Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Be Thou My vision

"...But we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that sufferings produces perseverance; persesverance, character; and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us..."
Romans 5:3-5 NIV
 
Over the past 6 weeks God has truly shown us how to lead a life of faith and trusting in His every step. We've relied on our faith more than we ever have before, and it has strengthened our relationships with God and deepend our love for each other.
 
We may not always want to go along with God's timing/plans, but if we truly Trust and Obey (there's no other way) He will always lead us to something bigger and grander than we could've ever imagined on our own.
 
In just two years we've gone from DINKS (dual income, no kids) to SINKS (single income, no kids) and most recently NINKS (no income, no kids). Obviously, that's not an ideal situation to be in, but God has brought us to this point so that we might turn to Him and trust Him more. Just as that verse above states: suffering produces perseverance and brings about one's true character. We might be experiencing a period of suffering, but God's promises are to bring us out of that suffering with hope and perseverance.
 
Within a week of the lay off Travis had several interviews and was offered a job. It was a job he was very well qualified for and would have paid our bills. However, it was a job he didn't feel right about and it was something we didn't feel at peace with...so, we took the weekend to pray about it (T went to a mens' retreat with our church) and we both felt the Lord telling us to turn the job down. Do y'all have any idea how HARD it is to turn a good job down?!?!  Yea, it was that hard, BUT we knew that living a life of faith meant trusting in His plans and His perfect timing.
 
Fast forward a couple of weeks and Travis landed an interview with a very established commercial construction firm with locations in SA, Houston, Galveston, DFW, and College Station. He was thrilled when he got the call for this position and was eager for his interview. Within 24 hours of his interview he received an OFFER! Again, we took the weekend to pray over the situation and we both felt a peace about the offer and he accepted the job!
 
T began his new job on 02/25 and this was our devotional that morning:
 
 
 
 
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is God's will for you..."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
 
 
Give thanks to the Lord for He is GOOD, his LOVE endures FOREVER.
 
We thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers over us the past few weeks. We have felt them and appreciate them.
 
 
I encourage you to step out in your faith and see how God can use you and change you. Stepping out in faith is hard, especially when you are 'pushed', but trusting in Him and giving it ALL to Him will allow you to persevere with hope.
 
 
Also, if you are looking for an amazing, easy-to-read daily devotional, pick this little gem up. You'll be glad you did.
 
 

3 comments:

ashleigh said...

Love this post. You speak the truth my friend! Congratulations to Trav! Happy for you two :)

Natalie Tate said...

We read "Jesus Calling" together also! So glad to hear about Travis' job! :)

Rachel and Matt said...

This just put a huge smile on my face! Can't wait to plan a trip down to see y'all this summer!!