The precious hand of Providence never allows but what is within His Sovereign will. Furthermore, as one Pastor puts it, “He is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” Satisfied in all that He brings our way!
The long awaited date for departure had come. Bags were packed and confirmation made with our dear hosts. Anticipation was building and all was coming together well until word arrived that our van needed some unexpected major repairs which would deter departure until the following day. The situation was beyond our control – He is trustworthy. It took a choice to rejoice.
Joyfulness: the spontaneous enthusiasm of my spirit when my soul is in fellowship with the Lord.
While sitting around the family table later that evening, we received news that our usual means of care for our dog would not be available due to an unprecedented 12-40 inch snow forecast. Plan after plan was proven futile until a complete change of decision arose, through the gracious offers of our dear hosts, to bring the dog.
Flexibility: Not setting my affections on ideas or plans which could be changed by God or others.
Early next morning, the van was packed with great 
enthusiasm as we anticipated a quick departure. But upon inspecting the van, we were alarmed by an unexplainable flat tire. A motivated team was set to work on inflating the tire followed up by a trip to the gas station to finish the inflation. Seeing obvious roadblocks for a trip that we knew the Lord desired us to make, we were encouraged to press on. That tire remained inflated for the rest of the trip.
Determination: Purposing to accomplish god’s goals in God’s time – regardless of the opposition.
Rainy weather in North Carolina made for potentially adverse driving conditions. While many were taking a much needed nap and a couple others engaged in conversation, all eyes suddenly became alerted to danger. The pickup truck immediately in front of us hydroplaned and so began spinning uncontrollably from one side of the road to the other. Through the direct hand of almighty God our van narrowly missed the spinning truck by but a few inches. His guiding hand moved our van safely to the side and out of the way of danger. Immediately following, each member from the youngest to eldest praised the Lord for His watchful care. Later on, we discovered that two different people were praying for the safety of our trip.
Reverence: Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me.
As subsequent posts will relate, the Lord blessed the visits with our friends exceedingly more than we could of asked for. Much was accomplished unto the furtherance of the Kingdom of God!
The trials were not over, however. On our return trip home, we were somewhat concerned when the power windows, windshield wipers, turn signals, and radio ceased working. Knowing it could be one of several causes, we pulled off the interstate and stopped by an auto store. The Lord allowed us to get in touch with a friend who is a car mechanic. We discerned the issue not to be a serious one. And after shutting off the car and restarting, all mechanisms were restored.
Cautiousness: Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions.
A final tribute to the divine hand of God upon our trip was seen as we drove into our snow covered court Monday night. 24+ inches of snow covered the back half of our court all the way across our driveway and up to the front door. 
Realizing we had an amazing amount of snow to shovel, preparations were made to begin removal. Suddenly, the lights of our neighbor’s truck came shining down upon us. He asked us to move our van over and then proceeded to clear all the snow from in front of our driveway leaving us with a greatly reduced amount of work.
Love: Giving to others basic needs without having as my motive personal reward – thank you Mr. Vilareal!
For our family, the trials proved to be a strengthening of character as we came to recognize once again our need to fully submit to God’s Sovereign will. For from God’s perspective, it matters not so much our circumstances but rather our response. For, “He is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”
5 Comments » | posted in Family News, Proclaiming the Truth
somewhat extenuating circumstances that resulted in opportunities for families to draw closer to each other, serve their local communities, and rejoice in the marvelous doings of our Creator God!
.’ It was as if we had stopped at a 1st class hotel. They even pulled out a late night snack of fried chicken! The decision was made to stay. 
