The first quarter of the year has come and gone. I never thought things could change so drastically in as little as 3 months. In respect to my selected word for this year, I would say that I have related a lot lately in hopes of growing the person that I am and wish to be. In my initial post about my word, relate, I mentioned wanting to relate with others in order to bring joy and grace to their lives. Well can I just say that the exact opposite has occurred? I have experienced more grace from people, particularly perfect strangers, in the last three months than I ever knew possible.
How about our landlords? Who after 4 days of living in the home they were renting us that we had just signed a 12 month lease on, told us that they were praying for our situation and would absolutely not hesitate to let us go with no penalties if we had to move somewhere else for Zeb to get a job.
How about the vet? When we thought we were going to lose our golden to a measly 2 inch stick that ended up being stuck in his intestine, but we didn't because they offered to do surgery at an extremely discounted rate with multiple free services just after 2 months of opening their own doors to the community.
Strangers...extending grace.
I also mentioned in that initial post that I hoped to give generously, practice kindness regularly, and bring back the great news of the work that God is doing in my life. Never did I imagine that God would actually take those words, place them on others hearts, and allow me to experience it more abundantly than I am giving it.
Friends offering their resources to provide meals for us. Others checking in just because. Encouragement being given left and right with prayers to support it. We have experienced generosity and kindness beyond measure. And now I have stories to tell of God's goodness.
Less than a month after I wrote that post about all the great things I was going to do this year to relate with others, God showed me I wasn't going to do anything. He showed me that He was in complete control and while it took pain for me to see, it worked. Today, I can say without a shadow of doubt that we have a good God, that is in complete control, and works EVERYTHING out for the good of those who love Him.
You see, 2 months ago I am not sure I could have said that. I was living in a Satan induced fear that kept whispering, "where is your God now?" And in a moment when I could have looked the other way and sought worldly answers, I knew that didn't make sense. I knew the only place I could go to for answers and comfort was to Him. I spent two weeks diving each day back into His word and felt nothing. However, I was determined. If there was one thing I wasn't losing, it was this battle. I would feel his presence again. I would. And I did.
When I knew He had never left in the first place I felt a peace that words can't explain. I don't know how I got to be one of the lucky ones that receives answers so quickly. I know there are some that have experience hardships for far longer than two months and still have no answers. I guess that is why I want to say don't give up.
He is good, he is in complete control, and works everything out for those that love Him.
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