2:173 – Saying Goodbye

#faithbites #faithjourney goodbye

God puts many people in our lives. Some are there for life, others for just a few minutes. Some leave an impact immediately, others you won’t see the impact until years later. The thing is, they all leave a mark.

Today, we celebrated with Pastor Terry and Sandy as they begin a new call and a new chapter in their lives. It’s an exciting day as well as a somber day. Some much love and excitement as well as fear for what’s next. What’s next for them and what’s next for us.

I can say for certain that has God not put Pastor Terry in my life, I would not be a baptized Christian, I wouldn’t have made the friends I hold dead, and I wouldn’t have the direction I have now. Almost all of our friends now are directly or indirectly related to our involvement in our church and school.

Pastor Terry has the demeanor, the love of Christ, and the understanding to meet people where they are. To see where they are coming from and be open to them. At the same time, he is never wavering in his faith. We are blessed to have him and Sandy in our lives.

Saying Goodbye is never easy. Like yesterday when it feels like we are a lost toy or one chapter is ending, there is a new chapter just waiting to begin. When times are hard, we look to God for the words to help us all through.

Scripture

• Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence. – Psalm 26:1

• “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” – Numbers 6:24-26

• “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Reflection

Saying goodbye is never easy. It’s extremely hard when you love, care, and look up to someone. In cases, where they are a spiritual rock and confidant it’s even harder.

But when we look at the words of God above, we know that God is protecting all of us. He gives his peace to us, and he protects our comings and goings. A Call is a divine call. It’s God selecting who should help lead his people. Who are we to get in the way of where he wants that person to be.
While we are saddened and may feel lost, we can rest assured that God has a good plan.
A final thought, while we may be separated now, God will bring his people together either on this side or the next of heaven.

Charge

When you see someone leave, how do you feel? Do you see just the loss or the adventures that are now open to everyone. Tell the person who is leaving how they have impacted your life. Make sure they feel the love and impact they have had on you. Wish them well and turn it over to the Lord. God will mend your heart.

Prayer

Gracious God, thank you for all the people you have out in our lives. Whether it is for a minute or a lifetime, they all have purpose. Thank you for Pastor Terry and Sandy. Give them your peace as they struggle with the same emotions we have. Help them in their new adventure. Let them take the lessons and memories from Trinity in their hearts wherever they go. Remind them of how many people they have brought to Christ through their ministry. I would not be here without them.

We know Lord, that transition is hard, but that our faith in you will always bring us where you want us to be. Lord, be with them all the days of their lives. In your gracious name, Amen.