Three days ago, a door we thought was being opened was closed instead.
Two weeks from now, we will move…again.
I am physically and emotionally spent. Weary is the word.
“Come to me all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
I carefully pack boxes, wondering what is next. I quietly stop and stare at empty walls, my heart mirroring them. My “what if” has become my “what now”.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9
I said I would walk it. Perhaps I need carried instead.
It feels like too much too fast, but I know the Lord never deals out too much too fast. This is perfect. This is needed. This is now.
Even when I am broken and weary, He is there. Amidst boxes and questions, He is there. Amidst frantic schedules and fearful faces, He is there. Amidst teary eyes and broken hearts, He is there.
And I will thrive.
I am not left to wander in a dry land or thirst without water. I am not broken beyond repair or lost without hope of being found. I have been here before – burdened by a heavy load, needing to be carried.
And He was there.
And He is here.
This post was inspired by Casting Crowns new album Thrive available January 28th. Learn more about what it means to Thrive at facebook.com/castingcrowns
Suzanne says
I can so relate Amy. I will keep you in prayer! Praying for the Lords peace to fill up your hearts, house and boxes!!
Amy says
Thank you, Suzanne!
Jana Brown says
When you posted the other day about change coming, I just knew you were moving again. I’m so sorry. Moving brings feelings of insecurity and uncertainty. I pray that above all else, every member of your famly is filled with the peace of God, knowing that even though everything seems to be in disarray, HE never changes.
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage says
I’ve had to move many times. Four of them were not by choice and rather sudden. My husband has also lost jobs leaving me tearful and fearful. But God. He was always there to take care of us and bring us through it.
May God comfort you and your family and provide your every need.
Blessings,
Laura Lane
Natasha says
One particular fact that has brought me comfort in times of upheaval is that God is never surprised. While everything may feel topsy-turvy, God is steady. Praying peace will rule in the hearts of you and your family!
Amy says
Yes, definitely hanging on to that!
Dawn says
I completely understand! Praying for you.
Michele P says
From a momma who has moved 13 times in the past 21 years, I feel for you. Praying and trusting that the Lord will provide. You can do it!!!
Colleen Harlan says
I have been here many times… praying for wisdom, strength and peace for all of you during this time of transition!!!
Molly says
Oh, I’m sorry for the craziness and how that can shake us up. You’re so right though, whatever He is up to, He is up to it for our good. He can be trusted in all things. I will pray for His peace to rest upon you in the whirlwind. 🙂
Amy @ Finer Things says
Oh, Amy. I hate this for you. And, hopefully, after the dust settles, I can be saying “I love this for you!”
Amy says
Thank you, Amy 🙂
Charlotte Moore says
I am so sorry if this was not what you all were looking toward. One thing for sure nothing takes HIM by surprise and HE is an on time GOD every time.
BLESSINGS!!!
Emily Ryan says
Sorry to hear that, Amy. Praying for you during this transition.
Yvonne says
We just moved a month ago. It was a LOT of work with so many little ones. It’s so hard to leave great friends behind when you have teens as well. We are readjusting slowly and enjoying some time as a family without the the constant requests to get together with local friends. My kids are writing letter and my mailbox has never been so full of real mail. It can feel lonely at first but I am trying to think of it as God’s way to draw our family together. It’s not necessarily a fun journey but it’s a journey to walk through together, unite as a family and trust the Lord above all.
shiloh says
Thrive. What a great post. I am thankful for you Amy.
sharon says
Amen! I needed that. We too are in a similar situation. Just trust. x
Wendy Hoff says
Oh no! I’ll be praying for you during this time. And I thank you again for all the pouring out and mentoring you do for us readers. You are such a blessing to us!
Heather Anderson says
Saying a prayer for you now. While some seem born to move and start over, others of us were not. It seems to take such a great effort to adjust to change. I pray that you would know abundant grace and immense blessings through this move though it may not seem to be that way right now.
Amy says
Thank you, Heather! I would never have expected to one the Lord would move time and again – so yes, grace is MUCH needed! 🙂
Cynthia says
Amy,
I just started to follow your blog after I stumbled across it a few weeks ago. I’m a homeschooling mom of 8 and I was seeking advice and insight from other moms. Let me tell you, Amy, that the beautiful heart you have for God shines through your blog! You have been through so much, and yet the trust and love you convey when talking about your Heavenly Father is a humbling reminder to readers like me that all of the trials that come in life are not for us to face on our own, nor are they separate from a divine plan and purpose. I’m sure this move must be overwhelming, especially this time of year. I’m praying for God’s peace and strength to surround you and your family. In the meantime, thank YOU for taking the time to share your thoughts and experience with us!
Amy says
Thank you, Cynthia!
Sheri says
Joining my voice with others in prayer for you and your family!
Emily says
Oh Amy! Let me know what I can do to help out. Praying for you.
Jennifer says
Praying that you will be filled with the strength you need to manage during times that are less than ideal. Thanks for your faithful encouragement of Christian mothering through
your blog.
Blessings,
Jennifer
Rhoda says
Psalm 93 is a place I find myself when I find myself overwhelmed–flooding. I love the part where the voice of the Lord is mightier than the noise of many waters. He is a sure Rock (Deut 32:4), a mighty voice (Ps 93) and a loving Shepherd that carefully carries His flock. Praying for you and your family during this transitional time. Thank you for sharing with us so we can pray. And thank you for choosing to thrive.
Samantha says
My dear sweet friend,
I feel your pain. I have moved 13 times in 19 years of marriage and we aren’t military. This last move was 2 weeks after my baby was born last year. I’ve spent the last year fighting PPD and finally feel like I’m winning. But that is not why I’m responding to you. I know this is hard, heavy and wearisome. I know you may feel like you are drowning in all the is going on, but God has something bigger planned for you and your family. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that. Add Proverbs 3:5&6 into the mix and you have the makings of something great. Finally Matthew 6:25-34 and you have everything you need.
I know these don’t help you deal with the physical things going on, but Amy you are so much more than that. You are a SOUL a DAUGHTER of the KING! Those physical things are there to make you more, to make you stronger, and to make you better. You have faced so much already, but this is just one more step in the path to the goal.
Take some time and get upset about this. Cry! Then get up, make a list of things that need to be done and face them one at a time. Satan is trying to tear you down, and we here all love you and won’t let him have you. We have your back, dear one. You have been here for us when we needed you and now we are here for you.
Praying for peace, strength, determination and courage for the days to come.
Love you!
Jesse says
Amy as I read this my heart goes out to you. We have not had moving as a challenge but many other things these past years that I have had to choose to thrive through. Since you seem to be encouraged by music I would highly recommend you look up Hillsong United’s song “Oceans (Where Feet may Fail)”. It comes from their Zion cd. As you are packing let this song and the truths wash over you. The Lord has truly ministered to my faith walk through this song over the last 5 months. If you already know it, oh well, it truly bears mentioning. Praying for you in Pennsylvania 🙂
Danielle says
Thanks for posting this. I am in a very similar situation: after a rather traumatic move here a year and a half ago, here we go again! It has been helpful to read your post and the comments of others to realize that we are not unique in this. God is always moving His people exactly where He wants them at just the right time. We can see that He is in this move of ours, though we cannot understand the “why” of it right now. We are trusting Him to reveal the purpose in His own precious time. I pray He does the same for you and your family. Much love to you!
Mandee says
He knew before you knew. It is all a part of his plan. Sometimes what seems like a setback or a disappointment later turns out to be a real blessing. I pray that you are blessed beyond your wildest dreams. When life gets so tough we can stand…we kneel. ((HUGS))
karen solovey-grisanti says
Just to encourage you….we were in that very spot a year ago. Finally had to put our things in storage and moved the girls that I had taken in and I to a motel. Only GOD COULD have brought us to where we are today. on those days when you need a hand to encourage your heart or hold you up….
HE LOVES YOU
KAREN
Jackie B. says
Praying for you and your family, sweet Amy. It was such a blessing when I met you, your husband, and Creed last year at TTD in Nashville. Your encouragement throughout this year has been such blessing to me, and so much so that I’ve shared it with my young daughters. I am looking forward to hearing/reading how the Lord brings you all through this, with His love and grace!
Amy says
I was so good to meet you too, Jackie! Thank you for your prayers.
Anthony Souls says
Matthew 11:28-30
Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
I find verse 30 very comforting as of late.
With Love, Anthony Souls, Through God, Jesus, and The Holy Ghost.
Myrtle Pfister says
This is when we do not understand but in trusting in the plan God has, even when we do not know what it is or where it is, brings us closer to Him. When he reveals to us the plan, we know but sometimes as has happened here, God closed doors that you thought were open…this is when our faith is tried and tested..God why..why ? He is able to hold us and comfort us and let us know He is there, no matter what, and He will take us each step at a time…trusting when we do not see is a challenge..but it is worth it…..and God will carry you as He already has before….there is something exciting waiting around the corner…..and God will be right there then too.
shiloh says
Praying for you Amy. Thanks for sharing your heart. Peace to You.
Lynda says
Bless you for your God seeking heart. My prayers are with you.
Donna Gibson says
Appreciated your comments today. Our God shall supply all your need according to his riches in Glory by Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19. He doesn’t give us more than we can handle. We may never understand why God allows things to happen in our lives, EXCEPT that it makes us stronger and closer to Him! Continue to just Praise Him where you are! Some day, you can ask him why these things have happened! We all go through tough times, and yes, God is in the midst of all what we go through. Praying for peace and understanding.
Donna G
stacie says
Have so been there recently….we were all packed….six hours before we were set to get the keys to our dream home…it was taken….our three children devastated….we had no choice but to move into a small apartment….but then God showed us the reason…..we were supposed to move home….four hours away…back to our families….and since we have realized this….EVERY SINGLE THING Has fallen into place and come so easily…..so I have learned such a lesson…to trust Him! He ALWAYS knows what is best and He has a plan 😉