"I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
Over the past year, especially the last six months, God has brought our family through a ministry valley. God called us to be a part of something, pour much of ourselves into it...for His name sake. Directions shifted, changes were made...and there were days when I felt like a tightly stretched rope, frayed, hanging on by a single strand. We all will have these times in our lives, especially if we are walking in obedience to the Lord. Our response is what will make the difference.
Learning (sometimes the hard way) to trust in the Lord and not in ourselves or others.
Knowing that God's grace is sufficient, and his mercies are new every day.
Submitting to my husband brings joy beyond measure. He has been a rock.
Teaching our children to be steadfast in their faith, by watching us be steadfast in our faith.
Experiencing friendships that comfort, stand in the gap, speak truth, & are trustworthy.
I do know that on the days when I felt the stretch, more of the coming undone...
that single strand left that kept me from snapping altogether was my trust in the Lord.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil."
Proverbs 3:5-7
These two scriptures I have shared with many, children and their parents, along the way. God gave me new eyes to see them & heart to understand them while walking the valley - certain that if his hand could hurt from my squeezing it so tightly it was! Often times both in the valleys and on the mountain tops it is worship through song (David was so onto this, thankful for the Psalms) that keeps our eyes on the Lord.
Laura Story's song Blessings has been a sweet balm during a difficult time. Something tells me that you will relate. While your heartaches, circumstances, and even joys are different...they can be mercies in disguise.
