“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:20

Lessons From a Nomad

Part 2

Yesterday we saw that the first lesson of a nomad’s life is that he must be obedient to the leader of the group or tribe. Whether he stays or leaves, rests or walks, gets comfortable or starts all over again—it is up to the leader.

A second life lesson is this: The leader knows best. A nomadic leader knows where the best feeding grounds and the purest water supplies are for the flocks. He knows where it is safe to stay, and knows what is around the next corner. He has things scoped out ahead of time. If a particular person thinks he knows better, he may strike out on his own. He will inevitably end up hungry, thirsty, injured, and lost.

In our lives as believers, our heavenly Father knows the best route for us. He is willing and able to lead us in the way we should go. We just have to be willing to go or stay, depending on His plan. Holding tightly to our own ideas of what our life should look like will cause delays and forfeited blessings, both for ourselves and for others. We need to loosen our grip on earthly things so He can choose our journey.

A third nomadic lesson is that our environment may be changing and unpredictable. The wandering Israelites were familiar with this lifestyle, but in our culture, we like to settle in and get comfy. We like what is familiar and steady. It is difficult to accept and adapt to huge changes.

When we have a tight grip on expectations, and when we are pretty sure we have things figured out (which is another way of saying we have nothing more we need to learn), we can expect our Lord to shake us up. For example, in the Book of Acts, when Peter had his mind made up about what people group the gospel was meant for (the Jews), God showed him a new way through a vision. His whole outlook on life and ministry had to switch over to a new way of thinking. After that, Peter was open to his full calling by the Lord.

We may not know every detail of the plan, but we can head in the right direction and leave it up to God. “Many are the plans in a (woman’s) heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).

“Father, You know not only what is best for us, but also what needs to happen in our lives to get us to the place You have all along planned for us to live, and move, and have our being. We submit to Your leadership, Your sovereign wisdom, and Your holy design for us. Shake up our lives, if that’s what it takes—only let us look to You for all things. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”