Today it is 31 years since my husband and I went on our first official date alone. It was lunch and I’m pretty sure I asked him.
There have been times in our 31 years together which have been amazing, wonderful and full of the best memories. Buying our first home, the birth of our six children, seeing God move as we ministered together, witnessing the miraculous, the many adventures we’ve gone on as we’ve taken God at his word, travels we’ve had and seeing and experiencing God’s provision and hand on our life over and over again.
There’s also been some tough times which have tested and put pressure on our resolve, relationship, commitment level and faith. Losing two babies, sickness, financial stress, full time study whilst working and raising a family all at the same time, church planting and what that entails, stepping out in faith only to fail and remaining steadfast in the face of opposition.
In the midst of it all I have often been inspired in our journey by the account of Abraham in the bible. He had a faith that simply believed God’s promise to him, and because of that he remained steadfast. He didn’t deny the facts or circumstances before him, but he did refuse to believe that they were the whole truth. Primarily because facts usually don’t consider God’s promises, whereas mountain moving faith does. (Romans 4:18-21)
I’ve learnt that we don’t have to deny the circumstances and facts of what is going on around you, but it pays to refuse to allow those things to be your ultimate truth, especially when they don’t agree with God’s Word and His promises. Faith is made to overcome, but we do have to put our faith muscles to work to see the results we know are possible.
Which is why I am encouraged today, that even though we are 31 years into our relationship I can still believe for more. For a bigger life, for more adventures, for God to give us stretching, faith expanding assignments and for us personally and together to increase in our capacity and ability to impact for good the world we live in. We have and will probably still make mistakes along the way and have to deal with some issues, hurts and disappointments. But the important thing is that we continue to focus our eyes on Jesus, listen to what heaven is revealing and keep walking together anywhere and everywhere He leads.
Today be encouraged that God has more for you. He wants you to live with an expectation of His promises and that He will do exceedingly more than you can ever dream, pray for, ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20)
Look for what He is doing and saying, and don’t allow the circumstances or even the facts to nullify the truth of God’s promises to you. He’s looking for people who still believe and will act on His Word and direction. Actually, I think he’s looking for people He can connect and position to do that together, for two are better than one.
Take a step today, put your hand up and say, “Pick me Lord” and then determine to say Yes to Him when He calls.. and if need be, make a move and ask that special someone, (the one who loves Jesus, who makes things better and has the ability to amplify the greatness in you) to lunch. You just never know what might happen.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
Prayer: Lord thank you for the plan and purpose you have for my life. Please help me to be aware of what you are doing and saying to me, and to be ready and available to step wherever and whenever you call. Thank you that you direct my steps and will perfect all that concerns me. In Jesus name Amen.
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