Returning to the United States, especially here to Southern California, brought a mixture of culture shock, the change of life (physically speaking) and a total change of identity. I went from being a stay at home mom to having one college student living at home. My life changed from being immersed in full time ministry on the mission field to struggling to find where I fit into to a mega church.
This change/lack of identity sent me into a couple years of struggling to keep from drowning in the deep waters. Sometimes the waters were so deep that there was no visibility and it was a matter of total trust that God would pull me through. I immersed myself in the Word, prayed over and over for God to show me what direction to move in, and strove to be faithful in the small things.
Then, “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of the deep waters…..He brought me out into a spacious place. He rescued me because He delighted in me.” (Psalm 18:16, 19)
I feel like I am standing in ‘wide open spaces’ as my small world is opening up once again. Ministry opportunities are unfolding, some scary and intimidating. Most of all; the heaviness in my heart is being replaced with joy and a light heartedness. I’m not sure what the Lord has in store for me but at least I can see again.
Psalm 18;19 says, “He rescued me because He delighted in me.” That is because He is a God of grace, mercy and love, not because I am delightful. As a mother, I understand that! I praise God for his faithfulness and unfailing love.
I don’t know what the future holds; I just know I am standing in a wide open space. I can feel the sun on my face and the wind blowing through my back. The future once again feels promising.
(I chose this photo because 'the fields are wide unto harvest' and my heart is about ministry.)
The harvest is wide open. Sometimes God's calling can be a but intimidating, but praise God, we don't have to go at it alone. Great encouragement.
ReplyDeleteMay you land square in the center of His perfect will. Bless you, friend.
ReplyDeleteReading this from Grace Cafe....what a beautiful post. It has touched me today as my husband and I both long for wide open spaces.....with GOD.
ReplyDeleteStanding in my own wide open space right now, Shanda.
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing in a way that seems to speak just to me.
The future once again feels promising. I believe God is about doing new things in our lives. We may not know all the details or exactly what is to come, but when we keep our eyes fixed on Him and our hearts open to Him, the future does indeed look bright.
ReplyDeleteMany blessings, Shanda!
I can identify with so much of what you've written, although through a different set of circumstances. What a beautiful realization as God delights in us, opens our eyes to His plan even if just a tiny peek. Great post.
ReplyDeleteI agre with Kritine, "Great post."
ReplyDeleteOpen fields can sometimes help us to remove clutter and help us to see more clearly. Sometmes we may feel too exposed.
The photo expresses you thoughts and feelings beautifully!
ReplyDeleteOh my ... can I relate to this post. My space is just beginning to open up. Being in the city, it has taken much longer for me than when I have moved into a suburban area. My heart is about to burst with happiness.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I am so happy for you, too. Those dry times of waiting on the Lord, make this season so special.
Fondly,
Glenda
this gives me such hope tonight. thank you. i needed it badly...
ReplyDeleteShanda - this is wonderful. It is a bit scary when God moves us into a new area of ministry, but He equips us for His purposes.
ReplyDeleteExcited for you!