Unscripted

Have ever been asked to step into the unknown? Have you ever felt like you’re holding a map with faded lines? Do you sometimes find yourself experiencing the emotions of fear and excitement; standing at the edge of a new and unscripted story-line. Then you are in good company!

Some friends of ours recently shared with us a message from Oswald Chambers. If you don’t know about Oswald, we highly recommend you to become acquainted with him. Mr. Chambers is a deep well of insight and wisdom and we have found his words to be especially helpful as of late.

Oswald has a book called My Utmost for His Highest. It is compilation of 365 nuggets of gold organized as a daily reader. This particular nugget was titled The Unplanned Journey.

He went out, not knowing where he was going. (Hebrews 11:8)
Have you ever “gone out” in this way? If so, there is no logical answer possible when anyone asks you what you are doing. One of the most difficult questions to answer in Christian work is, “What do you expect to do?” You don’t know what you are going to do. The only thing you know is that God knows what He is doing. Continually examine your attitude toward God to see if you are willing to “go out” in every area of your life, trusting in God entirely. It is this attitude that keeps you in constant wonder, because you don’t know what God is going to do next…
- Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (January 2nd)

In the journey that Jenny and I currently find ourselves, there have been times where we have felt like Abraham. “Abraham, I have big plans for and your family. Leave everything you know to step into the unknown. Will you follow me?”

The scriptures are filled with countless examples of men and women, like Abraham, who are invited into the unknown and the impossible. Hebrews Chapter 11 provides a Cliffs Notes account of the giants of faith who said “yes”. Their stories are an inspiration to us because we see that their willingness to step into the ‘unscripted’ changes the course of history. I like the sound of that!

I think, this explains how we have felt during our first 6 months in Norway. Shortly after arriving I went through a needed and refreshing re-calibration. A time of clearing my head of what I think the plan ‘should be’ and pivoting towards what God is doing. The importance of this process was confirmed the other night during a time with some amazing new friends from Sussex. We shared stories and dove into topics like living the ‘unscripted’ life. We wrestled with the idea of letting go of our own agenda and aligning to the Almighty’s carefully crafted plans. Embracing the uncertainty of what lays ahead. Which, on its face, sounds super scary. However, God used this conversation to emphasize to me that uncertainty and peace can coexist. All I need to do is continually say “yes” to the One who knows me best. The timing of this conversation was perfect! It was a much needed reminder that He is in charge of writing the script for us. It felt like a beautiful stanza in our unfolding story-line was composed that evening.

As I reflect upon our move to Norway, it is very clear to us that the invitation was divinely unique in every way possible. We could see the rare opportunity to take a step towards the fulfillment of a dream that is deep in our hearts. A dream for land and animals. To have a place to advance God’s kingdom in the hearts and minds of our guests through hospitality. (learn more)

Now that we have spent significant time living in Ål, it is abundantly clear just how exceptional this move has been. What a privilege it is to share life with and learn from a couple that is actively doing what we dream of. They use their farm to host a variety of guests ranging from families, to individuals looking for a silent retreat, weekend gatherings for larger groups and more. It is a place of rest, relationship, contemplation and ‘home’. The farm is a haven for the weary and tired looking to reorient towards what is right and true. Every day we see how our friends have created a place where guests can ask hard questions, seek council and find healing through long dinners, warm smiles (and hugs), the much needed nap and more.

On all fronts, moving to this mountain farm has been an intensive training center. ‘Growth opportunities’ have abounded from navigating the practicals of packing up our home, understanding various levels of government bureaucracies, to daily life in a foreign land. Additionally, our family has frequented the inevitable waves of new and difficult feelings/emotions stirred up by this new normal. Not to mention the challenges of desiring new friendships while investing in relationships back home. All of which appear to be converging into a river of experiences that are equipping us for His future plans.

Along with the challenges, our time in Norway has also been filled with many unexpected gifts, highlights, people, experiences, connections and more. Each day feels like the author of Life is writing another line, paragraph, or chapter in our story. Every morning is an opportunity for us to wake up with anticipation for what is to come. Every evening we can look back in wonder to everything that took place; the new friends made, experiences lived, new skills acquired, wisdom gained and more. It’s the stuff that makes us move forward with hope; looking ‘around the corner’ for the next scene to unfold before us. We are grateful for this training ground and the crucible of refinement we find ourselves in. The unscripted life composes the adventure of faith.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.

-Hebrews 11:1-3