The Best is Yet to Come!

Sometimes being across the ocean and on the other side of the globe has its difficulties. We love being here--we thank God almost every day that he has allowed us to be here doing what he's called us to do. But when there is a change in the life of a loved one back home in the USA, it's hard to not be there to just wrap her in my arms and share Jesus that way.

Just today we got an email from a friend in Texas. Her loving husband of 38 years died after a short and terrible illness. She is struggling with how to pick up the pieces and continue on with her life.

I know other folks have the same experience--it happens every day. So that's why I'm sharing my email response with my blog-readers. Maybe these words can help someone else along.

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hey carol,

dave forwarded your email to me...i am so so sorry about johnny. sorry for you and the boys...NOT sorry for johnny. he's walking streets of gold!

i know it has to be difficult (an easy word to say--hardly covers your feelings and situation) for you now. you and johnny were so close...

it just seems i need to say this to encourage you: God still knows where you are, what has happened to your life, and he has a plan for the rest of your life. if he didn't, he'd take you home now. the best part is, he won't hide his will from you. he may not reveal it all at once (it probably would be hard to believe or bear) but he will guide you day by day.

dave has a good analogy for this guidance thing. if you want to drive to dallas and it's night time, you get into your car, start the engine, turn on the lights, and head out. you cannot see all the way to dallas. you see only as far at the headlights reveal--enough to drive in safety. but you don't stop--you don't turn around and go back home--just because you can't see all the way there. you know dallas is x-many miles down this highway and after a time you will arrive.

this is like your life now. it's sort of the same highway you have been on, but your earthly companion isn't with you. it's just you and Jesus. not a bad companion! you are still on the highway to heaven driving through your life--but you can't see all the way there. the world is dark--but you have the Light with you. he gives you enough to see as far as you need to be safe. keep driving. he does have a plan for you. he will keep you safe and see to it that you make it all the way to heaven one day.

and you know he won't let you starve. he won't let you get behind in your bills. he'll show you how to do the stuff you need to do--or what to do about getting it done. he will not abandon you just because johnny isn't with you.

and the plan he has for your life is delightful. be it the job you feel you need or not, you will be happy in your work if you allow him to guide you into it. and whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord. cheerfully and wholeheartedly. HE WILL BLESS AND GUIDE YOU.

hang in there. don't quit. this is the time to see God in a way you have never experienced him before. the best is yet to come!