Moving On

Bible Reading: Genesis 12:1-5

“Goodbye,” Lily said as she looked around at the home she’d always lived in. “I’ll

miss you.”

As she got inside the car with Mom, Lily thought of the garden with its apple trees and the swing she loved. She swallowed back the tears, wondering how their new house could possibly match up. She bit her lip to stem the anxiety racing inside her at the thought of all she was leaving behind.

“I know how you feel, Lily,” Mom said as they began driving. “I know change is unsettling.”

Lily’s lip trembled, and then tears rolled down her face. She wiped them away with her hand, hoping Mom wouldn’t see them.

Mom passed Lily a tissue. “I believe we can all adjust with God’s help. Brian has a new job, and it will be a new start for us all. I know moving can be scary, but remember that it’s not just an ending—it’s a beginning. It reminds me of Abraham and his wife, Sarah, in the Bible. God told them to leave their home and move to a new land. They obeyed, and God protected them, blessed them, and gave them a precious son named Isaac—the first in a long line of descendants that would eventually lead to Jesus being born. God used Abraham’s obedience in His plan to bring us a Savior and a new beginning, and we can trust Him to bless us in our situation too.”

Lily thought about her stepdad. It had been scary when he’d been laid off from his job. He’d spent hours applying for new ones, but he had never lost faith, even when facing countless rejections. Now this new position was even better than the last one, even though they had to move.

“Brian never gave up hope. He believed God would provide for us, and I will too,” Lily said, drying her eyes.

When they reached their destination, Lily gasped. The house had a large garden to run around in. Her stepdad was waiting for them, smiling.

“So glad you had a safe journey,” he said, hugging them both. “Come inside and I’ll show you around.”

“I love it, Mom,” Lily said as they explored their new home. “You were right. We can trust God to bless this new beginning.” • Cindy Lee

How About You?

Are you facing a new start in life? Leaving behind what you know can be scary, but you don’t have to be afraid. God worked through many people’s lives to bless us all with a Savior, and you can trust Him to bring good from your circumstances too. As this year comes to an end and a new one begins, remember that He will help you in new situations and use them to bring you a new beginning.

Today’s Key Verse:
Philippians 4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

God blesses us