May We Be Counted Faithful

Written by Bethany Lethbridge

Sitting in the chair of a new church, holding onto my 18-month-old daughter, tears silently but steadily streamed down my cheeks. I am not one to make public displays of emotion. I am reserved and like to keep things to myself. However, there are times when the emotions come despite our best efforts to keep them at bay, and this was one of those moments.

I didn't necessarily want to be where we were. I missed the aspect of community that we once had, where we were known and where we knew others. I was resenting having to 'start over' and find my place once again.

Growing up as a PK (preacher’s kid) and an MK (missionary’s kid), throughout my life, I have been uprooted and moved many times, often due to circumstances beyond one’s control. Change has been continual. However, that has not made it any easier. Change is always difficult, and I am not very fond of it. I like knowing things, knowing the outcome, being prepared for what lies ahead. I like feeling established, rooted, and secure.

My family is navigating a season of what feels to be a forced transition. Navigating transition is difficult. Leading is difficult in times of transition. There are many and varied struggles. The natural tendencies in difficult circumstances are fight, freeze, or flight.

My husband and I, in endeavouring to move ahead in this challenging season, are not simply thinking about what is best for us, but what is best for our kids and for our family as a whole. It is not simply about how we are going to survive and flourish, but how we can ensure our children have stability, and are able to thrive despite the unknown.

Our actions, our words, our decisions impact those around us. We must be mindful of that. Are we leading in a way that produces fear, anxiety, anger? Even though we may be inwardly struggling with those very emotions, we need to reign them in, lay them at the feet of Jesus, and allow His peace to flow through us. No circumstance, however difficult is beyond the control of the Lord. We have to meditate on His word, and remember His faithfulness, knowing that everything has a purpose, nothing is wasted, He can bring beauty from our ashes. Everything works for good for those that love Him. We don't often know why things happen or what lies ahead, but He does. And we can trust Him, His provision, and His leading. We are not promised a life of ease, but we can have one of peace and joy.

We know the following verses. We may have them hanging on pretty plaques in our homes. But when trials come, when we are experiencing hardships, do we cling to them? Do we fully trust them and their source? I pray that we will.

"I have said these things to you, “that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."1 Thessalonians 5:18

And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18