Have you ever experienced a time or place of drought? 

When that person, place, or thing you counted on, has dried up, and is no longer productive.

The marriage you thought would last a lifetime – dried up. 

The friendship you thought would go on indefinitely – dried up.

The career you invested time and energy in – dried up.

The finances you saved for a rainy day or retirement – dried up.

Well, after 15 years of working for the same company, I was recently laid off, and that financial source I had, dried up, leaving me at a state of “In-Between”.

“In-Between” – the place after “what was”, but before the what “will be”. 

It’s the state where the door to “what was”, has been resoundingly closed!

And, you are in the hallway waiting, waiting for the door to what “will be”, to open. 

You have left your location, your safe harbor, but have yet to arrive at the new destination. 

The “In-Between” is UNCOMFORTABLE. It’s a condition that gives you a sense of being untethered and unanchored; filling you with worry, anxiety, and fear.

Occupy That Space

It is a position where the desire to go back to what was, might be tempting.  In some cases, it might even seem easier to do so.  DON’T DO IT!

The scripture in the book of Exodus, tells how God’s people doubted his promises, and desired to go back to their enslavement in Egypt. They grumbled and complained at their “in-between”, which was – the wilderness. 

As a result, it took them hundreds of years to reach the Promise Land God had assured them was theirs.

But do you know that God not only redeems our past and secures our future, but He also works in the space we occupy right here and now?   He provided for the children of Israel while they were in the wilderness.  He gave them water, food, and clothing, and He gave them protection by day and by night. 

Looking back and longing for what was, is unproductive.

The only time to look back is to remember:

Remember how you longed for a change.

How you pleaded with God for a way out.  

How you chafed at the restrictions and longed to be free.

Know that the “in-between” is just a temporary space.  A dash – Not your final destination! 

So, if you are at the “In Between” right now,

Know that you don’t have to be in denial about where you are.

You don’t have to be in denial about what’s in your face, in your heart, or on your lap. It is okay to acknowledge your sadness and grieve for your loss. However, don’t stay there, don’t shrink back, or withdraw. Instead occupy your space by seizing, conquering, and subduing. Use this space as a time to foster growth while honing in on your craft. 

Trust God in the process, and with the process, because your story is finished.

A Good Land – A Land of Flowing Streams & Pools of Water

Several weeks ago, someone encouraged me with this Bible verse.   Deuteronomy 8:7, “For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of flowing streams, and pools of water, with fountains and springs that gush out in the valleys and hills.”

So, what do you do when your source dries up?

You sharpen your tools in preparation to dig up the streams and pools of water that will gush out in the valleys and hills of you new destination.

My family and I appreciate your prayers during this time. Let me know how I can pray for you.

Cheering you on at, your In-Between.

With,

The Water I Give