened:

“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 will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’ So Abram went, as the Lord had told him.’”

Recently, I was asked why I thought God chose Abram as a father of our faith. To me, the answer is in verse 4, “So Abram went.” Abram was willing to leave his settled life and chase after God’s promise. Once he took that action step, God was able to hold up His end of the Covenant.

I’m not ready to say that staying in Washington was me missing my opportunity for the Stanton Promised Land. However, I know that I often choose inaction because the action seems too hard. This is what delayed me from finding Christ’s freedom through Celebrate Recovery.

On August 18, 2009 I asked myself, “But what if you did?” On that day, I took action and started my Celebrate Recovery journey. With Christ’s help and a whole lot of meetings, I continue to experience the Promised Land of blessing right here in the Pacific Northwest. I am seeing that Romans 8:28 proves to be true as Christ is my King and my relationships with my wife and kids grow more fruitful every day.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

What if you did?