In the life of faith, there will be times when we must run ahead of what has become familiar, predictable, and expected of us. This moving ahead is not always a physical move. It could be initiated by a deeper revelation of how we see God’s Kingdom or a change in our calling. This move is not the act of a lone ranger, but it may be a lonely calling. It is a move in response to what we heard the Lord say to us personally, something we cannot ignore. Running ahead will mean moving to the front line of a spiritual conflict not seen with the naked eye or discerned by human reasoning. It is a call by our Commander-in-Chief, Jesus, who has summoned our presence.

Leaving our current assignment behind and moving forward should never be done to prove a point or follow a pride-filled personal ambition. To make this move successfully in the eyes of God requires that we perform a heart check before we take our first step. If all is well in both our attitude and purpose, we need to move forward without hesitation. 

There are times when the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of those we left behind to answer the call of duty will be at stake based on our willingness to serve. The sacrificial love of someone responding to the call of God is not always appreciated by those who needed its benefit the most. When that need does arrive somewhere in the future revealing an unseen conflict and the victory that ensued, when you return “home” those you left behind will celebrate your return. They will realize an intervention took place because of your response to the voice of God. When they finally see the reason for your sacrifice and the price you paid, they will thank the Lord for your obedience.