Too Wonderful

We have heard about God in our lives together. And then there have been those moments when we know we’ve witnessed God personally and right up close.

“My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.”
‭‭Job‬ ‭42‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

My dear man and I keep thinking back to a year ago. And we’re truly in awe as we gaze in the rearview mirror the path we’ve traversed in such a short time. We’re in awe of the innumerable ways God met us in Georgia in maybe the deepest darkest valley. We’re in awe of His mercy to give us a vision for where He wanted to take us, and the Fatherly tenderness with which He walked us through the chaos baby step by baby hurdle until…

~~~~~

As I have read several times these words in Job, I recognize the presence of God with us. We don’t claim to have experienced the depth of loss and calamity Job endured. Yet, the depth of feeling communicated by the writer of this book, and most of all, the unending questions strike a chord of understanding which has become an encouragement to me and my dear man.

A year ago, we had more questions than answers. We held a resolve that was deep and unified. We knew in the core of our beings that we were to make this cross country move.

However, we had no evidence. We had no proof. Anyone watching from outside would glean evidence to the opposite of our intentions. Every conversation seemed sprinkled with ‘what ifs’.

And then one day, the kindness of God came present in our bedroom as I stood sobbing beside my dear man lying on our bed, and unable to get himself up.

I was throwing in the towel. Frantically with wails of mourning I was waving the white flag of surrender. I squeaked out the words between my sobs, “we’ve waited too long…”

And then my dear man uttered the game changing words, “I know God has given me an assignment to get you to California. I’m going to get you there.”

God was with us in that moment and He gave me the courage to say the words that had been burning in my heart, “I know I’m supposed to get you to California, and with God’s help I’m not going to fail!”

““I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.”
‭‭Job‬ ‭42‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We saw God’s presence in our family and friends who rallied around us and helped us with cleaning, de-cluttering and packing boxes. They prayed and spoke life. They believed with us the vision God set before us against everything we could all see in the physical realm.

And here we are … a year later…

Living in California in a beautiful home that is beyond what we hoped for in a lovely neighborhood and rooted in a body of Christ followers. My dear man still lives with the challenges of Parkinson’s, but he is thriving and active rather than bed ridden.

I know this is where God wants him. He would say the same of me.

Throughout this past year God has whispered to me His tantalizing invitation, “Come and learn!” I think what I’ve learned primarily is that I am not my own.

I’m still learning this and probably will be for all my days, but I know I’ve not only heard about God. I’ve seen Him. We’ve both seen Him. He is real. He guides our steps for His purposes and His glory and our benefit.

Today I am participating in the Five Minute Friday with Kate Motaung and her crew of brilliant writers. The word this Friday is {own}.

I set my timer for 5 minutes after pondering these scriptures in the book of Job for at least a day or so and asking Jesus what He wants me to know about His words in my life. And I had already begun writing this piece when I found the Friday word.

These words are but a snippet of our pondering together, me and Jesus. But for sure I’m more aware today that what I think of as my life is actually not my own.

He is God. He is King. God is Creator. Jesus is Redeemer. I am purchased at great price… His blood, His death and His victory over death equals my abundant life.

“The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever. The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭29‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I am not my own.

I pray you see it too.

Eyes on Jesus and Shine,

~Lisa