This has been a very spiritually intense and emotionally draining time in Clint's and my lives. We have thoroughly examined our hearts for any ill feelings or motives. We have petitioned Him to keep us from sin, to let His name be glorified all the way through, and to show us clearly what He wants from us. We have searched Scripture for answers and direction.
We have wrestled with and prayed the Lord would help us work through anger and recover from the shock and deep hurt so we can have a clear heart for the Holy Spirit to work in and through. Through and only through His help, we were able to not only forgive, but have a deep love, compassion, and understanding for the person who deeply hurt us.
We have laid down our desires and asked Him to show us what He wants. Constantly, Clint has asked to be given the wisdom of Solomon. We have asked Him to give us insight into other the other person's thinking, to allow us to hear beyond their words into their heart, so we could understand their position. He has shown us things about him and then verified the information to erase any doubts.
Clint has dreamed an incredible dream that was easily interpreted to give us a vision of what is on the other side of this situation. I have been given knowledge of what God is planning to do through this. Like Gideon, we have put out fleeces and sought confirmation.
God has answered every single prayer every single step of the way. Not a single thing we have asked for was withheld from us. Seeing God work in our lives in these ways has been incredible! Our love for Him and each other is stronger than ever. We have learned new things about ourselves. Our children are learning too: Yesterday Amanda and Brandon said they could see the Holy Spirit had finished burdening us to gain information and seek God's will. They said they could see we are closer to the Lord and that our love for each other has deepened. God is good; He is very good indeed! His name is worthy to be praised!
Romans 8:6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
I Peter 5:5b-10 ...All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
