Time of Adjustment
By
Lexi Ellis
I will be found by
you," declares the LORD, "and I will restore your fortunes and will
gather you..."
Jeremiah 29:14a (ESV)
Our dog,
Calvin, loves to have a “doggy playdates” with my parents’ dog, Riley. Calvin
has grown up with Riley, but now that Calvin is bigger, he’s not as easily
pushed around like when he was younger. While both dogs genuinely enjoy each
other, there always seems to be a time of adjustment whenever I bring Calvin
over. Calvin pushes the envelope and will go over to Riley, put his paws on
Riley’s side and “stand up,” attempting to elevate his head above Riley’s.
Riley, being the bigger and in-charge dog, isn’t too fond of Calvin’s attempts
to upset the fruit basket. There’s occasional growling (nothing inappropriately
aggressive), but clearly communicating and figuring it out. Then, ten minutes
in, they’re best friends. Every time, it’s an identical beginning scene.
It
makes me think of the “times of adjustment” I’ve had to go through: unexpected
changes, conflict or challenges that upset the status-quo or didn’t go the way
I was expecting. Chosen or not, the boat’s been rocked and I feel shaky.
Feelings of tension, fear, uneasiness and insecurity usually ensue as I struggle
to be “top dog” of the situation or challenge. I long for the time of
adjustment to be over so I can have (perceived, of course) everything back
under control.
And
yet, like Calvin and Riley’s beginning ritual, times of adjustment do not last
forever. Often they’re necessary for the joy and plain-old-fun that awaits. As
I look back on those times of adjustment, I have had the privilege of seeing
God at work, or something was learned, or something better resulted.
In the
verse above, Israel was going through a time of adjustment. (They’re in exile!) Earlier in this chapter,
God says He knows and has prosperous, hope-filled plans (Jeremiah 29:11). Through
it all, God says that even in the midst of their times of adjustment - - and our
times, as well - - He will be found, He
will deliver and restore.
Right
now, Calvin and Riley are running around, taking turns with a green ball.
Despite any rocky starts, there’s good to come. We know God promises that all
works out to His glory, and often we’ve seen His hand at work in the past. May we
be those who choose to depend on Him in the midst of times of adjustment.
GOING
DEEPER:
1.
What are some current times of adjustment in your life or a
friend’s? What Scriptural promises and attributes do you know of God during
this time of adjustment?
2.
Think of past times of adjustment in your life or a friend’s.
How did you see God at work?
FURTHER
READING:
Lexi and her husband, Andrew, have an adorable dog named Calvin.
Lexi teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing. She serves with Children’s
Ministries and is the Fresh Start Coordinator.
