I believe in the providence of God. I believe that God takes care of His own. That He never lets us fall into something we cannot handle. I believe that while I don't see clearly or see the bigger picture, that HE does. I am constantly amazed by God's providence. He always, always, always provides for His own. Case in point:
Not everybody knows the crazy year we have had. I see it now as a testimony and want to share it with everyone. I see it as God taking care of us and molding us to be who He wants us to be. In January I had a miscarriage. In March my husband lost his job. In June we lost our house. During each trial, I was sad and felt defeated. I didn't see the bigger picture God had for us. We always have a hard time seeing beyond our circumstance. But that's just the human in us. NOW I see why things happen. NOW I understand. NOW I see clearly. And not all may see it like this, but it was God's providence and favor with us.
At my follow up with my OB after my miscarriage, my doctor read me the report of what they found in the baby. The placenta was growing grape like clusters which is called a partial mole pregnancy. That pregnancy usually leads to a child with a chromosomal abnormality and from what I hear children born that way, usually only live a few hours. God knew what I could handle. He also knew that in July (the due date) we would be without a house. I didn't know this.
In March, when Fifo lost his job, it was definitely not something we needed. Not surprising though because his boss was not exactly a kind man and it wasn't exactly a good environment to be in. But we kept on and said God we trust you!! Actually his old employer tried to appeal his unemployment. But God was in control there as well!! The day of the conference call with unemployment, Fifo, and his old employer, they were not able to locate the ex-employer on the phone and the case was dropped.
I'm going to skip to June when we lost our house. This truly made me feel defeated. I was depressed and crying for about 3 days. How do you leave your first house? The place we brought our son home to after he was born. The place we spent so many family Christmas', birthdays, parties with friends, etc. How?? All the memories in that house will never be forgotten. But I woke up from my depression and realized that God has a plan for everything. I need to praise Him in our storm. (thank you mom & Tia Eva for the pep talks!) The weekend we found out our house had officially been sold, we had a mortgage broker come to our door in representation of the bank who bought our house and was asking us to vacate, how much time we needed, etc. While he was there, Fifo took the opportunity to tell him that he was without work and that if he needed any graphic work done, he did that and also small web design. He said he would keep it in mind. The day we needed to turn in our keys (2 weeks later), this guy offered Fifo a part time job doing graphics work. It didn't pay much and was temporary, but it was something. Fifo took it and treated it as any other job, gave it 110%. The second day of work, his boss told him he wanted to offer him a partnership in a graphics business he wants to start and it would pay well more than what he was paying him now. Again, if we hadn't lost our house, we would have never met this man who offered him the job. If Fifo hadn't lost his job, he wouldn't have accepted a low paying part time temporary job. God is in control!! Providence!!!
A side effect of our losing our house was having to move in with my parents while we save up to buy a new house. Another form of God's providence. My parents have been having a very hard time financially and we are trying to bless them financially while we are there. I am blessed to be a blessing. Also, Fifo told his boss about my dad's lawn care business and he is now sending lawn care business to my father. God is good!!!
"Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." 1 Corinthians 13:12
We've had a couple motto's while going through these times and they've been "When will He come through? EVERY TIME!!" and "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed by the name of the Lord" I have never believed these more than now! We could have easily thrown in the towel and said "Why God?? Why us??" Turned our back and walked away. But we refuse to give up that easily. And miss out on all these blessings?? No way!! God is too good!
I hope that by me sharing these hard times with you, you are encouraged. Keep believing!! God will come through - EVERY TIME!!!
