I was a school teacher in 1987 when I married John. He was a Richmond City police officer. Everyone who knew John acknowledged the fact that he was in the right profession. Police work was in his blood. He loved what he did. He became a Virginia State Trooper in 1988 and I never saw a change in our future. I imagined living life in that one city; stable, secure, certain. Little did I know that God had a different plan when He called John into the ministry just four years after we were married. Since that time, John has worked at a rescue mission, gotten a BS degree in Biblical Studies while he worked full time and finally we went to Romania as missionaries. All the while, I was raising babies, youngsters and then teens. I was learning to be frugal on a slim budget and doing my best to teach them at home. Our life has rarely been stable or certain as I had imagined it would be; chaotic and sporadic are the adjectives that pop into my head. But throughout these many years, God has taught us that He is faithful and true. He is the Rock that we can stand on when the storms of life are raging all around us. He alone is steadfast and unchanging. He alone knows the next step of our journey. I am learning that He knows all about my tomorrows and I am learning to trust Him for each day.
6 Comments:
Wow! I guess it's been a good two weeks since I came by for a visit... You are now home here in the states! Praise God that you had a safe and fairly uneventful trip.
I can't imagine how difficult it would have been to goodbye to so many clse friends! When my husband and I went to Africa a few years ago, we were only there for two weeks, but it was so hard to say goodbye!!
Blessings to you as you begin a new chapter in your lives!
God IS faithful and true. He IS the Rock - steadfast and unchanging.
Amen, sister. Amen!!!
What an encouraging post. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I pray that this next phase of your lives will be a blessing.
Dear Karen,
I'm so thankful you guys are safely back in the States. I'm sure the next few weeks, even months will be a time of tremendous adjustment. Unfortunately, the spiritual apathy of American Christians and churches will stand out in stark contrast to the spiritual growth you experienced overseas. You have experienced a million thoughts, emotions, and experiences no one around you can relate to, except other missionaries. (I've often wondered if this is how newley released prisoners feel, only they aren't welcomed back into society, while you guys are "heroes".) Just keep your eyes on Him and know He hasn't brought you this far to let you go. He still has you safely in the palms of His hands! (Isaiah 49:15 & 16!)
Much love,
Drewe Llyn
Ah yes, life is never what we thought it would be. That is why I'm convinced that God only gives us light to see the next step or the next few steps. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."
If I had known all that would take palce in my life, I am SURE that I would have run the other way screaming. But looking back at how far God brought me, I can't imagine having any other life.
It is wonderful that you have drawn closer to Him, which is always a good thing.
I'm so glad you're back in the States safe and sound.
Yes, letting go and letting God takes great faith and trust, but He does prevail. It's amazing to watch His plan for us unfold and the doors open up according to Him.
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