It's time for a little introduction to this story I've been talking about. I’m beginning this right as I’m in the middle of Priscilla Shirer's Bible study, Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted, which talks about the privilege of having God "interrupt"or divinely intervene in your life. The truth is that God doesn't need us to complete the good work He planned long ago, but He chooses to use us in His purposeful and eternal plan. When my life was abruptly interrupted two years ago, I did not think it was a privilege at all. To that date in my life, it was the. worst. thing. ever! Ever! And today, while it is still an unfortunate life-changing event, God has used much of it for His good. And I am privileged that God would use it for His glory.
So back to the story ... about the little white dress. Almost seven years ago I stood in front of family and friends in my childhood country church vowing to love and honor the man standing beside me until death do us part. I was thrilled to be his bride and we went on to make many sweet and fun memories over the next five years. God truly blessed us as a young couple and ALWAYS provided for us. It wasn't pure bliss every moment, but it sure was good. God gave us each great families, amazing friends, and a wonderful church community ... the things that truly count in this life. So when the “worst. thing.ever” happened, it was absolutely devastating.
We were in the process of moving back to our hometown. He went a few weeks ahead of me while I wrapped up loose ends at my current job. Things were tight and a bit tough, but nothing we couldn't stand. And besides, God had answered so many of our prayer requests leading up to this point - from a place to rent, to college acceptance,scholarship money, easy pack-up and move, a temporary post office box, to income and unemployment - divorce never once crossed my mind.Yet it came fast and furious. Almost a month and half after the answered prayers and the move, I found myself divorced. Just like that.
Please know that as I tell you this story, I fully believe it takes two. It takes two to make a marriage and two to break a marriage. I had to sign the papers just like he did. Regardless of who filed, we both have ownership in the dissolution of that sacred covenant ... and I thank God the story doesn't end there.
But right now, I’ve got to get to bed. I promise to pick up where I left off in my next post!
Love,
Jes
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good work, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:6
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good work, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:6
"And we know that in all things God works out for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
