To many families leaving the city this will mean not only a change in location of dwelling but also an adjustment in the employment by which family income is gained. These major changes involving residence and income are not only far reaching in their influence; they are vital to the survival of the family.
The question now asked by many in our churches as they contemplate the call of God are; where shall we live? What shall we do? How shall we make a beginning and a living (From City to Country Living pg13).
I believe another major issues families with young children will face is the education of their children, will they home school or send them to a rural school. Is it possible to home school and earn a living at the same time? Also how will the children fare in this new environment away from the familiarities of extended family, relatives and friends and the school they once attended?
Will they like the new move, will they make friends, will they be happy with the choice that their parent(s)/guardian has made for them? This calls for much prayer and for the children to be informed about how and why such a decision has been made. The children have to be made to feel secure in the midst of all this change. It may be hard for them to understand why but l believe parents must ask the Lord for wisdom on how to relay this information in a way they can comprehend, as this is a decision which could have eternal consequences.
Solemn warning is given against moving without prayerful planning. If ever there was a time for guarded, intelligent planning now is such a time. (From City to Country Living pg13). It is without doubt that God is calling his people out of the cities. Why do I believe this. We have seen the signs that indicate we are living in the last days. We have seen how quickly our liberty can be taken. We have seen what it looks like when we have no access to food in the supermarket. What should be our response, prayer without ceasing.
Where shall we live?
God gives us choices but we have to allow him to lead. When we decided to embark on this journey I spoke to a friend who was already living in the country and I asked him the question, he replied ‘that is a question that you have to ask God.’ I now understand that the journey involves having a closer walk with God and allowing him to lead every step of the way. God showed us exactly where he wanted us to be and He provided in such a way that it was unquestionable that it was Him.
What shall we do?
Another question for God. In a magnificent
way and with amazing speed God provided a job. I applied for 2 jobs and by the end of the first interview I was offered a job. At the second interview I was offered the job. I believe God provided and He guided me in my choice. The job that I declined called and said that if things do not work out in your job call us and we will offer you something. This is the favour of God, nothing that I had done.
How shall we make a beginning?
Believe it or not this was the hardest one. Where do you start, we started with prayer for direction and read Country Living. Each day God guided us. It was a bit like learning to walk, every day we took a step and 2 years on we are experiencing country living.
Get all the information you can to move wisely. Seek it from a source that you know. Take all the counsel you can get from those who are informed. But above all, seek to learn the will of God for you in every decision you are called to make. He has commissioned his Spirit to be your counsellor and guide even in the smallest matters. Make no move unless and until you know you are following the Spirit. Then you will have the assurance that you are where God wants you, that you are doing what He designed you to do, and that the outcome will be what He has chosen for you. (from the city to the country pg14). May God bless you on your journey.
