“Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God
whose ways you may not understand at the time.”
~ by Oswald Chambers ~
We had only been in our home six weeks when we received the notice that we would have to leave. A disadvantage of being a tenant is you have very little recourse if the landlord turns out to be irresponsible. I believed that God had led us to that house. We were making friends in the neighbourhood. Yet, we were being forced to move, again, and it seemed impossible. None of it made any sense.
In all of that turmoil, German and I would remind ourselves that God never leaves. In fact, we almost daily would lie in bed and say, "I still believe he brought us to this house, and he will bring us to the next." It was a deliberate daily choice to focus on God's sovereignty when nothing else made sense.
I still grieve the losing of that house. But God was faithful to bring us to a new house--a house better situated for ministry in the church he had already set in our hearts. It is nearer church friends, nearer house group and better situated for hosting guests. It has already seen four parties in the three months we have been here. His blessing is all over it. I believe we see that blessing because we deliberately chose to look for his hand in the chaos.
It is easy to get caught up in the what ifs of life, to see the chaos instead of the sovereignty, to focus on the circumstances instead of the possibilities. Faith is having confidence that God is going to do what he says and he is bigger than the situation. Sometimes we have to be more deliberate in that choice to place our confidence in him. It is then we find the blessing of choosing faith.
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.Father thank you for your faithfulness during the chaos of the summer and the moves. Thank you for a husband who leads to make that deliberate choice to place our confidence in you. Thank you that as we verbally chose you in the situation, you gave us peace. Thank you for this house, and these friends, and the ministries that you are already organising for our future. May we be faithful in what you give us. Amen.
~Hebrews 11:6~
Our hostess this week is Nina at "Mama's Little Treasures." Visit and be blessed.
6 comments:
What a lovely testimony! It sounds like the new home is such a wonderful match for you and your family- congrats!
God has His plans for us doesn't He? We may never understand what they are or why they are what they are. What we require is faith in His leadership. How awesome to hear how your story turned out.
Miriam,
How easy to see the chaos, and how difficult sometimes to remind ourselves of God's sovereignty. And yet, true peace and productivity lie only along that path. God bless you - Marsha Y.
Yet another parallel. Many years ago we lived in a house two months and had to move suddenly. Such turmoil and I still can't say I understand why, but, like you, God saw us through. Then it was monumental. Now it seems like a small blip in life. I suppose if the only reason for the chaos was to stretch my faith, it is worth it, isn't it?
Thank you for your great example in trusting when you don't understand. Well done, babe.
That must have been a painful time for you. I can just imagine the joy and hope in feeling grounded and then being uprooted once again! You truly lived out the faith that you profess by trusting even in the midst of a difficult circumstance. God is good, even when what we're going through is not. I'm so pleased you have found joy in where you are now!
Miriam,
I haven't heard from you all this week, and just wanted to say hope you are doing well.
If this is a difficult week for you then I'm praying God's strength for you. ....Marsha
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