living from inside out or outside in?

[mvluik]

So our family is on this migration rollar coaster that so many of you are presently on or have been on. In the last few loops I've been wrestling quite a bit with the following;

theres been alot of "take the leap of faith"...

But can one leap for what you were not 'called' to leap for? Totally miss the purpose of this life?

My thought is that as a parent, I only want the best for my 3 boys, so too our Father in heaven only wants whats best for us, BUT I've been confronted these past few weeks with wont He use us in greater ways in places that aren't necessarily 'best for us'...

(This is probably all rooted in a family member saying to me that "we're running away")

Wondering if our move is a bit 'inward looking' its for me-for us-selfish-maybe not for Him???

Is Christ in us not going to be more magnified in such a broken country? He is strong in our weakness?

It would be so much easier if one heard a big loud voice or even better got a message in a bottle saying this is what I want for you my child

For now we taking each step in faith.... but boy oh boy, steps in certainty of a purpose & calling would make the journey so much easier hey! ‪#‎What‬ an adventure #what a testing of character

....

Would love to hear some encouraging testimonies of how you knew it was not just the right move, but a God move :-)

[SurferMan]

Hi mvluik,

if God is for you, who can stand against you? Does not mean you will not suffer or face adversity. I believe if you pray, God will open the road for you. he did for us. We tried to get into Aus for some 8 years, could never get it right, then we prayed. Out of the blue, TWO job offers + 457. I also got the running away thing, and lots nastier than that. But I believed on God and His word, and every stone just moved out of out way like He was right behind us, well of course He is!

I also want the booming voice in the movies, but its normally the quiet voice in the back of your head. Keep your faith in Jesus, there is no other who can deliver after this sort.

Here is some inspiration.

Matthew 7

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

[euroblue]

mvluik,

To say that you wouldn't be nervous would mean that you were not human (or that you were a sociopath).

I can't say much else other than, 7 years ago on the 29th of Sept, I boarded an aeroplane bound for AU.

Came over with 2 suitcases, some cabin luggage and had 2 boxes of personal effects to be sent over once I had myself established.

To say that I wasn't quietly ratting myself at the international side of Jhb airport prior to boarding, I'd be a liar.

(Bet I had eyes like a deer's in the headlights too when I landed, you'll understand this one once you have been here for a while and see newbies arriving.)

That said, I had chucked in my job in SA and had nothing much more than my bags and travellers cheques. Everything else was gone!!!

So I guess this is the score, your family member who said whatever to you, good luck to them.

It takes a brass pair of b@lls to give up everything and start over in a place where nobody owes you a thing (the men and woman that have gone before, all have br@ss balls in my opinion).

i.e. you need to make this journey on your own.

That said, starting over somewhere new, where you need to make it.....is a great motivator.

If you need to work to live etc, you will find work in AU. Do what it takes!! and don't forget the sunscreen.

Things take time to all fall into place, so don't expect things to be exactly perfect from the start (that would be lunacy).

Live the adventure, learn from the things that didn't work out so well.

Think the biggest difference is that you are coming over as a family, where I came over alone.

As long and you and your better half are supportive of each other, all should be good.

Accept that things may not start out as you dreamed...but have a plan and you'll get there.

You're about to start the adventure of your lifetime and once you've been here for a while, you'll realise how great your life really is.

The easier option would be to just stay there, take your chances with the current state of affairs there and that will be that.

Any how, I recon you're on that aeroplane.

Strap on your big girl panties mvluik, you're about to leave Sodom.

The ride may not be perfect but its's going to be a good ride.

If you end up anywhere near Brissy, give me a hoi

Edited October 25, 2014 by euroblue

[Splinky]

Hey guys,

What a tough but blessed place to be... That moment when Jesus gives you clarity about an issue you have been wrestling with in prayer is well worth it, and it will come.

My hubby and I had never thought about emigrating before we had our son. I was keen to live and work in a more rural setting, making a difference, as you say. And, of course, transkei fishing was super attractive to the hubby as well But, after having our son, we just started getting uneasy about where we were. It just didn't fit right- hard to explain. We had never been victims of crime and lived in a good area and were perfectly happy before. Anyway, we prayed about it and talked about it and started feeling a nudging toward Australia.

However, visas (and emigration on the whole) is very expensive and we had basically no savings whatsoever. Suddenly, within a month or so of deciding we would move, my husband got a big work contract that would give us enough money to afford the visas and the move with some to spare. The timing was unbelievable and we knew it was God's hand making a way for us. We were so at peace with the decision because, even though some PEOPLE have told us we are making a mistake (running away, taking our son away from his family etc), GOD was telling us different. And we knew that and held onto Him. I think it's difficult sometimes to focus on God's voice when everyone around you keeps shouting out. Being still is not my strong point!

Also, with regards to making an impact, Australia may be the lucky country, but it still needs Jesus and you can make an impact here too.

I know this decision is a tough one for you guys (we have chatted briefly at Funky Frogs and on FB) but you are making it the right way by seeking God's will for your family, whether that is to stay in SA or go. My little word of advice would be to just not over complicate things with your own and other people's thoughts and feelings about it. I pray that God will give you a peace about the decision and that as you put your trust in Him, He will make your path straight.

Blessings from down under!

[PTLF]

My husband and I had comments from friends who felt that God placed us in South Africa to help people here, and that He would protect us because we are doing His work. I agree with that. I really had no intention of immigrating. After experiencing an attack I was shaken up and made the consideration to immigrate, but was still fearful about the idea of leaving, and the uncertainty of a new country...We didn't know if we were being selfish or if it was God's plan. My husband and I prayed about it, and I had this sense of calmness come over me. I felt God pulling me to my bible. I opened it at a random page and began reading and the message was loud and clear for us. The place I began reading was Jeremiah 'A message for the exiles': "Listen my people, flee ...", " Go, you who escaped the sword! Do not stand and watch - flee while you can! Remember the Lord, even though you are in a far-off land..." Not really the conventional way of word choice for a message, but it had the right effect. We are happy with our decision to move, and we aren't moving because of crime anymore, it just feel RIGHT.

God has a plan for you and your family and He will open doors that need opening and close doors that need closing. He has different ways of showing you the direction. Ours was a massive in-your-face big sign to go (I think because we wouldn't have decided to go if it wasn't!). Also, timing is everything - it's according to God's time.

So yes, immigrating is very much a faith issue. You will know when/if the time is right.

Edited October 25, 2014 by PTLF

[heidim]

My grandfather has been a minister for over 60 years. I've asked him many times how do I know if I'm doing God's will. He consistently told me that God wants us to act wise. Look at Solomon, when given the choice to ask for anything he asked wisdom and it pleased God. So grandad always said that most of the time you don't get a clear cut answer from heaven because God gave you common sense and He wants you to use that.

For some people in their situation it makes common sense to stay, for others to go. We believed that our first priority was to make a difference in the lives of our children, THEN the rest of the world. God entrusted our children to us and if I'm not going to do what is best for them who will?

[RYLC]

Also remember that the Aussie dollar goes a long way in Africa. Your purpose could be to fund raise in a richer country to send much needed stuff to Africa. Don't let your family sneak their fears into conversations about God's will for you. If they are sad then be sad. Don't let them pretend that you are not serving God's purpose because they don't want you to leave.

[MyTimeNow]

mvluik, please feel reassured that you are not the first nor the only person who has felt and thought these exact things.

I didn't get a booming voice, but I did get peace when I stepped out in faith and took the steps to immigration. As was said by others on this thread, God gave us free will and He will bless us if we walk by faith.

I got these scriptures which may resonate with you:

Deuteronomy 11:14

'I will send rain on your land at the right time, both in the fall and in the spring. Then you will gather your own grain, new wine, and olive oil.'

John 10:10

'The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy. I came that you may have life, AND HAVE IT IN ABUNDANCE'

Keeping my faith in what I was doing despite the critics, has helped. Not always easy!!

God bless you and your journey ?

Edited October 25, 2014 by CandiceW

[Alida]

And that is why you have to seek the answer from our Heavenly Father. He IS AND WILL be faithful. He has been with us. We started out skeptical when my dad told us they're going, he urge us to think about it. His Spirit will resonate with peace for or against immigration. He is trustworthy and true to His Word. For us, a most unlikely answer from Scriptures came through Revelations 3:8 - I gave you an open door and no one can shut it. We do not just grab phrases out to the Bible and apply it to our own benefit. This came as a very clear answer minutes after hubby specifically prayed for clear guidance. The truth can do only one thing and that is to SET YOU FREE. If you have peace and feel freedom about the direction you're on, it will be right. God confirms with peace inward.

If you get negative words from ANY HUMAN BEING, think about that person's spiritual history to evaluate whether this message would be a word from God through a spiritually mature and trusted person, or a person relaying his/her own emotions, fears and discontentment through his/her words. Then discard it as words not applicable to you, but only applicable to the speaker's mind.

Seek peace and follow God.

[heidim]

Edited: made a comment to Chzaau, but decided not to engage with him anymore. He clearly has an agenda opposed to the ethos of this forum.

MVLUIK you can serve God anywhere in the world and as long you raise your kids in His way, I don't think it matters WHERE you do it. And you CAN make a difference in another country too. The fact that you are searching for God's will is already an indication of your intentions to serve Him and I believe He will bless that.

Edited October 25, 2014 by heidim

[SurferMan]

heidim,

Where is chzaau? happy to help out?

[heidim]

Surferman, I think his comment was removed.

[SurferMan]

Good riddance,

Thanks Mods. Although i did not read it, no doubt it was devoid of any fact, probably some inflammatory, vacous neural drawl that is the hallmark of his posts. mvluik, please accept my apology on his behalf if you were offended. We are generally a goodly bunch of people up here.

[mvluik]

Wow, thanks for the encouraging words everyone!It helps so much to know there are others that are or have gone through the same sorts of toils---and have got to the otherside :-) this forum offers such great support! Thanks again to you all!

[SurferMan]

Hi mvluik,

good on ya! We are all "barracking" (supporting you) all the way for you!

[Maligso]

I also have three little boys and my wife and I are definitely "running away"! As fast as we can carry our little guys, away from real danger. As parents if you have the opportunity to give your children a safer life I think it is your duty to do so. Run as fast as you can.

[SurferMan]

Absolutely Maligso!!!

You so have my support. I would happily be called a traitor and a coward rather than cradle one of my loved ones limp body because of yet another senseless encounter with violent thugs. And frankly I am so over the BS about poverty and crime. Yes there is a link, but I know plenty of folk, black, white, indian and coloured, who are bare ass broke and poor, and they NEVER stole a thing or harmed a soul.

[Maligso]

SuferMan - on Monday a 22yr old University student was on his way to write an exam in Durban and they threw a brick through his window and stabbed him in the leg. He managed to drive to a petrol station but passed away at the petrol station. A statistic to everyone but a son to someone...

[Dirkz]

Mvluik, being a child of God and living in his Kingdom will open and close doors for you as He shows His mercy to you.

We came back from visiting my brother and friends in Aus six years ago and decided we liked it there, because it was just like we remembered SA in the 60's. It was safe, the law was upheld, everything worked and people respected one another.

But the doors closed one by one with my application for a job in Aus and we left it there.

Then about a year later my oldest son got a very good job offer from Aus through an Aus friend he worked with in Brittain.

We encouraged him to go. He went, got PR, found a lovely wife and settled. Is now a citizen with 2 kids.

Our daughter and her husband went with us to the wedding and also liked it there. They applied and were granted a visa beginning this year. They also settled near my son and brother end of July on the Gold Coast.

What I want to say to you is that we left it in God's hands and He knew the correct sequence that the migration process had to move for us to get us there and now we have just submitted our parent visa and (God willing) shall be joining them all in another 18 months.

I sometimes feel guilty for leaving this beautiful country for which my direct ancestors (Sarel Cilliers) and his people fought for and gave their lives. But I just say to myself that this is not my country anymore and you know what, there are many unbelievers in Aus that might need your light to change their lives.

I found too many Ozzies live in a comfort zone and don't need God. You know when it's going well.....

So occupy your thoughts with positiveness and notice the doors that open and close for you, living in faith and leave the rest to Him.

[Mikej]

there are many unbelievers in Aus that might need your light to change their lives.

I found too many Ozzies live in a comfort zone and don't need God.

Hello Dirk

I don't want this to become unpleasant I just want you to see another point of view. You see this is not actually a Christian forum and even though I am very happy for Christians to express their faith and this is something they do all the time. These expressions of faith should not extend to involving other people "unbelievers" as you called us. It is quite offensive to feel that someone like you feels someone like me needs to be changed, as if there is something wrong with me.

The idea that you feel it necessary to teach those Australians with their low crime rates, high earnings and strong social cohesion the right way to do things is a bit well, upside down. Perhaps the unbelievers have something to teach you.

We are not permitted to suggest on this forum that Christians should change their lives and don't need God. So all I ask is a bit of consideration and sensitivity the other way round. I know that when your life has been drenched in the Chistian doctrine it is difficult to imagine another way but the reality is that many of us even on this forum have a different view and are quite happy with our choices and don't want your interference in our lives.

So as I said I hope this does not get ugly and I wish you all the best and a happy life with your children and grandkids in Australia.

Michael

[Dirkz]

Hi Michael,

My reply to Mvluik was just meant to support her and her decisions she has to make, also the part where she was concerned that her life is maybe destined to stay in SA and help people here.

I admit that I slipped up by including the sentences quoted by you on an international forum like this. It's not my idea to force or change people who are happy and spread goodwill. And I do respect you for who you are.

Sorry that I offended you or anyone else who thinks or believes differently. It was not my intension.

[Mikej]

Thanks Dirk

I accept that your intentions were to support Mvluik and I don't believe you were intending to cause offence. I appreciate your goodwill and am grateful that we are able to discuss this in a friendly manner.

Michael

[SurferMan]

Hi Maligso,

Sorry to hear that mate. and so true, a stat but a son to someone. Man I am just so grateful I do not have to endure such violence anymore.