Life is hard, but God is good

It’s been almost 1 year exactly since God pulled off a pretty big miracle and sold our home in no less than 26 days which enabled us to make our way to Uganda to serve Show Mercy. I can’t help but think back at this 1 year anniversary and contemplate all that has happened since. Since this time last year our lives have changed so dramatically that it is difficult to put into words. As a family, we laid aside everything that was familiar and “normal” and ventured out into the unknown of Uganda. All we knew was that God had, without a doubt, called us to take this step and that He would fill in all the gaps along the way.

Taking that initial leap was a bit scary and as it turns out, a lot of work! As we settled into life in Uganda, however, the initial step that brought us here didn’t seem nearly as big as the reality of living, working, schooling our kids, and ministering to those in need around us. Lately I’ve been thinking about the Bible story where the disciples were trapped in a horrible storm out on the lake. Jesus came to them, walking on the water. Peter eagerly jumped out of the boat to join Him (a literal “leap” of faith) and quickly discovered that he was in over his head. As he began to sink, Jesus reached down and rescued him from the waves. In some ways I can sympathize with Peter, eager to jump out of the boat, then a little overwhelmed with the reality of my decision!

I think through all of this God is teaching me that that first step out of the boat, although extremely important, pales in comparison to the strength needed to stand in the waves that are crashing around us every day. To be honest, I don’t think those waves are any stronger in Uganda than in the western world (maybe just a little different!). The good news in all of this is that whatever steps of faith we have taken and whatever rough waters we find ourselves in, Jesus is there with His gentle eyes and firm grip to keep us afloat, just keep your eyes on Him.

Thank you so much to all of you who have stood with us through this journey in prayer, encouragement, and financial support. God has used all of you to bless our family so much.