A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?
– Proverbs 20:24 (NIV)
I have always had a dream to live in the snow and to move out of California. We have never been able to leave Southern California because of our business and Markus' career. But nonetheless, it was always a dream of mine, not ever thinking it would become a reality. As Markus and I had been praying about it the last several months, God has brought it to a reality for us. We couldn't be more happy! And the journey that God has taken us on in the last few months is just plain glorious and God deserves all the praise and glory. It's truly a God story and I wanted to share it with you.
We have lived most of our married life for our glory, for our desires...not really very healthy or recommended. And in the last several months, we have both been on a journey to surrender our individual lives and our lives as a family unit to God alone. Brought to our knees. Brought to the foot of the cross. Our lives experienced the disorientation like Saul in the book of Acts. It was a contrast of dependence on ourselves instead of God and living in the power of God.
"Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do. The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind and did not eat or drink anything." Acts 9:6-9
Our old life has ended and we are going to create a new life in God. It's not that we are running from anything, actually quite the opposite. It is the transforming power of a surrender life.
"And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18
As God was lighting our path on exploring this journey, He couldn't have been more clear. It seemed that every few weeks God was bringing us something new that would direct us to Colorado. We recently met and became very good friends with two couples that had recently moved from the exact area in Denver we were looking to move to. And what a blessing they have been in our lives these past few months. Markus' career opportunities were not as fruitful as they had been in years past and God was closing opportunities here in Orange County. While doors were closing here, we decided to move our trip to discover Colorado earlier so we could potentially move during Christmas. We visited Colorado the middle of October and ended up being there for 12 days, originally only planned for 6. During our visit, God made it very clear - by providing ONE house and ONE job!!! You can't get any clearer than that. God was so faithful and surely directed our every step.
"Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light to my path." Psalms 119:105
After leaving Colorado we knew that is where we belong. It was now up to God to continue to unfold His plans. Five days after coming home, God provided Markus an amazing job offer and our housing was then confirmed. It would just be three short weeks from that point till we move to Colorado.
During this whole journey God has provided the finances, a friend who just happens to own a commercial trucking company, and a peace that only He can give.
So here we are three days from packing the moving truck and six days till we leave Orange County and head to our new home state. It is all very surreal. It surely has been bittersweet saying goodbye to our friends and leaving all the memories we have here. But, knowing that we are in God's will and following His plan for our lives, makes it all worthwhile. We are excited to see what else God has in store for our family, an amazing journey I am sure. But may it be all for His glory and sharing our story of Him with others.
