The Father Knows Best
I’m sitting in the Houston airport waiting for my flight to Calgary. Six days visiting friends in beautiful Alberta, Canada lie ahead. These visits are a bit like going home. My family and I lived in a small town outside of Calgary from 1998 to 2004 for my husband’s job.
During my four hour layover I’ve been reflecting on our years spent living north of the US border. We witnessed numerous miracles of God in the lives of spiritual seekers He brought across our path. We forged lifelong friendships that even distance has failed to diminish. We served in a church that taught us what the church should look like. And of course we enjoyed God’s glorious creation displayed in the breath-taking Canadian Rockies.
When Wayne’s company transferred him to Houston I grieved over all I had to leave. It seemed we were in the center of God’s activity in Alberta. Why would He move us? But now, six years later I can look back and see how God paved the way and planned our steps – even in bringing us back to Texas! And I can also see how He used our time in Alberta to prepare us for what He had waiting for us in the Lone Star state.
Scripture clearly tells me that God determines the way I should go. He knows the future and He already has work planned for me to do. In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps (Prov 16:9). So why do I continue to question His will and direction? God has always proven Himself faithful in my life. In fact, looking back over the last six years, I see abundant evidence that God knew what He was doing all along!
My visit to Alberta will overflow with coffee conversations, long walks, and reminiscing. My friends and I will laugh over the “remember whens” and catch up on all the happenings since we were last together. But when the week-long visit ends, I’ll be ready to return to Texas and continue following God’s plans for me there. Hmm. Maybe I’ve learned a little bit after all.
“So why do I continue to question His will and direction? God has always proven Himself faithful in my life. In fact, looking back over the last six years, I see abundant evidence that God knew what He was doing all along” – Kathy, I needed to be reminded today that God has already ordered my steps and right now I am in a situation that trusting Him with my future is all that I can do. Thanks for the Word today. 🙂
Laurie, I’m praying that God will help you to trust Him today! And that He will remind you of all the ways He has been faithful in the past.
Thanks for this wonderful reminder Kathy! Yes, he knows what is best for us even when we can’t understand why he is doing what he is doing. Recently I have experenced something in my life that had me asking God “Why is this happening…I don’t understand?” later on I could look back on that situation and realize that he REALLY does know what he is doing and he REALLY does have my best intrest at heart. I realized that we don’t know what is best for us…but He does! I am ever so grateful for that!
Earlier this month (Sept 7th) I posted a blog titled “His Perspective” http://fromthepagesoflove.blogspot.com
You should check it out…it goes along with this blog you posted today 🙂
Blessings,
Krista
Kathy, I think it also holds true when God calls us to “stay”. Our life verse is Prov. 16:9. I don’t know how many friends, you and your family included, that we’ve had to say “good-bye” to and it doesn’t get any easier. We have waved farewell to many, many friends and our hearts ache for missing them, but we know that God is always in control and we never question His wisdom in placing them somewhere else. Know that your “family” here in small town, Alberta, loves you and misses you!
Lynn
The last 36 years the Lord has taken us from Pennsylvania, Arizona, Texas, New York, Arizona (again), and back home to Pennsylvania. It’s truly been amazing to see how each ministry brought it’s own trials and blessings. God will give you complete peace as you continue on His in His ministry. God bless you…
Kathy, this was so good!
I know sometimes I think this would be best for me now. But God does know best. My part is to trust Him and …obey!
I’m glad you have the chance to visit old friends though.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Sometimes it’s so hard to see that big picture–to trust–when we are smack dab in the middle of it. I needed this reminder today and thank you for it!
Thanks for this precious reminder, be blessed.
Thanks Kathy for the reminder that God has our lives in control. I really need this reminder today, because we just received confirmation today that my husband has lung cancer. This makes it harder to keep the faith and know God is wholly and completely in control.
I am so thrilled for you that you were able to go to visit with friends in Canada.
I really like the Proverbs passage you have shared today – I keep coming across it. Wonder if God trying to teach me something.
Thank you for sharing from your heart, Kathy.