Is Your Life Ebbing or Flowing?

Three years ago, my life was flowing in all the ministries I felt God was calling me: writing, speaking, family, and church life. It was fun and exciting as I worked on my second book and a study guide on aging. But life took an unexpected turn when my dear husband became very ill. He became my ministry; one I was privileged to have and one I was happy to accept. During this challenging time, I learned a lot about myself, my husband, and the faithfulness of God in trying times. There is something profoundly beautiful about handing over your loved one’s earthly life in exchange for their eternal life.

Ready to Flow Again

The returning flow of life doesn’t happen quickly after loss. There is much to deal with: the shared grief of family and friends, the celebration of life, paperwork, personal items, grief classes, and an empty, quiet home. It didn’t take long to realize my home was too large for me, so I converted my office into a little studio. My son and his wife moved into the main house, which was a tremendous blessing, and soon, I felt ready to flow again. I returned to my plan and began to work on my book, as well as accepting several speaking engagements. However, to my surprise and disappointment, there were more delays. First, there was cataract surgery on both eyes, which set me back a month. Next, as I was leaving on a mini vacation with my girlfriends, I had a fluke accident, fell, and broke my femur; another month lost. I thought, “Good grief, Lord, did I misunderstand your calling on my life? Is there something I need to learn that I missed earlier?” Do you ever ask that question when plans are diverted? It is difficult to understand the delay, especially when your plans are ministry and serving the Lord. Our human nature protests, and we ask, “Why?” I had a lot of time to think, pray, and question my calling while in the hospital. I thought surely the Lord would reveal a new lesson here. It will be evident and life-changing. I waited for the revelation, but none came.

How Then Shall We Live?

Honestly, I was disappointed. I wanted that “ah-ha” moment when the spiritual light goes on, the big reveal, so I could share the lessons I’ve learned. I’ve been home for a week now, grateful to be in my own bed and enjoying the views from my windows. As I reflect on the past three years, I realize God is quietly reminding me of His promises. I don’t need a huge revelation. I need to remember to replace the “why” with “how?” As in, how then shall I live, Lord? I need to meditate on what God reveals in His word to be true yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Scripture assures me I am living in the will of God when I practice the following:

“In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” Philippians 4:11,12
“Cease striving and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:11

The umbrella over all the above practices is the two great commandments from Matthew 22:36-40, which are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. The question “How then shall I live?” is answered.

A Time for Everything

Life is made up of ebbs and flows, grumbling and gratitude, joy and sorrow, laughter and tears, starts and stops. We each must make the choice to sit in our sorrow or surrender to God’s will, timing, and grace, whether we understand or not.

My prayer is to experience daily Psalm 131:2 (AMP), “Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child [resting] with his mother, My soul is like a weaned child within me [composed and freed from discontent].

May you rest in the everlasting arms of Jesus.

Blessings,

Personal Parable Practices

What areas am I clinging to that God is asking me to surrender to His will?
What one promise of God can I begin practicing today?
How am I intentionally resting in the arms of my Heavenly Father?

Prayer

Father, thank you for reminding me that your plans are always good even when my plans are put on pause or permanently diverted. Help me to trust you in the ebbs and flows of life, knowing that you see my life in full while I see only what’s behind me and right in front of me. Teach me to accept your will and to give you thanks in all circumstances. Amen.

Scripture for Meditation

Proverbs 27:1-2 (NASB) – “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”

Jeremiah 29:11 (NASB) – “For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”