Drifting Through the Waters

by Dr. Ann Pearson on March 01, 2021

Some of the wise will stumble, to that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time. ~ Daniel 11:35

As I read this scripture in Daniel, I think of ways how we need to be transformed into the newness of what God wants for each of us. When we try to dominate and control our lives with our own thinking we lose sight of God’s plan. The Kings were fighting and the tension and destruction was evident through their leadership choices. Does that sound like how we lead our lives or are we just floating and drifting through life?

Driftwood is a common object found on the beaches of the Mobile Bay, throughout Baldwin County and on the coast of the Florida Panhandle. Driftwood forms when trees or large wooden objects have been swept away by the sea either by natural or human efforts. Sometimes the pieces of wood have been beaten up by the rough waters and other times they are perfect pieces of art. The pieces that make it back to shore usually have traveled a hard, long, bumpy path. They have been eaten by organisms and may even be torn apart while they drift through the waters. When we have been broken and drifting in our lives, what do we do to return to our Heavenly Father?

Drifting with no direction opens the door for the enemy to come in and cause disruption in our lives. Does that describe our lives and some of our paths? The road we face can be bumpy and puts us in a quandary of what to do and doubt can slip in.

During this season of Lent we can take time to evaluate our purpose. What does our faith look like in these times? Are we able to engage in the process of self-examination? Are we just drifting with no direction? Does God hear us when we call out to Him? Or, is everything fine and we just go about our daily routine?

No matter where you are in your journey of life, there are things each of us can do to make it through the bumpy paths. Stay faithful. If you’re hurting, stay hopeful. Pray and give thanks to God for the opportunity to grow; ask God to shed light on your path and provide clarity in your thoughts. If you are experiencing season blessings, give thanks, acknowledge your Provider and invite Him to celebrate with you.

If you are still struggling, do not despair, you will eventually drift, and make it back to shore and in to the loving arms of God. When you do, you will have been purified, restored and renewed. Be prepared to use the gift of sanctification to take those next steps in your faith journey. John 14:18 says, “I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you.”

Prayer:

Lord at times we have drifted away from you. There are lessons we have learned and some we are still learning. Continue to teach us, search our hearts and restore our souls. Show us your ways to help others as well as ourselves who are struggling through troubled waters. Each day we know there are opportunities to grow. Help us to not lose heart because You are with us in whatever we may be facing. We lift this to you in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

My love and prayers,

Ann

About the Author

Dr. Ann Pearson

Ann graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S. in Consumer Economics and household Equipment. She has a Masters in Science in Grief Counseling and Thanatology as well as a Doctorate in Philosophy of Pastoral Counseling and Thanatology from Breyer State University.

Her early professional career was spent working with the Tennessee Valley Authority in Knoxville, helping families of low income; working for the City of Charlotte Public Works Dept. and as a preschool teacher in Knoxville, Tennessee, Mobile and Fairhope AL. Ann has lived in Fairhope since 1986 where she immediately began serving in the youth department of Fairhope UMC. She joined the staff in 1990 as Youth Director, serving twice in this position and was also the interim Director of Children and Family Ministries for two years here! Ann had dual positions here at Fairhope UMC as Youth Director and Director of Caring Ministries which led to her becoming the full time Director of Caring Ministries in 2000. Ann loves her church family and appreciates the humble opportunity to be serving in this community. Ann has 2 children: daughter, Allison (Ryan) and son, Brad (Kate) and four granddaughters between the two! You will come to know she is passionate about University of Alabama Football, Grayton Beach and taking care of the people in this community by offering love, peace and God’s grace.

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