Big changes have taken place in my life, and I’m struggling not to pine for things to return to normal when I suspect I need to plead for grace to accept whatever God’s will is for me.
I love spring when all my favorite flowers return to life. Sure they’re not dead during winter; they are just as much alive with the hope and promise of a gorgeous floral display for my favorite month of May.
I’m trusting God is still busy about His good work in me while I find myself in a place I didn’t plan or anticipate. However, I’m inspired by the glorious witness of His grace in the life of a friend who is battling stage four cancer.
Sometimes things don’t return to normal.
Her relationship with friends, family, and the Lord are deeper than ever before because they know—she knows—normal may not return for her here on earth. She believes to live is Jesus and to die is to be with Jesus forever.
She helps me believe He is trustworthy even if normal never returns, because God’s will for us is better than our plans will ever be.
In returning and rest shall ye be saved;
in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.
Isaiah 30:15 KJV
Help us hold onto You
When our flowers go to sleep
And it seems as though normal has left
Never to return as sweet
Help us to be thankful
You’re an unchanging God
Who has a perfect plan for us
Much better than we ever thought.
~ wlm
I’m nosy-to-know what Bible verse helps you trust during times of change.
I wrote this poem after writing for five minutes in response to the prompt: Return. You’re invited to join in the Five Minute Friday Link-Up here: FMF Link-up
Are you acquainted with Mr. Sully of the Legalism clan? I’ve written about an encounter I had with him. Here’s the link: Sully of Unseen Sins
beautiful, Wendy — and exactly where my heart’s been led of late — in His rest. 🙂
Thank you, dear Susan. I look forward to reading what you posted this week. Blessings.
Beautiful, Wendy! Accepting that things won’t ever return to “normal” is so difficult. It’s always a struggle, and it should be when we rest, Rest, REST in the Lord, his wisdom, and his sufficiency. Thank you for sharing today!
Thank you, dear Melinda. Yes, sometimes rest is the remedy that’s best. I have always struggled to accept change. I love that God is rock solid and unchanging. <3
I love your messages Wendy. Your photos are awesome!
Thank you, dear Melissa. I love photographing flowers–they’re so cooperative as they don’t fly away like birds and butterflies do. <3
Amen! My sister has modeled that for me, and been a tremendous encourager & example. Even if He doesn’t heal & situations don’t change, our hope is in the God Who never changes, in His perfect love & plan for us. She often says, “It is what it is, so I learn to be content while still trusting in His love, and knowing that His strength is perfected in weakness.” It’s the grace and calmness that she displays that speaks to my heart.
Dear Becky, she sounds like my friend. I can’t help but think of her whenever I’m tempted to complain or stress about a situation I cannot change. God is faithful to teach and empower us to grow and glow in His love. <3 Joy comes when we embrace the changes He has allowed in our lives.
Sorry so to hear about your dear friend. A verse that gives me hope is found in Psalm 62:5 AMP. “For God alone my soul waits in silence and quietly submits to Him, For my hope is from Him.”
Thank you for the verse, dear Tracy. My whole body relaxes when I meditate on words like those. <3 He is our hope.
Thank you for this precious word! It helps me so much to know He will hold and help me, even when my ‘normal’ changes! Love and prayers!
Thank you for your love and prayers, dear Deb. This prompt helped me sort out my acceptance of change. <3 Joy comes when we come to Him with a willing heart.
I’ll keep you in my prayers, WendyMac.
#1 at FMF this week.
Thank you, dear Andrew. Blessings of His peace to you and Barbara.
Beautifully inspirational.
Thank you, dear Barbara. <3
I have a coworker battling cancer for the 3rd time. Like your friend, her faith and witness is inspiring as she faces such a difficult challenge.
I pray your friend wins the battle of discouragement at the least, and may she win the cancer battle as a bonus. It’s a tough road to travel. I wish I could go half and half with my friend so she doesn’t suffer so much. Hugs.
Today I am thinking about this scripture:
“22 It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
Thank you for this great post. I am so thankful for the recent changes in my work schedule. They have opened up the door for me to re-enter the blogging world. <3
Love,
Theresa
Dear Theresa, I’m so happy to hear that. Congratulations, sweet writing friend. <3 Thank you for the lovely verses.
Dear Wendy,
I love your poem and the sweet words here on resting in the Lord. Actually that verse from Isaiah 30 has been such an important one to me over the years. The Lord brings me back to it often. Lately I have been enjoying the music of Julie True, and she has a beautiful song based on this called, “Quietness and Trust.” Thank you for this sweet reminder. I am listening to that now, and praying along with you to find HIS sweet rest. Hugs!
Thank you, dear Bettie. We never outgrow the joy of hearing soothing songs. I also love the inspirational ones best. xo I will listen to that one later when I’m alone.