When The Going Gets Tough

Any decision in life can be fraught with challenges and trials and our recent decision to move from the United Kingdom to Canada is definitely no exception.

From selling our UK home, our first home together, to inter-company job transfers this season has been trying in so many ways…and the journey isn’t over yet. One of the biggest and toughest decisions we have made so far is for me to move back to Toronto leaving my hubby in the UK whilst he awaits the final sign off on his job transfer. This has been an emotional roller coaster and unbelievably tough at times – to put it simply I miss him
dearly.

Now you’re probably asking yourselves, what…why…why did you move separately!? A perfectly valid question …we made the decision to move separately after much thought and prayer – from a practical viewpoint it enabled us to purchase our dream home in Canada, an opportunity we would have lost had we not made the decision. We had been praying so long for God to lead us to our future home and this one just landed in our laps…Only two years into our marriage and its definitely not easy being apart from each other for such a long period of time but, you know what, sometimes you have to take that leap of faith, sometimes you have to Trust
in God and know that He works for your good.

There have been so many times that both of us have questioned the decisions we made up till now, when we have allowed doubt to creep in and warp our present reality. I don’t know about you but for me personally, my biggest struggle hasn’t even been trusting in the Lord… I know,
and am 100% certain that God goes before me to prepare the way so that is not even in question, it’s the waiting game that I really struggle with. It’s the not knowing, the knots I feel in my stomach when Mike’s work say they have an update only for it to be another request for ‘patience with the process’!! I cannot tell you how frustrating and emotional it has been.

But, through all the fog and inner turmoil there is one light which continues to shine ever brighter…His name is Jesus. God always reminds me that this is where He wants us right now and that everything will okay…our Father is soo good and faithful isn’t He!? He has been my rock and my fortress, not only that but I have realized that this is actually a time for reflection,
for resting in the Lord. To say I am learning so much about myself would be a massive understatement, and I believe He is smoothing away some of my sharp edges – my insecurities, my impatience, my doubt – in the process. I’ve really learned that focusing daily on His word and singing His praises truly does refresh the soul.

One of my favourite verses in the bible is Proverbs 3:5-6,
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all
your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths”

This verse has taught me to trust in God no matter what the situation may look like or what the results may be because what we see with the natural eye is not what God sees. He sees the entire picture from beginning to end whereas we only see the here and now.
The bible talks a lot about remembrance and I have truly had to remember the past and what God has done for me and remind myself that even if it seems bleak, He’s never failed me. The Psalmist expresses remembrance in Psalm 136 from beginning to end with jubilant shouts of praise expressing thanksgiving for things God did in the past.

Psalm 136:10 – 14
“to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.
and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.
with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.
  to him who divided the Red Sea asunder
His love endures forever.
and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.
but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever”.

It really does help to think back to the things that God has done in your life and when you do you will see His precious hand prints laced across your life and remember all He has done and it will lift your spirit and give you hope.

Let me leave you with this thought, no matter what you are going through, no matter what decisions are before you – TRUST in the LORD, read His Word and meditate on it, and in all things prayer and supplication. These words in Joshua are so powerful and so true, Joshua 1:8
says,

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and
night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will
make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success”. 

You are not alone, you are Loved, there is a Hope and His name is Jesus.
God bless each and every one of you. We would love to hear from you if you have any topics you want to hear about or any questions around our faith.

Have a fantastic week and weekend.

Love Mel & Mike xx