At times in life we are forced to change our course, not our destination or purpose, but the way we get there.
We never dreamed that we would be called to care for a special needs child, because, well, that happens to other people, right?
But the course of our lives has changed dramatically in the two months. Plans that we had are on hold, expectations of what life was going to be like are changed, and instead we quietly wait, not knowing what tomorrow will bring and unable to plan for tomorrow.
And as we wait, friends and family come alongside us and in God's good timing share truths needed at the very moment we need to hear them. It's like He's leaving us crumbs on this new road, letting us know He is still here, leading us, upholding us, caring for us, when everything else cries out that He has left us or surely made some mistake.
Here are some encouragements pointed out to us along the way:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41
"Be content with what you have, or he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13. Contentment doesn't depend on our circumstances. We can be content because we have Him and with that we can face our circumstances. He is enough, more than enough! (From a message of Pastor Bill Boekestein)
Another good friend sent a note: "Here is a bit of insight that I had in the life of Joseph and Mary. Have you ever noticed that despite the great injustice(no room in the inn) and great hardship (pregnant lady traveling miles on the back of a donkey, misunderstood by people (he is an illegitamate child) they were possessing the worlds greatest Blessing and would be used as a blessing for countless others. God is in our trials and will use them for our good and the good of others."
There have been times I've looked at my precious son and his circumstances and am tempted to see the picture as broken or wrong. But even if I can't make sense of the picture or figure out how to put it together, I know that the end result if good and beautiful. I know God has placed a tremendous blessing in our hands.
We step into 2010 on a new and unfamiliar course and with hesitant but thankful hearts. I am sure this new course will be peppered with blessings and challenges beyond our prediction. A new course, but the same Father to lead us along the way.
"For last year's words belong to last year's language And next year's words await another voice. To make an end is to make a beginning."
T.S. Eliot
T.S. Eliot
Quote shared by Kate
4 comments:
His grace is sufficient-His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
God bless you and keep you! ...strengthen you and give you all you need for the future whatever it may hold!
Hello Kara! Just wanted to say what a blessing it always is,to read your blog. I feel like i have been with a friend who has been sitting at the feet of Jesus. Always so encouraging and sometimes convicting. Thank you for being so open and sharing your heart with others. It is so neat to see what Jesus in doing in your lives. Love and miss you guys!
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