God never leaves us nor forsakes us. I pray you will be blessed today with this encouraging word from Lisa Brooks Gerdes. She is a woman who’s life is a testimony to the faithfulness of God.
Tomorrow marks the 19th anniversary of my husband’s passing. WOW, 19 years! It was a suddenly that you don’t expect. Just two months prior to his passing we had adopted our 2 foster sons. God’s timing is perfect. If we had not finalized the adoption, it would have been a fight to keep them. My sons were 14, 11, 7, and 3 years old. We have walked closely with the Lord in those years, some brutal times, some really good times. People remark about my strength, I really am not strong on my own, but I know where my strength comes from.
My sons may have grown up without their earthly father, but The Father was here. It’s powerful when I go to the Lord in prayer and remind Him He is a Father to the Fatherless, and ask Him to deal with His sons. I continue in prayer that each one of them will walk in the fullness of all He has for them.
While our income dropped, through the grace of God (and tithing) our standard of living has increased. God’s new higher math. While my married friends quit inviting me to gatherings, I made friends with the single moms. We gathered together for meals, encouragement and helped each other paint and make repairs to our homes.
I truly believe everything we go through we have a choice, waller in self pity or use it for God’s glory. Have I always done it well? NO. but I strive to do better each day, and I really am not the wallering kind of girl.
The Lord showed me earlier this year that I have been hiding and it’s time to step into all that He has for me. Thank you to those who have encouraged me through this process and will continue to. It’s a process. It has some missteps, and some backsteps, but I am pressing forward.
I am grateful the Lord has surrounded me with people who love fiercely and unconditionally. (David Bendett, Amber Bendett, Tanya Simpson Land, Lauri Tumbleston Lamenca, Myra Oliver, Daniel Skip Long, Connie Bugg Simpson, Rosalinda Cavazos, Patti McBride, Marilyn Gloetzner, Susanne Mayeux, Kim Shepard Gutierrez, Michelle Galvan, Anne Garl, etc. I didn’t realize how many there are) I have a team that work together, cover each other and me. I could not do this work without each of you and together we have much to do.
Someone recently remarked I was like a modern-day Ruth taking care of my Mother-in-law. There is a difference, I pray MY God will become her God.
I write this today to say whatever you are facing today God is with you, call upon His name and you will be amazed at the things He does.