The Ebbs and Flows of Life

The waves brushed against the shoreline. It was approximately 6:30 in the morning. The sun was making its daily appearance and the hues of orange were displayed across the sky. The waves were delighting my heart with a rhythmic beat that instantly brought me to a peaceful place. Just a few days had passed since I had heard that we would be heading to Lake Malawi. It felt bittersweet. The children I had worked with had said their goodbyes. They had gave me their gifts of laughter and loving embraces. The ministries were all wrapped up and I knew the trip was coming to an end. I knew I'd be boarding a plane and taking with me all that I learned and all that I experienced with me to my spheres of influence. I knew the journey was going to leave me with sadness and joy. I would want to stay and I would have to fight the impulse to postpone my flight and stay a few more weeks, maybe even a few more months. God knew this inner conflict would occur. He knew that as I would walk the shoreline of Lake Malawi I would sense this chapter of my life was drawing closer to to an end. He knew.

It is no surprise then that I came face to face with the truth as I watched the waves crash against the dry land in which I stood.  My feet were tip toeing in the shallow pool that the dip by the boat created. My hair brushing against my face and my skirt gently flowing in the warm breeze. I could hear a gentle whisper. A whisper I have come to know quite well over the years as I have walked with my Saviour. The gentle whisper beckoned, "Be still and wait upon the Lord".  So I waited... and I waited. Nothing at first came to light.

See, I have a problem with patience. I like things to happen when I want them to happen. I want God to just get to the point sometimes and tell me what I want to know. Of course God, in is his infinite grace, waited as I struggled to be still. It is like He knows that I struggle not to talk and to just do nothing. He also knows that I get distracted easily. My God knows me inside and out. I knew that God would wait for me to pay attention. I decided to take some time and quiet myself. I needed to take out the distractions and still my mind.

I settled into a gentle stroll along the beach listening for the whisper. My eyes were heavily fixed on the waves that flooded into my viewpoint. The churning and the noise they made as they encountered the anchored boat had me transfixed. In a moment, I knew my Saviour wanted to write something on my heart...

There will be ebbs and flows throughout your lifetime. Every season of your life will bring its highs and lows. My love for you will remain the same. I AM steady and consistent. I do not change as the currents or tides. Everything else may fade or change in time, but I will remain. My love for you is steadfast. It is anchored to you. It will keep you from being swayed to and fro as the currents in your life try to carry you further away from me. No matter where you go I AM and I will always BE with you. Nothing can separate you from my love. No storm will drown you. As you leave Malawi, you will feel My presence going with you. 

You will be aware of My constant love for you and it will propel you into the destiny I have for you. 

Tears streamed down my face as burdens were lifted. I didn't need to know the grand plan in order to be obedient and follow Him. I knew right then that His Spirit would go with me no matter where I would end up. I know nothing as to where I will be heading next, what job I will hold, or who I will meet. All I know and all I can trust in is the love of my Saviour. He reminds me constantly that He goes with me and that I will not drown in life's storms. No matter what comes my way I know I am anchored by His love and He will sustain me. There may be another ebb and flow ahead, but I am not afraid. I will seek His love and He alone will carry me to the next place He has prepared for me.

Declare His promise over your life:

I am rooted and established in love and by His Spirit I have power. I can trust His Spirit to reveal to me how wide, how long, how high, and how deep Christ's love is for me. His love surpasses all knowledge and I will be be filled to the measure of all of the fullness of God. 
(Based on Ephesians 3:17) NIV.

Lake Malawi 2016
All pictures taken by Chantal McDougall