Thursday, April 11, 2013

Another One Begins

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:10-11

Where one journey ends another one begins.  My season of being a single mother is coming to an end this week as my kids and I are reunited with my husband.  He has been a part of a ministry for the last eleven months where he has been learning to love Jesus.  God has been working in his heart and in mine and by His wonderful grace He is bringing us back together as a family.  Our Heavenly Father is restoring our family and our marriage.  It is beautiful!

Over the last year God has taken my heart many places, shown me many things and taught me even more.

He has helped me to remember all he has done for me and who He is.  He has revealed to me the ugliness of my own heart the selfishness, complaining, pride and unforgiveness. 

He has taught me to rejoice and be thankful in all circumstances, how to persevere, have mercy and forgiveness.  He has shown me what it means to be bound by sin and what true repentance looks like in the heart of man. 

He has given me the opportunity to learn how whole-heartedly pray and intercede for the life of another, to love unconditionally.  He has given me the strength to love and care for my children when my own pain seemed unbearable.   

I have learned the truth of His word being alive and active.  He is teaching me to walk the path of obedience, surrender, patience, and endurance.  He has shown me the joy of what it means to be a part of the family of God.  And something very important that He keeps bringing me back to… keeping my focus on Christ no matter what is going on around me.  

My need for Him has grown exponentially.  He is my peace, my rest, my comfort, assurance and strength.  He is my Lord, Savior, healer, provider and Best Friend.  He has been my Rock, my Refuge, encouragement, and hope.  He has given me patience, endurance, and energy.  He has fortified me and equipped me with everything I need.  He has filled me with mercy for others and shown me great mercy.  He has given me purpose.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is the Father who is full of mercy and all comfort. He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us. We share in the many sufferings of Christ. In the same way, much comfort comes to us through Christ.  If we have troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation, and if we have comfort, you also have comfort. This helps you to accept patiently the same sufferings we have.  Our hope for you is strong, knowing that you share in our sufferings and also in the comfort we receive.”  2 Corinthians 1:3-7

 
And through all this my kids have been right there with me growing to love the Lord more each day.  This has been a time when my kids could have grown bitter over their circumstances but they truly have grown better.  Each one of them has drawn closer to the Lord.  I was able to comfort them with the comfort the Lord had given me.  And now we are all excited to serve and see where the Lord takes us next. 

One of the hardest parts of being a parent is making those decisions that we know will be difficult for our children to understand.  But if that decision is made in obedience to Christ and His direction it is just right for our children.  Praise God for the things He uses to draw us closer to Him. 

4 comments:

  1. SOOO happy for you and your family Courtney!! Doing the right thing doesn't mean its easy or that everyone understands. I am so praying for ya'll to continue to enjoy complete restoration!! Praise the Lord and Congrats to you!! xo

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  2. This is the day that the Lord has made!!! I am so happy for you! Happy tears happy tears! What a testimony that will benifit others for the kingdom of God! You inspire me and many others, Courtney, with your spirit as you have walked through this trial. Congrats to you and your beautiful family!

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  3. Love you, Courtney!!! We are praying for complete healing and restoration! Praise be to God who does immeasurably more than we can ask, think, or imagine! We are rejoicing with you, my friend! :) BIG HUGS TO YOU AND THE KIDS!!!

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    1. We are totally in love w ur whole family. Can't wait for hugs and fellowship. Ur husband GLOWS when he talks about u and the children. Courtney we have walked the journey ur family is on. It is SO daily. Step by step. Trusting God who loves u so much. But u have brothers and sisters who want to walk beside u even though we haven't met yet. So anxious to meet and hug soon. You are already special to us!!!

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