Journey of Faith Part 6–Direction
Within the first week of our resignation letter we had options… Phone calls, emails, texts of ministries asking about our possibly considering them. It was as if Jesus was giving His complete blessing on our act of faith. I found myself smiling with a sense of complete peace knowing that He had something great for us and I needn’t worry about the uncertain future that loomed ahead. I watched one by one as the Lord solidified in our hearts closed doors, then new options, and more. However, we began to consider just planting ourselves in a tremendous church in order to heal and get regrouped before jumping into full time ministry again.
We spent a week away visiting with dear friends and family in Wisconsin. It was a great week of rest and encouragement as we knew the following weeks were going to be crazy. It was an extra special treat to have all 9 of my siblings together for a few days. Through much prayer and counsel, we headed to Georgia to look at housing, jobs, and a ministry that many had directed us toward in order to be fed and encouraged. My sweet husband put his resume into over a dozen places, we walked through houses, and just searched for God’s perfect will. That weekend Georgia was hit with a hurricane, and “our plans” to job and house hunt came to an abrupt stop. It appeared to us that God was slamming the door completely shut. It was a bit disappointing, because it had appeared to be what He had wanted for us. But, honestly, I was getting a bit to used to it. Disappointments are hard no matter what. We had interviewed with so many ministries the last few years that always seemed like an open door and then it would get slammed shut. I know that God was in all of those too. And, He was keeping us for what He had planned all along. Even in and through those disappointments, He taught us so much.
Our dearest friends live in Georgia and they were so gracious in opening their home to our big family! Our children were able to keep up their school so as to avoid getting behind. Granted, all schools took off a week for the hurricane…but not this school!😆 We spent much time in prayer and after my husband interviewed with a company, he knew in his heart that God didn’t want him back in the secular work field. His calling was in ministry and he wanted to pray specifically for God to open a door. I felt like we had taken a major step backward, back to square one with no direction, no options, and no plans. And, the planner in me was going crazy. But, Jesus has definitely helped me in this area along most of this journey! Little did we know, that God had big plans ahead. I get goosebumps thinking about how all the stories fit into place. God works in such amazing ways and He never ever ceases to amaze me with His “God stories!”
We visited the church many had recommended. Our children were in a fragile stage and we were a bit too. But, that church day was so needed for our little family. So many sweet people wrapped their arms around us and made us feel so loved and encouraged. Our children thoroughly enjoyed the children’s ministries, made sweet friends, and just had fun. It encouraged my mommy heart to see them smiling and laughing again despite the uncertainties in their little hearts.
Several families invited us out to eat lunch with them at a local Mexican restaurant. And, here the best story of all our “rungs” begins… but I cannot share just yet!😏soon, my friends, soon!
I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing “our story” of what paths the Lord has led us down. So many “rungs” of our journey are better left unsaid for now, but even amidst the “rungs” of hurt and pains Jesus met us there and grew us through them too. I am so thankful for the lessons He has taught me along the way. Someone asked me recently how I could smile through some of those moments? Jesus gave us joy even when it appeared “humanly impossible.” He always reminded me of His character and gave me a joy to run through the toughest times in a way that found myself totally secure in Him. I am excited to one day soon share where the Lord has placed our little family, but for now we are still “Abrahaming” it awaiting His clear direction. He indeed is good ALL the time!