"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
This verse is not new to me. I have heard it a thousand times...and it has been given to me often throughout our current situation. Today, however, when I came across it in my reading, it took on a deeper meaning.
It seems my family has been under attack this year. There's the obvious...Sydney's illness. Then the "other" stuff. Marriage issues...rental property troubles...financial woes...illness or passing of loved ones...and all of the junk that stem from these issues.
But as a good friend of our recently told us, it seems to be that Satan really wants to stop the work God has begun in us...that in a way, we should be honored or excited by the fact that so many things have come against us. It really could mean that there are HUGE things in store for our family, on the other side of this journey.
Sometimes the journey is just preparation for the destination. Wherever it is God is taking us, the trials we face are preparing us for the task ahead. Kind of like on-the-job-training.
And when I sit back and really take a good look at all that has happened this past year, I can literally see the "plans for good, and not evil.."
In all honesty, although Sydney's illness has been devestaing...she hasn't been in any pain...no real negative side effects from treatments...and the opportunities that have come our way because of it, just blow us away!
In all honesty, we have so much in which to be thankful. We were able to spend the entire summer together as a family, with more experiences than one could imagine...Dean & I are beginning to see eye to eye, well, at least on the important things:-)...Carson has matured far beyond expectation...oh, and Sydney's tumor is shrinking!
And those are just the highlights...all of our new friends, and the reconnecting with old ones...the appreciation for all things big and small...the gifts...the blessings...the LOVE!
I can see God at work all around us...and you know what? It IS an honor!!! He wants to work in and through us, and the fact that this work is so important that Satan is trying with all of his might to stop it....well, to this beat-the-odds, thrill-seeker...that makes it all the more exciting! I can't wait to see what is in store for us in this upcoming year!
Sydney continues to improve each day...yet ANOTHER blessing to spit in Satan's eye. He meant for evil to destroy our family and our testimony. Don't get me wrong, I am not underestimating what Satan is capable of doing...and we will continue to need your prayers today and always.
But, God has taken those evil intensions and turned them into blessings...into joy...into peace...into determination...all to bring about His purpose and for His glory! AMEN!
God Bless ~ IVESTRONG
