Continued from Seasons Blending
Jesus, Good Shepherd, taught us everything about His character that we wouldn’t know except that He, in all His goodness, led us all the way through this past season, and into the sunshine of a new season.
And how exactly did He do that?
- His presence
- His people
- His promises
Last time I wrote about a recent example of the way Jesus ministered to us by His presence. This time I’m writing about some of the ways He ministered to us through His people.
His people
There are too many of His people who participated with Jesus to carry us through this past season to mention individually. My heart wants to give credit to every individual by name, but it’s just not feasible. My memory would fail at some point, and someone’s feelings would be hurt. Then again, so many want to remain anonymous and someone would be upset that I mentioned their name.
And so I am grateful that all of you are known intimately by our Father. He knows your heart, and He has seen your deeds. He is fully aware and smiles at your kindness. And so do we!
In the midst of a chaotic and stormy season, God’s people showed up daily and sometimes hourly. Even as we began to verbalize the seemingly crazy call we felt sure God was placing on our hearts, God’s people linked arms with us and lifted us up in prayer. No one, who knew us well, scoffed at the vision we sketched out before them.
We were heard. Seen. Supported. And helped in unprecedented ways so that we were able to take baby steps into what felt like a fog-filled valley of uncertainty in order to be obedient to the One who was calling us forward.
This is the beauty of the body of Christ. We, God’s family, are moved to action by the circumstances we see others facing. We are called by our Good Father into a family meeting and made aware. And then He places specific assignments on each of our hearts. Probably none of us are able to grasp the full scope of all that is being accomplished corporately on behalf of a brother and a sister. But all of Heaven knows and cheers when we unite as a family of love and grace and fortify one another.
- Meals at just the right time
- Packers of boxes and giveaways
- Cleaners with vacuums, mops, and dusters
- Purcashers of cars and stuff
- Encouragers
- Picture takers
- Those with donations of gift cards and cash for gas money to help on the drive across country
- Historians offering remembrances of 21 years in a neighborhood
- A bound book, a song written and sung, and a framed watercolor of our home
- Listening ears
- Huggers in abundance
- Well wishes and tears
- Prophetic promises and scripture blessings
- Prayer warriors in person
- A hundred little things of we which we are not aware
Every person valuable and possessing a needed gift for the moment. We’ve not often found ourselves in need of help from others. It’s humbling to be in need. We experienced feelings of embarrassment and frustration, along with tremendous gratitude.
We’re grateful for all who came in love, and humility because they could empathize with our need for a little help from a friend.
Jesus, Good Shepherd, taught us everything about His character that we wouldn’t know except that He, in all His goodness, led us all the way through this past season, and into the sunshine of a new season.
And He did it with His presence and His people. Next time I will write about His promises.
Live Love Brightly,
Lisa
Enjoying your wise words, appreciating your walk with Jesus. Looking forward to connecting more in the future!
Thank you! I appreciate you reading along, and taking time to respond. Two are better than one!