“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
How many times have I quoted this verse? It begins, “And we know . . .” Do I know that? Do I really know it and believe it to be true? I want to wear these lenses and never waver. Still, in the middle of so many circumstances, I sometimes live like I don’t know.
This past week I received a card from a family that I have not met. Their first Sunday visiting the Oldham Campus (OC) of Southeast Christian Church was the Sunday where Kurt announced that he was stepping down from pastoring the congregation to answer God’s call for the two of us to partner in ministry through Further Still. It was also the same day that we requested prayer from the Body for my health.
Since that day, this family has continued to attend OC, they’ve read this blog and faithfully prayed. As we have embarked on a journey, so have they. Through our trials their trust has increased. Through serving a sister in prayer, they have drawn nearer to the Father, have decided to follow Christ fully and are joining the family of God at the Oldham Campus.
You can’t imagine how encouraged I was to hear this story and discover, once again, that truly God causes all things to work together for our good! In a broken world filled at times with pain, requiring perseverance, isn’t it good to be reminded that nothing can happen to us that God won’t or can’t use.
What circumstance in your own life are you struggling to believe God can turn for good?
Bless those of you still praying so earnestly. It’s me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer! CT last week. MRI is being rescheduled. Test results from both on the 25th. Expecting God to bring good!
Hey Sweet Kristen,
You remain in our prayers daily. Always soooooooo great to hear from very special you.!
We are expecting great news on the 25th….keep us posted a.s.a.p.
Special prayers to your family as well.
We missed you last wk, but glad you and Kurt were able to get away.
We loved Tim and Cristy and want the 4 of you on the next trip.
Tons of love coming your way.
Cassie and George
PS Such a praise for this new family in Christ!
My sweet mama just asked how you were doing. She and my dad are praying for you. My sister emailed me yesterday asking the same. She and her husband are praying for you. Nursery workers in my suite asked about your week – I know many of them are lifting you up to God. One of my close friends, now two years outside a cancer diagnosis and doing well, asked how she could pray for you this week. Her husband is seeking God for the first time in his life. They are praying for you. Had dinner last week with sweet friends/mentors. They pray for you early and earnestly every morning. Multiply these by the thousands of people, their families, and their friends – who lift you up to our Father each day. What a web of warriors woven around you -covering you in prayer from head to toe. Armies of prayers go before you!! Love – and many prayers precious Kristen.
Oh Kristen, I was shocked to see Kurt in Northfield Sunday morning. It was amazing to hug him and chat and cry and pray. Felt like I sort of spent time with you too. Loving you from Illinois as though we are sitting next to each other in eternity, singing Praises to God and having eternity to smile 🙂
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people. Ephesians 1:18
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Ephesians 3:16
Thinking and praying for you.