Encouraged

Yesterday Mark and I traveled to 2 of our church plant locations to finish giving my testimony. It is really emotionally draining to repeat my story over and over again. I really stepped out of my "normal" when I agreed to do this. God has brought so many wonderful people to encourage me over the last 2 weeks. I am so overwhelmed once again at how many people approached us and encouraged us in sharing our story. I knew God would lead me through this, but what I didn't expect was how many people in my life and those I have never met that would graciously thank me for sharing.

It was only one year ago when I was pregnant with our 5th baby. When my life was so very different, when my heart was not willing to change. Only one year ago when the healing and ultimate story of a changed life was to begin.
I thought I had arrived years ago when I gave my life to Christ. But what I didn't realize is that we never arrive, that is, until we are finished with our journey on this earth. This life is a constant learning experience.

I feel myself once again thankful for a God who delivers. I had no plans to share my story so publicly before this last week, and yet I felt I needed to trust God on this one. I am learning to trust a trust-worthy God.

As I sat down today to re-study my old "Breaking Free" study from Beth Moore, I stumbled upon some great wisdom about trust. Beth says, "A painful loss or a dreadful betrayal can deeply mark our level of trust. A broken heart never mended by the one true Healer handicaps us terribly when we're challenged to trust. Trusting an invisible God is not something that comes naturally to any believer. A trust relationship grows only one way: by stepping out in faith and making the choice to trust. This 'step' can sometimes seem more than we can take, but God is anxious to help us overcome our unbelief. The ability to believe God develops most often through pure experience."

As we continue to move forward, I am praying that I will choose trust each and every day. I have watched God pull me through what seemed impossible to my eyes. He has given me every reason to put my trust in Him alone. Grounding myself in His Word and His promises is all I can do.

Thanks once again for lifting us up and for all the words of encouragement! God is using you in my healing!