They shook the dusk from their feet

They shook the dust from their feet. 

Has this ever happened to you?   You try hard to do what you think God wants, but things don’t turn out the way you hope.   You offer to pray with a co-worker for healing, but he politely declines.   You dive into a parish ministry, only to find that your help isn’t needed after all.   Despite your persistent praying, a family member still won’t return your phone calls.

Even the apostles Paul and Barnabas encountered disappointments in their journeys.   But instead of giving in to frustration or discouragement, they “shook the dust from their feet” and moved on.   This might sound like a gesture of condemnation, but perhaps we should look at it as a way of separating themselves from a volatile situation.  Rather than staying mired in a fruitless conflict, they commended the people to God, and moved on to the next town.

What would shaking the dust look like for us?   After all, we can’t always move from town to town!   Here are three suggestions:

First, forgive.

Let God’s mercy cover the past.   Don’t let resentment or bitterness weigh you down.   Instead, trust that God will take care of whatever situation you could not resolve.

Second, let go.

Be careful not to replay the situation over and over in your mind.   You have left it in God’s hands, and now you are free to take the next good step.

Third, move on.

What is God asking of you now?   Maybe he wants to show you a different path.   Maybe you need some time away from the situation to regroup and let the Lord step in.

Spend a few moments reflecting on a recent disappointment, and walk yourself through these three steps:  Forgive.   Let go.   Move on.   But always in a spirit of patience and love.   Remember that like Paul and Barnabas, it’s your job to plant the seeds, and it’s God’s part to give the growth.   Some seeds take time.   Some seeds remain underground for years before they sprout and grow.   Keep praying, and trust that the Lord will work out his plan according to his wisdom in his own good time.

word among us