Tests and Testimonies

For every test, there should always be a testimony of God's faithfulness! ~author unknown

This has become the theme of our lives. Tests are certain, but so is God's faithfulness! We face all kinds of tests and trials daily. There are physical trials, emotional trials, internal trials, external trials, spiritual trials, trials within the family, trials within the church, etc. Perhaps for me, the most difficult trial is the test of time. Waiting!
Waiting upon the Lord for guidance,
waiting upon the Lord for an answer;
waiting when I want "my way now!"
And yet, when we WAIT, we SOAR!
The blessings of walking with the Lord, in HIS strength and in HIS power, is ALWAYS worth the wait!

There have been many times in my life that I haven't waited, but there was one time when I did... it was a life-changing decision and one of the most important decisions of my life. It was the choosing my spouse. You see, I had been in a relationship with somebody that I thought was right for me and best, but I'm so thankful that God knows me inside and out and knew that this other guy wasn't HIS best for me. So when that relationship ended, I waited! I waited through many lonely Friday nights. I waited for several years and then my brothers introduced me to this "cool hispanic pastor dude." I was immediately drawn to his character and vision for his future. I was drawn to his relationship with the Lord. But still, this wasn't enough for me. I wanted to hear God's voice tell me, this is "the one." When my precious husband first asked me to marry him, I didn't respond "yes" or "no", but I responded, "please wait!" My poor man was willing to do so! So for the next several days, I asked the Lord for a response. One particular morning, He led me to His word and the verse Isaiah 40:31 that says,
"Those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up on wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." That morning we went to Mepkin Abbey, a local monestary in my home town. While were sitting and talking, I looked up and saw a bald eagle flying high in the sky. Immediately, this verse lept into my heart and as I was reflecting, I saw a second eagle join the first in the sky and fly off together. God showed me that day, it was okay to join this guy and "soar" together for the rest of our lives! He's always worth the wait!