"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.
Merissa, Dan and I can relate to this last year being a desert experience for us. Through God's mercy and love, He is teaching us a deeper level of what blessings truly are in our lives. Some day we hope that our immediate response when trials or suffering come our way is REJOICE, and AGAIN I SAY REJOICE!! The JOY of the LORD continues to be my strength. I can truly say that Blessed Be Your Name, LORD. As a woman, there is no greater blessing than to be under the headship of her husband, as we both are surrendered to Christ's Authority in our lives. That is the safest, most secure place to be. God honors our obedience and it will provide hope and security for our children when we do. May the LORD continue to direct your path. There is much I know I learn while in the desert. It makes those mountaintop experiences even more precious!
ReplyDeleteI really want to get together... I understand intimately those sandy desert lessons. Just remember that pearls are made from that gritty stuff! love ya girl...see you soon.
ReplyDeleteKatelynne ~ thank you so much, for sharing & the words of encouragement. God is faithful!
ReplyDeleteCathy ~ pearls to lay at his feet one day! coffee soon?!
Yes, sometimes God has to squeeze us into His will! (And His will is simply a heart willing to follow.)
ReplyDeleteA heart willing to follow indeed!
ReplyDeletethanks Scott :)