A Promise and a Purpose Through Faith
by Lisa Prowell
“The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.’” (Genesis 12:1)
As a military wife of 15 years, I have often struggled with the frequent moves to new and unfamiliar places. I have craved some “normalcy” and to lay down roots for our family. When I was a child, I had always imagined living within a very close proximity to my family, with my parents playing an integral role in the lives of my future children. I have lived a life quite the opposite of this childhood dream, where most of the time we have been several states, if not entire continents, away from my parents.
When I reflect upon Genesis 12:1, I am reminded that Sarai, much like me, was also called to follow her husband to a faraway place. She left her family and all that was familiar, and went by faith to where the Lord directed them, in order to fulfill God’s larger purpose. God had mighty plans to make a great nation from the seed of Abram and Sarai. Their faith began with a directive to leave the familiar and travel to the unknown, and continued with a promise to bless their yet unborn seed, even when they were past childbearing years.
The Lord has required faith of me as a military spouse as well. He has required me to move to yet unknown places with the promise that He has plans to give me a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Our military moves have granted me the immeasurable blessing of meeting so many wonderful people with whom I have been ministered by, or with whom I have been able to minister to.
With each impending move, I will embrace the unknown and walk by faith knowing that God has something extraordinary waiting for me on the other side.
Lisa is the proud “hooah” wife of an Army soldier for the past 15 years. She has a heart for military wives and especially encouraging and strengthening military marriages on the foundation of Christ. The Army has enabled her to plant seeds of friendship all across the world. Her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology has blessed her with the opportunity to minister to military couples through counseling. In this season of her life, she dedicates her time to homeschooling their two children and serving with the Military Wives ministry at her church. You can follow Lisa on her blog at: www.hearts-in-formation.org
Thanks for the great words of encouragement Lisa.