This time three years ago I found myself in one of the darkest storms of my life. Within two weeks of each other, I was handed such a weighted reality it nearly crushed me…
My mom’s cancer had spread and she only had a short time to live.
My husband lost his job of twenty years (I was a stay-at-home mom at the time).
We did the only thing our numb bodies would allow.
We cried.
We held one another.
We prayed without ceasing.
My life had been hit so hard that I was brought down. The only thing left standing was my firm foundation in God. My husband Bernie and I stayed faithful during the raging storms, clinging to God, not knowing how we would survive the aftermath.
A lesson on how to rebuild after a stubborn storm is this…
Don’t give up and do what you have to do.
Bernie mowed lawns during the week, I cleaned condos on the weekend while we searched for him a new job, and we both helped take care of my dying mother. And God blessed our efforts. Not once did He not provide, and the ends were always met at the end of each month. Bills were paid on time, groceries and gas money never got too sparse.
On this side of the storm, I see where God’s hand was at work. That summer, without a job, Bernie was able to spend extra time with my mom’s limited time remaining. There was no hiding the fact that my husband was her favorite. If you asked her she’d tell you! Those are some precious last memories I hold dear.
Was this storm tough? No. It was beyond that. It was devastating. There were plenty of days I wanted to just give up. But we built our Lowe family’s life on the firm foundation of God. With the right foundation, no matter how tattered the house becomes, you can rebuild.
So almost exactly three years ago from today when our lives came crashing down, I get to celebrate how mighty my God is. Bernie is now settled into a new job with benefits and retirement, both of which his old job did not have any more due to the economy. I have the title of author to my name now. And we are able to build a new house.
As seen in the picture, the new foundation for our house was poured on probably the coolest day of this blazing summer. The rain helped to slow the curing process. Both elements, I have no doubt, was a gift from God. It left us with a firmer foundation.
God gets the praise for blessing us in this new chapter of our lives. He continues to strengthen our foundation. More storms will show up, but I know He will keep us grounded in them. I am humbled by the work He has done in my life.
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
“As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.” Luke 7:47-48
No matter your struggle or storm, seek God to be your lighthouse and shelter. Praise Him in all things. Hold firm to the foundation He has built in you.