LOOKING FOR A ZEBRA

One of my favorite words I learned in Kenya several years ago was the word for “crosswalk”- the white lines on a street where you’re supposed to cross to the other side.  In Kenya, this is called a “zebra crossing.”  This seemed quite appropriate for the area and made me smile.

a "zebra crossing" in Nairobi

I’ve learned crossing the street needs a different strategy in different cultures to be successful.  I’m not sure how much zebra crossings are actually used in Kenya.  And I definitely remember in Ethiopia- I quickly learned that for me to get anywhere, I couldn’t wait for a zebra crossing- I learned to move quickly across the street, dodging screeching mini-buses and cattle, or I’d be there all day.''

Well, here in the Czech Republic, there are “zebra crossings” too- here called Prechods.  I’ve learned the hard way that people actually expect you to cross the street inside of these lines- which gives you the right away and safety.  The times I’ve forgotten, I’ve been quickly reminded or lightly scolded in Czech that I need to use these for my safety.

All of this crossing the street and using the “zebra crossings”- has had me thinking this past week about the moments in life when you need or want to change positions or move.  How have I responded in the past during these times? What God has taught me? And how I can apply those lessons to my current time, when I’m starting to look for another zebra crossing ahead?

How much involvement does God want, how much leadership does He give or can He give at those times?

God’s timing of course is not our own. Where He calls us to go or where He calls us to stay- is often not where we would pick.  When He opens doors or when He closes them- also tends to not be when we would want those times to be.  I’ve learned some of the greatest times of building my trust in God has been at these times of when I’m “looking for a zebra.”

To move or not move…now or later or never? Where do I go from here? Can I go there?

Some good questions I think to ask when you are “looking for a zebra crossing”- are:

-Where did this move or desire to move come from?

-Why do I want to go?

Sometimes motives can reveal if the move will honor God or not. 

Also what has to be considered is the “world’s created zebra crossings” vs. “God’s zebra crossings.” The world’s changes or moves often lead to a promotion of your own comfort, safety and status.  It often makes sense and seems easy.  God’s zebra crossings often look and feel very different. He often calls you to travel to a place of discomfort, maybe danger, and what could look like a demotion. It often involves serving others and the timing and call often won’t make sense. These I’ve learned are huge things to evaluate.

Sometimes natural crossings come in life and I think God gives us the freedom and wisdom to choose. He can be honored in whatever path we take. Other times though, He can be very specific about either where to go or how to get there, but might not provide those revelations at the same time.

I think of Abraham.  He was told to just “go.” He didn’t get the destination. God just told him to move and He was obedient.  He trusted God. Do we? Do I?

Genesis 12:1

The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.

I think of the Israelites- they were told their destination- the promised land. But early in their travels, they were backed up against a very big sea. No bridge. No way across. And an enemy advancing.   But at the last moment, God opened the way and they passed through.

Exodus 14:29

But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left…

I remember in 2008, when God called me from youth ministry- He clearly showed me that Africa was where He wanted me to go next, but for months I saw no door, no bridge, no path to get there.  But God told me to pack my bags and get ready.  And literally as I was walking out of the door, the way opened up. 

my first weeks in Kenya, 2008

Those are crazy times. When God actually asks you to step out without a clear plan. You either see no bridge or have no destination in sight, or both. You just know you’re supposed to move.

Thankfully- God has not left us alone at these times of crossing.

We have His Spirit to guide us. We have His Word where He is literally ONLINE- where He can specifically and day by day give us the next and necessary steps- or directing us to stillness for a time.  He gives us wisdom and accountability in other brothers and sisters in Christ who can encourage us and help us ask the right questions and pray.  God is with us!

I was reminded the other day that others too are watching our lives.  Our obedience, our trust, our barbaric leaps of faith, our times of stillness when asked to be still- all speak of a reverence, of a King we trust and have given our lives too. This is salt in a world that says anything goes, any crossing is permissible if YOU want it. 

May our zebra crossings build the faith and trust in us that God can use them too! And may others be blessed by our obedience and trust in our God!

I’m holding to these promises for my way ahead…as I look for my next zebra…

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand

Psalm 73:24-24

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.

Psalm 139:9-10

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast

Isaiah 42:16

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

Isaiah 49:10

They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.

Isaiah 30:21

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Psalm 23:1-4

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Revelation 3:7

What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.

Isaiah 55:8

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

Praying for you as you pray for me. Onward in Great Trust of our God.

Prayer Requests

- Please continue to pray for my time here in Prague, that I can make the most of opportunities to learn and serve.

-Please keep my family in prayer, that my parents and sister will keep healthy and strong. They are all doing great!

-I will be taking an intensive TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course beginning this coming week. This one month course will give an additional certification to teach internationally. Pray for that time of learning. 

-Pray for my other volunteer opportunities- in teaching and tutoring, that God will be honored in all.

-Please pray for my next “zebra”- that I will know it’s the right way to go from here as I look back to opportunities to serve in Africa.

Thank you for your prayers!