New things

Sometimes, someone can do the most simple thing and make such an impact on others.  The irony of it is that they may not even know it.  This morning my friend Eva Wilson posted a bible verse on Facebook that really struck home. 

You see, this has been a difficult year for us.  In February we lost our 14 year old precious dog Sammy.  He was Matthew's companion until he outgrew him then Sammy became a friend to my husband and father-in-law.  We did not need Sammy to die when he did.  As if that wasn't enough, our beautiful rescue dog Daisy who had also become a great friend to my husband died suddenly with blood clots and both dogs had become our companions since my father-in-law had become very ill.  Not to minimize the situation but in August our youngest left for college leaving a huge void and empty nesters.  Lastly, a little less than a month ago, we lost my 98 year old father-in-law to his heavenly home.

It has been a tough year indeed.  As we come to a close, we also understand that my husband is awaiting news of a promotion and the deadline is tomorrow.  When we hadn't heard anything by Monday, I told my husband that we needed to trust God and if it didn't happen, we would still trust that God could see our future and not fret. 

We left for a short getaway and enjoyed a little quiet time but alas, it was time to get back to reality.  As a wife, I pray for my husband and we often ask each other "How can I pray for you today?"  I didn't ask this time, I merely asked God to show me how to minister to my husband if the answer was "no."  I mean really,  to the human eye and for logistics sake, if you're going to have a promotional ceremony, one should have sufficient notice. 

We knew today would be the last opportunity and it would be sink or swim.  We woke up and as I was having morning coffee, I checked Facebook.  It was then that I read what Eva posted: 

Lonely? Feling disjointed? Feel like your wandering in the wilderness" Listen for the Lord's voice.  Look to His Word, "Look, I am about to do something new.  Now it begins to happen! Do you not recognize it? Yes, I will make a road in the desert and paths in the wilderness."  Isaiah 43:19

Yes, He is doing a new thing!  At that moment, I resigned to the fact that God is doing a new thing in my life, in my husband's life, in our family's life and with or without this promotion, God would see us through.  There has been so much sadness in our life I just really wanted this for him! 

My husband left for work like normal and within the hour I got a phone call with these words "It's official, I get promoted tomorrow!"  I remembered the words of the Lord in Isaiah.  "Look, I am about to do something new!"

That facebook post prompted me to go to that chapter in Isaiah and I was reminded of God's mercy and power.  "I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israeal's Creator, your King." [v10] Power!  "This is what the Lord says-he who made a way...."[v16] God is not limited by our circumstances.  Not by our schedule, ability or deadlines.  He who "made a path through the sea, a path through the mighty waters" can and will make a way!

So to my friend Eva I say thank you!  Thank you for the encouragement that had our names written all over it.  To God I say thank you for using Eva for sharing your word and planting the seed that was harvested when it landed in our hearts! 

I look forward to the new things God has planned for us. 

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing.  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in tbe wasteland.
Isaiah 43:18-19 [NIV]