Wednesday, 09 November 2011

• You Are At Home All The Way

  By Bonnie at Faith Barista
  

  A cloud floating in the wide sky that moved so beautifully slowly

  When you encounter circumstances that find you delayed — even stranded in the unexpected — remember Jesus is with you in it. He can still use you. All the way.

  It’s the last day of our 31-Day series and I am sitting on a plane that took off from Houston to make its way in the night to San Francisco.

  I am seated between a man watching football and another flipping pages in his home improvement magazine. It has been a very long day. I have been on three flights at four different airports.

  The first snow of the year fell beautifully yesterday in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, but good weather for airplanes — it does not make.

  I walked through the body scan at security checkpoint andsat quietly at the gate. Little did I know it was the beginning of a 17-hour journey of cancelled flights, delayed take-offs, and high drama for those holding tickets to connecting flights.

  Many people have been angry, frustrated and understandably anxious. Of course, I felt the wearying effects of stale airport air too, mixed with my own fears of being stranded mid-point in Cleveland. I thought of my sweet Hubby, who has cooked meals, drawn baths and jolted awake at odd hours to toddler and kindergarten nightwakings – so that I could attend a blogging conference with other women who love family and write for God.

  I thought of you too: friends behind screens, knitted across the miles by a hunger for Him. I was reminded of our 31-day series and encouraged myself to take in all we had learned together on this journey to feed our souls.

  So, I chose to rest in that place inside me, where God is in control, even during times worry pressed in on me. I figured if I was going to spend one more night away from home, I wanted to weather it asking for God’s grace.

  This meant I had to continually give my frantic moments to God hour by hour.

  What a interesting way to end our 31-Day series, right where I’m learning to trust God today.

  At Home

  God has been faithful. His voice continued to speak past all the airport buzz. I would close my eyes. Take deep breaths. Loosen my hands.

  I noticed the children around me. Played with them and made conversations with harried mommies. I smiled at those standing in line next to me, listened to their stories and empathized with their worries.

  On different flights, I enjoyed wonderful conversations. It’s amazing the stories people share when you express authentic interest, while carrying a quiet, listening heart.

  Over and again, God kept whispering –

  Relax my presence.
  Rest in my gaze.
  Let me use you even now. To bring rest and peace to those around you.
  Because after all, you are at home with me.

  The plane has started its descent now. Ears are popping, babies are crying, and I must close up my laptop now.

  Something Very Special

  Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me throughout the month. Your conversation really kept me writing.  You kept me going.  Your words would spark new ideas and bring me to reflect on a memory, bringing to Scripture in a new way again.

  Our conversation here isn’t ending with this series.

  It’s only beginning.

  I have something very special to share with you later this week. I’ve been praying all week, to prepare my heart to tell you all about it.

  The flight attend is speaking through the intercom.

  We’ll be landing shortly now.

  I’m home now.

  So are you.

  All The Way

  As you enter each day, encountering circumstances that find you delayed — or even stranded in the unexpected — remember Jesus is with you in it.

  You and I may not be in control of how and when we are released from the situation.

  We will even be pressed in by moments of worry and feeling overwhelmed.

  It doesn’t matter.  Jesus is faithful.

  Jesus makes his home in us. He’s in it with us all the way.

  Thick or thin.  Because God isn’t going to abandon us, our souls can be fed.

  We can thrive — and even offer life-giving rest to others — because God is at home in us.

  “You’re no longer wandering exiles.

  This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders.

  You belong here…

  God is building a home… all of us… a temple in which God is quite at home.” Ephesians 2:19-22

  
  
  
  
  ~~~~~

  In celebration of our 31-Day journey together (even if you’ve just joined us today) — share how has God been feeding your soul?

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