God Shows His Faithfulness
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 NIV
Always one to love a new adventure, I enthusiastically encouraged my husband to apply for a new position in England within his company. I imagined traveling through the Cotswold villages while exploring “jolly ole England.” What I hadn’t imagined with his new job was the lack of purpose I would experience, not to mention the loneliness without friends in England.
The excitement of selecting a house to rent, learning to drive on the opposite side of the road, and settling in was an adventure. Being without family, friends, or employment was not an adventure.
Days were long and lonely. Questions about what to do with my time were abundant. Going for long walks became frightening as roads were not perpendicular and I was getting lost. Store names were unfamiliar, and I didn’t know which stores to go to for what I needed. Making friends and navigating life in a different culture became my main focus as I felt more alone and more uncertain daily.
Several weeks after our arrival, we decided to attend church. Walking in the doorway, the surroundings, accents, and worship styles felt foreign and uneasy. Not long into the service, a lay person began to read the Bible, and God’s voice riveted directly into my heart. Words of Scripture were being spoken in a British accent, but God spoke clearly and directly to me. To this day, I remember the joy of His words and the immediate peace from God assuring me that although I was in a foreign land without friends, family, or purpose, all would be well. Hope arose in me for God’s faithfulness no matter where I was living or what I was encountering.
After that, I turned to spending time with the Lord, praying, seeking His leading, and listening to hymns from favorite Christian tapes I had brought with us. Slowly, God taught me that my purpose in a foreign country was just like it had been in the U. S., trusting and obeying His leading.
Because I wasn’t working and had few family responsibilities, God prompted me to volunteer, and again, God showed His faithfulness. During the interview process at the local volunteer agency, they repeatedly asked me what I enjoyed and wanted to do. I remember clearly it was not about what I wanted to do, but rather where God might be calling me. Numerous volunteer opportunities were shared, and repeatedly the interviewer said, “Miss P. needs help.” I truly did not want a one-on-one assignment, but God was suddenly nudging me to respond, “I’ll meet Miss P. and see.” And when I met Miss P., God very quickly confirmed Miss P. was exactly where He wanted my service and my time.
Slowly, through prayer, waiting, and trusting God, He showed His steadfast faithfulness, and my days in England became more joyful in hope and more faithful in prayer. My roots grew deeper and my faith more unwavering as my love for God grew stronger in this foreign land.
Questions For Reflection:
How does knowing that God is faithful help you navigate difficult circumstances?
What are some practical steps you can take while you are waiting and trusting in God?