He Is Directing Our Path

The excitement has set in since December 13th when we found out that we were going to be stationed back in my home state of Minnesota. 

Plans have been made.

House hunting had begun. 

The field trip opportunities for school had been researched.

 Two hours away from family. 
 
Target would be right around the corner. 

IKEA. 

We were finally heading home.

Then....

God left us a message.

We were no longer moving to Minnesota, we have been diverted.  God does not want us in Minnesota.  He wants us in Wisconsin.

Yes, we are moving to Wisconsin.  Just two and half hours from Minneapolis, and four hours from family.  We just found out yesterday morning.  Tears began to fall from our oldest blessing.  She did not want to move in the first place, and just 24 hours prior to finding out, she finally made the statement, "Mom, I am excited to move to Minnesota," and now she is told she is not going.  Instead we are heading to Wisconsin; to a small town.  No Target around the corner.  No IKEA.  Four hours from family.

I had to be strong for the blessings.  I could not show them that I was sad and my hopes were let down.  All I wanted to do was cry and ask God "why?"  I knew He had plans for us.  I know that He wants us in Wisconsin, but my head and the flesh could not fathom what had just happened.  I needed something.  I needed God to pick me back up off the floor.

He did.

I had not checked my email that morning, which is rare, and finally I sat down in the afternoon to see what I had. That is when God helped me from the floor.  The first email I read came from KLove's encouraging word, "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13.

Ahhh yes, the first scripture I ever memorized.  One of my "go-to" scriptures.  Yes, I can do all things through Christ.  I can handle the news of moving an additional hour and half away from family. Why? Because I can do all things through Christ.  My leader.  My Rock.  My Redeemer.

The shock has finally subsided and a new day had begun.  God has plans for us.  The excitement is back.  I open my email and read KLove's encouraging word, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

Yes, the second scripture memorized.  Then I continue with "in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:6.  Yes, trust in Him.  He will direct us in the direction we need to follow.  We need to follow our path to Wisconsin, not Minnesota

The blessings begin to flow...

We are ONLY four hours from family.  Closer than we are now.

Target is ONLY 45 minutes down the highway.  Closer than we are now.

IKEA is ONLY two and half hours away.  Closer than we are now.

The best part, God is with us and we have become even closer to Him now.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
 Jeremiah 29:11-13

Yes, we have become closer to Him. 
   
He is directing our paths.