By: Carole L. Haines
Navigating the world of the in-between is tricky sometimes. It’s that awkward time when one season of your life has ended, but where God is leading next is not as apparent. Sometimes God calls us away before He tells us where we are going next. I call this the “In-between Time.” I’ve been through it many times in my life. Many of those times were filled with fear and worry, but being older now, and having been through it often, I have an almost odd sense of peace and tranquility, though I still have no blueprints or clear path forward.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
My husband is on travel for the first time in years, because of COVID, and I miss him a lot. We’ve been married 36 years and you would think we’d be used to times of separation. We’ve been apart for as long as 6 months, and I hated it. This is only 6 days and I’m pining for him. It’s hard because I have just retired from my former career and am pursuing God’s calling in another direction. I’m most definitely in the “In-between Time.” We are at a new church, which is always hard for an introvert like me.
Now I tell you all this to simply set the stage for what God showed me today in a drive we took together. I started praying and crying out for direction and clarity. What I received back from God is that I am exactly where I am supposed to be, right in the middle of this world of the “In-between.” He coupled that assurance with the peace that passes understanding and the drive ended in a time of praise and worship, just me and God, alone in my car. It was so precious and beautiful, I almost wanted to drive right up into heaven and be with Him right now.
But He has more for me to do here, so I embrace the sentiments expressed by the Apostle Paul,
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.”
(Philippians 2:21-26)
Are you in an awkward in-between time, one season is done but you don’t know where God is leading next? Fix your thoughts on knowing Him better, seeking Him more. O, what Joy He allowed me to experience with Him this morning in my crying out for clarity. Busyness isn’t always a sign of purpose.
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