Aftermath

Jan 7, 2024 | by The Fellowship

Who knew that a casual dinner invitation would turn out to make such an incredible impact on our lives?  My young family (wife, toddler son, and myself) was coming out of an unimaginably  hard period in our lives.  So much trauma happened in a short period of time that we were overwhelmed, depressed, physically sick and filled with hopelessness. The road ahead seemed burdensome and impossible.

During the past year, we lost almost everything we owned to a devastating house fire. That forced us to move into temporary housing and what felt like homelessness for months because all our familiar possessions and keepsakes were gone.

My job also was not going well, and I felt trapped and miserable at work with no relief in sight because every penny was needed.  My wife was so sick that, at times, we feared she might not survive the illness. Gloom and doom were our constant companions and affected us to the point that we were discussing separation or divorce.  Our faith in the Lord was the only thing that kept us from giving up, but it felt like we were fighting a losing battle.

Then a couple, who has a ministry to help families strengthen their faith and impact others through Christ-centered lives, invited us to dinner at their home.  For us, it was as exciting as receiving an invitation to a fancy Hollywood party!  We were so encouraged just to be asked because our social life had dwindled, just like everything else in our lives, during the preceding months.

Our casual dinner turned into a four-hour heart-to-heart discussion about all we had endured and were still going through.  We felt so deeply cared for and supported by this couple.  After that evening, we had new things to focus on besides ourselves and the ongoing problems.  Our eyes were now on our Lord … instead of circumstances.  We continued to discuss with each other what our goals should be and where we felt God leading us.

The couple continued to pour love and friendship over our family.  They shared so much wisdom from God’s Word and challenged us to be intentional in our relationships with others.  Most of all, they prayed endlessly with and for us.

Our Lord has been so faithful to answer prayers.  Each answer has brought us so much closer to Him, and our marriage is stronger than ever before. I am thriving in a new workplace, and we have been able to acquire a beautiful new home. Our three-year-old son is more joyful than we have ever seen him. 

My wife even felt encouraged to share the gospel with her family.  What a huge blessing when she was able to lead her mother to Christ!  For all these things, we give glory to God!

Now we are eager to see other families and couples who are struggling be able to strengthen their faith and fortify their marriages.  The realization has come to us that, even among the huge trials that resulted in depression and hopelessness, God was always with us. And He always will be because He has promised to never leave or forsake us, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

How we thank Him for the gift of friendship and guidance we received at such a crucial time in our lives!  Our family goal is to continue to pursue what truly matters and to grow closer to God and each other. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose. 
Romans 8:28