Stepping out of the Boat

I have graciously accepted to publish my dear friends witness of God’s unfailing love even in our hardest of times.

Each story like this is meant to grow our trust in the One who loves us. If you have a story you would like to share please send it to me.  We each have glorious stories to tell.

Stepping out of the boat.

I have what I believe is an amazing testimony regarding God’s perfect timing. Many months ago, February I think, I was missing my home state that I’d resided in all my life, and the beautiful seaport town  I’d lived in -so very much, and the people I loved there…so I spontaneously booked a rather long fall trip at a VRBO for many weeks. The question of affordability hung in the air but my yearning to do so was so extremely overwhelming, thus I went ahead and booked. I put it on a credit card. I had the fallback of knowing I could always cancel the trip as the time grew closer -up to 2 weeks prior and get a full refund if I was too compromised financially. 

Looking forward to that trip really lifted my spirits as the brutal heat in Florida arrived for the summer. (4 months🫤)

I prayed my elderly dog would stay healthy so we could revisit our hiking trails together. I planned to drive up with her.

The woods hills and dales of Massachusetts are “my happy place.”

Well., a few weeks after that when I told my son about my plans, he insisted on paying for my rental. I knew his income was quite substantial at that time and I accepted his offer.

On Monday October 14 I had most of the packing done and all the preparations in place and was all set to leave with my dog the next day on my journey. I was excited. God had not closed any doors on it!

Well, around 3:30 on that day I got the call I had dreaded for the last 20 years.

There I was all set to go. Now here I find myself in this beautiful dreamy unique place, positioned closely to family and lifelong friends and Northern brother and sisters in Christ. God’s positioning and placement of me for these upcoming weeks.  For such a time as this…in a place He always knew would be best for me to be in during this difficult adjustment time in my pilgrimage. I feel His everlasting love and His Arms around me… holding me fast.

He always knew He was going to take my son the day before my departure. He had me all set to go and gave me supernatural energy and focus during the 4 day drive up North, even though I was sleeping only a couple of hours every night.  He provided much encouragement through my sis, nieces and nephew as I drove up. And others, too.

He delivered me safely to where He wanted me during this hard season. What a gift. I’m not recommending booking trips one really can not afford to take but we must also keep in mind not to be too fixed on finances as being our security- they are not.

I’m encouraging us all to step out in faith as we trust and depend on the truth found in this scripture

 “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)

Sometimes He tells someone to take an umbrella before there is any rain clouds; sometimes He tells someone to build a boat to survive before there is any hint of a flood. We must pray to be given the discernment to distinguish foolhardy ideas and plans from the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

How I thank the Lord He convicted me to step out in faith last February. I know I am where He wants me this fall and I am so grateful to be here.

 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; acknowledge Him in all your ways and He WILL direct your paths.” ( Proverbs 3:5-6)