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Road Trip

Psalms 119:105 states, “By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back from living by your righteous order” (The Message Bible).

Once again, we are finding ourselves in a place of transition. This cycle of change came about through our business decision over a year ago. Cleve is preparing for his next trip on the road; while I’m preparing for an extended time by myself in our home. Both places (for Cleve and me) are slightly uncomfortable, but a natural necessity. Both places lead us into a new walk by faith.

I’m reminded of the Israelites and their journey through the wilderness. God’s provision for them was so tangible. “The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night” (Exodus 13:21, New American Standard Bible). Although God’s provision was constant and visible, the Israelites struggled with trusting Him for their new journey.

Years ago, before I entered the place where God called me, He gave me a promise. His promise to me is the same that He gave to Moses and Joshua, and for all of His children who are following His direction. It’s found in Joshua 1, verse 3: “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses” (English Standard Version). God’s promises to us, His children, are always “yes” and “Amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20); because, unlike the Israelites, we have been born of the Spirit and Christ lives within us. We are more than conquerors in Christ!

When I stepped into the inner city high school building that first day of teaching, I knew God had given me every place my footsteps took me. It was beautiful to witness how God melted hardened hearts to receive the love of Christ and how He resolved problems right before my eyes. I saw many come to know the Lord and many return back to Him throughout my years of teaching. It was a great journey!

As Workplace Leaders, we encounter new opportunities every day; new road trips. It may take the form of a new investment, new employee, different direction for our business, or a new relationship. Whatever the prospect is, we have all we need in Christ to be successful.

When Cleve and I were first married, I occasionally traveled with him in the semi-truck. I love road trips! We were on our way to California, quite a distance from Missouri where we live. It was early evening and Cleve was having trouble staying awake; but, we had more miles to go before we could stop for the night. I asked him to guess a word that had 10 letters in it. I told him the first and last letter was “t” and gave him hints about the word. After several incorrect guesses and obvious frustration, Cleve grabbed his CB* radio and told other truck drivers about the game, the number of letters and the clues.

There was silence for a couple of minutes as I sat amazed that Cleve actually used his CB to get his answer. It was quite funny at the time and we were both laughing at how tired we had become. Then, out of nowhere, we heard a deep voice reply over the CB, “Triumphant, the word is triumphant!” Our laughter increased and we were refreshed and able to get to our destination with renewed energy.

Whatever the journey may be, know that God is giving you every place your foot may tread! So, relax and enjoy the ride!

*a hand-held speaker that gives a range of radio frequencies for people and especially truck drivers to talk to each other over short distances often while driving

Cleve and Jan Whitaker are the new WLN Directors. Living in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, USA, they are an active part of Faith Ministries Community Church. Cleve is owner and manager of Capstone Carriers, LLC; a trucking company specializing in flatbed freight throughout the U.S. Jan retired from teaching in the inner city high schools and college/university campuses. She also worked for FMIN Network as the Administrative Director. Jan operates in the prophetic and travels nationally and internationally as a teacher and counselor with GX International. Cleve and Jan describe their combined Mission Statement as: "To be outrageous givers for the Kingdom of God through financial support. To use our spiritual gifts for strengthening, encouraging, and establishing others in their identity in Christ." Their heart is to see others find and follow God's purpose in their individual workplace and mission field.

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