You know those moments when you realize this is probably happening because YHVH is trying to teach me something? Well, that’s what’s been happening to us the past two weeks.

Doug has not been able to work for almost two weeks, due to circumstances completely outside his control. It has been a roller coaster of emotions, of falling in and out of trust. It is easy to say we trust Him, but it seems essential that our faith is tested from time to time. And not only our individual faith, but the ways we build up and encourage those around us. Do we build up their faith, or cause them to doubt?

For me, it has not been so much about my individual faith. I have been in similar situations growing up and witnessed His provision every time. I never went hungry, and never suffered any needs. This has been a tremendous exercise in learning to be a good ezer (helpmeet) for my husband. Just as soon as I thought Doug was feeling encouraged and somewhat stable, he would start feeling anxious again. So I would pray and share verses and talk him through it all over again. I learned that sometimes he needed gentle confirmation, and sometimes he needed tough love. I hope that I have learned more of what YHVH can do through me, to build up the man He has given me.

For Doug, it has been all about learning to wait. He is used to making decisions, acting, fixing problems. But this situation offered no action for him to take. He needed to learn that sometimes we need to stand still and see the salvation of YHVH. I needed to run errands with the kids back on Wednesday, and Doug stayed home. With all of us out of the house, he was able to use the quiet time for some serious prayer. And what YHVH showed him, well, really surprised him. YHVH said, “Who said I needed to use that particular job to provide for you?” That was really huge for Doug, and once he realized that he was actually limiting YHVH, the peace that followed was amazing.

Our situation still hasn’t changed, but now, we wait in excited anticipation. We wonder how He will work it all out. It is still tempting to doubt and worry, but we are learning to work as a team to build each other up. We are already seeing YHVH’s provision, from unexpected checks in the mail, to great sales at our garage sale. We had been praying about me starting an online business, and decided to get started. It has been thrilling to see YHVH already blessing my efforts as an Independent Lilla Rose consultant. He is good, and wherever He leads, we are more than happy to follow.

What has YHVH been teaching you lately? Are you learning how to have a stronger marriage, how to trust Him more? He is faithful!