Have you ever read a verse that you can't move on from? That you reflect on, and wonder what God is trying to teach you?
Well I have. Friday morning, to be exact.
Here's the story:
It was a typical morning. I had just fed Paisley, was drinking some coffee and was doing my devotions. I happened to be reading Proverbs 30 (I read a Proverbs for every day of the month. Friday was the 30th, so I read Proverbs 30.) and when I got to the second half of verse 8, I felt the need to read it. and again. and again. So, I underlined it. Here's what it says:
Proverbs 30:8
"...Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs."
Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. I just couldn't move on from it. So, I sat and prayed, and prayed..and prayed. I prayed that I would always remember that he never puts anything on my plate that is too overwhelming, too much to handle, too hard to overcome. That I would always remember that He has my best interest in mind. He knows my path. He knows my thoughts. He always gives me JUST enough to satisfy my needs. He gives me JUST enough.
That was my prayer.
Flash forward about an hour. I had just gotten off the phone with my dad. We had a great conversation. Talked about our plans for the weekend, talked about Paisley, talked about Paisley and I coming out to visit in a few days. It was good! I was happy. I was excited for the weekend. Then I get a knock on the door. A knock at 10 in the morning?? I opened it. It was Zach. ZACH? What in the world is Zach doing home at 10 in the morning? His face told it all. "I've been let go."
LET GO? UM, what? That wasn't in my plans for the weekend. That wasn't in my plans for my life. That wasn't in my plans for our family. Then I was quickly reminded of my devotions. He gives me enough to satisfy my needs. I will be honest though, a few other thoughts went through my mind before I was reminded of this verse, like: what are we going to do? what does this mean? how are we going to pay bills? Why does this have to happen now? We just had a baby. etc, etc.
But, as I've had time to process, reflect, pray - I've constantly been reminded that He only gives me what I can handle. Right now I feel overwhelmed, scared, excited, nervous, terrified. Pretty much every emotion. Despite all of those emotions, I can say that I am excited about our future. He has a plan for us. He will give us and has given us enough to satisfy our needs.
Zach and I have been praying a lot in the last 24 hours. We've been praying for direction. God works in ways that we might not always understand. I do know, without a doubt, I will be able to look back at this situation and thank Him. Thank Him for bringing us through this. Because I know He will. With that being said, we are moving back to Washington. And Fast. Faster than I feel like I can handle, but, He will give us enough to satisfy our needs.
Paisley and I are still coming out May 9. In one week. And, instead of returning May 21st, we are staying. Staying for good. YIKES. Zach will be coming out with our stuff shortly after. We are scared, nervous, excited, rejoicing, terrified, happy, sad, but most of all trusting God.
He gives us enough to satisfy our needs.
Well I have. Friday morning, to be exact.
Here's the story:
It was a typical morning. I had just fed Paisley, was drinking some coffee and was doing my devotions. I happened to be reading Proverbs 30 (I read a Proverbs for every day of the month. Friday was the 30th, so I read Proverbs 30.) and when I got to the second half of verse 8, I felt the need to read it. and again. and again. So, I underlined it. Here's what it says:
Proverbs 30:8
"...Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs."
Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. I just couldn't move on from it. So, I sat and prayed, and prayed..and prayed. I prayed that I would always remember that he never puts anything on my plate that is too overwhelming, too much to handle, too hard to overcome. That I would always remember that He has my best interest in mind. He knows my path. He knows my thoughts. He always gives me JUST enough to satisfy my needs. He gives me JUST enough.
That was my prayer.
Flash forward about an hour. I had just gotten off the phone with my dad. We had a great conversation. Talked about our plans for the weekend, talked about Paisley, talked about Paisley and I coming out to visit in a few days. It was good! I was happy. I was excited for the weekend. Then I get a knock on the door. A knock at 10 in the morning?? I opened it. It was Zach. ZACH? What in the world is Zach doing home at 10 in the morning? His face told it all. "I've been let go."
LET GO? UM, what? That wasn't in my plans for the weekend. That wasn't in my plans for my life. That wasn't in my plans for our family. Then I was quickly reminded of my devotions. He gives me enough to satisfy my needs. I will be honest though, a few other thoughts went through my mind before I was reminded of this verse, like: what are we going to do? what does this mean? how are we going to pay bills? Why does this have to happen now? We just had a baby. etc, etc.
But, as I've had time to process, reflect, pray - I've constantly been reminded that He only gives me what I can handle. Right now I feel overwhelmed, scared, excited, nervous, terrified. Pretty much every emotion. Despite all of those emotions, I can say that I am excited about our future. He has a plan for us. He will give us and has given us enough to satisfy our needs.
Zach and I have been praying a lot in the last 24 hours. We've been praying for direction. God works in ways that we might not always understand. I do know, without a doubt, I will be able to look back at this situation and thank Him. Thank Him for bringing us through this. Because I know He will. With that being said, we are moving back to Washington. And Fast. Faster than I feel like I can handle, but, He will give us enough to satisfy our needs.
Paisley and I are still coming out May 9. In one week. And, instead of returning May 21st, we are staying. Staying for good. YIKES. Zach will be coming out with our stuff shortly after. We are scared, nervous, excited, rejoicing, terrified, happy, sad, but most of all trusting God.
He gives us enough to satisfy our needs.
10 comments:
Right before I read your post, I just got done reading a short article by Jennifer Rothschild, one of my favorite authors:
"Like a Cow at a New Gate"
The farmer recounted how his cows behaved when he put up a new gate: "Mooo, that's not been here before...Must turn around." He described how they shift, shake their heads and moo. Some turn and wander away. Some stand before it paralyzed.
That very gate may be the way to greener pastures and lush surroundings. That single gate may be what stands between the thirsty cow and a fresh watering hole. But the cow stares at the gate--half confused, half offended--and seems to think, "Moo, moo...that doesn't belong here. I'm just gonna turn around and go back, or stand here and stare at it."
We often act like cows at new gates. What we really long for is just on the other side of something new and unfamiliar, but we often forfeit what we really desire because to get there means we have to face what is new and unfamiliar. It feels entirely too risky. However, gates are not barriers unless you are unwilling to open them and pass through.
When we stand before new gates in our lives, we often feel confused. "What? That's not been here before. That's not the way I have always done it." So we turn around or stand still. Some of us just get offended. "What? The old gate was just fine. How dare anyone think I need to go through a new gate? That's not what I am accustomed to. I am not going to mooooove!"
Let's not be like cows at new gates. Let's be willing to consider new things and confidently approach that which is unfamiliar. In doing so, we will get to a place of deep satisfaction and nourishment for our souls.
What is the new gate you are facing? What would your life be like if you were willing to proceed right through it? Don't see that gate in your life as a barrier; rather, see that gate as an open invitation to something new, better and broader. That new gate you face will only be a barrier if you are unwilling to open it. If you act like a cow at a new gate, you will lock yourself in to the place you've always been and keep yourself from the place you long to be.
You know I can't resist writing this bad pun as my last thought: Just moo, moo, moooooove sister!
"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" (Isaiah 43:19a)
Sorry my previous comment was so long, but I really wanted you to be encouraged by the "new thing" that God will be doing in your lives. We look forward to having your sweet family back here in the Pacific Northwest and KNOW that God in His goodness will provide.
Ali, as I sit here reading your blog thru my tears, I am thanking God for what He is going to do for you and Zach! We know when God closes a door, He also will open one! Your scripture was so timely and just what you needed... for what was coming that day. Our prayers continue for you guys!
Honey, God is in contol. Love You!
Nana C.
I love how God spoke to you yesterday preparing you for what was to come. He will fulfill every need you have and then some! You guys are such a great example to us of walking in Faith and trusting Him. Can't wait to watch and see how He will unfold His awesome plan for your family.
We are so sorry to hear what you are going through, but also so excited to see what God has in store! He has heard your prayers and knows the desires of your heart - he will NOT let you down! We are all praying for you & can't wait to see you ALL!
Jer 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
After I read your post this verse immediately came to my mind. It was one of Grandma Rientjes favorite verses and one she drilled into me from an early age.
One thing we know . . . HE sees the future! and . . . now you and Zach know beyond the shadow of a doubt that God's plans are for you to come HOME!!
Looking forward to some good reports of His unfailing love in your little families lives! Can't wait!
Thank you for sharing this post with the blog world. I can only imagine how crazy and difficult this must be, but wow, your words are already so encouraging :) Praise the Lord that He has a plan, a very very good plan!
I'm praying for you guys as you embark on this next adventure.
Please know that this post has brought others (like me) encouragement - just as it did for you! Also know that we are here in Washington praying for your family. You're totally right, the Lord has it all planned out. How awesome that you're stepping out in faith to follow His lead. :) God will surely bless you!
And HOORAY for the return to Washington - even if it looks a little different.
Ali - I have goosebumps because the Lord directed me to Psalm 30 on Friday, too!! It was such a helpful passage for the storm we're going through, too. I am so excited to watch from the sidelines as you move forward in faith in the plan God has for your sweet little family! And you have no idea how your positive outlook on your situation has encouraged me in mine.
Thanks for reminding me - God is GOOD. Always. Even in the seemingly unplanned moments that He's known about forever.
Praying for you guys!! :)
I'm praying for you all.We went through a very similar situation(about 8 months ago) and it was so amazing to see how the Lord provided for us.God is AWESOME!
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