When It’s Time to Go
What if the bravest thing you could do is walk away? I made the very difficult decision to leave my executive leadership job in July without a Plan B. I didn't leave to start my own thing or work on a big project or take a new job. At the time, I had no plans and no idea what was next. What I did know -- without a doubt -- is that it was time. When I tell you it was difficult, I'm not being dramatic. I was heartbroken.
In the immediate aftermath, I was met with all kinds of things—some good and encouraging, and others not at all. I wrestled with all kinds of emotion and the urge to defend myself, or at the very least tell someone the truth.
God patiently, and sometimes not-so-gently, reminded me that's not my job. He also reminded me very clearly (again!) that often times faith takes an obedient, immediate next step without knowing what comes after. Those details? Again, not my job. Abraham models this kind of faith when he leaves everything he's ever known to go "even though he didn't know where he was going" (Hebrews 11:8). He had a clear directive and direction from God, but he didn't have the 10-step plan.
Friends, this is not easy. Because, we want the 10-step plan.
Sometimes it can be confusing. See, God clearly led me to that place and gave me that job. But God also requires that we hold things with open hands. Everything has a season. And when things start changing right before your eyes in undeniable ways, in ways that put you in a position to compromise your values or compromise who/what God created and called you to be, it IS your job to pay prayerful attention and seek wise counsel. It's especially true, when you've done everything you know to do in an effort to stay.
Leaving isn't always the answer. Leaving is hard. And painful, even when it's good. But, friends, staying in a place you know it's time to leave, where you clearly don't belong, or where you're not welcome isn't the answer either. It's not heroic or courageous. And it's not an act of faith. You might even call it disobedient. What's the thing James says about "knowing what to do and not doing it" (James 4:17)? Side note: there is a difference between leaving and running away. I've done both. Running is reactionary and fear-based. You don't have to run. But you can choose to leave with thoughtful intention.
For those of you asking yourself "Is it time to go?" Please know, you can trust yourself. Or better yet, you can trust the Holy Spirit in you. You don't need external affirmation to validate your experience. There is only ONE who deserves carte blanche privilege in that area of your life anyway; and He sees and knows things that no one else does. God is your advocate. Your defender. Your strength and ever-present Help. Be brave, friends. Obedience makes space for beautiful, breathtaking God-moments. God is perfectly faithful, and He knows exactly what He's doing and exactly what you need.
The heartbreak I experienced in July? Well, God has transformed that heartbreak into holy anticipation. I'm starting to dream with Him again. And it's exciting in the most beautiful way. The same can be true for you. Here's the thing: when we live with open hands, and we're willing to release predictability and the comfort of certainty, God always does more than we can ask or imagine. It's who He is.
