This is what I have been brought back to Hampton Roads for.
A sequence of events would probably help.
Called away from comfort/familiarity. Almost 2 years ago from today God called me out of Northern Virginia. Devastated at the time as I was hoping that would be the area He called me to permanently. As I was called from everything I knew and loved, (back to a place I knew and hated) Jeremiah 29:11 was the only reasonable explanation to what was happening- even though at the time I had no idea...For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
God provides for Jen to be able to come down and join me. Crazy at the time. we weren't even engaged and yet she trusts God telling her to move, and me not up and deciding we weren't going to work out. A bold move on her part. But God provided for a job and place to live. A slight inclination/confirmation we are indeed supposed to be in the Hampton Roads area, but as for what exactly we weren't sure yet. But we were taught that resources (something we as people hold so tightly to, plan, schedule, and stress how to make them provide for us) are literally limitless to God; and He gives according to His will. Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Allows a role in work that I actually enjoy. Rough transition, but about a year and a half into it I can see myself doing this for the rest of my life. Work I want to do, and not work I feel like I need to do in order to make money. (<-- big difference) Without even realizing it, God knew that if I stayed in my current position as an outside plant fiber tech, I would have hated it and it would have adverse effects on me as a person. Doing something you hate indefinitely is a horrible idea...I'm sure an example can be found in your life (it can in mine) of what that eventually leads to. How can you work like Colossians 3:23 tells you to without being designed for the task at hand? Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Provides a church home. Not gonna lie, when first approaching the idea of finding a church down here I was so skeptical that I already resigned to the idea that we will just have to find one good enough or close enough to what we believe, because that's all that existed. Foolishly forgetting that if God called us to the area, then why would he not provide a church home?! Foolishly believing that facts and trends dictate truth, and not the other way around. He not only provided the perfect church home (Crossroads Norfolk) He actually provided two. The first one wasn't exactly for us per say, but through it we found Crossroads, and God is definitely moving in that church in exciting ways. I continue to keep tabs on what's happening in it and am encouraged by what I see! They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42)
Provided relationships of impact, challenge, and life change for His kingdom. I'll never forget my final bible study with the guys at Chris's place. It was sad. I didn't want to go! But I remember when prayer requests came around to me I mentioned that I felt God called me to Northern VA not permanently, but to change and equip me for what I was leaving to do. I had no clue what it was at the time, but the amount of change I had undergone wasn't so I could just be a better person, but so that I had the tools and boldness to do His work where He wanted me to do it. Which is here, in hampton roads, for now. Just this past weekend we got to fellowship with 2 amazing couples who have already impacted us more then they probably know, and hopefully us them.
How easy it is to look at our situation and contribute it to a random sequence of happenstance, coincidence, and fortune....Except God isn't a God of distance. But rather a personal God who draws close to those who draw close to Him....(James 4:8) Despite my MANY Flaws.
