Allow me to lead you! Powerful words that God speaks to us and He feels absolute delight when we willingly accept. You have been given “Perfect Nos” in your life and you have transitioned through the change. You find yourself in a new place – a better place – a home!
Home because God is with you and He chose this place for you. Home that feels less than comfortable at times, but it is the next stop on your journey. Several weeks ago, I wrote what it feels like to receive The Perfect No and the inevitable change that follows. Click here and here to catch up.
Almost 10 years ago, I had an opportunity to travel to Austria and the Czech Republic with my church’s choir. With lots of planning, saving and hard work this dream became a reality and I visited countries I had only read about. The ten day trip included a visit to three different cities with an average stay of about 3 days per city. Each moment was carefully planned and in between concerts our itinerary was filled with the sights that each city was famous for. Since our stay was only a few days in each city, as soon as a sense of comfort descended, it was time to move on. Each hotel was a temporary stop which never quite became home.
When we journey through a change or transition, home is an illusion because we are consumed with what is happening around us. Our surroundings are blurred by the uncertainties that are hitting us from every side. We search for familiar and cling to any thread that takes us back to the place we were before everything changed. But God’s plans are perfect even though His timing is not our timing. His “No” for our lives ends up turning into an amazing “Yes” as soon as we let go of the familiar long enough to take His hand to our new home.
There is a saying that says “Home is where the heart is” but it should say that “Home is anywhere God is” because the physical surroundings might have changed, but God remains constant.
As change comes our way, we question “why” and “how”. The familiar has changed and settling in this new place might not line up with our goals, but God’s plan is perfect even though the surroundings are unfamiliar and uncomfortable. God has chosen this place for us for this time in our lives. We might dig in our heels and question “Is this home?” but the answer is always “yes”.
God’s “nos” speak clearly and when we embrace the change it turns into an amazing “yes”. In the “yeses” of our lives, God graces us with the skills needed to make our way through the transition to a place of deeper relationships with Him. The beautiful piece of this new home is that God is actually building this home in each of us. The physical surroundings might be different, but the acceptance of God’s plan allows Him to build His Spirit into you right where you are. The promise of the verse below is comforting and reassuring in the midst of any change that comes our way.
22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Ephesians 2:22
May we all hold tight to God and the promise that He will be with us always even when the way is hard and uncertain. I am praying today that we all may believe that God is true to His Word.
Blessings,
Mary
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It’s so true that it is in the hard times when we need to remember God’s promises and stand on His truth the most. Thanks for this reminder!
Absolutely! God is our one constant when everything is changing around us and learning to trust Him – even though it is a lifelong lesson, is worth it. Thanks for stopping by!
“When we journey through a change or transition, home is an illusion because we are consumed with what is happening around us. Our surroundings are blurred by the uncertainties that are hitting us from every side. We search for familiar and cling to any thread that takes us back to the place we were before everything changed. ” I can so relate to these feelings. Can I say I am walking through this season kicking and screaming? I want to accept change and trust that He knows best. Hugs!
I understand the kicking and screaming because at least we have control over that. Accepting change is not easy and many times it takes us far away from our comfort zone. I pray for all that when change comes that we let God lead the way and trust that His way is best! Love you friend!
Great post, Mary! Change is SO hard. I have made many job changes and was so tired of moving around (teaching at different schools). But, I can look back and see that God was in the changes. He knew what I needed. He met me there.
God is wherever we are and sometimes it takes looking back to realize that when we thought we were alone, we really were not. Happy weekend my friend!
That sounds like a fascinating trip you were blessed with, Mary, but I know what you mean about it never feeling like home. I absolutely love where you said: “Home is anywhere God is.” That is a thought I will hold on to. I’ve been working on my house lately, trying to make it a home. We have been here 8 years and I’m just starting to decorate. Thanks for this reminder of what truly makes a home :).
So glad you stopped by Candace! I pray that your weekend is blessed with family joy and memories. Blessings my friend!
Hi Mary! I really liked this post. I didn’t think of wherever I am with God, I am home. So I can be home every moment of my life. It’s really up to me. Wow. LOVE that!
My husband and I have been getting a lot of ‘no’ lately. It’s hard to keep my chin up sometimes. I’ll try to remember that those noes can lead us to a powerful ‘yes’.
Nice to visit here!
Ceil
The knowledge of knowing God is always with us and remains constant is so reassuring. Praying for you and your husband as you learn what God is planning for both of you. Have a wonderful weekend!
Oh if we could only remember God’s faithfulness and goodness to us whenever times are hard. That’s when it’s the easiest for me to forget. Thank for linking up to Testimony Tuesday! xoxo
The wonderful part is that even when we forget, God is still pursuing us and loves us forever. Enjoy every minute of your weekend!
Mary, your words here are so comforting. Reminders I need before my husband returns home. His departure brought change and his return home will too. But God has been and will continue to be our constant that doesn’t change. He has been with us through every step of this journey and I know He will see us through whatever He has in store for us next. Thanks, sweet friend. Much love. xoxo
Your words back to me bless me and please know that I am praying for a safe return and for a joyous homecoming. Your journey this last year has God’s handprint all over it and I have loved reading about it each week. Happy weekend!
I just got through with my quiet time and prayer to come here, Mary, and your words are like a soothing balm to my heart! God used you to encourage and remind me of His constant care and reassuring sovereignty. Thanks so much, girlfriend! We may be miles apart but I feel so very close to you! hugs!
Change is often a hard concept to embrace if I am not the one who is introducing that change. Yet, I love the way that He makes the transition full of peace and hope as we trust Him with every aspect of our living, even the turbulence that change can bring. I love the name of your blog.. grace is one of my favorite words.
Bless you!
Dawn
Mary, as I read this post this is the thought that hit me … My heart is God’s home because He has chosen to come live within me. Thank you for writing & sharing this rich post! Blessings!
Change happens. Even in an instant. But those transitions can linger forever … especially if they’re unwanted or uncomfortable or filled with pain.
Don’t you just love it, Mary, that God never changes? There’s no shifting shadows, only constant power, love, grace.
And therein, is our peace.
Hugs tonight, my friend. Thank you for wisdom you share in this space …
Having lived through a lot of change, I have learned that I have been a good steward of change when I have allowed God to take over and lead the way. When I believe that I can handle it on my own the change becomes very difficult. I do love that God is our steadfast father and friend. It is what I need to remind myself of everyday. Blessings!
Hi Mary – once again, your words bring a perfect message at the perfect time. This time they are for a friend of mine who is experiencing a major change with her job situation. I love the way God uses you to bring encouragement and hope to others. Your hands (words) God’s work!
Love,
Karen
We are coming to a time of great change. This brings home that God is everywhere I am. Saying I have heard ” Bloom where you’re planted.” Anywhere, anytime, God wants us to bloom.
It is such an exciting time for you, Karen! The chance to allow God to lead and you to follow in your RV has to be something to look forward to. I will be praying that this adventure is the best one yet.
Thank you for your encouragement for me. Change can be such an upheaval in our lives and we wander aimlessly when our focus is not on God. Hope your week has been wonderful.