What a Difference a Year Makes

Last Fall, about a year ago this time, in faith my husband and I sold our house and moved into temporary housing knowing God was getting ready to move us to a new season, literally! We knew we were “ready” for what was next, at least so we thought we were. What we didn’t know was where that next would be. At that point we had already eliminated everywhere we didn’t want to go… how nice of us to let God know our preferences right? Let me back up a bit first…at the end of August 2016 we had resigned from a church we were on staff at for several years. During that summer we tried to sell our home but to no avail. So fast forward to the next few years where we were still waiting and praying, and praying and waiting on God to give us clear direction on our “next assignment.” Unknowingly, that process of waiting on God lasted over three very long and excruciatingly painful years. 

We had no idea then our actual wait would be so long or so painful. But God had a reason for what seemed to be a relentless delay. There was something He needed to do in our hearts and lives before we were ready to move on to the “next place“, if you will.  

Matthew Nelson, in his book, The Beauty of the In-Between wrote, “It’s usually in those despised seasons of obscurity that the most inward transformation takes place. It’s the place where trust is formulated, character is refined, perseverance is tested, and motives are evaluated. When we become addicted to the destination, we usually end up despising the process.” Ouch!

As we packed up our house, putting the majority of our stuff into storage, and moved into temporary housing I couldn’t help but wonder if God would really come through for us. We had been through so much the past several years and it didn’t seem like things were getting better anytime soon. (I tend to take after Thomas sometimes, the doubting disciple.) To be honest I had been disappointed several times before so how was I to be sure this time was going to be different?

Then the Holy Spirit reminded me something a dear friend of mine said to me a while back when she and her husband went through a similar situation. She said never forget “God sees you, God hears you and God will answer you.” I replayed those words in my mind every time I felt alone and discouraged. (*Thank you Kim Reeves for being such an ecouraging friend and kindred spirit)

Just as my sweet friend encouraged me with these very words maybe you can repeat those words to yourself too for encouragement! Such a simple but powerful reminder of God’s promises to us in our time of need.  

Say this out loud: God thank you for seeing me, hearing me AND answering me. You are with me AND You ARE working all things together for good because You love me and I am Your child! and no one who puts their trust in you will ever be put to shame!!!

"So Hagar gave this name to the LORD who had spoken to her: 
You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “Here I have seen the One who sees me!”
Genesis 16:13

"Even before they call, I will answer;
while they are still speaking, I will hear." 
Isaiah 65:24

About a month after moving I received an email from a church website I subscribed to for job postings announcing an opening for a staff position at a church in the Pacific Northwest. Without hesitation we submitted our application. Surprisingly, within a couple days we received an email inquiring more information about us. Ultimately we went through a lengthy vetting process and by December we were flown out for an onsite visit where we were offered the position at our new church! Since the Lord already set us up for a quick transition we were ready to get moving! After celebrating the holidays, we emptied our storage unit, packed up the moving van and headed out for our nearly 4 day cross country adventure.

In hindsight, little did I know last September I would be writing about this new season of ministry from my new (to me) home, in my new city, and in my new church. When I look back on this past year I marvel at the goodness of God and His timing in bringing us here. There were so many moments when I wasn’t sure if we would ever be back in ministry again; especially after taking a few years off to take care of ourselves emotionally, mentally and spiritually during this extended sabbatical (more about that story later!) We know our calling is to serve in Full Time Ministry and it has been that very calling that’s kept us committed for the long haul, even when things looked so hopeless. 

So whatever it is you are waiting on/for… Keep Moving forward. God has a plan for your life and IT IS Good. If you are in a season of waiting that feels like it’s going nowhere fast – don’t look back and don’t give up! If it feels like God is quiet, take heart, just because He’s silent – doesn’t mean He is still! Help is on the way and as you are waiting on God, He is working behind the scenes to set things up for your good and His glory!

Just as my friend encouraged me with these simple words, I pray that you will always remember: “God sees you, God hears you and God will answer you my friend!”

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