I live in California. For the last year there has been a mass exodus out of this state. Each month more of my family and friends have chosen to move their families across state lines. This has been hard on those of us who need to stay to finish careers or have other reasons to stay.
Now that Californians can get out and do things freely, I’m able to see who is left among us. One longtime friend ran up to me last week at church to tell me her whole family (three generations) is moving to Texas in two months. My heart sunk. My neighbor tells me He wants to leave and has been looking around. This added to the all those who have already moved leaves a pretty big hole of solid friendships in my life.
My heart has grieved this loss and I grieve alongside my daughter as she has lost her closest friend this summer. Her closest friend also moved away. I love each one and wish them well. They are so excited to see God help them and open new doors for their families. New homes, new churches, a new state, a fresh perspective and a new start.
Prayer: Dear Lord God, I pray for my friends. I will miss them so much. I will miss their families. Please sooth the hurt this causes my heart. Bless them as they walk these steps of faith. Show them where You want them. Help them find a church that teaches Your word and have people who will welcome them and be their friends. I pray they will be wise and that they will continue to seek your will for their family. In Jesus name, Amen
God’s Word to Us: Dear Daughter, Joy will be found in the morning. When everyone settles down and finds their space, people will be more satisfied. The friends who have moved have wanted to for a very long time. I moved on their heart years ago. For you who stay I have a plan for the restoration of California. I love California and I know you do too.
A Great Awakening is happening!
I see God lead each group as they seek His will for their family. This great awakening is happening! It happens when Christians all look upward and ask God, “What now?” What can I do for God, the church, and my fellow countrymen. I am done being entertained, I’m done being bound by these addictions that dictate parts of my life, I’m done living a life for myself, I want to live for God. I want to give God glory. I hunger for truth. I’m tired of lies. I’m tired of being appeased.
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,
and all these things will be added to you.
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.
Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
So my friends, whether you’ve stayed or whether you’ve left California, I pray that you seek God first. Put His ways ahead of yours, His standards are THE standard. They are in the Bible. Read them for yourselves. Read the Bible to your children, grandchildren, friend’s children, neighbors. Fill your house with the spoken word of God.
These are uncertain times, but think of all the blessings this will invoke. A nation can change when we seek God. When our friends move, that causes us to seek God. It causes them to seek God too.
Pray and bless the friends who have moved.
Pray and bless your friends who have moved. Encourage them. Reach out to them and check on them periodically to see how they are doing. Send them a card and/or flowers to their new address.
Look and notice who in your church and your neighborhood that you can be a blessing to. God has already started highlighting people who are likeminded who are near me. Thankfully God has a plan and He knows I need good friendships where I live. I loved His encouragement to us. There will be joy in the morning! He has a restoration plan for California and for America. Morning is coming . . . in His perfect timing. Wait for His plan to be seen.
**I wrote this a couple of years ago and I can tell of God’s faithfulness. I have made some solid new friendships and my daughter has too. If you have seen your friend move away, know God has a plan. He has people you can trust nearby. It takes time to rebuild a new friendship like it did the last time. Be patient. An update concerning the friends who moved away, we stay in contact. I have set aside time each week to call or write them. When they come to visit their families, they visit us too. It’s not like it was before when we could be with each other all the time, but it’s still good friendships.
God bless you.
Kim
Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones!
Praise his holy name.
For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime!
Weeping may last through the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
Matthew 6:33-34 ESV
Psalms 30:4-5 NLT
Praying for Friends articles:
Healing for a Mother’s Heart
Anxiety is a Trap
Jesus our Anchor
Praying for Friends: When we’ve moved away
Praying for Friends: Who are going through Divorce
Praying for friends: Holding hands during difficult times.
What I am not praying about?
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Check out other blogs for Christian woman at New to My Heart’s Cry Start Here.
I’m so glad the Lord has comforted you during this time of loss. I know He is going to use you right where you are to bring encouragement and His Word to so many who have stayed. Mom
I truly believe I’m called to stay in California. I love it here. God places us where He needs us and gives us a heart for our community. It’s a blessing He does.
Yay! I did get it. It was in my “other” folder.
Look forward to reading it.
God bless you today, Rachel
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My dear friend, leaving YOU was one of the hardest parts of fleeing California! I do pray that California is restored.
It was so hard when you left. I knew it was your next step, an important one. I miss our sunrise IHOP breakfasts together. They sustained us during a very busy season when the kids were small.
We have a new employee at my job who just moved from California. I myself have moved to different states at different times. It’s always bittersweet. Thanks for sharing!