"For we live by believing and not by seeing." 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT)
I've been married for a month (and 5 days) to the man God has united me with. This is kind of unreal and I have trouble believing it still, but evidence shows that we are married (exhibit A & B: rings in our fingers and my legal name change).
Married life is most certainly wonderful, far better than I could've ever imagined and not as hard as I expected it to be. Don't get me wrong—marriage is hard work but it doesn't seem like work when you know you're in God's perfect will. There's beauty in delighting with another as we both witness the greatness of our LORD God.
As I've said before, I've been challenged to live by faith since I was 18. Perhaps, even before that, although unaware. God has clearly spoken in the privacy of my room and asked me to do impossible things that only He can make possible. Looking back, I often wondered, what if I hadn't obeyed? What if I hadn't attended SEU in 2009? I wouldn't have met some of my dearest friends, much less Louis; I would not be married to him today! So much has happen in the middle, so much that God revealed about Himself. It seems almost scary to think about it. I don't think I've ever been so happy to have lived by faith. And yes, there was fear, doubt, discouragement, loneliness, trials & heartache along the way but there was also victory, healing, redemption, forgiveness, joy, kindness, gentleness, self-control, godliness, increased faith & true love. Although I could not see the end, although I could not see God, I found God's everlasting love for me. I depended on His mercy & on His grace to carry me through, regardless of what would become of me. I counted the things of this world as nothing & I risked looking like a fool, all for the sake of faith: the assurance of things hoped for. I hoped for salvation, for joy, for strength, and for a love that none can compare. And He gave me so much more.
When we first got married, we only had a bed, animal paper plates & kitchen appliances as our possessions. We had a broken dresser and a broken mirror. We didn't have anywhere to sit & eat nor furniture to have people over. Yet, we felt God lead us to open our apartment for a small group. Before the month of March was over, we had a fully furnished living room...for free. The next week after that, we had someone from our church gives us a bedroom set. And just this weekend, someone gave us a beautiful wood dining table set. I am humbled & challenged by the generosity of those who have given us, people who don't really know us much but have given us much. Needless to say, we can now open our humble place for small groups.
This is just a small testimony of the things God has done for us. He has met every need & have given us abundantly. We have never gone to bed hungry & our bills are being paid so far. Is this an easy way to live? Not at all! But our lives are better in His hands than in ours. We have come too far, seen too much, to give up now.
Don't give up on faith. Trust, believe & wait. He will surely come.
Married life is most certainly wonderful, far better than I could've ever imagined and not as hard as I expected it to be. Don't get me wrong—marriage is hard work but it doesn't seem like work when you know you're in God's perfect will. There's beauty in delighting with another as we both witness the greatness of our LORD God.
As I've said before, I've been challenged to live by faith since I was 18. Perhaps, even before that, although unaware. God has clearly spoken in the privacy of my room and asked me to do impossible things that only He can make possible. Looking back, I often wondered, what if I hadn't obeyed? What if I hadn't attended SEU in 2009? I wouldn't have met some of my dearest friends, much less Louis; I would not be married to him today! So much has happen in the middle, so much that God revealed about Himself. It seems almost scary to think about it. I don't think I've ever been so happy to have lived by faith. And yes, there was fear, doubt, discouragement, loneliness, trials & heartache along the way but there was also victory, healing, redemption, forgiveness, joy, kindness, gentleness, self-control, godliness, increased faith & true love. Although I could not see the end, although I could not see God, I found God's everlasting love for me. I depended on His mercy & on His grace to carry me through, regardless of what would become of me. I counted the things of this world as nothing & I risked looking like a fool, all for the sake of faith: the assurance of things hoped for. I hoped for salvation, for joy, for strength, and for a love that none can compare. And He gave me so much more.
When we first got married, we only had a bed, animal paper plates & kitchen appliances as our possessions. We had a broken dresser and a broken mirror. We didn't have anywhere to sit & eat nor furniture to have people over. Yet, we felt God lead us to open our apartment for a small group. Before the month of March was over, we had a fully furnished living room...for free. The next week after that, we had someone from our church gives us a bedroom set. And just this weekend, someone gave us a beautiful wood dining table set. I am humbled & challenged by the generosity of those who have given us, people who don't really know us much but have given us much. Needless to say, we can now open our humble place for small groups.
This is just a small testimony of the things God has done for us. He has met every need & have given us abundantly. We have never gone to bed hungry & our bills are being paid so far. Is this an easy way to live? Not at all! But our lives are better in His hands than in ours. We have come too far, seen too much, to give up now.
Don't give up on faith. Trust, believe & wait. He will surely come.
"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior"
We live [together] by believing and not by seeing.
Absolutely love it!
ReplyDeleteIt, as in what He is doing in and through the both of you.
<3, :)
Ash, you are my new favorite person! Christ shines through you! :)))
ReplyDeletei seriously needed this just now. God is so beyond faithful, providing what we need and so much more.
ReplyDeleteLove this - "We have come too far, seen too much, to give up now." and His mercies continue!
ReplyDeleteIt's so awesome seeing all the little ways He's blessed you and your marriage!
ReplyDeleteHi!!I just wanted to tell you that i just nominated you with an award!! Here is my blog if you want to check it our!!!! kc-captured-moments.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteso blessed by your reflections.
ReplyDeletethis is so beautiful and encouraging.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to see you two blessed and it gives me so much hope!
keep up with the updates! it blesses my heart
(i dont know if my comment went through!)
ReplyDeletebut just know that this post is super encouraging to me! don't stop updating.
your story gives me hope!
Kendall and I have been married almost two years now and I still can't believe we are married. ;)
ReplyDeleteGod is so faithful and it is such a blessing to see how He blesses us by living by faith. I think we've only scratched the surface.
Amazing! I'm so happy for you both! He really is in control and it's so beautiful seeing what He can do when you just put it all in His hands. May God keep blessing you & Louis.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I've had that song you posted on repeat all week. Glad to see it here, it calms my soul.
"When oceans rise my soul will rest in your embrace"
i miss youuuu through your blog. haha I love being able to catch up tho. And I am digging the new layout as well :). I just moved out a month ago and I am living right by my job and home church Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa and God is showing me so much about His love and grace through living on my own with other women. I really see Him preparing me for marriage and this being a big part of His work of sanctification and purifying my heart. I love you and your blog is a safe haven. I know i can always show up and receive HIM through it and for that I pray abundant blessings in the name of Jesus all ova you and your man.
ReplyDeleteBlessings sis,
♥CheChe