Deuteronomy 31:1,2
“So Moses went and spoke these words to all Israel. And he said to them, “I am a hundred and twenty years old today; I am no longer able to come and go, and the LORD has said to me, ‘You shall not cross this Jordan.”
Moses is delivering very difficult news to the people; he was not going to cross with them. He’s been their leader for a long time. they trusted him. It would be a scary season. They knew God spoke to him and he listened.
The two perspectives are worth looking at, Moses’ and the people’s. there are times when we need to give distressing news to dependents. This needs to be done in gentleness and prayer. It’s possible that it needs to be delivered in pieces. Timing is important.
We need to give room for varied responses. They may be mad and lash out; be patient. They may retreat within in sadness and fear. Give them space all the while trying to reach them.
The other side is the recipient of the difficult news. We will receive this on occasion. In reality, it’s a growth stage. It’s a good thing that the people are crossing over to the promised land. It’s requires changes. Thus will be difficult and uncomfortable.
Often times we aren’t aware what The Lord is doing with us. We may be at a growth stage and unaware. This is the nature of trusting God with our lives. He directs us where He chooses.
It takes faith to make this comfortable. I Peter 4:12,13 speaks of distressing experiences. Part of the passage goes like this, “Beloved do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you.” We often feel like we’re in chaos. While situations might not get easier, we learn to trust The Lord.
He wants to give us peace in the storm. Just as Jesus slept while in a boat in a storm. The apostles were fearful, but Jesus was at rest.
Lord, help us to be caring and wise when sharing difficult news. Help us to be trustful as You lead us through the hills and valleys.