A great victory

Tuesday night we went for our usual appointment with a couple we've been praying with and encouraging for many months. But the two people who met us at the door were not the ones we were used to seeing.  This was a new couple. And it soon became clear that this was anything but our "usual" meeting. 

Our first clue that something big had happened was their countenance.  By this I mean their whole appearance and demeanor had changed.  Instead of sad eyes and melancholy expressions, their faces beamed.  Instead of taking verbal shots at each other, they spoke gently and were excited to tell us how God had been working in their lives since we last saw them about two months ago. 

We had learned their news of a new baby on the way a few days earlier in a text message.  But at that time we weren't sure how they would cope with a little one in the midst of all the challenges they faced.

However, when we met face to face we could see the changes in them were much bigger than the excitement of a new baby. The Lord had given them a victory over PTSD and the long list of problems it was causing in their marriage.  They have been transformed by the power of God, and they wanted to thank us--when all we could think was PRAISE GOD!

Both husband and wife thanked us for our friendship, for reaching out and coming alongside; for sticking with them and not judging them.  They expressed how much it meant to have an older (ouch!!) couple to talk to and pray with -- someone who cared.  (In my mind I was thinking - "Hey, this is exactly what we teach people in our seminars. Wow it really does work!")  We talked with them about what God had done.  Yes, we were part of the story, but the healing power came from relying on God who is able to do things which we cannot do.

We will continue to meet, study and pray together.  Since their families live far away, we offered to be their 'San Antonio parents'.  They quickly accepted!  Going forward we will remember this time when God came near and answered our prayers. 

All their problems are not solved, nor have all their challenges disappeared.  But having experienced the power of Almighty God to rescue and provide, all those things are now re-framed; outlined by Amazing Love which brings both hope and healing! 
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!

(And one of these days I will tell you  -- the rest of the story...)