Welcome to Wilco Wednesday! If you are a new around these parts, “Wilco” is Army-speak for “Will Comply.” Think of it as saying “Roger, God. Got it. Will do.” So that is what Wednesday here at 7 Days Time is all about– exploring his decrees and seeking guidance for what complying with Him looks like in everyday life. The best part? He loves us for who we are, not what we do. Remember: He doesn’t want perfection, just obedience. Today, let’s welcome (and send-off… SIGH) my friend Jenny as she prepares for another cross country move in response to telling God “Wilco!”
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PCS. Permanent Change of Station. To the average person, it’s just three letters, another acronym, but within the military community, those three letters carry with it, a lot of meaning and bring with it a plethora of emotions, (not to mention endless questions and concerns). In the coming months some of us will see many dear friends move on to their next duty station and have to say, “see you later…”, while others, like myself, will be the ones that have to pack up and, “go where the army send us.”
I am roughly down to the one month mark, you know, it’s when you REALLY have to get things in order, declutter, begin planning and finalizing the road-trip, not to mention– give notice to housing! It’s crunch time! Oh, how this year has flown by. This will be our 7th move in 11 years of army life, so by now, you think I’d be used to it. Does anyone ever get used to it?!
I’ve had non-military friends tell me (and I’m sure many of you have heard them too), “oh, I could never do what you do” or, “it would be so hard to move every couple of years” and “I just can’t be away from family and friends.” I agree, there’s some truth to those words. It’s not easy and it’s hard at times, but what I’ve learned and gained from those experiences thus far, I want to share with you.
God is for us.
God will not take you somewhere and abandon you there. “…the Lord goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deut. 31:6. He goes before us and provides what we need, in His perfect time. He always has. Think of how He constantly, miraculously provided for the Israelites in the desert (for 40 yrs) even with their constant temper tantrums and complaints!
I’ve never regretted being at a place He has sent us. Yes, the Californian in me complained when I first found out that Alaska would be our first overseas assignment (didn’t everyone get to go to Germany or some other exotic locale as their first overseas assignment?!). Let me also say that my first few months there felt like we were abandoned at the other end of the world, (a very dark, very cold, very lonely world). That was a pretty tough place to be, emotionally and physically for an extrovert like me.
He deepens our walk with Him.
When I feel most alone is when God takes those opportunities to show me He was, and is, enough. Isn’t it in our times of greatest need or struggle that we cry out to Abba, Father and He so graciously brings comfort? I find solace in His promises for me. It is during those moments, my walk and dependence is fully on Him, rather than on others. Please don’t misunderstand me; I am not saying that you need to be alone, or cut off your godly friendships in order to grow deeper in your walk with the Lord. What I am saying is that He uses all our circumstances and situations to continually mature us in our walk with Him.
He emboldens us
I love how God shows us that we are capable of more. He tells us,“…be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” –Joshua 1:9b Had He not sent me to a place of such extremes—what I sometimes call my “wilderness”—I would have missed out on some of the greatest experiences of my life thus far. Sometimes a change of scenery, (or state, or country) is just what is necessary to change our perspective and push us to new heights. So don’t be afraid to get your feet wet. Dive in.
He blesses us
We’ve been able to see and experience things and places I could never have imagined (there are things that I have witnessed with my own eyes that will never be properly, proportionately, or accurately portrayed in a photo or video or facebook post). Sharing those experiences with our kids (including one, who was born in Alaska), is even better! However, beyond the sights and experiences, He has blessed us with incredible friendships as a result of those relocations and moves. Sweet, loving, deep friendships I otherwise never would have had.
Change is never easy, and relocating to new places can seem rather daunting, but remember that He goes before you. He has hemmed you in. Looking back, I can honestly tell you, by His grace, I have a love for the places we’ve been to and would go back willingly. On the other hand, I welcome the opportunity with both hands up, to allow God to show me something new and fresh, to take me where I’ve never been and to make it incredible.
How about you? How will you handle this next season of change? Would you be willing and open to His purpose and plan for you? Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and let God show you what He can do! Join the conversation and leave a comment below.
Jenny is a stay-at-home-mom to three children ranging in age from 16 to 6 years old. She and her husband David, an Army Chaplain, have been married for 19 years. She loves the military community and the ministry of PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel). She enjoys cooking and sharing her love of cooking with others. She marvels at this incredible life she has been given and the journey God has taken her on and continues to lead her in.
Linking up today with my friend Kristin over at Three-word Wednesday and having a little Coffee for your Heart with Holley. Oh! And be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!
