First Time Deployment Brings Perspective

"It's official, I'm getting deployed."  That's the phone call I received in June from my husband Kent.  My heart sank.  We knew the possibility of this happening when he signed up for Army National Guard.  At the same time I had an overwhelming peace.  I knew God was assigning a special load of grace to us during this time.

Now we are in August.  After almost two months of processing, praying, saying to myself "Stay in the zone of proximity.", we get news it will all begin a week earlier.  I'm still calm, God is still in charge, but this brings a perspective that only this situation could bring.  Every single moment is crucial, important, under a magnifying glass.  Every "Daddy would you hold me", every look, every word spoken is thought out, felt deeply.  Get the point?  

Often our time gets cut short.  I think frustration ensues because we took for granted all the time beforehand. We didn't settle in.  We didn't allow ourselves to sit and soak in what God is trying to do.  What He is wanting to do for us!  The creator of this universe is asking you to slow down and soak in His goodness.  To hear His voice.  And let me tell you sister (or brother) it is imperative that you soak in and listen now because your trials are not over.  You will face more and learning how to "rest" in God during these times WILL be your lifeline.

My question to you today.

What trial are you facing?  Are you speeding through it trying to move through it as quickly as possible?  Are you avoiding the inevitable?  Slow down, take a breath.  Allow God's grace to cover you.  Allow His words to speak to you.  Allow this trail to perfect you.  Rest in God!

James 1:2-4  "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything"

CH