Today, God gave me some reassurance. I moved from Florida to Texas last month leaving behind two of my college-aged kids, my beloved home, my childhood and church friends, and much more. The last time I moved somewhere new, I was in my twenties. So, at fifty-years-old picking up my settled life took a lot of courage and obedience. I was sitting outside as I often do enjoying nature and praying when I spotted a somewhat yellow bird in the front yard. I was curious because it had this beautiful yellow breast, and I couldn’t figure out what kind of bird it was. I had never seen it before. It seemed out of place, and it wasn’t the usual cardinal or mockingbird I had seen so many times before visiting south Texas. It reminded me that I am a little out of place too.
But even in that moment, I was thought of Matthew 6:26-27, God promises to provide for the birds, so why wouldn’t he provide for me too? “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” It is a reminder to walk in faith and trust that God already has your needs planned out and provided for. I do not need to worry! Can I say that again? I do not need to worry!
Later that same day, I went on a walk with my dog Gemini, and I saw another one of the same birds. With its yellow belly (a striking color) from the tan grass and hay that surrounded it, the yellow color standing out so beautifully. It was a new bird I would come to know as a Meadowlark. “There’s beauty in change too,” I thought to myself. There’s beauty in not knowing what’s around the corner. There is beauty in discovering new things. Living life freely with no constraints or expectations and letting God take the wheel can feel very light.
When I drove out of my Florida driveway, it was truly one of the hardest things I have ever done. I’ve lived in that home for almost 17 years. I raised my daughter there. God saved me there. That home has always been a beacon of safety and protection for me. But if I am being honest, it also represents control (my
control), not God’s.
I knew God was telling me to be obedient and that’s really my point here. That obedience isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it and being obedient doesn’t mean that it’s going to be an easy road either, but you must trust and be faithful that God has you and holds you in His hands. You must believe His words, and you must go anyway and anywhere without knowing the very next step. So, seeing that little bird I knew somehow God was telling me that because He is so big that He can provide for the small animals on earth like birds, He can provide for me too.
I am reminded of Isaiah 61:3 NIV when God’s mighty restoration occurred and He provided beauty for ashes.
“and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead
of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will
be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."
God gave me some solace that even though to me it looked like I was a foreigner in a foreign land, I am being provided for and welcomed here. I have a big beautiful family in Texas who love me and my daughter. He will provide what I need and what you need as well. And you know what? Once my attitude adjusted away from sacrifice and fear toward gratefulness and obedience, my outlook changed. My move to south Texas is a new adventure, and I look forward to each day’s new, big or small discovery here.
So don’t be afraid to obey God, trust Him. He will provide for YOU every step of the way!
Be Blessed,
Allison
