I asked the Lord if He could help me get some of these ladies from the Servant’s Team and Leader’s Council together before we moved. I’d love to look at their beautiful faces and hug their sweet necks one last time. I tried to imagine just how that would work out, and couldn’t come up with a sensible solution (because of schedules and so much busy-ness of everyone.) So I simply said, “Lord, if you want this to happen, would you please work this out and show me what to do?”
When I got to the park, the Lord did the sweetest thing… It was such a gift! One by one, many of the ladies I named to the Lord came walking up. I’d squeal and hug one neck, only to turn around and squeal and hug another. It was the most amazing thing! I had only thought of gathering these ladies just moments earlier. But God had it purposed, planned, and had orchestrated each of their lives to be present that day well in advance.
Here we are for one last picture together:
Carmen, Jill, Misty, Stephanie, Amy, Ms. Barbara, Stacey, me, Jane, and Stacey (Dianne left early). Oh God is so good to do these kind things for us!
What just struck me as I was writing this post is how I had made my request only moments before God answered it… but He had the answer planned and prepared before I even thought to ask.
Matthew 6:8 tells us “for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”
What a precious and tangible reminder that the Lord KNOWS what we need, when we need it, and how it will all fall into place. He reminded me on Wednesday that His timing is impeccable. He knows the requests I’m making in relation to our move and family, and He is working in ways I cannot yet see to bring about His plans for our life-transition. And in the mean time, along with that reminder, He gifted me with a great blessing.
My friends… God knows what we need before we ask Him. I pray that we can all rest in that Truth!
Thank you so much, Jesus… for Yourself, Your calls, Your plans, and Your surprise gifts along the way. I’m so thankful to be walking this path with You!!! I love You with all my heart… and… I trust you…
elaine @ peace for the journey says
There are just so many angles to this packing up a life, are there not? Have you had any word on the house yet? I've been a bit out of the loop lately, but it helps me a bit to know that there are others who are walking similar steps in this season. This will be a hard one for us… but it's good and right and in keeping with the heart of God. I trust him with the details; I might even add a few scriptures to my hands as well.
prayers and peace~elaine
LisaShaw says
Aww,this is a beautiful message dear friend. Isn't the LORD good?!! Yes He is!!!
Beautiful ladies!!!
Love ya!
Jennifer says
What a sweet gift – to have the Lord answer your desire so clearly..and so quickly – and in such a special way!! So glad it was a good time for all of you – just imagine what God has in store for you to fill this void!
Tracy says
The beautiful faithfulness of our Lord! Thank you for sharing such a sweet answer to prayer. Such an encouragement to me this morning my friend.
I am praying still for you and your family (I tried to post a comment last week to tell you so, but we were out of town with spotty internet and I couldn't get the comment to post.)
Many blessings,
Tracy
Loren says
Even though I just found your blog i just feel you are the sweetest thing 🙂 Some people put their heart out there for all to see (I am that way) and I see how precious your heart is ….for your friends and soo tender towards the LORD! I am so thankful the Lord granted your hearts desire to say goodbye to your friends ~ HE is sooo sweet that way!!
Much love and prayers still being offered up for the sale of your home !
Tales From My Empty Nest says
God certainly blessed you! And I know you enjoyed such sweet time with your precious friends one last time before you move. Any luck with selling your house? Love & blessings from NC!
Debbie says
Can I just say Jennifer, that you are adorable! I love your smile and I love your heart.
I understand exactly what you were writing about. As you know I was in leadership in Bible Study Fellowship (kind of similar but with more rules; ha). But bonds are formed as we study His Word together. I still get together monthly with my group of 12 and all of us met in BSF.
I'm praying for the sale of your home. A good friend of mine ended up renting her home after she found the best couple who loved it. Now she can move on and join her family.
But I will pray for God's will in this for you.
Love you,
Debbie
Melanie says
Looks like a good time!
Jill says
It was a blessing for all of us to be able to see you too! May God bless you in many such ways in the coming weeks.