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August 20, 2010

We are Going Through A Tough Time

You know...I wish life were easy and wrapped into this nice little bow. That the way you you wish it or hope it will be is exactly the way it will turn out.  But it never is and I will tell you that I am glad for it.  Really and truly.

Which is why I am asking for prayer and letting you know that my sweet husband came home today crushed because he lost his job.

Oh, this precious man.  For those who know him he is described as one of the nicest people they ever met, kind and tender hearted, a great guy, a workhorse, a dedicated person.  And I know all this to be true since...um...he hired me and that is how we met.  I remember watching his impeccable work ethic and the way he was with people.  I was so impressed by him.  Little did I know I would marry him and I am so glad I did. :)

It hurts this has happened.  I know that if we don't let God reign in our thoughts we can easily give way to fear.  But we also are choosing to FORGET NOT ALL OF GOD's BENEFITS.  We serve a mighty God who has never let us down before.  In fact, He has done MIRACLES in our life.  He won't stop now. So please pray for the job intended for Brandon that puts him on the right career path.

It amazes me the perfect peace that comes when we let God rule our hearts, our decisions, and our future.  I love that when I start letting thoughts go through my head like the fast paced credits at the end of a movie, I can easily be gripped by terror and paralyzing anxiety. But God tells us not to be anxious about anything but with prayer and petition to present our requests to him...and the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard my heart in Christ Jesus.  Consider us GUARDED.  I marvel that in the midst of the dark unknown...we trust the outcome...no matter what it will look like.

Obviously, trouble can come and when we are most vulnerable we can begin to lose patience, faith, and reason.  So pray that our family stands united in Christ and with one another.  Our children are watching this new development and all I want them to see is Faith in Action. Not only that, but we can easily begin to fear God will forsake His provision. Yet this is a lie straight from the pit and I stand on the knowledge that God is our Jehovah Jireh...our PROVIDER...and I know He will provide.  But I am human.  We all are and can begin to doubt God in HIS FINEST HOUR. And I am so excited to see what GOD will do. So pray for our family as a whole.

Finally, my hope and deepest desire is this scenario will be another testimony of God's goodness and faithfulness.  That his ways are higher than our ways.  My prayer is that our family remains steadfast within this so this whole situation will point directly to our God and King.  

May it magnify your name, Lord.

I promise to keep all of you posted and I thank God for each and every one of you.

24 comments:

  1. Praying for the peace you need in this situation and that God will greatly bless your family's future!

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  2. I am and will be praying for your family during this time. And if you need to borrow that cup of sugar...

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  3. Oh, Jessica... how I understand all the thoughts that must be racing through your mind. He does provide. It is frightening... as frightening as the Lion in CS Lewis' books. Some of my favorite quotes about Aslan the lion (God's character) come to mind at times like this:

    Mr. Beaver said: Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight. At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more. When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death. And when he shakes his mane, it will be spring again. (LWW)

    and my absolute favorite:

    "Safe?" said Mr. Beaver; "don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you." --Mr. Beaver the the Pevensie Children, LWW

    He is good. Our king is good...

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  4. Emily...you sweet, special friend. I have always said that I could never worship a SAFE GOD. Oh, but He is good. he is faithful when we are faithless. And one thing I cling to is this...God is our advocate, He goes before us, and the Glory of the Lord will be our rear guard. I love that. That the glory of God will support us from behind as God goes ahead of us in all things. I just sighed with the wonderment of it all. I thank each of you for your prayers and sweet words.

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  5. Praying for you and your family.

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  6. I love you! I am so proud to call you my friend. Your faith is incredible to witness. Praying for you!

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  7. things just keep coming at us huh!
    same on my end! But its SO AMAZING how God turns each and every problem around for the good of us!! Me and my hubby will surely be praying for you!! Cant wait to hear how He provides!! Cuz we know He will :)
    Love you!

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  8. Your faith is amazing! You are strong and steadfast. As a sister in faith I will be praying that our God who is faithful in his promises will prosper your family and turn all sorrow into amazing JOY! Let your husband know daily that you believe in him and love and respect him. The bible tells us to respect our husbands and many men equate respect with the job they are doing and how well they provide for their families. Keep him lifted up!!!Stand by your Man! In my prayers, Deborah

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  9. Praying for your family. I have no doubt this isn't easy and each day, maybe each hour you will have to remind yourself of whose in control. Aren't we so blessed that we serve a God who already knew this day would come? That we serve a God who already knows what happens next? He knows the plans He has for you, and they are good plans.

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  10. I'm so sorry that your family is traveling down this difficult path! I've been reading Kay Arthur's book/devotional "Lord, Only You Can Change Me" It goes through the Beatitudes and is really making me see things so differently. Here is a quote from her book on the topic of meekness:

    "Meekness looks beyond circumstances-no matter how upsetting and hurtful- and bows the knee to the sovereign God." Kay Arthur

    *Romans 11:33-34 *

    Believing in a Sovereign God means that we accept these things as His perfect will, even when man means things for evil, God uses them to good. We've been through the whole no job thing and have seen God work miracles, quite literally a $20,000 medical bill just disappeared in everyone's computer records!! WOW! I pray that you will see God do amazing things through this and will bring you and your husband closer together!!

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  11. Praying for you guys! God will provide. You will come out the other side in amazement and wonder and praise at how God will orchestrate everything, I just know it! I know from experience. Hang in there, God will not forsake you!

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  12. Praying for you...God is good...always!

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  13. I love this, over and over again in your post and in others' comments... "God is Good". It's been an anthem to me today. Perhaps that's why I haven't even visited your blog yet until today. Because He wanted to once again remind me that indeed, He is Good. I read about it in a book I just started, too. And my prayers today have been about remembering His character, His Goodness. My dad has been saying for a while now about his own current situation, "I know two things. God is in control. And God is good."

    Praying for your family, for the perfect job for Brandon.

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  14. I used to sing in a gospel choir several years ago. A few song lyrics are coming to me:
    "It is His will that every need be supplied." and "When prayers go up, blessings come down."

    Much strength to your family as you navigate this transition knowing that He will provide all you need.

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  15. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time, your marriage sounds strong and steadfast, your faith unwavering ... and God's angels will take you under their wings and keep you safe from harm!
    Much love to y'all xxx

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  16. Not related to this post at all, but I LOVE the new look of your blog. Just sayin'.
    P.S. Thanks for coming over to my house today!

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  17. Hey Jessica,
    You know this has happened to us a couple of times. It is such a faith walk and for me such an emotional roller coaster. One minute I would be so high trusting God and being amazed at how He was at work. The next moment I was crushed at the latest disappointing news about the job search.
    Even though it is incredibly difficult and scary, it is such a sweet time of constantly being reminded of who our provider really is. You are so strong and your faith is so steadfast. I am excited to see where God leads you all.
    Side note: I was looking for your follower button today because I never officially signed up. ;o)

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  18. Hey Jess...I have been praying & will keep doing so! I think of you & your family often. Already this is a testimony & I LOVE that you are already seeing it that way. This is one of the most beautiful posts I have ever read & your faith in God is such a beacon of light & hope for others too! I hope you are doing okay & I really pray that the perfect job comes very very soon. Sending love your way!!!

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  19. I just wanted to let you know how much I love the way you are viewing this challenge set before you. You are right, God will provide. Praying for you all. <3

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  20. Wow...sorry to hear this my friend..will be praying for you...God does have a plan for your family..but again it is all in HIS time.

    Extra hugs are being sent you way. xoxoox

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  21. just wanted to stop by and say
    I love you!
    xoxo
    Keren

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  22. Hi,

    Thank you, thank you, for your post. I found it tonight and it was very encouraging for me. My husband is a pastor. He just lost his job too. June 12 we had to move from Virginia to Texas to live with my parents. We are praying and waiting expectantly for God to bless us with a new job and home. Honestly, there are days that I can't believe this happend to us, and I want to wallow in self pity. Mostly, though, I am just thankful for the chance to witness his awesome provision, learn all the lessons he is teaching us, and most of all show our kids how to follow hard after Christ now matter what. I will pray for you and your family. I would love it if you would pray for us. Thanks agian for sharing.
    Leah

    Leah

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  23. One door closes so a bigger one can open. I have to remind myself of that all the time. Still praying. Always praying.

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