If our stories were included in the Bible...

The Bible is a compilation of stories written by over 40 authors of how God moved in their lives and the lives of others.  Even though the Bible is complete, that doesn’t mean that God stopped working.  He continues to write His story of provision, protection, blessing, healing, forgiveness, mercy, and redemption in our lives today.

After reading a portion of Genesis yesterday, I decided to begin writing a little of my story to add to the mix.  Unlike the stories in the Bible, all of our shortcomings are not included here, but like the Bible, the focus is on how great the LORD is with us, though we are underserving.

(The words in parentheses remind me of stuff that happened in the Bible.)

Winter 2008 – Jennifer’s mother had fallen ill and her body had succumbed to a consuming cancer.  But the LORD was with Jennifer and she became pregnant.  Her mother was able to enter into Heaven knowing that her only daughter was with child.

Jennifer’s mother passed away on April 10, 2008.  It was a sad day for all, but the LORD was with Jennifer and gave her His peace that passes understanding.  She mourned the loss of her mother with whom she had a very close friendship, but she is completely at peace with the situation.  Jennifer feels like her mother was here as an angel to instruct her and now that she is grown, it was time for her mother to return back to Heaven.  (Philippians 4:7)

Fall 2011 – Enrique and Jennifer decided to take their toddler son and move to an unknown land where the LORD had told them to go.  The language, food, and customs were different and the cost of living was high, but the LORD provided for every need and continues to do so. (Abraham)

Spring 2012 – Ashley needed a nursery director so she looked upon Jennifer for help.  Although Jennifer did not feel capable of such a position, she acquiesced provided that the LORD would guide her steps, which He did.  (Moses and Isaiah)

Kelsey needed a place to live on the other side of the city in order to be closer to her work with Openhouse.  Edgar and Raquel could plainly see that the LORD was with Enrique and Jennifer so they granted Kelsey access to their home without even having met her.  She resided there for five months.  (Abimelech, Genesis 26:28)

Summer 2012 – Enrique led his small group through a curriculum entitled “Text”.  Although Jennifer was present at the “live” sermon when Andy Stanley preached it at North Point a couple of years ago, it wasn’t until now that Jennifer decided to commit to the discipline of reading God’s word on a consistent basis.

Jennifer began to journal her understandings, questions, and revelations and the Bible became fresh and exciting.  Reading it turned into a pleasurable moment that she looked forward to rather than an arduous task.   She continues this activity to today.  (Rachel’s grave, Genesis 35:20)

November 2012 – Julio and Enrique flew to Atlanta for a conference at North Point.  This time with other pastors and small group leaders who have a similar calling and method was refreshing and rejuvenating for both men who went back to Costa Rica with a renewed sense of purpose.

Julio visited six small groups – both women’s and couples’ – and was excited to see how much of an impact these groups had on the participants.  His enthusiasm to get people into groups increased.

December 2012 – Enrique and Jennifer went on a coffee tour with their small group and were reminded of why they moved to Costa Rica.  To “do life” with four couples and walk with them on their spiritual journey is worth the daily irritations of living in a foreign land.

Our small group and their families (one couple is missing).

Jennifer had a final dinner with her women’s small group which was the perfect way to end the group.  She and her friends were able to celebrate their time together in the new home of Rocío, a seeker of the LORD.  Rocío recognizes that all blessings come from the LORD.

My women's small group.

Fall/Winter 2012 – Enrique obeyed the LORD by giving a consistent percentage of all funds received – be it salary, translation projects, or rent money - back to God.

The LORD honored Enrique and Jennifer’s obedience by giving them money that they were not expecting through new translation projects, extra donations, and a year-end bonus.

Jennifer praised the LORD calling Him Jehovah Jireh – The LORD will provide.

2012 – The LORD’s favor rested upon Enrique and Jennifer and allowed them to form relationships with the local people.  Enrique and Jennifer were able to invest in the lives of neighbors (Christian and Annia), David’s friends’ families (Omar, Tiffany, Rosa, Henry, and Elena), their new church family, and even strangers (Marisol).

This story is just a minute sampling of God's hand in our lives and our story continues to be written.