Shortly after my first husband died in July 2010, I sat in church trying to work my way through the pain, grief and sorrow of losing my best friend and father of our children. As we studied God’s Word, a powerful thought crossed my mind. I saw myself wearing a beautiful robe that was intricately woven with the finest of silk. It shone brilliantly as the precious stones adorning the garment twinkled in the sunlight. While standing there, however, my heavenly Father gently took it off of me and pointed out another robe that was just as beautifully adorned and brilliant, but a different color. He asked me to wear that one instead. I shook my head and said, “no!” But He kept gently and firmly insisting, so I chose to walk over and He put this new and beautiful, albeit different, robe over me.

On July 11, 2011, I walked down the aisle to marry the man God hand picked for my life and my children’s life as a precious gift. This new life is different and yet just as beautiful as the one I left behind. I often think about what would have happened if I hadn’t been willing to submit to God’s authority and sovereignty. I could have chosen to live my life in anger and fear, sorrow and bitterness. But instead, by the grace of God, I have been experiencing great love and joy and happiness. There are few things more beautiful and mysterious than the love between a man and a woman. Because of my trust in God’s protection and provision, He has chosen to bless me with true love once again and I am deeply and forever grateful.

Dear God, thank you that everything that happens in a believer’s life passes Your permissive will and accomplishes Your purposes. Thank you for this past year. It has been the most difficult time of our lives and yet You are faithfully and gently bringing us through it.

Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And my thoughts than your thoughts.”