Last night was significant for many reasons. I’m so proud of the man I married. The guy in the photo, passionate about people and the local church. Never desired platform (or liked it lol) but does an exceptional job in my opinion.
Just over seven years ago, the church we imagined we’d spend the rest of our life building came to an end. The process was messy and complicated in my heart and although our family now found ourselves planted in good soil I wanted to grieve in private. Barcelona was my ideal and I set about researching the cost of living and how much time we’d need to save for a year to grieve in private.
But God.
I’m thankful for His word which cuts to every thought and intention. On a regular day in my devotions I read Acts 1: “On no account leave, but “Wait for what the Father promised: the promise you heard from me. Wait until you receive what God has promised.”
The promise I knew God was speaking to me about was that which He spoke to my heart as a twenty-four year old. A dream to pastor a central creative team and also southern campus of our church. The seed of a dream for fifteen years.
The heavy anchor of His word pulled me back into line. I walked out into the living room announcing to Joe that God had spoken and we were not moving to Spain. “I know.” He said nonchalantly. I’m not sure why he allows me to run away with my feelings sometimes.
In that moment I surrendered and committed to ‘working it out’ in community. Still leading worship, still raw from the tearing away of all we’d known. Not knowing what God was doing but committed to the process.
So we stayed. Stayed faithful. Stayed obedient to whatever God was speaking in our daily.
Four years ago Joe took on the role of creative pastor fulfilling half of this promise. And two months ago we were entrusted to pioneer a southern campus in the area we grew up in. Oh my heart… God is good.
God is into the details. I’d forgotten about some of these details until the week we were asked about South (how could we say no right?!) but of course we took a few days to inquire of the Lord. As he began to stir our hearts about what church could look like I felt prompted to turn to Acts. Right there with tears in my eyes I read the reminder: “Wait for what the Father promised: the promise you heard from me. Wait until you receive what God has promised.”
He is faithful.
This messy heart of mine is still processing, I’m not sure I’ll ever feel qualified or ‘ready.’ But what I know is God is faithful. His promises are sure. The answer is found in His word and fulfilment is not in chasing down promises but in Him.
We don’t have to chase down the promises of God. We chase Jesus and the goodness of God chases us down.
Not sure what promises you are waiting for that He has spoken over your life, but I am believing that the Holy Spirit will breathe new life to these things as you trust Him. ????
Be blessed,
Carly is a writer living on the Gold Coast, Australia with her husband Joe and their two girls: Beni and Selah. She is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ, a lover of His Church, His people, His Word and life in general.
Her first book Daughter Wait! is an engaging conversation on dating and relationships as well as a memoir where she shares her heartbreaking experience of unplanned pregnancy, abortion and the road to restoration.
Daughter Wait! is an invitation to consider a different approach to dating and relationships.
Written in Carly’s unique conversational style, you’ll cry, laugh and cheer as you follow her story of love and loss. Daughter Wait is a timeless reminder that regardless of your past, God has the best for your future
ORDER DAUGHTER WAIT!