Well, life is surprising sometimes...life throws you curves that you least expect. Take, for instance, my past year. This past year has been rough. Sometimes it is hard to believe that God is on His throne and in control no matter what. But, He is. He really, really is.
In John 14:18 Jesus promised “I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you.” He also promised in Romans 8:28 “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
No matter what we face, He is with us and is working things out for His glory and for our good. We have to believe the truth of the Word no matter what, and “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1) Sometimes, though, God does things in our lives that allow us to see His promises fulfilled in action. He did that for me this year in the midst of my struggles.
One huge way He did that was by giving me my sweet Chad. I have prayed for years and years for a man to love and do life with. I have waited for him for so long but only God knew the absolute perfect timing to bring him into my life. God has provided such support, comfort, and encouragement to me through Chad. Chad is such a Godly, strong, tender, and wise man. He is so full of life and love. He has brought such GOOD things into my life!
Yesterday marked one year since we met. Looking forward to the anniversary, we planned to have a really special date. I even got a new dress! And then, overnight Saturday, I got sick. I was sick pretty much all day yesterday. Instead of going out and celebrating big, I stayed home in my pajamas and Chad came over to my apartment (bringing Sprite, crackers, flowers, and Imodium)! We talked a lot about the past year, I slept a lot, and Chad did a lot of homework and cleaned the apartment. It was a great anniversary.
Chad and I are so blessed that God has given us the type of love that is not led by emotion. Sure, we have emotion for each other...lots of it. But, for love to last, there has to be more than just emotion in the equation. There has to be commitment and companionship and the ability to sacrifice your own wants and needs for the other person’s benefit.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 tells us that “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
It is IMPOSSIBLE to have that kind of love without the power of God working inside. 1 John 4:19 says that “We love because He first loved us.” Truly, God IS love and He is the one who teaches us how to love by the way that He loves us...perfectly.
Lord, teach me to love more like you do: “for better or for worse.”
