The American Dream?

When we packed our bags two years ago, the direction seemed clear at first: Colorado – Bible school – and then back to Europe. Germany, or maybe Switzerland. Our minds were firmly set on home. We didn’t have a detailed plan, but one certainty was deeply rooted within us: after this time, we would return.

From the very beginning, one thing was never in question: the American Dream was never our dream. We did not come to the U.S. to seek wealth, build a career, or create a “better life” for ourselves. Our goal was different – spiritual, not material. We wanted to experience a season of preparation: to learn, to grow, and to be made ready for whatever He had planned for us after this time.

What the Decisive Point Was

The decision to stay was not made in a single day. The context that led us there is important. We came to a point in our lives where we could strongly identify with Moses’ words: “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” (Exodus 33:15, NIV)

The background of this statement is fascinating: Israel was standing at the threshold of the promised land – flowing with milk, honey, and outward blessings. But because they had worshiped the golden calf, God said that He would indeed bring them into the promised land, yet He Himself would not go with them because of their stubbornness. Moses, however, held on to this: Better to remain in the wilderness with Your presence than to live in a land full of blessings without You.

Why do we relate this passage to our situation? Of course, today we live under the New Covenant. We have the promise that God, through His Spirit, will never leave us or forget us. Yet the principle still holds true: it is better to be in the place God has prepared for us than anywhere else – even if, from a human perspective, another place might seem easier or more attractive.

Moses did not want a land full of outward blessings without the presence of God. We do not want an apparent dream or advantage if it is not God’s way.

And so here we stand, in the middle of the United States – in a place we never planned for, yet exactly where we are meant to be.

Why This Path Came as No Surprise

In the end, it was hardly surprising that we decided to follow God’s way – for He had already spoken to us through His Word.

Psalm 37:3-5 (LSB) says: „Trust in Yahweh and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in Yahweh; And He will give you the desires of your heart.“

Faithfulness is one of the key qualities in the Christian life – a principle that runs from the Old Testament all the way into the New. It is often inconspicuous, easily overlooked in daily life, and yet constantly tested. Faithfulness means not only trusting God when everything is easy and clear, but also when the path is uncertain or uncomfortable.

Faithfulness is crucial: we had many reasons to “give up” or to push through with our own plans. But we have learned that obedience and trust in God’s guidance are more important than outward blessings or quick success. Faithfulness to God opens up paths we never dreamed of before – it shows that our hearts are truly connected with Him, and not merely with our own ideas.

And even then, He does not let us down! Just a few verses later it says: Psalm 37,23 (LSB): „The footsteps of a man are established by Yahweh, And He delights in his way.“

This is an incredible promise: we are not simply walking His path blindly – our way is established by God Himself. He Himself makes the way for us – right through seeming obstacles, difficulties, or problems. And it doesn’t stop there: He confirms our steps while we walk on His path.

That is both encouraging and liberating. God’s way is not limited by money, outward circumstances, or other people. When we walk His way, we experience true freedom: we don’t need to conform or force our own plan. Instead, God leads us step by step, opens doors where we see walls, and gives security even when everything seems uncertain.

For us, this means very concretely: even though we never planned to stay in the U.S., we know that we are exactly in the right place because God confirms every step. And this knowledge gives us peace, security, and joy – freedom in the midst of challenges.