Some would call our recent transition a coincidence or remarkable concurrence of events with no connection.  When I looked up synonyms for ‘coincidence’ one particular word that shocked me was, ‘accident’.  It could be said that our move from Virginia was by chance.

But I suppose that is how people view this world and their very lives.  By chance or an accident meaning nothing here stands significant.  It was all just-a-coincidence.

What a shame to live shielded behind a blindfold only an enemy can strategically place.  Only one choice away from knowing God’s splendor and love that wraps over lives and fills a heart from one corner to the next.

As a military family it feels like we are at the mercy of this government.  What they need will ultimately direct where we go next and what life will look like for us.  We understood the sacrifice we’d be making as my husband enlisted into the United States Navy, and we went willingly.

We recently wrapped up my husband’s sea duty. After a long three years of him being away most of that time we needed to rest. I prayed God would allow us to move closer to family. It didn’t seem like an option since the Midwest isn’t really a territory the navy resides in. But I was hopeful.

We waited and waited to find out where we were being sent. Then my husband shared the news that a position opened at a base that was smack dab in the middle of so much of our family.  I couldn’t call my mom fast enough or thank God enough.  Over and over he has been faithful.  Even when I don’t deserve it.

Over the last few months we have settled into this new area and God has restored the exhausted parts of me. It’s incredible to look over the last few years and see how I needed that stretching to draw nearer to Christ. I don’t take people for granted the way I used to.

God led me to a familiar land that’s like home to me. He let me enjoy one of my favorite seasons this year and I praise Him for the beauty of it all.

Our God does not work by accident, He has a plan for our lives and watches over us. In this one tiny way God showed His faithfulness to my family by providing a break.  In Him we find rest.

* * * *

Truly my soul finds rest in God;
    my salvation comes from him.

Psalm 62:1 (NIV)

He will give rest to restore you because He understands the struggles you’ll be faced with.  Even when the struggle seems to go on and on remember this…

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.

1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)

 

I love that, He will restore you.

Wherever you find yourselves right now I ask that you would pause and take note of God’s faithfulness in your life.  Even if you can only muster up a thank you for the toast and jam you had for breakfast this morning.

It is Him that calls our families to and from one base to the next for a purpose.  If I would have never gone to Virginia then I would never have met certain people who became like family.  Who helped me become a new mother and walked with me while my husband was gone and invited me into their lives and homes without hesitation. What a gift I would have missed out on!

While there are practical ways for a military spouse to relax, like taking a bath or having a cup of coffee with a friend we both know that won’t meet the deep need in us that shouts for rest.
The kind of rest that can take place through suffering or stillness.

While some people might still believe all these events fell into place by accident, I believe there is a God who loves you and I who isn’t shy about letting us know.  It’s my prayer that we wouldn’t be women who look for temporary fixes but the kind of women that are wise enough to know we have a creator who is in control enough for us to rest in Him.

Until next time,

Laura

How has God been faithful in your life?