Nearly 8 years ago, God called my husband and me to start a non-profit youth center. We had some difficult things looming over us that made us concerned to move forward with that calling, but we stepped out in faith and began that ministry. For nearly 4 years, God blessed that ministry and we were able to minister to many youth in our community.
However, we are convinced that Satan wasn’t very pleased with the difference we were making and decided to attack our family. Those difficult things that had been looming came rushing to the forefront. We had believed that if we stepped out in faith that God would put a hedge of protection around us, but that didn’t happen. My husband ended up in prison and the ministry came to a screeching halt. How could God allow something like this to happen?
Well, first of all, I don’t think God had anything to do with it! We have an enemy on this earth who is at work trying to destroy what God wants to accomplish. But, God is still at work redeeming, planning and working behind the scenes. He is putting things into place so that we can make a comeback!
I am in the midst of doing the online Bible study “Finding God Faithful” by Kelly Minter and today I was encouraged by the lesson and reminded to be patient while God is working the next step out for our lives. In this study, I was reminded that God had promised Abraham to bless his family and all the people of the world. At times, it sure seemed like that promise had been forgotten. But, then, Rachel gives birth to Joseph and Rachel declares that God remembered her. I had never researched the meaning of that word and never understood how God could forget people, but that is not at all what it means!
The word “remembered” suggests that God is now ready to act on His promise and initiate a major new activity that will bring that promise to pass. During that time, he hasn’t forgotten anything! He has just been busy putting the pieces into place for His big reveal.
I am so excited to wait and see how God “remembers” us and continues to bless us for our obedience to him. Don’t forget that God hasn’t forgotten you – no matter how difficult things may be in your life right now, God is at work setting up the next big reveal. Hang in there!