The Return

My last posting was over six months ago. I was making decisions about my future and the future of my family. It wasn't my intention not to write and I didn't mean to stay away for so long. My life was coming to a cross road. I felt as if God really challenged me. I've started to write, but nothing solid came to me. I now realize it was a season of transition. God had been working in my heart as I was struggling for direction. I wanted to move in a direction that He and I both wanted. I have been praying and asking for His guidance, and that my direction matched His will. Be careful what you pray for - you just may get it.



John 14:14 (New King James Version)

¹⁴ If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.



I give praise to Jehovah-Raah, (The Lord my Sheppard). For with Him there is a season for all things. He has moved me into a new season of service and growth.



Daniel 2:21

²¹ He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.



I was to retire last July 31st, but decided to stay for a few months more to pay off bills. With God's help, we have been finding our way out of debt. Three weeks after making my decision to stay, an incident happened that has changed my life. I could say that it wasn't supposed to happen, that it should not have happened, but it did. If it didn't, would I have experienced my more intimate relationship with God? Why did he take something that grieved me so much and turn it into his show of love and concern for me? I lost a lot monetarily, the decision I made caused me to lose 20 days worth of pay and a possible promotion (that has yet to be seen). My spirit was damaged.



God has humbled me. I had always thought of myself as not being prideful. But I found that there is a difference between not being prideful and being humble. Humility is what Gods wants from us. For us to give honor and glorify Him. To do good works in His name and the name of Jesus Christ, our Savor. All praise goes to God!



James 4:10 (New King James Version)

¹⁰ Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.



1 Peter 5:6 (New King James Version)

⁶ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

Because of a decision I made, God has shown me my pride and reminded me –



Proverbs 16:18 (New King James Version)

¹⁸ Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before a fall.



We are temporarily without my income, and the impact was felt almost immediately. Broken water pipes, cars needing repairs and some minor bills blindsided us at the last minute needing to be paid. God with His grace has provided income to us from unexpected sources. This has happened twice since I was out of work. He has pulled my wife closer to him, and has given her a season of growth. He gave her strength to support me during my suspension, change and growth. We as husband and wife have prospered, spiritually and financially. God is good.



I am blogging this to thank God and give Him praise. I could not be dealing with anxiety and addiction issues if it wasn't for Him. I believed from the very beginning of this that God would take care of me and my family. He told me He would. I turned it over to Him and left it alone. God has answered me. Glory to God the Father, Jesus my Savoir and the Holy Spirit who is bringing change to my heart and shaping me for Gods use.