A Difficult Move
A DIFFICULT MOVE
Read Joshua 1:1-5.
At the close of the church service, Carrie listened in disbelief as Pastor Allen said, “After much prayer, we feel the Lord is calling our family to serve Him at an Indian reservation. We’ll be leaving in a month.” Carrie was upset by the news. Her best friend was Becky, the pastor’s daughter.
When the service ended, Carrie dashed out to the car. She was too angry to even speak to Becky. “How could Pastor Allen do this?” Carrie sobbed on the way home.
“He must obey the Lord’s leading,” Dad said gently.
“But I don’t want him to leave,” Carrie wailed. “Becky’s my best friend.”
Carrie was upset all day. At bedtime Mom gave her a hug. “Honey,” she said, “your old crib is set up in the guest room. How would you feel about sleeping in it tonight?”
Carrie laughed. “I don’t want to sleep in a crib. Besides, I wouldn’t fit.”
Mom smiled. “That’s true,” she agreed. “Part of growing up means leaving behind old things and adjusting to new ways. You left your crib a long time ago, and that was good. People sometimes leave their homes, and that can be good too. When friends leave, God is still with us, planning things for our good. And keeping the Allens here apparently doesn’t fit into God’s plan.”
“Right,” said Dad. “Let’s thank God for the good years we’ve had with them and make their last days at our church extra special.”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you faced with a move, a new family member, or a new church or school? Are you angry about changes or new circumstances in your life? It isn’t easy to let the familiar go, but God will still be with you in your new situation.
TO MEMORIZE:
I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.
Joshua 1:5
ACCEPT GOD’S LEADING.
From the book
