Destiny and the Master's hand

11:00 AM

 


I've heard many sermons that compare God to a master painter. Each moment of our lives is a stroke of His brush. Sometimes, He paints with dark colors and we wonder if we will ever see the light again. Sometimes the colors are mixed, dizzying in their many shades and the quick changes. And then there are times when God starts painting with bright colors, colors that are beautiful and rich, and suddenly so many of the dark strokes, the dizzying twists, all come into focus and you can see part of the picture God is painting.

Recently, I have had one of those moments. You see, six years ago, God began a part of my painting. It started with my sister and her new friends. When I met this family, I was impressed with the godly way they spoke to and about each other. Our families became friends. We shared good times and bad. And among this family, I found a best friend.

Finding a best friend like I did, someone who understood me so easily was painted in bright colors. There was one complication. My best friend was a guy and after a while, I started having feelings for him. By the time I realized I had started to like him, we were already best friends. I prayed and decided that the friendship was worth protecting, even if it meant my feelings had to be laid on the altar.

The friendship was worth every sacrifice I made, every boundary I had to put up. God used it to paint light strokes into otherwise dark places. More than that, God used it to build character within me. Patience, selfless love, and courage were just a few of the lessons God taught me. Perhaps the greatest lesson was the one in surrender. I cannot tell you how many times I would come before God and say: "I'm here again with these feelings and hopes and I'm handing them back to you."

I by no means did this perfectly. In fact, there were so many days I wanted to share about some of the struggles I was having with my readers, but my best friend read my blog. I couldn't very well share what was going on inside my heart and protect the friendship while he was reading.

2020 was not an easy year for our friendship and it had little to do with the pandemic. A distance grew between us, one that I didn’t understand or have a bridge for. God's painting continued, but I had no understanding of what was going on. I became convinced that God was preparing to take away this friendship. I cried tears, but I again came before God and asked Him to help me be willing to give it back to him.

February 6th, my best friend came over but things were tough between us. When he asked to help me with a chore, I almost said no. After all, I had wanted to go outside to check the greenhouse because I wanted some space to think. As he started talking with the tone I knew was serious, I promised myself that I would not cry. I knew the moment had come when our friendship would change forever.

Dear reader, with three words God painted a new stroke across my life and changed my destiny. My best friend spoke three words that changed everything.

"I love you."

Yes, you read that right.  Scott, the friend who I've cared about for so long, told me he loved me. We both have cared for each other for a while, but our friendship was more important to both of us than anything. There is a lot more to the story, much of which we are still exploring, but for now, I feel like this part of the painting is filled with every kind of bright and beautiful color. One of the most beautiful parts? The golden color of God's timing, which was perfect. 



In one moment, I saw God's unfolding destiny and stood in awe. This is a gift from God I don't deserve, but one I have thanked Him for every day. I'm grateful that I'm starting this new part of my destiny with someone who has been a friend for so long.

In the days ahead, I plan to share more of our story and share more about Scott. He has been a big part of my life, but a silent part as far as this blog was concerned. I can't wait to share with you so many stories of how God has used him in my life. With that said, this will be changing a few things for me. In taking the time to build in this new relationship, my writing will be taking a back seat. As Scott is supportive of my writing, you can be sure that the writing won't stop forever, it will just take a pause. 

Dear reader, I cannot tell you how happy I am. I know that this is only the beginning of my God's continuing destiny for my life.



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21 comments

  1. Sarah, we are so happy for you. God is good. We look forward to hearing more about Scott and your friendship. God Bless.
    Marion and Marilyn

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  2. Very happy for you Sarah! ❤ Can't wait to hear more of your special story... God's blessings on you both.

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  3. Sarah! I am so so happy for you! And this is such a sweet and beautiful story! It reminds me a little of my own story with my now husband, except I went through the agony for only two years. Six years is a long time to wait and be patient, but it is totally worth it! I am rejoicing and praising the Lord with you!

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    1. I look forward to sharing more. It wasn't agony for me most of the time. However, it was very much worth every day of waiting.
      Thank you for praising God with me.

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    2. Haha! I'm glad it wasn't agony! XD I guess I an be a bit dramatic sometimes! ;)

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  4. What is the color of joy? Don't know, but He is sure splashing that one around liberally.
    I don't know why God gave me the priceless gift of being able to love Sarah and be loved by her, but I am thanking Him every day for that, and for this incredible woman of character and her heart for Him. (Sarah, I'd say more, but I think I'll save it for you offline)
    Now y'all can pile on the wrath for me slowing down her writing :)

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    1. He is splashing it around. Joy is the most radiant color.
      I thank God every day for the godly man you are and for the privilege of loving you. You are a gift I don't deserve, but one that I treasure.
      And hey, I have the best readers. They are cheering for us, not plotting against you. :)

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  5. Sarah, Sarah, Sarah… I’m just so happy. <33

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  6. I am so happy for you! I will be praying for you both as you grow together. <3

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  7. Oh Sarah! I am SO happy for you!! God bless, dear sister!

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  8. I love, love, love this! I'm so happy for you! Praying for you in this next chapter of life!

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  9. Oh, Sarah! I'm so happy for you! <3

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