Where Are You Going?This wasn’t the first time Alyra, (Ah-leer-ah) from the White Road Chronicle series, felt the White Road pulling her. What is the White Road, you might ask, (if you haven’t read this series, yet)? Well, the White Road represents the life path we are meant to follow. There are many paths to choose from. But that one road, isn’t very obvious. It winds through forests, thickets, mountains, and valleys, and is the one road where you find your true purpose. I believe with all my heart that we each have a purpose and a destination to walk out in our lives. I live this belief, I write about this belief, and I tell anyone who will give me a minute of their time about this belief. The question is, do you believe it, friend? Do you believe you have a purpose for existing? That the God of the universe has a plan for you? The Bible says it’s true. That’s why I believe it. But let’s get back to our traveling friend, Alyra. Camper or Traveler?Alyra had been camping at a village called Jolly Orchard for some time. However, at the beginning of Emanate book 3, she knows it’s time to continue with King Shaydon’s assignment. I think this happens to the best of us. Just this past year, I spent several months camping instead of writing stories. I’d hit a snag, and lost my joy for writing, as I’ve explained in past blogs. So…I camped. Have you ever found yourself at a standstill? Your heart isn’t into moving on. You feel tired, discontent, and unsure of what to do next. Well, my friend, we’ve all been there. Then comes that gentle tug on our spirits. There is a call in our hearts, pulling us in some particular direction… promising something more. It urges us to put out the campfire, pack our tent, and start moving again. That’s where I’ve been since the end of last year. “Let’s go, Jackie!” I’d hear. “There is more for you. Don’t give up now, you still have more to do. Walk with me, watch how I do it, Daughter! Learn the unforced rhythms of grace…” Sound familiar? I love the Message version of Matthew 11:28-30. It’s a call and a promise that He will walk right beside us in whatever we are asked to do.  What Are We Being Pulled Toward?That pull, or call is tugging us to move. Where have we grown stagnant?
I have these pulls, too. I’ve had/have the fear that it’s too risky, too hard, above my pay grade… all that. Yet deep down, I know this: If He is truly calling me to do it, He will make a way. He will bring what I need, when I need it. How do I know? My whole writing career is filled with stories of Him providing what I needed. People who were willing to help me with edits. Having a video pop up on YouTube answering a question I had. These are real experiences and if they can happen for me, they can happen for you, too. But, who wants risks? Challenges? Hardships, even? No thanks. I’d rather sit here by my campfire roasting marshmallows, thank you very much. At least, until the bag runs empty. Then what? Other Story Examples-- You know, I can empathize with Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit. Mr. Bilbo loved his cozy, comfy home with its stuffed-to-the-roof larder full of yummy foods. He enjoyed sitting by a roaring fire with a warm mug and a pipe.  Then the call to move on came when a group of hungry dwarves, led by a mysterious wizard, entered Bilbo’s cozy house, ate all his food, dirtied his dishes and floors, then left little behind but smoldering coals in the hearth. Bilbo was left looking at the disarray wondering what he would do now. You see, we can fill our lives with all the comforts and supplies we need to care for ourselves rather well. But when God tells someone to move on, He has a way of disrupting our creature comforts. Here’s my proof:
I could go on, you know. The Bible is full of life-interrupted stories. Are You Feeling That Pull?Is there a whispered promise of something more if we’ll only take that first step? Just one. Then another and another….
Have you strayed away? Wandering down this path, then another because the World says it will get you what you want? How’s that working out for you? Perhaps all that yearning and wandering is Him calling you to come back? His promise that His burden is light? That He will strengthen you? Help you? Uphold you through any storms??? Eh, who likes a ruckus? Who wants their life disrupted? Not me. Well, okay… maybe that depends on WHO is causing the ruckus. Because if it truly is the Lord’s doing, it’s because He has something bigger and better for me… and YOU. He promises good things for us. Jeremy 29:11 He promises to keep us, even in the most difficult of times. Deuteronomy 31:6 He promises to fight for us. Psalm 46:1 He promises to be our guide. Psalms 138:7 He will be with us 24/7 Deuteronomy 31:6-8 And. God. Never. Goes. Back. On. A. Promise. Never ever.  Photo by Joshua Earle on Unsplash What Are You Waiting For?So. If you’ve read the White Road Chronicles, then you know what Alyra did. (spoiler alert)
She hardly ever did it excitedly or with eagerness. No. But she did trust her King, His Son, and her Guide. Even when she was knee-knocking scared, she still trusted them. For the most part… I mean, we all stumble… usually into one problem after another until this truth buries itself deep into our hearts. Come on, we’re all WIPs, right? (Works In Progress) What I love, and have seen in my own life, is that even if I’m knee-knocking scared and not very willing, God will not get angry and scold me. Instead, He steps up beside me, offers His hand, and leads me one step at a time until I realize that mountain isn’t as frightening as I made it out to be. So what’s pulling you? Anything? Don’t fear it, my friend. You only need to ask for His help and He will be right here. He promises. If you wish to share what you struggle with, do so in the comments. I may not have any answers for you, but I’m full of prayers that I send up for those in need. Do not fear. He is with you. He will uphold you with His righteous right hand. He isn’t one to go back on a promise. Ever never ever.
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Author & Artist Jackie Castle
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