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Saturday, September 12, 2009

Looking Beyond Farewell

“And now I am on my way to Jerusalem, bound in my spirit, not knowing what I will encounter there, except that in town after town the Holy Spirit testifies to me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me. But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.” Acts 20:22-24

Transition often means saying good by to the old and hello to the new. It often involves trials, hardship, grief, and broken hearts.

Paul had to say goodbye to people he knew and loved.  He also faced an unknown future of "chains and afflictions."

Did Paul worry about what would happen to his friends and loved ones? Did he worry about what he would encounter in the future?

Did his friends and loved ones worry about what would happen to Paul? Did they worry about what they would encounter in the future?

The only thing Paul saw in his future was chains and afflictions. Yet, he stayed the course and pressed on.

Lord, transitions are hard! When we must say goodbye to the old and hello to the new, help us place the movement into the framework of your grace. When the future holds chains and afflictions, and the past holds grief and hardship, help us to look beyond the farewell and see the guiding light of your loving spirit.

2 comments:

Laurie A. said...

Lord Jesus,

there is a way to godly unattachment ... help me to find it.

there is this moment only ... help me to reside there.

there is only one destiny ... help me to live it.

You have not given me a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind ... with these i can and will go on with You ... leaving what must lie behind me ... moving toward what is apportioned for me.

help those who do not understand this, i pray. help me when i forget.

and so i step out ...

Kilauea Poetry said...

"When the future holds chains and afflictions, and the past holds grief and hardship" Honestly, I think you've captured both here. In the transition in regard to family and culture must of been difficult. I mean, I often wonder at the world (it's a vast delusion). The bubbles popped in Christ..so we know the gigs up.. the suffering and loss doesn't end out there anyway..reality is harsh, but at least in Christ you've got life now in the midst of deterioration.
Oh, thanks for letting me ramble on your bloggy! I still cringe at how busy you must be! ha-