Untracked land

Untracked land. Most vivid on days marked by change. Upheaval. 

When planned schedules sit. Unattended. Calendars, set aside. 

And we enter unknown spaces. 

On such a day, I remember the quote. Handwritten on a scrap of paper years ago. Placed on my desk. 

Amy Carmichael’s words. 

Untracked land

“There is nothing so kindling as to see
the soul of man or woman
follow right over the edge of the usual
into the untracked land—for love of Him—
sheer love of Him.”
Amy Carmichael

In the early years we looked often to Abraham and Sarah. They walked in obedience. To a place they did not know.

Untracked land.

Their feet moved by faith toward a city whose architect and builder is God. (Hebrews 11:8-10)

Crossing cultures 

In the throes of crossing cultures. Learning cities and their settings. 

Desert and tropics. Contemporary steel and glass. Ancient stones. 

High tech. …And not.

Differing peoples. Languages. And spiritual maps. 

Our “Yes, Lord,” is tested and tried. In “dangers, toils, and snares.” But in the end, strengthened. 

We draw near and remember. It’s all for and through love. His. 

To the glory of God.

Faithful and True

Jesus said, “If anyone wants to follow after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

Daily. No matter what the unknowns. No matter which season of life. No matter the cost.

So, walk by faith. Following Him “right over the edge of the usual into the untracked land.” 

For He is already there. 

The One who knows the lay of the land. And sees yesterday, today, and tomorrow. 

Faithful and True.

Oh, how I love Him.

What about you?

Have you followed Him to a place you did not know? Whose example encouraged you to trust and obey?

Related posts

Tents and altars – Makeshift altar – Strong roots and movable tents – Shouts and whispers – Sarah and faith – Unexpected altar –  

Hebrews 11:8-10 – Genesis 12:1 – Luke 9:23 – Revelation 19:11 – John 3:16 – Matthew 28:18-20