Anyway, the last several months have been a whirlwind for the Martins. Brothers got married on both sides, and we gained two new sisters, which is always fun. Our first child never made it into the world and is now enjoying eternity with Jesus. My car died and we bought a small SUV, which will be perfect for moving things to our new (rented) condo, where we will be moving to September 15th. We also just switched churches due to Joe's new job. Joe started a new semester at school and next week I start a few classes, one through the seminary and one at our new church. Our world is sort of in an upheaval.
During times like this it's usually a big struggle for me emotionally. I tend to hate change. A lot. Not all change, mind you. I love when people's hearts change, my own included, to become more like Christ. It's the things that facilitate this change that I have a harder time with. It's not always easy to trust God with the loss of a child, or when a car breaks down at one of the most inconvenient times financially in our lives. It's hard to start over when you feel comfortable where you have been. I'm sure there are other things that I would have an even harder time trusting God with. However, Romans 8:28-30 has been a huge comfort to me during this time and I am having an easier time adjusting to everything than I normally do. It seems natural almost to draw closer to God when I am hurting or questioning or worrying.
I want to encourage anyone who is struggling in any area of their lives with these verses. God IS good, and He IS in control, and nothing takes Him by surprise. Ultimately, we can take what happens in life and use it to glorify God and become more like him, or we can wallow in our self-pity and heartache. I happen to be much less miserable when I choose the former. It's kind of scary to me when I re-read this; I sound like my parents!
Anyway, I'll leave you all with that. Maybe it won't take me so long to write again.
