Monday, September 07, 2009

Funneled by Faith

9:30 p.m.

This morning we packed up and moved out of TB’s house. We waited all weekend for God to open a door, and around 8:00 p.m. tonight we found ourselves sitting at Panera, staring straight in the face of having no place to go for the night.

It was getting late, and we knew we had to do something. We reviewed our options—getting a hotel room, sleeping in the car, or camping for the night—but none of them felt right or made sense to us. So we called E. She had previously offered to put us up for a night or two if needed, but we really didn’t want to impose if we didn’t have to. Tonight, though, we were clearly in the position where we needed to take her up on that offer.

We are at her house now, and I can’t help but wonder what just happened.

Last weekend, we received an email from D and L offering their home once they leave for Africa on the 15th. We were hoping another door would open to cover us until then. They did say that if we truly needed a place right away, we were welcome—but the house would be a disaster area while they packed and prepared to leave. Again, we didn’t want to be a burden, so we assumed another option would open.

Once again, I don’t fully understand God’s plan. But after reviewing everything up to this point, I honestly don’t see where we could have done anything differently. We were given a deadline, we moved in faith believing God would open a door, and we waited.

On the drive to E’s, I prayed a lot. As I replayed every step we had taken, I felt a deep peace and assurance that this is exactly where we were supposed to be tonight—and that this was not a mistake. I have a strong sense that we were meant to be here at E’s for a reason. It feels as though we were funneled here, because it was truly the only option left open to us.

I know God is able to do all things. If He had wanted us somewhere else, He would have made it happen. He would have opened another door.

E has been experiencing severe headaches lately and has an MRI scheduled for this Thursday. She’s already had some tests run, and everything has come back clear, so this is the next step to see if anything shows up. It has been very hard on her, especially with the kids, because she doesn’t feel well and just wants to sleep due to the constant pain.

Lord, I pray that You would relieve her pain and heal whatever is going on in her body. In Jesus’ name, amen.