Merry Christmas, friends!
I hope that each of you experienced some Christmas joy. For me, Christmas joy is spending time with our children.
Our 3 sons and their families converged on our south Florida home last week. Then, as a group we went to the Bahamas for a few days. If you listened to our Christmas podcast, you might remember that Dave and I would rather gift experiences than stuff.
We can’t always take the kids on vacation, but this year we worked it into the budget. Being with all our children, sons, daughter-in-loves, and grandblessing, makes me the happiest!
In the spirit of complete honesty, this past week held the highest point and the lowest point of the year. The day before the rest of the kids were due to arrive, my husband found out he was laid off. (Thank goodness we had already paid for the trip.) The company experienced low revenue this year. Last hired, first to go. He had an inkling but didn’t think it would be right before Christmas. (Yes, this is the job that severed my 17-year love affair with North Carolina, but I cannot dwell on that.)
I know our story isn’t unique. Many of you are dealing with setbacks, whether it’s a setback in a relationship or in your bank account or in your spiritual walk.
We are clinging to a faithful God. We have history with him. A few years ago, Dave worked for a small company that ran out of money. The week of the last paycheck, Dave received a job offer. God always shows up! He’ll show up for you, too.
I wish I could say that I love completely depending upon God for my strength and stability. But, I can’t. I hate the feeling of not knowing, instability, and helplessness. It makes me afraid. However, it’s in those moments where I am molded the most. You see, maybe I loved my surroundings in North Carolina too much. Maybe my stability kept me from seeing God’s calling. Maybe I couldn’t see God working for all the control I had in my life.
You know where else I had to depend upon God’s promises for my helplessness? My journey to understanding sexual intimacy in marriage. My instincts did not compel me to consider sex as a type of emotional connection. However, God promised that His ways are the best ways. He created sexual intimacy and it is designed to strengthen marriage. And, you know what, it does strengthen marriage! My instincts were wrong.
My instinct or human fear, says that control is good. God says, “Give me control of your life. I will help you become more than you ever thought possible.”
So, I leave you with this Christmas thought. Jesus came to not only offer us eternal life, but to help transform us into more than we ever thought possible. Jesus brought hope for life on earth as well as life eternal.
Do you have fears that may be holding you back from experiencing more, especially in your marriage? Please leave a comment below so that I can pray for you, and all my readers can pray for you, too.
In return, would you please pray for us? I’m confident God has a plan, but waiting is the hardest part.
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant,” Luke 1:46-48.
Our, Bonny! I love your post and will pray for you to rely totally on God and be at peace about it. Thanks for your ALWAYS insightful words and thoughts.
Thank you, Sandy! We need your prayers and are so thankful for them.
Bonny. I will pray for you and yours. Can you add my sweet husband to your list? Today is his last day as a contractor for a company he has been with 2 years. It was sudden and unexpected move within the company. Other departments are scrambling to see if he can join them for 2018. His employer is also searching for other locations that need his skill set. We always survive. Our strength as a couple pulls us through.
I had no idea you were a published author! Congratulations!
Thank you so much for your prayer, Angie! Yes, I will absolutely pray for your husband’s employment, as well. Looks like we are dealing with similar circumstances. It’s so wonderful to have that unity as a couple. It is a blessing, especially when you are facing challenges.
Regarding writing, thank you for your kind words. I’ve been writing since I could hold a crayon. When God pulled us through a dark season in our marriage, I knew why he had given me the talent. I had to help other marriages.
Bonny-
I agree with your comments above so very much. When my 27 yr marriage was falling apart in 2011-2012 I finally stopped trying to tape together the broken pieces and turned it over to God to help me keep me and the kids safe. By 2013 after a fairly amicable divorce I found a wonderful man that helped me through a difficult transition for my kids. Fast forward and my kids are happy healthy and successful. And now I’m helping my husband’s adult kids through a rough transition in their lives. Proof positive that sometimes you can’t see the path but God does and guides you when you can’t see where to go. Love your positive posts and attitude. It is admirable. Prayers for stability and another job for your hubby.
Thank you, Shari!
Bonny, I sure know what you’re going through and I did not want to leave Florida to go back to North Carolina and even though I was in denial, I trusted God to take care of us. And he did and always does. So then, I let go and let God lead the way. I will be praying for you both.
Love in Christ,
Thanks, Carla. Surrender is the hardest part.