There are many in this time who feel caught up in things beyond their understanding and control - the feeling is like being caught in a large wave on a surf beach, and tumbled - over and over and over - until finally you find yourself in the shallow water not knowing which way is up, but really glad to be out of it and able to breathe!
The feeling is so intense in the moment that one is thrown into survival mode, nothing to hold on to, no sense of direction, no way out of this - and then suddenly there is sand, light, sun, the joy of being deposited on the firm sand and feeling the water run away from you, back down the beach!
Many are finding their walk with God a bit like that and wondering why. For so long it was 'steady as you go' and even though there were a few tests along the way, it wasn't too hard to find a way through them and then back to a sense of steady forward movement again! But in this moment that sense of steadiness is missing - except that HE remains steady and we can feel that, even though we are tumbling.
As I've prayed about this there has been a strong sense of the Lord's encouragement. A sense that we are caught up in, and by, what is coming and it is no longer optional or avoidable, it has been put in motion by hands bigger than ours.
I sense HIs reassurance that He does indeed hold the future in His hands, that He holds us in His hands, and the two are closely entwined. In this place we do not need to be afraid of what we dont understand because we know Him and our lives are lived in the knowledge and love of Him. We are safe.
I hear Him saying that we are to trust Him for an outcome that will surprise and bless us. To encourage me in this He led me to Ephesians 4:16:
From Him the whole Body, joined and held together by every supporting
ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
The Message Bible puts it this way:
Ephesians 4:15 & 16
God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love--like Christ in everything.
We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do.
He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through
us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.
So here we find ourselves still connected, In fact we are important connectors. We may not be able to see the shape of the rest of the Body or understand all it's working parts, but we all joined and held together, constantly building up in more and more love, as each of us is doing the part that has been assigned to us. What a marvellous thought!
We find in The Message that all we have to do is follow the leader and keep our eyes on Him.
He supplies all we will ever need.
He knows the way and keeps us in step with each other.
His breath and blood flow through us nourishing us in spirit, soul and body.
We continue to grow up - healthy in God, robust in love.
This tumbling around isnt so bad after all, in fact I am beginning to enjoy it. See you on the beach!
