Q3. (12:1 with Hebrews 11:8-10) Why does it take special faith to begin to do something in obedience to God before we see how it will turn out? Have you had any of these "opportunities"? Are you in the midst of this adventure now?
I don't think it takes "special faith" to begin something before we see how it will turn out.... that IS faith. The only thing special about it is that we are trusting in God & His faithfulness, rather than in our own abilities or our own understanding. I have had many of these opportunities and have been blessed by those who have stepped out in faith and obedience, without regard to man's response.... for example, the simple act of praying for someone in a public place, helping launch Celebrate Recovery program, or what I am doing now.... teaching overseas.
Making the decision to come abroad was actually pretty easy. God just made it so clear and opened up doors, so we knew it was Him and His timing. Did that mean the process of leaving was easy? No- Have things turned out the way I thought they would? No- I just have to remember that while some things have caught me off guard, they have not caught God off guard. I cling to the peace I was given about bringing my family overseas... in the hard times, that is all I have to cling to. I remember His peace and choose to trust in His plan... to realize that I don't see the whole picture, but my Lord does and He has a purpose for everything. The process of being here for almost 1year has been difficult... watching my children struggle to adjust and miss "home" has been heartbreaking. Would I do it again? Absolutely.... only because I KNOW this was God's will and I trust that He knows what He is doing. That doesn't mean I haven't been angry with God, confused, frustrated, lonely, or sad.... I have been all of those things within the past several months. However, I would rather struggle within His will than to knowingly disobey Him.