The Holy Spirit is referred to as “that still, small voice”. Learning to hear that voice is important as is following the Spirit’s prompts. I am reminded of the song…”Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey”. We have free will and are able to choose to listen and obey or not. I believe one of the keys to our success is our ability to discern the voices and follow the one that leads to light and life. Towards the end of our time in Maine, I failed to discern the “voice” telling me that it was not the time to move. I misread the voice, thinking that is was just me being “weak”. You know, we men are taught to be strong, decisive, bold and fearless. Granted, these are admirable character qualities that men should have but not at the expense of our spiritual hearing! Displaying these character qualities while keeping a keen ear for the Spirit is key. Back to the story… not heeding the Spirit in Maine led to our premature move to South Carolina which started a snowball effect in my life and that of my family. In looking back to that time I realize that I had become emotionally spent! The strain and pressures of the mortgage business had taken a toll on me. I now know, more than ever, that Satan and his masked marauders are looking to “take out” Gods people and render us ineffective and useless for the Kingdom of God. One of the beautiful things about God and the way He works is that “He works all things together for good”. He uses all things! Even the things that Satan meant for our harm, God uses them to refine and perfect us in Christ.
Well, where do I begin? O.K. …. We were living in Maine, I had a small mortgage company. Ready for change. want out of Maine and out of the mortgage business. started a dialogue with my wife about moving. she was up with getting closer to family but would not bite on the idea of moving to Colorado. We end up in Charleston, SC, a lovely town. But if I was in my right mind, I would have never moved there. You see, I am a mountain man- an avid outdoors man- love hiking, skiing, biking- anything outdoors! if you love to sweat and the beach, Charleston is great!
I think sweating is way over rated! not to mention the bugs that come with the heat and humidity. A friend of mine refers to Charleston as the “Swamp”. I think it is a perfect fit. Now, you say,,,, where does the Desert fit in? Glad you asked. In scripture, the desert or wilderness is referred to as a place of trials. Well, since we moved to the swamp we have been blessed with many trials that have tested us to the core and in the end made us more like Jesus- understanding, compassionate, acquainted with sorrow and suffering- able to relate to others and their sufferings.
This blog is about what God is doing in my life and all that I have learned or “relearned” through the storms of life. I have purposefully decided to not focus on the trials, but lets just say they have hit on every level of human suffering. I choose to focus on what I have learned from the trials and what God is doing in my life and to testify of His love, faithfulness, mercy and grace. Before I close this blog post, let me explain what is meant by Wild Goose Chase. The Celtic Christians refer to the Holy Spirit as “the wild goose”. This blog is my personal journey down the “path” of the Wild Goose. Cheers!
