Our family was really looking forward to visiting Carlsbad Caverns and seeing the wonder of God’s handiwork. That is why there was some disappointment when Uriah was “broken,” and we would not be able to stop at the Caverns on our way to Tucson.
Oh, but God’s handiwork is not limited to old, cold stone, and it is best observed in the lives of His children. We simply exchanged one opportunity to praise God for another. Late in the morning, it became obvious that the part we needed was simply not available in Carlsbad and to overnight a part in would mean we would be late for our Tucson conference.. We had been to every parts store and machinist in Carlsbad and there were no local options. Without God clearly intervening, we were stuck.
I have to admit, in my flesh I really prefer to be “in control” and have no problems. However, if difficulties mean my children (and their father) grow to a deeper level of trust in the mighty hand of the Lord God, then that is my desire.
So after all options were exhausted, God began to work. He opened doors to make a fabricated part to get us going and then provided a new factory part in El Paso. I was clearly out of my comfort zone driving Uriah in downtown El Paso rush hour traffic as we tried to find the coach lines that was going to sell us a new part. We even had the opportunity to meet new friends and share Christ’s love with them.
Serving a risen Lord sure beats a stale, dead religion any day even though it will mean we are out of our comfort zone.
“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
In Christ Jesus, Steve for everyone
Beautiful mountains.
Downtown El Paso.
Joseph, with a bus mechanic, where we were able to locate the part we needed in El Paso.
Sunset in El Paso.
Wow! You all are a very resourceful family. My husband and I used to attend Pantano Church when we lived in Tucson. It’s a wonderful congregation. We will be praying for continued safety for your family.
We are praying for your safe travels from Tucson as pass right by our home! 😉 May the Lord bless you and keep you through to Monday that His face would shine upon you and be gracious as He lifts your family and Uriah over our little hills and valleys to Fountain Hills. To God be the Glory of your trip! We hope to see you all soon.Â
WE’re all still praying for you at night and love seeing the beautiful picutes and the stories of how God is working to bring you to each conference and minister!
We continue to pray as well! The pictures of El Paso brought back fond childhood memories. I lived there when I was about 10yo…beautiful sunsets!
I also want to share some of the fruit of your Waco trip. During our travels after the evening, our oldest son asked the question “is debate a sport?” We had a long discussion about this and are praying and waiting on dh to discern if we should consider trading this activity for better things. Thanks for sharing your journey in getting out of sports….the Lord used it to prepare our hearts.
God bless God bless and AMEN.
How many times have I ruined the day of my family by trying to direct my own steps? Thank you for sharing this wisdom, Steve, esp as my husband is out of town and the seven kiddos and I are missing our household head.
We are a family of 11 from Tennesse. My husband and I along with our baby will be coming to Anaheim to hear your conference. We are so looking forward to meeting you all. We have been much in prayer about this trip—hard to leave are others at home.Please pray for our family. We have had a physical and spiritual attack on our family since booking our tickets. As I’m sure you all understand. Yet we know HE is in control and rest in HIM. God bless each of you, you are in our prayers. See you on Friday!
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Amen. We will be praying.
thank you for reminding me that god’s timing is always perfect even when we don’t understand it, or when our humanness even questions it. thank you for sharing and for your constant and consistent reminder to always trust and obey, for there’s no other way.
we are keeping you all in our prayers for safe travels and god filled conferences. blessings, mrs. mari