Shifting Sand

Two weeks ago, I discovered that one of the pillars in my life is about to follow God's call to ministry and move away.  When she told us, I was shocked and devastated.  How would life go on?  Her life and ministry has affected me in more ways than I can count, and I know there will be a gaping hole in my heart when she leaves.  I am so happy for her to be able to follow her passion, but personally, I'm miserable. 

I tossed and turned in bed that night, unable to sleep with so much on my mind.  But now I realize that, if God is calling her away, He will provide for those of us left behind.  He has the best in mind...for ALL of us.  He has amazing plans for her in her new ministry.  And He has amazing plans for the rest of us.  Not that we aren't going to miss her like CRAZY!  We will.

This is a good reminder that we are not walking by sight.  I cannot see around the bend of the path to where God will provide for us.  I worry about how normal life can continue.

But I have to trust that Christ is a solid rock for me to stand on.  Really, while depending on others is a natural and necessary part of life, we can't forget that Christ is our solid ground and all other ground is sinking sand.  Even those "pillars" in our life we never dreamed we could (or would ever have to!) live without are nothing if not grounded on Christ; and even if they are, they are still human, still make mistakes, still let you down, and still move away...even if they don't mean to.

It is so hard to see in the dark.  There are twists and turns ahead, and I know there are going to be many hard days when we just don't know how we will function.  She has headed up so many things, and now it is up to us to lead them...and we don't feel like we are strong enough to take over.  But we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

For those who are reeling from devastating news, these words may seem like empty promises, nice things to say that ought to make us feel better but really don't.  We know they should.  We know the Holy Comforter is with us.  But sometimes it doesn't seem like enough.

So I encourage you to look back.  Try to identify at least one time in which you thought your world was falling apart--this will be easy for some of you and harder for others and that's okay.  Then fast-forward a little.  Look at how God got you through, even if you didn't see it at the time.  I've done this and it is amazing how He has taken care of me.  You may be familiar with the Footprints in the Sand Poem.  I feel like it communicates so clearly how we get so lost in our troubles that we don't see Christ carrying us. 

It isn't easy to see things like this when life doesn't go our way or totally takes a nosedive.  Although our dearly-loved friend and leader has yet to leave us, we know that day is coming and it is going to hurt.  A lot.  But ultimately, I take comfort in God's promise that He will never leave us or forsake us, that He will provide when it seems there is no one to help us, that He will be with us.  Because when God promises us something, He always fulfills.