Not even two years ago, I wrote about moving out of the townhome where I spent many of my single years and experienced many changes. At that time, I had no idea the twists and turns the coming months would hold. There was adversity. There was growth. There was love. There was life. Our first 18 months in our new home went nothing like I expected, and yet God was incredibly active and present.
Now we find ourselves on the brink of another new beginning. After 15 years of living in Colorado, I will be moving with my family to Bakersfield, California, where my husband, Kevin, will take on the role of a family pastor. If I told you the whole story of how God brought this about, you would be amazed. One thing is very clear to me: We did not do this. God created a chain reaction of events that propelled us toward this unlikely change. I have found Proverbs 16:9 to be very accurate: “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Our hearts (at first) didn’t lead us away from the mountainous beauty of Colorado or prompt us to leave our family and friends here. Our hearts didn’t compel us to seek out the unknowns of a new community (and climate!). But God most certainly directed our steps. There were days where we had no plan and simply had to trust that God did, and that He would reveal it to us in His perfect time. That was uncomfortable (as the unknown usually is) and even painful.
Then, at the right time, we saw what God had been doing — and it led us straight to California. It was then that our hearts followed as we began to fall in love with the people, church and community God was leading us to and had prepared us for. During that time, I told someone, “Not only did God answer our prayers, but at times it seemed like He was showing off in the way He did it.” Isn’t that just like our God? He never does things halfway.
As we pack up this week, I am in awe again of the way in which God orchestrates the events of our lives and how completely trustworthy He is. If I’m honest, 2015 has not been the easiest year for the Gosselins. But a difficult season has given way to a new, promising beginning. As we head into 2016, leaving many precious things behind — including 15 years of life and friendship in Colorado — Isaiah 64:4 is particularly meaningful to me:
From of old no one has heard
or perceived by the ear,
no eye has seen a God besides you,
who acts for those who wait for him.
God is a God who acts on our behalf. And for that, I am truly thankful.
P.S. If you are wondering, I will continue to be a Boundless contributor. I will also make former Boundless podcast producer David Salkeld jealous with my constant access to In-N-Out Burger.
Copyright 2015 Suzanne Hadley Gosselin. All rights reserved.
