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Listen while you read: "This Is My Father's World"1 (Lyrics) |
Are you packing and getting ready to leave home, or facing a big change in your life with a lot of uncertainty? I know something of what you are going through, because I am, too. I was supposed to be moving, but now I am told that this is not the right time: all kinds of funding issues need to be figured out. I was really discouraged at first until I read what God told Abram (or Abraham):
Genesis 12:1b – Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. (NIV)
It was a very straightforward command. What I noticed was that Abraham willingly packed and went far from home without worrying about it. There were no indications of stress or worry bothering him. Look at his age! He was 75 years old and found himself having to move far away from home. He obviously trusted the Lord through the changing and difficult circumstances. We must, too.
I am older than Abraham was, and facing difficult modern decisions. I have packed what I thought I would need. A lot of things that I didn't need went into a container to go to the needy. Did I pack my worries? Not really — but I have to. In earlier years when I was moving, everything was noted and done. But now I am feeling confused and tired. I need to trust the Lord with all the circumstances involved in a difficult move!
Proverbs chapter 3 speaks to the heart about having trust in God's leading. That is very important — it involves submitting to Him. Read it carefully:
Proverbs 3:3a,5-6 – Let love and faithfulness never leave you. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)
Yes, I thought that I knew what was going to happen, but we should not lean on our own understanding. It is so encouraging, reassuring, and heartening to trust in the Lord, since I have no idea what my future holds.
What about you? Are you facing a change, having to move, looking for or taking a new job? Commit it all to the Lord. Commit to Him every decision that you make, and you will be amazed and relieved as He leads you into the future — safe and lovely!
Prayer: Dear Lord, we commit the decisions about our future to You, and we ask You to guide us through the preparations until we enter the new normal, safe and at ease, glorifying You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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You are a blessing Iris.
Still praying for you, Iris.
Thanks for a good word today Iris!
Blessings.
Dear Iris, I am praying for your move. I know it will be God’s best for you. Blessings.
I recall you having mentioned a possible change in your life a while ago. May you be guided and comforted in whatever the future may hold.
Thank you very much Iris. Your message was exactly what I needed to keep going. Thank you and May God richly bless you and your family.
Our prayers are with you Iris. I am 83 and know that some day I will face the same decision. I hope my faith will be as strong as yours when my time comes. May God be with you always.
Iris – another great devotional. It is funny how we have these illusions that we are in charge – isn’t it? Thanks for these passages of scripture to remind us that the great Lord almighty directs our ways. I will pray for you.
Thanks Iris for this uplifting and encouraging devotional written when you could use a bit of encouragement. God bless you and keep you centred upon Him. May his comforting arms enfold you. Blessings.
Life can be very stressful unless we rely on God’s grace to see us through the unknown. I pray you will soon be settled in your new life, safe and secure.
Blessings.
Dear Iris
God knows everything that will happen to you and where and when you will move. Rest in the assurance that you don’t have to worry about it and that this is a new adventure in your life.
(B.C.)
Dear Iris: Thank you for this devotional today which I sorely needed. I too am having to contemplate on maybe moving yet again, and am not very happy about it. I will have to trust in the Lord for the outcome. Thank you for the reminder of leaning on him. Actually, considering the area, who knows we may end up being neighbours.
My dear Iris,
It is so refreshing and warm to read your devotion today, as usual they
are always a very special.
There’s no doubt in my mind that very soon all will be okay moving
forward. The dear Lord is saving the very best for you, “you’ll see”.
May the dear Lord bless, and strengthen you now and always as you continue to share these inspiring devotions.
My friend in Jesus,
I know well just how you are feeling. A bit lost, a bit afraid, yet great deal sure of our Lord’s hand in all of this confusion.
I have been there. The Lord has guided both my husband and I through many amazing times.
Now we, being 87 years old, we are in God’s waiting room.
Not sure what is next.
Thank you for sharing your life and faith.
Blessings.
Greetings Iris,
Thank you for your very meaningful devotional this morning. Yes, when it comes time to downsize our possessions and make a move it can be a lot of decision making of what to keep, what to leave and, of course, when to really make the move. My prayers are with you that the time you move will be settled and that the transition will go smoothly for you. We have to trust God’s timing is right and He knows best for us even though our patience does get tested. Lord’s blessings upon you,
(B.C.)
Hello Iris,
I hope things will get sorted out for you soon. My mother is in her 90’s and recently moved into a nursing home. Like you, her mind is still sharp but her body is deteriorating. We have all found it pretty stressful and unsettling trying to find the right place for her that has a room available. Trusting in God is definitely the only solution. I will keep you in prayer, dear friend, and I’m sure your new home will be great, when you finally get there because God has prepared it for you.
Blessings and peace.
Hi Iris
I am sorry to hear your arrangements to move in to a residence are not working out just now.
I appreciate your sharing because at the moment I am trying to find a new church and there are many obstacles to doing so.
I am asking the Lord for wisdom but no clarity yet. My former church closed, We had a group who worshipped together with volunteer clergy. It had to move to a local ministry and now they can’t find leaders so it now meets on mid week which doesn’t work for me.
Thanks for your words of encouragement.
Dear Iris; We go through life and we hope and pray we make the right choices and most of the times we do, if we trust in our Lord and Savior. You have had to make a choice to move to a place you can have some independence, but still be cared for. These decisions can and well be difficult to make sometimes as we like our independence.
We pray for you as you prepare to make that move. Packing up stuff we look back on life and see the memories, as some of our items have meaning to them. We wish God’s Blessings as you take on this move in your life. Where have you chosen to move too.
Dear Iris,
Thank you for your article on LEAVING HOME. It was many, many years ago when I left home but I remember having to decide between the comfortable and the unknown. But soon after the unknown became comfortable.
I’m happy that my parents got to see me settled in to my independency. My father took up residence in his Eternal Home a few years ago and my Mom moved to a senior’s home where she still lives semi-independently. And I am a 5 minute walk away from Mom’s apartment.
Dear Iris:
God has His hand in yours and will always lead you safely. Our Father’s love is so great. Praise be to God.
Dear Iris: I have read your devotionals for many years and they always bring me comfort. Please know that you are in my thought and prayers as you make this major change in your life. God Bless you. Blessings, (Ontario)
Dear Iris,
I can feel for you so much. I am in a similar situation and am hanging on to God’s promise to be with me and guide me. I hope and pray that you can get moved and settled soon.
Dear Iris Ford:
I have read many of your devotionals and they have always given me comfort and inspiration.
I pray that the healing hand of Jesus will be upon you to comfort and sustain you as you face the changes in your life.
Dear Iris,
Thanks for the thought for today. May God bless you with His perfect peace and protection.
Psalm 91 comes to mind.
Blessings.
Hello Iris Ford,
Just wanted you to know that I really appreciated reading your daily devotional about moving.
Our daughter and her family are preparing for a move about 2 hours away from where they currently live. They are pretty stressed out.
I will be forwarding your devotional and I am sure it will help them with a brand new perspective.
Thanks
(Ontario)
Dear Iris,
I’m praying for you in the working out of your move.
I know something of what you are going through, because I am, too. I was supposed to be moving, but now I am told that this is not the right time: all kinds of issues need to be figured out. I was really discouraged at first until I read what God told Abram (or Abraham)
Dear Iris,
I’m praying for you in the working out of the details of funding, and I assume also legalities, etc. necessary to your move to a building with some care facilities.
While you are having “all kinds of funding issues,” I’m glad you are depending on the help of Almighty God for the working out of the details.
And I pray too that there will be helpful human beings to come along side and help you to get things worked out without too much delay so you can get settled.
How good what you wrote!
I left my country and my people when I was 18. God brought me to a new land. What an adventure! Isn’t that the Christian life, a journey, one adventure after another. We start off with nothing, acquire so much STUFF, and then gradually let it go. God loves you and is with you every step of the way, Iris. He won’t let go of you.
Dear Iris,
Thank you for this devotional. It is very relevant for me as I have no idea what lies ahead for me. I had cataract surgery which has greatly improved my vision, but at my age, I have to be prepared for other physical calamities that might make living alone difficult. Thank you for showing insight into the dilemma we face as seniors.
With thanks and best wishes.