Hi Sunday friends!
GUESS WHAT! Mr. FFF GOT INTO SCHOOL!
We will be moving to Rhode Island in a couple of months….WHIIICH is basically the farthest move we could do (without leaving the country of course!)
We are super excited….and I am super nervous. Mostly because this means that we will be going down to one income (mine) for 2 years. You may not know about blogging, but it’s not a steady 9-5 job with a steady reliable income.
Which is why I’ve been thinking about past experiences with God this week.
Things are constantly weighing on us – worries about the day, our life, will God provide what we need? When will He do it? Will it be on MY time?
It’s so easy to get consumed with these things and to start questioning if God is really going to come through because, to us, our problems/issues just seem MUCH too large for Him to come through and solve.
Just as I write this, I am wondering what I need to change to make sure I can provide what the hubs and I need? Do I need to start working MORE than 14 hours a day? Do I need to start getting up earlier than 4 am?
I find that I always start looking INWARDS when Satan creeps his stupid little head into my brain and starts whispering worries and lies. I start looking at what I can do to make sure these worries don’t manifest themselves in my life. I’m guessing this might be something you do to. It can be hard to really grasp that our Father God, who we can’t see, is just gonna – POOF – come through. We start relying on our own strength.
But, have you ever stopped and looked at your past experiences with God?
As humans, we want to always be moving forward, looking forward and not looking back. But, this doesn’t allow us to look at our past issues/struggles/problems and see how God has provided for us.
God has always provided what Caleb and I needed financially.
God allowed me to be completely healed, with ZERO food issues, for a good 8 or 9 years in my teens.
Hebrews 13:8 says that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today and forever.” This means that HE is the SAME God TODAY as the one that got you through whatever seemed insurmountable in your past. We can stand on the fact that God has gotten us through, and He will continue to do it over and over again.
In our moments of worry-tunnel-vision, we just need to stop and look back at how God has come through in our past.
I don’t know about you, but this releases a WHOLE lot of worry about the future.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you that we can stand on then promise that You are the same, today, yesterday and forever. Help me to not get so wrapped up in my “tunnel vision” and looking inwards, that I forget to look upwards. Help me to not rely on my strength in times of worry, but to release those things to You, knowing that You will come through.
Reflection question (answer in the comments if you’re willing!)
What is one time in your life that, looking back, you’ve seen God come through? Keep this thought in your head for future times!
Victoria says
Taylor,
I’m so excited for you and Caleb! My husband and I just went through a very similar situation…we got engaged, married, and literally on our rehearsal dinner night found out my husband got into dental school in NY, and we were in SC at the time! It was a crazy move for us too…I was struggling to find a job and make connections and friends up here for a few months. But I will tell you, if there’s one thing I’ve learned in this new season of my life, it’s that the Lord God will provide for all of our needs if we rely on Him and have open communication with Him. What an amazing thing that is! I’m so excited for you guys and will be praying for you through all this because I know a little of what you’re going through. If you ever want to come to NY or are passing through and need a place to stay for free we’d gladly host you guys! Many thoughts and prayers to you guys at this time.
Taylor Kiser says
Thank you SO much Victoria- this really means a lot! We know that God has it all in control and we are trusting in that! I may take you up on the offer 😉
Charlotte Moore says
WOW!! I thought he was through school. Is he becoming more than a nurse?
YES, HE is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, HE is an on time every time GOD.
Taylor Kiser says
Yes he is going to get his doctorate to further is practice!
Sonya says
Oh this is easy..My weight loss journey. I weighed in at close to 300 pounds. I sat on the edge of my bed,clasped my hands, and prayed. I prayed that he could take the burden off my shoulders and in return I would do my part and wouldn’t stop until I was done. I got up the next day and felt lighter. I started and I didn’t stop. I cried to him,I even begged sometimes to take the cravings and the mental challenges I faced. It took me half a year to stop the binge eating and to this day I still have a voice that tells me to eat all day long and it tells me not to get rid of my bigger clothes because I will get big again but when it happens I ask God for the continued strength that He has given me. I know He has my back. I know I also have to do the hard uncomfortable work of always keeping myself in check..but He is there. Always encouraging and placing a hand on my back when I feel like I am going to take a step backwards. He is there.
Prayers for you two as you make a huge life changing move. I am currently in The Netherlands and will be also making a huge move this year back over to either Oregon or Washington state. It’s been 11 long years and even if our current state there..I can not wait to get back home. I have missed the PNW!
All I can say is that stress is forever there..hard as we try to keep it away, it always finds a spot at the table. What I do know is that praying and reflection is always the key. Do not place too much on your shoulders and be willing to bend with plans and ideas. Embrace all the fun stuff of moving to a new place and I hope you share pics! I’ve never been to Rhode Island but from what I have seen online it reminds me a lot of the PNW. You’ll be in my prayers!
Taylor Kiser says
Thank you SO much for sharing Sonya – this was so brave of you! I love that you’re in tune with the Lord and are able to ask Him for help when you need it….and congrats on your success!
I am so excited you’re coming back to the PNW! Once his school is done, we will be back in WA too!! We can do this….you’re right, stress is always there, but we have a God who has it all in control!
Jennifer M Chopp says
Thank you for such a beautiful and reaffirming post. This made my day by reminding me that My Savior is always there…always! I will pray that you and your husband have a safe journey and you’re new adventure is a success!
Taylor Kiser says
Thank you Jennifer! I am so glad you enjoyed the post!!
Terri says
My husband were in deep conversation yesterday about the same core issues. We need to focus on God ( He is big and powerful) and not our problems. My husband is already working 12 hour days and now may need to work 14 hour days.
I can connect with you about getting up at 4 am- I need to do that if I want to work out.
Taylor Kiser says
I feel you – my husband does 12 hour days as well…and you obvs know what 4am is like (tiring!) God has this and we just need to trust Him!!