This has been a very busy, but amazing, week. M and L—the couple we’re currently staying with—have truly been wonderful. They’ve welcomed us with open arms, and we feel like part of the family here. We have reliable internet (thank You, Jesus, for the small but important blessings!), plenty of food, and a peaceful roof over our heads.
CB invited me to join a website called SimpleChurch.com, and I’ve been exploring it as time (and internet access) allows. I’ve posted a few comments and journal entries, and I’ve really enjoyed the interaction. These are people who have been called out, just like us. It’s so encouraging—and honestly, it’s way cool!
One of the women who saw one of my posts reached out and asked to meet. We had dinner, and it was instantly clear that it was a divine appointment. God set that one up. We’re now pursuing a friendship, and she’s even joining the Breaking Free Beth Moore study I’m leading. Praise the Lord for all the divine connections and ways He’s moving!
The Lord also brought a couple more women into my life this week. One came through a local therapist, and another is someone we met years ago through Divorce Care. She reached out after hearing our story and wanted to know more about what God has been doing in our lives. I pray for the grace to keep up with everyone and not wear myself out in the process.
Tom and I are doing better—thank You, Jesus! I’ve been refocusing my thoughts, praying for him (and for myself, his wife!) using The Power of a Praying Wife prayer cards, and asking the Lord to help me see Tom through His eyes. Last night, on the way home from taking W back, Tom opened up and shared more about how he’s been feeling. It helped me so much to hear his heart—it gave me a deeper compassion for what he’s walking through.
He said he doesn’t feel like he’s being “refined” so much as “forged”—like a steel sword. Not melted like gold, but beaten into shape. He reminded me of a show we’d watched together about how swords are made: the steel is heated, then pounded, stretched, folded, reheated, and pounded again. Over and over. That’s how he feels—that every bit of flesh and impurity is being pounded out of him.
As he spoke, I felt the Lord shift my perspective. I began to understand more clearly why this season has been so painful for him. We even remembered a word CA gave us back in June 2007:
“The Word will be your backbone—it is like steel, keeping you straight and true.” Wow.
That really hit home.
Another incredible moment this week: I sent SK my updated journal detailing how God showed up in such powerful ways last weekend. He reminded us that God had told him he wasn’t just supposed to give us money—he was to provide for something specific related to ministry. At first, Tom and I weren’t sure what that meant. But in prayer, our cell phone and car insurance bills kept coming to mind.
We weren’t comfortable bringing it up, so we waited. Then SK followed up and offered examples: “Books? Videos? Websites? Gas?” At that point, I felt released to mention our phone and insurance needs. He replied almost immediately—God confirmed that he was to help with those, and he’s now set it up to send us $200 per month to cover those expenses. Thank You, Jesus!
He also encouraged me—again—to start posting my journal online for others to read. I’ve felt for a while that I was supposed to do that, but I didn’t know when, where, or how. This time, when he mentioned it, I instantly thought of SimpleChurch.com and felt a peace in my spirit. So I began last night and plan to post as many entries as I can each day until I’m caught up.
Lord, may Your glory be revealed in our lives through every step of this journey. I’ve already received a couple of positive responses—and I’m excited to see what You’ll do next.
No comments:
Post a Comment