Hello there!
I will soon wrap up my "Keys to a Modest Wardrobe" series (for real-I know I keep saying this) but today I just want to share in my appreciation for something God has been teaching me this past year.
I have almost been married for a WHOLE YEAR now! From what I've heard from other married couples, it seems to be split 50/50 on how they perceive their first year of marriage. About a half of married couples have told me that the first year was definitely the hardest, while the other half have said they cherish that first year.
For me, I'd have to say the first (almost) year has been both something I will cherish greatly and look back on and realize that it was indeed a challenge! I cherish all the extra time I was given to spend with my husband, getting to know him, care for him, and learn to deal with challenges as a team. This has been such a blessing, even though the flip side has been the struggle of us both being unemployed for a longer time than either of us ever expected. Though it's most definitely been tough at times (and we both have suffered moments of weakness where we felt like succumbing to evil thoughts/actions) we have been shown God's grace and favor over and over.
When we were down to what seemed like our last penny, God stepped in and demonstrated his provision in the sweetest of ways-Through the generosity of others, through random jobs here and there, through unexpected Etsy store orders, through a large tax return, through a surprise check that is going to allow JD and I to attend my brother's wedding in June...the list goes on! Not once were we forced to starve. Not once did we wonder if we would be living on the streets next week.
On a humorous note- We have had a few weeks where we had to be creative with our grocery list (sometimes it was ramen noodles and cheap hot dogs, which we tired of pretty quickly) or refrain from driving any farther than the post office or grocery store to save on gas. We've found that even during those times when we had to actively make choices to live more simply, we appreciated what we did have and we were happy to be overcoming these challenges together and with God's help.
However-In my weakest moments, I struggled with trusting God. I worried over where the money for rent would come from, I worried about what the future held, I even had some fears about not being able to afford having a child one day! I worried, I worried, and I worried some more. God definitely smacked that worry out of me by providing faithfully every time we were in need. He is so very gracious, loving and merciful.
God not only provided for us financially in miraculous ways, but he has provided us with so much more. He provided us with one another, to love, care for and solve problems together. He provided a new church family that welcomed us and gave us solid biblical teaching. He provided new friends for us both. He provided JD with a new job recently that will cover all our monthly costs from now on. Most of all, God provided us with living examples of his everlasting love, protection, grace, and provision for his children.
I just felt like sharing all of this with you all, to encourage you in times where you struggle with trusting in God's provision. Remember-Pray to HIM, trust, and believe that he will provide for his children as promised.
Have a blessed weekend, ladies!
Anna
P.S. Here are some of my favorite bible verses about God's provision:
"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
"Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" Matthew 6:26
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6
"I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you." Isaiah 46: 3-4
No comments:
Post a Comment