Remembering God’s Faithfulness When “Everything Seems to Be Going Wrong”
When it rains it pours.
It’s all downhill from here.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse…
In February of this year, we finally decided to replace our home’s fifty-year-old windows after dutifully saving up. Little did we know, right after purchasing and getting those new windows installed, our 2013 Chevy Traverse decided to give out.
With over 200,000 miles on our 11-year-old family vehicle, the repair cost wasn’t worth it. The funny thing is, while we did expect we’d need to get a new vehicle this year, we were hoping the Traverse would last a bit longer so that we could replace my husband’s 2004 Honda Accord. With over 350,000 miles on his car (Yes, you read that right!), we decided long ago to run that vehicle into the ground until it couldn’t go any further. His car was being used as a work commute vehicle or for short errands, but we never took it on long distances after it hit that 250,000-mile mark. Little did we know, the Chevy Traverse would be the first to go for the year.
Thankfully, after much prayer, God provided a new-to-us van back in February that was beyond what we imagined we’d be able to purchase. Since then, the van has been a welcomed, safe, and reliable vehicle for our family. And we were able to safely travel to the Smoky Mountains in March for a family trip. We continued to pray that the Honda Accord would hold out as long as possible so that we wouldn’t need to replace it quite yet.
But, this fall, as we started looking to remove some dead trees in our yard, guess what happened? That 2004 Honda Accord finally hit its limit. Now, we’re looking to replace a second vehicle in 2024. No, we didn’t expect to have to replace two vehicles this year, but then again, we’re thankful for the reliable vehicles God provided us for many years.
While this year has been harder with record inflation and necessities becoming more expensive, it’s also been a season where we’ve felt strangely at peace. It’s been a time to reflect and remember the Lord’s faithfulness– trusting and knowing He will provide once again. This is not the first time we’ve been financially strapped, and it probably won’t be the last. But as I look back over the years, in good times and bad, God has truly provided what we needed in each moment even if it wasn’t what we wanted or predicted. Ultimately, everything worked and continues to work together for the good of those who love God.
Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.
Isaiah 25:1
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
While part of me wants to buckle down and search for that new vehicle out of fear, I know that only leads to stress and neglecting the things and people in my home. After much prayer, I know God will provide my husband with the time to research and the wisdom to pick out the best vehicle for our family.
Making decisions out of fear will not provide true wisdom or peace. It will only lead to destruction. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And I want our family’s decisions to be made from a bold trust in the Lord to provide. Through prayer, I’ve seen the benefit of maintaining my role in this difficult season- keeping peace and rest within our home. It’s a privilege and a gift to be there physically and emotionally for my family and remain flexible in where and how I’m needed. While it may seem countercultural to be at home, especially when there’s financial strain, I know this is exactly where God wants me to be. Our hope is not in money or our possessions but in the Lord.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10
As I look ahead to the rest of 2024, it may look a bit daunting, but I know my God is faithful. I will remember His faithfulness and look back on the record of all He has done in my life. He is my ultimate Provider, and my family and I will continue to boldly trust in Him.
Great is Thy Faithfulness Hymn
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-reading-a-holy-bible-5199816/
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-reading-a-holy-bible-5199816/
Wow, Amber! Words can’t express how impactful this was to me. Your story pulled me in and fed my soul. Thank you for your faithfulness in sharing your heart with your readers.
Thank you for sharing, Rachel. I’m glad it blessed you. God bless your weekend!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Psalms 23:4
Thank you for the verse of encouragement! God bless your week!
Thank you and blessings, too!!
Amber, it is so refreshing to hear of a family that approaches a major expenditure with wisdom and patience. Well done! As a long time and now retired employee of Honda, I can assure you that with normal maintenance and care, your husband’s Accord will go much further than a half million miles! Blessings to your family!
Thank you, Ron. Yes, that vehicle was a tank! I think we will go with another Accord or Honda as soon as we find the right fit. God bless your week!
Thank you for sharing. I needed to hear this message and be reminded of these verses today.
Thank you, Ann! I appreciate your comment and encouragement as well. God bless your week!
Thank you Amber. Great article. The Lord has blessed your family abundantly. This post was a great blessing illustrating the Lord’s faithfulness to provide for those who trust Him.
Thank you, RJ! I hope you are doing well, and it was great to hear from you. God bless!
Your faith is such an encouragement!
Thank you! It’s the Holy Spirit at work!