Being Tested in the Tough Times

Last year was one of those awful years. You know – when everything seems to fall apart in front of you. We had multiple deaths in the family; uncertain work futures; times when one or other of us was heading off overseas or interstate and passing each other like ships in the night; and to top it all off, daily pastoral care for dysfunctional people in the small Christian community we lived in. There was change after change after change. Plus stress after stress after stress. I was thankful to God for our strong marriage and family as we sustained one another through it all. We knew we had to do something radical, or burnout would sneak up on us unawares.

Happily, in August I attended a series of Bible studies – when I was in China would you believe – which reviewed the first 16 chapters of Exodus. This book details the amazing way God used Moses to lead His people out of Egypt . It is pretty common, I think, to be in awe of the fantastic climax where the Israelites escape from those dastardly Egyptians through the Red Sea (memories come complete with towering walls of water thanks to Cecil B DeMille and Charlton Heston).

Wow – what a moment!

However we often forget how tough it was for those Israelites as they struggled with the consequences of huge change in their lives in the days following that great climax. After quite a bit of wandering, stress and grief, they completely ‘lost it' when the only water they could find was the bitter water of Marah. (Ex 15:22, 23) Sadly, the people gave in to their frustrations and grumbled against Moses (Ex 15:24). Had they been patient and waited just one more day they would have arrived at an oasis – Elim (Ex 15:27). Here, they rested, recuperated, drank good water, and were thankful.

This Bible study was a turning point for me as I realized something in God's big scheme of things. As humans, we always go through tough times – it is part and parcel of being human. However there is another certainty which is sure as the sun will rise: things will always get better. In fact, if you keep being faithful and patient, your Elim will come. An oasis. Rest.

I decided to keep on plowing through, and not losing hope. Our Elim would come if we were patient. I kept being faithful and waited.

The big transition

For two years we have lived near Hobart in Tasmania in this small Christian community on a 65 acre farm in the foothills of Mount Wellington . The property is owned by Fusion International – a Christian youth and community organization. It is a gorgeous spot, part bush and part grazing land where the Derwent River can be glimpsed far off through majestic gum trees. When I could, I bush-walked in the early morning through unspoiled natural surrounds. Yes, the surroundings were idyllic but our lives – in the midst of our horror year – were far from content. So we prayed, we pondered, we talked with our peers, and we made our decision. It was time to move on from this work and in addition, cut back significantly on our travel. We were uncertain where we would live, yet sure it was right.

When it came time to find a house to move to, I can only say there were many ‘God-incidences'. We ended up moving to an amazing house only 10 minutes drive from the farm. It is spacious, with plenty of room for us all, a home office where Stephen and I can work, and the most glorious deck from which we can again gaze at the Derwent River through majestic gum trees, but now the river is just at our doorstep!

The river's mouth is so wide here it could be a large bay—and most days massive ships make their way to and from Hobart's deep sea port farther upriver. Our light and airy residence backs on to a steep bushy reserve, complete with a trail leading all the way to the beach below. Five minutes walk and my feet are sinking in golden sand. Needless to say my daily walks have now become invigorating beachside experiences.

Now I wake each morning to the sound of waves rolling onto the beach below, the breeze blowing gently through the trees, and the sun glinting on the river's glassy surface. I don't think I will ever get used to it. It may only be for a short time, but while we are here I intend to relish every moment of the amazing environment we now find ourselves in.

What did we do to deserve to live in this quietly beautiful place? I really do not know. Only that God saw fit to give us a place for peace, quiet and respite after many years of constant ministry with very few breaks. Our Elim . I am humbled by God's generosity and that he saw fit to provide for us so well.

So be encouraged! If you are going through tough times, be patient.

Your Elim will come too.

It is part of the very fabric of the Universe, built into the framework of our lives.

Yes, God will do it!

Jenny Baxter is the editor of Christian Woman magazine (Australia/New Zealand). www.christianwoman.com.au

She and husband Stephen share their beautiful home with Elliot (15) and Hilary (13). They still connect regularly with their friends in Fusion who live in places all over the world including Australia , China , Jamaica , England , Canada , South Africa , Germany , India , Greece and the US . www.fusion.org.au