When faith leads the way: Why we chose differently

We had been praying, talking and dreaming for months. What was the next step after Bible school? Is God calling us to a certain place? Are we going back to Europe? And why can't we get rid of the thought that there is not just one right way - but several?

What made the decision so difficult was this: there were actually several doors open to us. Doors that we could have walked through with a whole heart. But over time, some paths led to nothing - until in the end there were only two options left. Germany or the USA.

How we dealt with this tension, what thoughts, prayers and conversations guided us - and what ultimately sealed the outcome... that's what this blog post is all about.

Decision at a turning point: Germany or the USA?

We would have welcomed a very clear sign at one point. A door that opens by itself. Or a thought that would give us great peace. But instead: silence. Questions. And the tension between two completely different paths.

Germany would have meant: working in church planting with: Being close to family. A well-known language. An environment in which we know our way around - a familiar lifestyle and securities. Finally having a job again and a steady income.

The USA, on the other hand, stands for: Participating in church planting with: The risk, but also the freedom to grow into something bigger than ourselves. New opportunities. A new environment. Still no jobs where we could earn an income - but more time to be in the Word.

As we thought about it, we kept coming back to the same point: that calling is first and foremost an attitude of the heart. No matter where it goes or what it is about, the relationship with God is all we need. All other answers flow from this relationship. We began to no longer just ask: “What should we do?” but: “Where does your way lead, God - that's where our journey should continue!” That was the turning point.

And with this perspective, it became clearer.

Not necessarily easier. But clearer.

Suddenly there were conversations that fit together like pieces of a mosaic. Doors that closed almost unnoticed - without disappointment, but in peace. And a certain direction became clearer and more vivid from day to day. The pressure was no longer on our side, but rather calmness.

Our decision was suddenly no longer based on an uncertain foundation (“What if we do the wrong thing?”), but on trust: “Even if we have to correct ourselves along the way and go through difficult times - HE is with us and will not let us fall.”

That's how the decision was made.

Not out of a “What would be better or easier for us?”. Nor which door opens or closes, but through the guidance of the spirit.

«Not every opportunity is God's will - and not every challenge is an obstacle.»

Conversations, prayer and peace as the judge

During this time of decision-making, we have consciously sought out dialog - not only with each other, but also with people who guide us spiritually. We had conversations with the pastors, both here in the USA and in Germany. Openly, honestly and with the desire to not simply do the obvious, but to recognize God's heart. For us, it wasn't just about finding the “right” way, but recognizing God's heart in it.

«Knowing God's will is not complicated - but it challenges us to trust HIM instead of ourselves.»

Just as there are disputes in every sport that have to be settled by referees, the peace of God is the referee who settles all disputes about what God's will is for our lives. Human peace is only experienced in the absence of problems. But the peace of God is independent of circumstances and infinitely greater than any problem we could ever have. And the peace of God is not dependent on “good times” either. Everything around us can look good, but the peace of God for the situation is missing. The peace of God is something that every born-again believer has. It is a fruit of the Spirit. This peace is always there; we just don't always pay attention to it.

«And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts...» Col. 3:15 (ESV)

We made a decision - and we chose the USA

In the end, it was less a “logical choice” and more an answer from the heart.

We didn't choose the easier way. Nor the safer one.

But the one where the peace in our hearts said: “That's your place.”

We are staying in the USA.

Not because it's always easy.

Not because we already see the big picture.

Our next stop is not an end point, but a new beginning.

A beginning that challenges us.

A beginning in which we are dependent on God's guidance.

A beginning where we have more questions than answers - but peace nonetheless!

---

More details to come soon. Stay tuned!