Left in the dust.
- Shelbey Townsend
- Feb 28, 2024
- 2 min read
The ‘left in the dust’ by Heaven sort of feeling - I see it a lot.
Especially when that feeling follows obedience, or good, honest trying - it’s tough to swallow.
Moses was tough.
It couldn't have been easy to be the prophet.
Egypt shunned him. Pharaoh wanted to kill him. Even his own people questioned his calling when it seemed the Lord had led them from inner-city bondage to an even stickier situation - pinned between the Red Sea and an angry Egyptian Army. (Exodus 14)
Instead of panic or complaint, this invitation was issued:
"Fear not, stand still, and see the salvation of God."
He would not leave them to perish. And, as it were, He didn't.
I read that story with new eyes not too long ago.
At that time, I had done my best to listen to the Lord. As a result of acting in faith, I found myself in a tough situation that I could have seemingly avoided had I not done what the Lord asked me to in the first place.
"Some reward for trusting." The temptation to be a victim was great and comfortable.
Moments like that provide the opportunity to doubt or trust, question or qualify, rationalize or recommit.
Having felt left behind - brought to my own desert place by means of God's deliverance, only to feel stuck wandering in the wilderness, the Lord taught me plainly:
"He led you here. He will not leave you here."
If I allowed it and had the faithful mindset it required, this tough season would be for my good.
I was to be tough.
And the toughest move is to do it with Him, owning the eternal truth that I cannot do it without Him and His way is higher than mine.
I was certain of that.
I am in no way unique to this form of creative character-building, none of us are.
But like the Children of Israel or Lehi’s family, the early pioneers, and you and me right now, we’ve got to remember -
He did not lead me here just to leave me here.
Next time we're tempted to feel alone or abandoned, it’s vital to remember:
God won’t always make it happen. But God can always use what happens to make me.
Maybe we have been led here, dropped off, left alone-
I’ll forever be grateful- and better - for those tough seasons.
A little dust never hurt.
In fact, I hear that He gives beauty for ashes.
But by the time that dust settles, I hope we’ll be ready to see Him - The One Who’s never left.