Settled and Scattered
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“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8, NIV).
Some women find great comfort in what might be called “settledness”—all the moving boxes quickly unpacked, pictures on the walls, furniture in place. For them, to contemplate the idea of uprooting family again is not only unpleasant, but scary. Other women—perhaps a minority?—can hardly wait to see what new people, events, or houses lie around the next corner. When their job, or their husband’s, requires a move, they march ahead with enthusiasm and vigor.
Theologian John Calvin encouraged Christians to be both “trekkers and settlers.” He envisioned Christians moving with determination into population centers, commerce and education to influence all of society and then—as God instructed His people centuries earlier—“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens…marry and have sons and daughters…seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you” (Jeremiah 29:5-7, NIV).
First century Christians were scattered because of persecution. The apostle Peter reminded them that even in the midst of that danger, they were chosen by God and that their faith would result in “praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:7, NIV).
We experience a variety of seasons in our lives—sometimes we are called to be trekkers and other times we are settlers. Our call as Christians is to be always alert to the whispers of God and be ready to move—or stay. Wherever God places us, we can be confident that His Spirit will supply our needs so that we can be a blessing to those around us.
How grateful I am, Father, that my grandparents dared to be trekkers as they risked so much to settle here in this country. Help me express that same willingness to be your person in whatever place you call me to—for Kingdom purposes so much greater than safety and security.
Questions: Are you mostly a trekker or a settler? How have you found God faithful during both experiences?
About the Author Marilyn J. Ehle
Tags: First century Christians, jerusalem, John Calvin, Judea, Marilyn J. Ehle, peace, prosperity, Samaria, scattered, settled, uprooting
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i am a settler, have been for over 21 years. now i have the ‘trekker’ fever. the Lord gave me this fever and i can’t not stop thinking about the future, the near future. i’ve had this feeling for sometime now and it will not leave my thinking. wherever the Lord wants me, is a blessing.
Timely devotional. Like the above women, I have been a trekker on and off. Each move seems to take me further away from the family I grew up with. Now my four children are either just out of college or in college. We are seriously considering downsizing. At first I was excited about it, but as we look into it more and more, the unknowns seem scary. We are even considering moving across country to be closer to my family, but then we will be far apart from our children. Very confusing time. Please remember me in your prayers and pray for clarity and wisdom when making such mind boggling decisions.
I believe myself to be a “trekker”. Our family has moved many times over the years, sometimes ministry/job related moves. Then for several years we were “settlers”…but GOD! In His Kindness, the Lord opened our eyes and hearts to missions. He showed me specifically that we are to be “about my Father’s business”. Over the years we have participated in many missions trips, but in 2006, God showed us that he is calling us to more than the “fringe” of missions ministry. We took a course on “Perspectives on the World Christian Movement” and learned the importance of Mobilization. We are now missionary appointees with SEND International. We are looking for people who will partner with us in this great work. It is our goal and passion to get others excited about and involved in world missions so that together we may “finish His work”. “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matt 24:14 Even so, Lord Jesus, Come!
We used to be trekkers, moving often, but we have been in the same place for over 6 years now. We have lived in 13 places in 22 years. If feel that during all of those times of trekking that God was with us, showing us his love and carrying us through some tough time and walking with us during the good times. We are now settled in a place where we have a wonderful church, great couple friends (we actually like the husbands and the wives), who are such a blessing in our lives, and awsome neighbors. I pray that if God wills us to trek once again that we can find once again such a wonderful place to be.
I would describe us as mostly a “settlers”, but God did have us trek a few times. There was the first trek to college and then after graduation the trek to our first job and location which was 3 hours away from our hometown and families. Three years of being away from family, we trekked back to our home town and raised our family. Then again (to our surprise) we ended up trekking away from family and hometown after the kids were gone due to work. (Which I would have never of guessed we’d have to do). We have been here 10 years now and are 2 1/2 hours away from kids and grandkids and 5 hours away from parents. Our plan is to trek another time in about 3 years when my husand retires and move closer to our kids and grandkids. Although we see ourselves as settlers, God had us trek even when we didn’t see ourselves as trekkers. We thought our trekking days were over. However, we look forward to trekking once more and being near family again. Meanwhile, we have our Christian family at church to fellowship with and to support us.