Great is His faithfulness
As many of you know, we moved away from our lifelong home six months after we got married--leaving behind us our families, friends, church, and everything we knew. We stepped out in faith to begin a three-year journey through law school in strange town with no friends, no jobs, and little money.
We saw God be faithful, our trust in Him was deepened like never before, and our marriage was strengthened so much because all we had was the Lord and each other. It was a lonely time, it was a stretching time, and above all, it was one of the most maturing experiences we've ever been through.
After law school, our heart's desire was to move back home; we had a toddler and another baby on the way by then and we were dearly missing our families and community we left behind. But the Lord had other plans.
He moved us to Kansas City where we endured a grueling six months that brought so many bizarre circumstances and trials you'd probably think we were making it all up. Only problem was, we weren't.
Again, our faith was tested. Again, our marriage was strengthened. And again, we saw God prove Himself faithful through it all.
In August of 2007, it appeared the Lord was opening the doors for us to move back home. We were beyond elation and quickly started getting everything in order to move. Only a few weeks before our expected move date, everything fell through and we knew this was not God's timing.
We were both crushed. To see our dreams shattering in a hundred pieces before our faces, to come so close only to have it all pulled away was especially hard. I wanted so badly to trust God in the midst of this, but, I'll be very honest and say that my faith wavered a great deal. Yet, God was faithful, in spite of my unbelief, my doubts, and my fears.
Little bit by little bit, we started seeing some rainbows through the rain, though: after three months of unemployment, my husband was able to get steady work; the Lord provided friends to help lift us up and encourage us when we were so beaten-down and weary; and God used His Word to rejuvenate our hearts.
For months, we waited, prayed, applied for jobs, and prayed some more. Many others joined us in praying. We held onto the hope that if the Lord wanted us to move back home, He would clearly open the door for us. We wanted it to be His timing, not ours.
We also learned many of the lessons I shared last week about embracing today. We didn't know what the future held, but that didn't need to stop us from making the most of today. We continued to pursue the possibility of moving back home, but we also asked the Lord to give us patience and contentment for today.
Two months ago, the Lord strongly impressed upon both of our hearts that it was time to earnestly begin praying about moving back home. We spent hours on our knees before the Lord praying for direction, for Wisdom, for guidance and clarity. We truly wanted His will, not ours.
Out-of-the-blue, a job opportunity presented itself--one we weren't seeking and something we weren't even considering. But after more prayer, we knew this was where God was leading. He continued to open all the doors and keep all the lights green.
Last Saturday, we finalized the job details and signed a contract on a beautiful rental house (just another of God's blessings--it was right in our price range, perfectly suited for us, and in the exact location we were hoping for!).
After years of hoping, waiting, and praying, the Lord has given us the desire of our hearts and the answer to our prayers. We look back and realize how this past year--hard as it was--was perfectly preparing us for what God had in store.
God is good. All the time. Even when I've doubted, even when my faith has wavered. He knew all along and He was absolutely in control at every moment and step of the way. I'm excited to see what the future has in store!
Note: Lord-willing, we'll be moving October 18, 2008. It should be an interesting next month--especially since I'm right at the peak of morning sickness--but I know that the Lord will sustain us and carry us through!
We saw God be faithful, our trust in Him was deepened like never before, and our marriage was strengthened so much because all we had was the Lord and each other. It was a lonely time, it was a stretching time, and above all, it was one of the most maturing experiences we've ever been through.
After law school, our heart's desire was to move back home; we had a toddler and another baby on the way by then and we were dearly missing our families and community we left behind. But the Lord had other plans.
He moved us to Kansas City where we endured a grueling six months that brought so many bizarre circumstances and trials you'd probably think we were making it all up. Only problem was, we weren't.
Again, our faith was tested. Again, our marriage was strengthened. And again, we saw God prove Himself faithful through it all.
In August of 2007, it appeared the Lord was opening the doors for us to move back home. We were beyond elation and quickly started getting everything in order to move. Only a few weeks before our expected move date, everything fell through and we knew this was not God's timing.
We were both crushed. To see our dreams shattering in a hundred pieces before our faces, to come so close only to have it all pulled away was especially hard. I wanted so badly to trust God in the midst of this, but, I'll be very honest and say that my faith wavered a great deal. Yet, God was faithful, in spite of my unbelief, my doubts, and my fears.
Little bit by little bit, we started seeing some rainbows through the rain, though: after three months of unemployment, my husband was able to get steady work; the Lord provided friends to help lift us up and encourage us when we were so beaten-down and weary; and God used His Word to rejuvenate our hearts.
For months, we waited, prayed, applied for jobs, and prayed some more. Many others joined us in praying. We held onto the hope that if the Lord wanted us to move back home, He would clearly open the door for us. We wanted it to be His timing, not ours.
We also learned many of the lessons I shared last week about embracing today. We didn't know what the future held, but that didn't need to stop us from making the most of today. We continued to pursue the possibility of moving back home, but we also asked the Lord to give us patience and contentment for today.
Two months ago, the Lord strongly impressed upon both of our hearts that it was time to earnestly begin praying about moving back home. We spent hours on our knees before the Lord praying for direction, for Wisdom, for guidance and clarity. We truly wanted His will, not ours.
Out-of-the-blue, a job opportunity presented itself--one we weren't seeking and something we weren't even considering. But after more prayer, we knew this was where God was leading. He continued to open all the doors and keep all the lights green.
Last Saturday, we finalized the job details and signed a contract on a beautiful rental house (just another of God's blessings--it was right in our price range, perfectly suited for us, and in the exact location we were hoping for!).
After years of hoping, waiting, and praying, the Lord has given us the desire of our hearts and the answer to our prayers. We look back and realize how this past year--hard as it was--was perfectly preparing us for what God had in store.
God is good. All the time. Even when I've doubted, even when my faith has wavered. He knew all along and He was absolutely in control at every moment and step of the way. I'm excited to see what the future has in store!
Note: Lord-willing, we'll be moving October 18, 2008. It should be an interesting next month--especially since I'm right at the peak of morning sickness--but I know that the Lord will sustain us and carry us through!
Labels: Encouragement
posted by Crystal Paine at 7:00 AM
49 Comments:
I am so happy for you! If you lived nearby I would help you pack and cook and clean...but you are very far away from me so I am praying the Lord sends you someone who can help you during this time!
God is good, isn't He?
I am so happy for you. I lived away from my hometown for nearly 7 years. That was a tough but growing time. So is most of your family there---your siblings and such??? I am sure you will be blogging about more family affairs if you get back to your hometown.
Congrats again...everythings seems so perfect and wonderful for you all right now. May the Lord continue to bless you.
This is wonderful news! Moving house while expecting a baby is never exactly easy (I've done it twice)but I am sure that the Lord will strengthen and uphold you. God is good indeed!
Rejoicing in the Lord with you! The Lord truly is faithful!
I will be praying for you during your move. We will be moving in a couple of months ourselves, so I know how you feel -except the morning sickness!
God bless.
How exciting for both of you!! I'm happy to hear that things are working out the way you had hoped they would. Congratulations to Jesse on the new job!
Praying for a smooth move and a quick end to the morning sickness.
Melanie B.
October 18th is my birthday :) I wish you luck in your move.
Wonderful news--congratulations! We had a season of living far from family when our first two kids were babies. It was very hard. We were so thankful to move back South, and it's been blessing us ever since!
Will pray for you, that all goes smoothly.
Congratulations!
I am so happy you and Jessie and the girls have this opportunity. Being close to family is such a blessing.
One thing I really like about this blog is your transparancy. You've shared with us how sometimes things have been very difficult and maybe not what you would've chosen but God is still good and still in charge.
Indeed, God is good all the time!
Blessings to you on this new leg of your life's journey.
Trixie
You are moving on my birthday, too!
Many blessings to you as you sort through things, pack and get ready for the big day. How exciting to be moving back home. And where is "home?" I know you are in Kansas City but wasn't sure how far your hometown was from there. We just moved from Oregon to Florida out of obedience to the Lord. We have been here a month and it is exciting to see all that He blesses us with and provides for us. We left friends and family back in Oregon but I know God will bless with more friends and ministry opportunities while we live here in Florida. May the Lord grant you peace and rest while you are in the early stages of your pregnancy.
Blessings, Pamela
I rejoice with you in His faithful goodness to move us into places that delight Him to do so.
blessings...lylah
That's fantastic, I'm so happy for you guys. Both my parents and in-laws live nearby, which is wonderful when you have kids. I'm so glad everything worked out for you - you're going to love being back home!
Crystal,
Uncle Same sent us to Germany for 4 years immediately after we got married. I missed funerals, weddings, babies, and had a baby of my own while living there. While I loved Germany, I understand the ache to be back with family. I'm SO happy for you that you will have this chance to be back home, near friends, family, a home church, and everything else! WONDERFUL NEWS!!!
Mary
www.oneblessedfamily.com
Congrats on the dream come true! Your post gave me hope that God has something in store for us too. There are so few rentals in our town and those that come available once in a blue moon are about double what we want to pay. I am very anxious to get out of our small, 2 bedroom apartment and into a place with more privacy and space. Thanks for the reminder that God is taking care of it all and has a perfect plan in all of it!
Congrats, Crystal!
Phebe
You are so right...God is good all of the time and all of the time, God is good. Blessings to you during this exciting, busy and stressful time. Kate
So wonderful! I'll be praying for you. I've moved twice when pregnant. One of those times I was supposed to be taking it easy due to complications. God is good and you are so right. He will certainly see you through. Congratulations.
I am so happy for you and your family!
-Kristi
After living in Ohio and South Carolina God granted us a heart's desire by providing a way for us to move back to our home state and to my husband's home town. Three years later we still marvel at His plan and blessing -- in allowing us difficult times and in bringing us nearer to our families. Like you, we praise Him for what He has done and what He is doing in our lives.
Congratulations!
The waiting and growing is hard, isn't it? But, oh so worth the wait.
God moved us in much the same fashion but instead of moving us back to family, He moved us away from family, but to a likeminded fellowship for which we are so very grateful. It was totally a God thing and the result of a year of prayer. It is always so much better when we wait on God instead of pushing Him for what we want now!
May God bless you with strength and energy and/or helpers to get you moved.
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
In Him,
Laralee
http://PlymouthRockRanch.com
Recording the Faithfulness and Provision of God for Future Generations
Congratulations Crystal! That is wonderful news. I hope the move goes well.
We moved back to our hometown about a year ago. We were only an hour away before, but it's still been a wonderful change.
What a great time for you - a new baby, new job and new home! :)
Jennifer
That's so encouraging! I'm happy that things are working out.
My husband and I have spent most of our lives together as newlyweds 400 miles from friends and family.
As you've said, it can be lonely and difficult.
We've learned to rely on each other and the Lord and we've found our marriage to be growing strong!
We're starting to make a gradual connection with our new community, but we do hope that we'll be able to move back soon.
We thought we had an opportunity to do so a few months ago, but it clearly wasn't the right timing. Maybe soon, maybe not.
My prayer is that we'll be content no matter where the Lord puts us.
That's great. It will be nice for you to be near to family! We moved right before I got pregnant, then at 16 weeks, then when our baby was 2 months- and that move was across the country, so we've missed being near family and friends. Hopefully, friends will help you pack and move... do a little bit each day!
your faithfulness is encouraging
blessings, Penny Raine
http://www.pennyraine.com/blog
We are a military family and it seems that every time we moved we either just had a baby or I was pregnant so I know how hard it will be but all the hard work will be worth it once everything settles down! God is always good.
Lisa
God is truly glorified in your post, Crystal, and through your lives of faithfulness to Him! It has brought me to tears, so encouraging and beautiful is your testimony of what HE has done for you!! Praise Him!!
Crystal...thank you so much for this post...it came at a time when I needed it most! God's Blessings to you!
Congratulations, Crystal! I needed that post today. 2 1/2 years ago, the Lord led us to move away from our home town so my husband could serve as a Youth Pastor, and it has been quite a trial. Recently, we've both been struggling with an intense longing to go back "home", though not knowing how God could possibly make that happen. I've been feeling a bit sorry for myself lately, and God has graciously reminded me that in this world, we have no home - our true home is in the kingdom above, but that I need to trust Him to work His will in our lives.
We are still hopeful that we will be able to return to our family an friends soon, but even if we don't, we will love and serve Him wherever He plants us. But, your post gives me hope - He may just bring us "home" after all! And, if He doesn't, there is a better home waiting...
Thank you! And blessings as you prepare for this move - I know the Lord will send you the help that you need to prepare for a move in the midst of this season of morning sickness.
I am so happy for you! What a blessing to be able to be close to family, as you are expecting especially. Trusting in God's time can be so difficult, but He knows what's best. I'll keep you in my prayers during this crazy time for you. Hope the morning sickness doesn't hamper your preparations too much.
Crystal-
What city will you be in now?
Kelli
Wonderful!!!
Congratulations!!!
Thanks for sharing this terrific news!!!
Love,
Heather - Doodle Acres
Congratulations!!!! I will miss having Crystal sightings in Kansas City (oh, ok... I only had one, which was at Oak Park Mall), but am so happy for you! :)
Wow so exciting! I am so happy for you. We live away from my family and it is very hard! I hope to someday get to move back too.
God has blessed you in your faithfulness!
Truly, God is good!!
We're going through what most would consider horrible circumstances right now, but we are simply rejoicing in the goodness and graciousness of our Lord!
I am so happy for you that you get to move 'home'! :)
This is just what I needed to read today! Our home has been for sale for about 3 months. Two weeks ago, the same day we (finally!) received an offer, my father-in-law was diagnosed with inoperable liver cancer and has been given 6 months. The interested buyer declined our counteroffer...and, the home we wanted to buy SOLD. Such disappointing circumstances... Reading your journey was just the gentle reminder I needed to trust in the Lord's timing, not ours! My husband read Isaiah 40:31 in his devotions yesterday. We will continue to wait on the Lord!
I pray your move will go smoothly, especially dealing with your pregnancy.
Very happy for you and your family!
We lived away (my hubs was a Naval Officer then in Corporate USA) for almost nine years before we got back to Ohio. By then we had two kids and we were blessed in having the chance to raise them near family.
Then the job that brought us back fell apart -- like wheels off a bus -- and we had to search again and pray, pray, pray.
It all worked out for the very best. Our motto, after 6 moves in 11 years:
All things in God's time.
Oh, and I'm happy you'll be able to go Krogering again!
Congratulations for your family Crystal!
Thank you for the encouraging blog entry as there are times when my faith wavers but the Lord proves Himself true!
How exciting! I am sure it will be nice to be near your family.
I am a first time poster but had to let you know that you touched me in a way that just can't be explained with words. I read your story and started to cry (still sobbing), I felt like you were writing my life story. It is amazing how one stranger has touched my heart like you. ahighandnoblecalling said "God is good, isn't he?" Yes God is very good and has blessed my family with a great life. Thank you again for sharing your story! Good luck with your move and may God continue to bless you and your family.
Reading your blog brought tears to my eyes. My husband and I grew up in different states, and we are currently residing in his home state. I would love to move closer to my family(and my husband is not opposed!), but the Lord has shut the door whenever we have pursued it. At the same time, He has shut doors to making this our permanent home. (At least, for now) I trust God has plans for us, and one day, should God desire, we may move closer to my family. And, while we are here, we make the most of it! I love living near hubby's family, and I would truly miss them should we ever move. Yet, my heart does yearn to be closer to "home," to be able to have my children grow up with their grandparents and to be able to help out when needed.
I am so happy for you! May God bless you for your faithfulness in waiting for His timing!
We lived in Washington state for 3 years when we were first married - while our families were in SC and GA. I do understand the excitement of moving "home".
I am happy for you.
Kasey
Wonderful news for you and your family! And to be so close to your family when you will still be going through morning sickness and to have them so close when the baby comes. Now that is a blessing from the Lord.
Your post was very encouraging to me. We have been in the waiting game for the past 14 months for the Lord to move us to NYC to help our church start a new church in Manhattan. It'll be the first time in my life (I"m 34) that I've lived more than 15 mins away from my family. We maybe able to move Oct. 18 - our 11 year wedding anniversary but I'm holding out for 10/31.
Oh, how I needed these words today!! Crystal, thank you for letting Him speak to me through you! God is doing the EXACT opposite with us - moving us away from our friends and family in Topeka to Kansas City. It is so good to know that I am not alone in being asked by Him to change our path to where He sends us. Good wishes to you and your family as you embark on this journey. I know the feeling.......
Anne
I did this exact thing, when I had my third child. When I was pregnant with my third, and right in the midst of morning sickness (bad, bad morning sickness), my son who was 1 fell and broke his femur bone. That meant he had to be in a half-body cast. Cast on both legs up to his ribs. And then we had to move! Not far, but far enough. SO packing with morning sickness, and a baby in a very unconvenient cast, was not fun! But, the Lord made us stronger through all of that. He made our bond as a family stronger too. And now we can look back and say God helped us through that, I can't believe we got through it! Thank you God! God is very good. We will be praying for you, and your family.
Thanks for this encouraging story -I am in the midst of a wilderness and waiting for God to show His plan to me, but I have seen glimpses of Him through the trials, and I praise Him because He is God, and He has the whole picture. And I pray for grace to trust Him more!
Such great news! I pray that the move goes smoothly and that God gives you the energy you need at this time.
We were married while my husband was in the military. Our ONLY dream was to move back home. We did. We were there almost 4 years. We then had to leave. I know why we had to go...but to this day I do have questions about some of the why...and maybe always will. But the good part was we have been brought to this place in our lives today, now almost 30 years later. We still feel sad that it did not work out for us to stay there...but ultimately our main goal is to do with the life to come, after we leave this world. One sometimes simply has to say along with Job, "even if YOU slay me, I will still trust in YOU!" And we do still trust in HIM!
I do still think it is ideal to live near your family...especially today and with children...you could no doubt use some help!! And to be able to gather for all the family gatherings is indeed wonderful. I do hope your sojourn will be forever. But if you do find it is not...HE IS STILL WITH YOU!! And it will be ok.
I am indeed happy for you!!
Oooooh I'm so happy for you!!!!!!! Praise the Lord for His goodness - in EVERY situation.
Congratulations! See how perfectly everything has worked out for you now. We just have to have faith!
I'm SO happy for you! So is it being too nosy to ask where home is?
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