On Solid Ground

Everybody likes to feel the ground underneath their feet. Just ask anyone who had been on a very turbulent flight or signed up for a cruise that lasted more than 4 days. The earth feels good. When we are grounded, we are reassured: we aren't falling, we aren't drifting and we aren't cast away. Sometimes life does unexpected things. Sometimes we experience turbulence of one kind or another and we feel our lives are out of balance. For some time, a part of our life has been very much uncertain. With the economy tanking and the promise of a blossoming career in real estate fading away, everything began to get out of sync. Baxter was distracted and discouraged, I was distracted and confused and the kids were beginning to show the signs of worry and strain. Even my prayer life and closeness to God began to feel estranged. I didn't know what to pray for. I didn't know what to ask for. There didn't seem to be any answers. It seems that just at the point that I realized how distant I felt from my Lord, He brought me back. He gave me answers to my questions and He showed us a way out. Like an epiphany, suddenly everything seemed clear. When I was riddled with anxiety, He brought me rest. Instead of feeling like we had no way out of this mess, all I could now see was the light shining from the doorway. If you have ever felt like God picked you up and placed you in the palm of His hand and carried you to solid ground, you know what I'm talking about.

Someone else I know was going to lose their house and told me it would take a miracle to keep it from being auctioned. Desperation all over their face, I felt almost selfish for my new happiness and miracle at our own time of crisis. I prayed for them. Don't believe in miracles? Maybe you should, because they got one. These are uncertain and difficult times but God has a plan. There has always been a plan. God didn't plan everything up until now and leave us with an open-ending. If you are facing a crisis, believe in the power of prayer and let go of your doubts. I have always believed that everything happens for a reason. Do not question His ways. He loves you and He may not give you exactly what you want - but He will undoubtedly give you what you need. Whatever that is, embrace it and thank Him for it.

We aren't completely out of the woods yet here. We still need to sell our house and move. Baxter is frantically searching for a job in Atlanta. But the worry is gone. I am confident that whatever happens will be for the best. We have everything we need already.

Thanks for reading this far. I hope that sharing this has been some comfort to someone.

Be Joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18