If I Settle on the Far Side of the Sea…
As with any big life change, such as starting a new job or moving to a new city, it was no different for me in preparing to move to Cambodia and start a new life here.
Even though I had given God my “yes,” I still had moments of wrestle, especially as I was going through everything I owned to downsize, sowing my most treasured earthly possessions, preparing to say goodbye to my long-standing support system, and stepping into a new land. In the midst of this wrestle, I counted the cost time and time again and continued to give God my “yes” afresh.
At pre-field training earlier this year (Missionary Training International), I took some time to go on a hike alone one weekend to specifically hear from God and get confirmation that He was sending me to Cambodia. I loved Cambodia and I wanted to honor God with my heart and obedience, but it was my first time of relocating long term, and the preparation process kept me clinging to Him. Everything was new. As I hiked, a beloved scripture came to my heart. I began to recite Psalm 139, verse by verse but repeating the same verse over and over while emphasizing different words. “Oh, LORD, You have searched me and You know me. Oh Lord, YOU have searched me and You know me. Oh Lord, You have SEARCHED me and You know me. Oh Lord, You have searched me and You KNOW me…” and onto the next verse and the next. I kept hiking and reciting.
(Verse 9-10) “If I rise on the wings of the dawn; if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me…”
I suddenly stopped in my tracks. If I settle on the far side of the sea… Cambodia is on the far side of the sea! EVEN THERE His hand will guide me and His right hand will hold me fast... Shouting, laughing, and crying, I was flooded with peace and joy. This was the season that He was calling me to unwaveringly trust Him with my all and GO. He would be with me on the far side of the sea. From that point forward, everything looked different. I had my confirmation. Little did I know it was just the beginning.
Back in the class the next week, Psalm 139 was highlighted repeatedly in the teachings. Then, in our growth group, the theme was “Psalm 139 and Dependence on God.” Not only that, the first question listed read: “Each person personally ask the Lord to search them and speak to them about settling on the far side of the sea… “
As if that was not enough, on the last day of class, all of the children stood up in front and recited a chapter that they had been memorizing all month: Psalm 139.
God is so personal. He knows what fears and insecurities we may be carrying and how to love us through them. Even though we might not all physically move to “settle on the far side of the sea,” there may be “far sides of the sea” in other areas of our personal lives. His promise to me is the same to you: EVEN THERE His hand will guide you… His right hand will hold you fast.
Written by: Cathy Cupp
Published on: 11/7/2017