Artfully Arranged Disarray

I woke up this morning with a prayer in my heart for my husband.

Today he has a job interview. But my prayer isn't really about that. My prayer is one of thankfulness for how the Lord has worked in and through my husband over the past couple of years. I couldn't wait to get up this morning, go to my favorite spot, and spend time in God's Word.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own
understanding;
~Proverbs 3:5

Over the past 26 months, the Lord has been teaching my husband how not to lean on his own understanding. Gil has had his faith tested. I am so thankful that his faith, his head knowledge, has truly moved into his heart.

I am thankful that, though in a time of testing, Gil has not fallen away, and that while he could be choked by life's worries, he has, instead, matured.

But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who
hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
~Luke 8:15

It hasn't been an easy couple of years. Since getting laid off 26 months ago, I have watched my husband go through a wide range of emotions, including anger and depression. I sat with him while he hit bottom. And I praised God when that happened... knowing that now Gil had no where to look but up. To the Lord.

Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that
we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.
~2 Corinthians 1:9

Along the way, Gil started his own consulting and recruiting business from home, and soon realized that working in isolation really wasn't for him. He spent countless hours reading his Bible, praying, and preparing devotions. He spent time with me and with our children. He coached soccer, led our small group, taught at VBS, and counseled with friends.

Gil watched the Lord provide for our family in ways that only He could... unexpected income... a great house in the school district where we wanted our kids to attend... our grocery budget stretching farther than what seems possible... We have truly been in the mode of "walking by faith, not by sight" and "waiting upon the Lord".

LORD, you establish peace for us;
all that we have accomplished you have
done for us.
~Isaiah 26:12

I am thankful that through this time our family has grown closer. I am thankful that our marriage has grown stronger. Through this process the Lord has revealed my own sin to me. I am working on being a better wife... more respectful... less selfish. I am thankful for God's grace to bless us, even in our unworthiness.

A year ago, Gil started working a temp job. Coming from an executive position, it was humbling. But I have been so very proud of Gil's faithfulness, humility, and integrity. He is doing what he needs to do to provide for our family. He is seeking the Lord, rather than ambition and status. He is more focused on serving than on striving. Gil is seeking God with his whole heart. I praise the Lord for my husband!

In March, Gil moved to a different company, and a month ago, was made permanent. A couple of weeks ago a supervisor opportunity came up within the company. Today Gil has his second interview for that position. I am not worried about the outcome. God has that under control. Today I am thanking the Lord for blessing me with my wonderful husband, who is a godly man and terrific father.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you
will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will
seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by
you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather
you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the
LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into
exile."
~Jeremiah 29:11-14