When the Oceans Rise
What would you do when everything in life fails you? Our sister Clara found her answer when she hit rock bottom recently and this is her story.
“Even if the fig tree does not bloom and the vines have no grapes, even if the olive tree fails to produce and the fields yield no food, even if the sheep pen is empty and the stalls have no cattle — even then, I will be happy with the Lord. I will truly find joy in God, who saves me.” Habakkuk 3:17-18.
It was a tough month.
Within a matter of weeks, I totaled my car and I couldn’t drive to work, my computer permanently died, I lost my job (and income), a bike I was borrowing to get around was stolen, and I was unable to immediately find another job. After 2.5 months, I realized I had to move — paying rent and bills without income coming in and no car had become more of a challenge. I didn’t even have any real career path and I found myself feeling so defeated, insignificant, frustrated, angry, discouraged, confused, and disillusioned by post-grad life. It was hard to live out Habakkuk 3:18.
[Click “Read More” below for the full story]
One morning while walking on the beach on a gloomy Saturday morning, I saw a little toddler girl struggling to walk in the sand. Her parents were a far distance ahead, and when she got tired and could no longer walk anymore, she stopped in her tracks. Looking toward her daddy, she silently stretched her arm out toward him as a sign for help and waited. Seeing his daughter in this helpless state, he had compassion on her, and immediately walked toward his baby girl. The father then picked her up in his strong arms and carried her along the shore; suddenly, this moment became a beautiful symbol to me of the Father’s love and compassion toward His children. I was reminded that in our toughest moments, God is there to help us in our time of need when we ask him. He sees us in our helpless state, has compassion on us, and carries us like a father carries his child (Deuteronomy 1:31).
My heavenly papa spoke to my heart, “Even if you lose your car, your job, your income, a bike, your computer, home, whatever —- I am still enough for you. I will always provide for you.” I broke down because I realized I was still trying to get by on my own strength. My heavenly daddy was waiting for me to yield everything to him, waiting for me to let go of my pride and stretch out my arms for help.
Although the journey hasn’t been easy, three months later I have a new home, job, car, and a temporary computer to use. I’m starting to understand why he allowed certain circumstances to occur and I’m humbled by what He’s teaching me through them. I hope my story helps someone going through a hard time understand that when we cry out to Him for help, He’s never far off, and he comes quickly.
-Clara
