Undeserved Faithfulness

I was reminded again today of the faithfulness of my God. I often don't pray as diligently as I should. When something is urgent or pressing, I am on my knees, but as time passes and I become numb to the problem or pain, I often neglect to keep asking God to intervene in difficult situations.

Without going into too many details, the relationship with my in-laws has often been a difficult one. They didn't approve of Marc's choice in marrying me and chose to not come to our wedding. We did our best at that time to honor them, but the bottom line was differing world views. Marc was looking for a wife who was like minded in re. to his relationship to Christ. He wasn't looking for a societal match- which I was not. It was a very painful time, not what one dreams of per say. We learned much and sought God daily for wisdom and forgiveness. We clung to him for strength and proceeded daily only as He led.

Looking back, God allowed Marc to separate from an unhealthy relationship with his mom and really allowed him to become a man. I am so grateful for the wisdom and strength Marc showed at that time. He chose a different world view; he chose to follow what he felt God was telling him to do even if it meant costing him his family. Yes, we loved one another deeply and were blissfully happy with one another, but we went forward in marriage despite the difficult circumstances because after much prayer and seeking the counsel of trusted Christian leaders, we were confident that marriage was what God intended for our lives.

At that time, his mother said I would never be welcomed into their home and a few other not so kind things. It really looked hopeless, but we know the God of all hope and so we prayed, we fasted, and we prayed some more. God led us each step of the way and gave me an incredible love for a woman who had no love in her heart for me.

That was ten years ago. Today my mother-in-law and her husband left after a two week visit. It was by far the best visit yet. I don't pray near as much as I used to about this situation. It has gradually improved over time and I do believe that when my Mother-in-Law now tells me she loves me that she DOES mean just that. We have a pretty good relationship and it's credit to God alone. I have done some amazing things because of God's leading and really screwed up at times when I let my hurt get the best of me, but God continues to answer the prayers we laid at his feet over ten years ago. He has FAR surpassed anything I could have every dreamed of asking of him. God is good and he DOES answer prayer. He doesn't always answer in my time or in the way I first desire, but he ALWAYS does what is BEST.

I am so very thankful and humbled at his thankfulness and provision. I love my Mother-in-law and I am SO thankful for her. She now comes to SERVE us when she visits- that is AMAZING. It is a blessing and it is testament to God's work in her life. It is exciting to see his hand in her life and in ours. He is so personal, so wise, so good. He DOES still perform miracles and HE DOES provide "IMMEASURABLY more than we can ask or imagine!"