When I signed up to write this post a clear image came to mind.
In my mind’s eye, I was walking behind a woman who was on a narrow dusty path, wide enough for one person. Over her shoulders was a long pole with a can of water hanging off of each side. She was carrying on.
I loved the symbolism of carrying water because water sustains life and brings Living Water to thirsty souls.
It was such a lovely picture. After talking about change and re-entry, my soul was ready for less upheaval internally. One foot in front of the other. Step after ordinary step. Familiar paths, familiar teammates, familiar cities and markets. Familiar sounded good.
Wasn’t carrying on supposed to be a lovely picture? Familiar? Calming? Idealized?!
Wait, what?!
Ah, there’s the rub. I tend to see the pain and joy of the path I’m on, yet only the joy of your path. This carrying on is as varied as any other path. It can be glorious or discouraging, exciting or a bit dull. Thankfully, we have not been left without encouragement and models. We join a long line of people who knew what it was to carry on.
We join:
Daniel who was thrown to his death by people who were jealous and didn’t want him to succeed . . . and yet he didn’t die. From Daniel we learn to carry on after false accusations and a traumatic and dramatic experience.
Jesus who spent time in the desert preparing for the next phase of his calling. After time alone with God (and the Accuser) he returned to society and built a team. From him we see a model of carrying on after a period of preparation.
Moses who lead a group of people who were not easy to lead or the most supportive of him. From Moses we learn to carry on for the long haul and to listen to One, not many.
David who had to carry on in both his role as king and in his family when his sin of sleeping with Bathsheba cost many greatly, some even paying with their lives. From David we learn how to carry on after we have sinned.
Leah who felt unloved by her husband and jealous of her sister. From Leah, we learn that carrying on may require us to find our satisfaction only in God.
Joseph who was treated unjustly by his brothers, potiphar’s wife, and the cupbearer. From Joseph we learn that carrying on may involve years and that God keeps his word.
Naomi who suffered through famine and the death of her husband and sons. From Naomi we learn what it means to carry on when hope seems lost.
Ruth who served her mother-in-law as she fulfilled the commitment she made by carrying on in a new land. From Ruth we learn that carrying on can result in unforeseen and eternal blessing.
Caleb who spent years with Moses and the Israelites as they wandered in the desert before the time came to hand the mantle over to him. From Caleb we learn that carrying on can involved the end of an apprenticeship as responsibility is handed to you.
Abraham who was asked to sacrifice his own son and did not know if a substitute was going to be provided. From Abraham we learn that carrying on involves the mysteriousness of following a God who cannot be reduced to a formula.
Isaiah who at one point was told by God to walk around naked and barefoot for three years as a sign of the troubles to be brought against Egypt and Ethiopia. From Isaiah and other prophets we learn to carry on when it seems no one is interested in listening.
Mary who watched her son be unjustly accused, tried, and executed. From Mary we learn to carry on in seasons of deep loss and grief.
Paul and Barnabas who had a ministry disagreement and after parting ways each took on a ministry mentee in Silas and John Mark. From them we learn that disagreements happen and the work can carry on. We also learn to that carrying on involves building into the next generation.
Carrying on
is for those in loss,
it can feel mundane in the day-to-day,
it can involve new opportunities and challenges,
it can get lost in the bigger picture,
it can paradoxically be familiar and foreign at the same time,
it needs to be anchored in who we are, not what we do,
but above all else, it reminds us that this wild love story between a Creator and his creation, beginning before time, will carry on.
~~~
God uses his word in so many ways to encourage and instruct us. Which Biblical character do you relate to most in this season?
P.S. A great resource for carrying on is an Azmera Retreat or free counseling for those in our line of work at Oaks Counseling.
I always appreciate when you do these Bible character posts Amy!
This one spoke to me especially: Abraham who was asked to sacrifice his own son and did not know if a substitute was going to be provided. From Abraham we learn that carrying on involves the mysteriousness of following a God who cannot be reduced to a formula.
Tonight as I read this I am reminded of my dad who used to sign all his letters/emails with the phrase “keep on keeping on”. Thanks for this, Amy!
Beth, I love hearing from you. Ah, yes, that one spoke to me too. Sometimes as we keep on keeping on the path becomes clearer, sometimes we just know to put one foot in front on the other 🙂
The thought of Daniel smacked me over the head this morning! We are in e midst of an experience similar (although not nearly as traumatic as lions!), and while we are not as alone as Daniel, it is hard. And sometimes, I just want to roll over and go “home”.
I needed the exhortation to “carry on” today. Thank you.
Jennifer, I’m sorry for what you’re facing! Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s not fun and am praying for you. Glad this was a timely word for you. 🙂
Can my answer be ALL of them? 🙂
Of course :). e) all of the above!
🙂 Me, too.
Yes, I think Abraham and carrying on in the mysteriousness. Or Paul, continuing in the face of sickness/suffering/isolation. Carrying on with only the trust that God sure must know what He is doing!
Oh man, I totally meant to include Paul and all his journeys. Yes, he is my “hero” for carrying on in the face of so much . . . and he seemed to also have a good time.
Thanks so much for this Amy!
As I’ve been facing a new transition I’ve been using “When the Saints” by Sara Groves as my theme song/prayer. While this is a happy transition I’m coming to terms with the fact that there is still grief clinging around the edges – it’s helped me to remember those who have gone before as I seek to carry on and to remember the One who is always willing to carry me.
Youtube link for those who are able to access:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgrt9OZSaXY
SARAH!!! That song. That song. Wow. Thank you for sharing 🙂
“I tend to see the pain and joy of the path I’m on, yet only the joy of your path. ”
Oh my, that’s so me!
I think there’s a certain amount of “carrying on” in the transition, too. Like – you know, leaving Egypt and having to “carry-on” as you go through the desert to get to the promised land – (I’m talking about the first journey, not the wandering because of the refusal to go in -although there’s a carrying on there as well…) …as the desert (and transition) become a familiar place that you have to keep walking through….