Today I am feeling extremely blessed. No specific reason, other than I woke up this morning to a beautiful sunrise, two parents I love dearly, and an overwhelmingly sense of joy that God is my Provider. As some of you may know about a month ago, my mom lost her job. The reason behind this happening is still unclear and hard to understand, but is proving to be more like a simple act of the enemy. With this happening, my family had some major decisions to make. Should my mom file for unemployment, should she find another nursing job, should she retire from nursing, should she retire from working period? Well with much prayer and consideration my mom decided to fully retire from nursing. When making this decision, I saw more joy and peace in her than I have in a while. Prior to all of this happening, one Sunday a lady by the name of Rhonda was visiting our church service. Before she left, my mom had the privilege of meeting her. The lady proceeded to tell my mom that they soon would be opening a BBQ restaurant in the town our church is in. My mom quotes, "At that very moment, I felt the presence of God speaking to my spirit and saying, 'I have a plan and a place for you." My mom, was confused as to why the Lord would speak that to her, but knew that he was all-knowing and in control of all things. It wasn't even two weeks later my mom received the news that she lost her job. A month past, and in that month is when my family prayed and sought the Lord for his direction. There was no clear answer until about three days ago. While my mom and dad sat at the dinning room table praying for the Lord's direction, the phone rang. My mom answered, and much to her surprise it was Rhonda. Rhonda called my mom in desperation of needing help and begged and asked my mom if she knew of anyone that was needing a job. My mom began to fill up with tears, in understanding that in the Lord's time, he knows all and does all things for the good of those who love him.
My mom started working at the restaurant and has received so much joy and happiness from that gift of employment that it finds others and myself overjoyed at this blessing. I named this blog entry "How Did I Get Here" because sometimes it is wise and important for us to reflect on the goodness and direction of God's hands in where he has put us at that very moment and how we got here. I could write story after story of how God has protected, sustained, and provided for me to be where I am at this very moment. If you read this, please share a story of how God brought you to a place. The place may be where you have been, where you are now, or where you feel the Lord is going to take you. Either way reflect on this day of the grace and provision he gives us in our lives.
great story, Deanna. I"m currently in a situation that is making me feel uneasy, and I don't where I'll end up because of this situation, but you're story inspires me to do what I can and leave the rest up to God. As far a success story that has already happened, I can honestly say (w/o his permission. lol) that Trevor and I is that story. I don't know how long I put off getting to know him,for various reasons, but I took a lot of time to myself after my previous relationship ended, went through a few awkward dates just to prove to myself that I was capable of moving on, and was very reluctant to a serious relationship when Trevor started expressing interest in me. Over time, with much surrender to God's grace, and openness to his spirit, I feel extremely blessed to be in a relationship that constantly reminds me of God's love and encourages me to put his love relationship before my own. I very much struggle with that, but I know it's worth it to keep seeking his spirit and finding ways it is working in my life. One way I feel God's spirit in my life right now is through my relationships, and for that, I am so grateful. I pray his spirit continues in my relationship and guides me in my current situation to trust his timing and to learn from the struggles. Thanks for providing a place to share these stories!
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