Dear Esther,
I really love your column. Thank you for inspiring so many. I have been struggling for years about whether or not I need to move my family out of California. As a Christian I feel that God wants me to leave this liberal state. As the man of the house and provider, I am torn. I have an amazing job that I would be walking away from. I know at the end of time (which I feel we are in) God wants us to leave and live self-reliant. I really would love your insight and guidance on this matter.
Thank you and God Bless!!
Confused Father
Dear Confused Father,
Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement, and I take it as a positive motivation to continue my monthly writing column for Our Valley Magazine. Thank you for your blessing and God bless you too. According to your question, I am sure you read and study your Bible. In the book of Revelation the apostle John repeated the words of Jesus that said, "blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy." Also in the book of John, Jesus said it Himself: "you diligently study the Scriptures for in them you have eternal life, and they testify of Me." Your question is well elaborated in Chapters 24 of Matthew and Mark 13, with the title: "Signs of the end of time." I agree with you, we are getting very close to the end of our lives in this world of sin. It was Jesus' recommendation for His people to leave the cities and to live in a peaceful, healthy, and quiet place away from the noise and the abominations of crowded cities. A good example is in the book of Genesis, chapter 19, when the two angels of God came to rescue Lot and his family to escape to the mountains, lest they would to be destroyed along with Sodom and Gomorrah.
It was not God's purpose that people should be crowded into big cities polluted with all sorts of troubles like: violence, liars, murderers, suicides, robberies, crimes, sexual immorality, and all types of corruptions. Before Jesus went back to heaven, He left some comforting words of promise in John 14:1-4. He is in Heaven preparing a home for those who are faithful to Him. "And behold I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, The Beginning, and the End, the First and the Last." Revelation 22:12,13. God prepared a beautiful garden as a home for Adam and Eve. He placed them in close touch with nature. It is God's desire that people live simple lives, enjoying the work of His hands and contemplating His Glory daily. For your meditation read Psalm 19.
As you already said, you have been debating with yourself for years. If you feel ready, take a leap of faith, God will guide and protect you. Mother Teresa once said; The most potent word in the world is Faith. The example of faith of so many people made their stories into a testimony and became history until the end of the world.
My sincere desire is for you to be happy with your family, no matter if you move away or not. "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you." Deuteronomy 31:8.
May God keep blessing you,
Esther