All Things New
Honey, I need you to write an article for the next issue.”
“Sure,” I said. “What’s the theme again?” “What’s new,” said my beloved husband.
What’s new? So much. Too much for me to put into a thousand words for this article. But as I look back over the last two years of my life, I see that the Lord has taken us through so many “new” experiences. And He’s been faithful to us through it all.
New things can be exciting, like all the wonderful gifts I received on Christmas morning (one of which inspired a makeover for our master bedroom). But new things can also be frightening, like the loss of a job or a cross-country move. Most likely, when the Lord is doing something big in our lives—so big that we cannot see the next step ahead of us—these times are filled with a mixture of thoughts and emotions for women driven by our strong desire for security.
So many times I have clung to what I perceived as “secure” instead of resting in the Lord’s provision. Instead of being assured of the truth that I am in my sovereign Lord’s hand and that He promises to “work it all to my good” and for the furtherance of my sanctification (Rom 8:28–29), I sometimes work too hard trying to put the pieces together for myself. But the foundation of my faith is built on trust in Him alone.
Three months ago, Jim Bob and I believed we were headed in a certain direction. The Lord took that object away from us. In fact, He slammed the door shut and locked it (Rev. 5:3); making it abundantly clear that we were not to pursue that end anymore. It left us confused. We were seeking the Lord for guidance but, as a woman who likes to have a clearly defined plan, I continued to grasp for earthly understanding. My finite brain couldn’t make sense of it.
It was then that I began retracing my steps through God’s Word for the prior few months and could see clearly what the Spirit was impressing upon me. His ways are above ours. His understanding is beyond what I can grasp. I began to trust again and the Lord revealed His plan. His timing is perfect.
So, here we are managing this lovely publication and co-laboring for Christ with Steve and Kara Murphy—friends, neighbors and co-heirs of Christ’s Kingdom here in Virginia, and with James and Stacy McDonald—long-time friends from our days back home in Texas. We have worked in various capacities with the McDonalds over the last few years but never thought we would end up here. I never could have seen how the Lord would put all of this together just a few short months ago. He is so good! And he only reveals His plan as is best for us to know in His time. Our job is to believe, trust, and obey.
A few years back the Lord made it clear to us that we would write. But we had no idea how. We had no place to begin. But most importantly we certainly couldn’t force it to happen. We had to surrender. It was His plan—not ours. And while Jim Bob was working in corporate America, we couldn’t see how to “make it happen.” Enter prayer, and waiting on the Lord’s timing. Through a chain of events that we never could have orchestrated, here we are—and we are excited about the opportunity to be the Lord’s servants in this capacity, and to hopefully be encouragers to our fellow homeschoolers.
In November we took a trip to Peoria to work out some of the details with James and Stacy of us taking over as Editors. During that week in their home, our friendship deepened with their family and we began to see how the Lord would grow us and “conform [us] into His image” in this new direction in which He was taking us. Later, Jim Bob went back with Steve and Kara to finalize the change of ownership of the magazine.
With the deal signed, new titles in place, and with much fear and trepidation, we begin this new journey. It is our hope and prayer that we will provide encouragement and inspiration from God’s Word to you who so faithfully read this magazine. But, even more importantly, we pray that our involvement will be used to grow Christ’s kingdom in your life and in the life of all in your family.
As a homeschooling mother, I know that it is easy to want to give in to the temptation of thinking that this road is too hard—especially if circumstances look bleak. Your child doesn’t seem to understand his reading lesson (again), and the baby’s needs continue to come up right at the precise moment that you are knee-deep in a project with your older children; finances are tight, and your husband comes home and announces that he has an interview with a company on the other side of the country— the list could go on and on.
What I hope to accomplish, by the Lord’s grace, is to encourage you, our readers, in faithfulness in the role you have been given. It’s difficult, and often exhausting to trust Christ for the outcome of things into which we pour our hearts and souls. But trust we must. Our security is in Him.
Recently, my husband has been leading our family through the Westminster Shorter Catechism during our morning devotions. A recent question dealt with understanding how God carries out His decrees. As I reflect upon the last few months, I am convinced that I am too easily worried and frustrated over matters that are not within my realm of influence. I am also convinced that I do not trust the Lord enough. He is in control (Ps. 24:1). He promises to work it to my good (Rom 8:28). He will provide (Ps. 34:10). He will strengthen me for my tasks (Is. 41:10). He will gently lead me (Is. 40:11). He is trustworthy (Prov. 3:5–6).
So, I’ve learned that just because the road ahead may not be quite as clearly defined as I would prefer, and even though I cannot see how things will work out—He does know the road ahead—in fact, He planned it, constructed it, and paved it perfectly before time began. When new and unexpected turns in the road occur, I can rest peacefully in the knowledge that He knows where He’s taking me—and it will be far better than that which I could conceive, ask, or imagine (Eph. 3:20)
“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?” (Is. 43:19)