I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Jeremiah 29:11

When we got married a few months ago, our Reverend told the congregation that I had the biggest smile on my face that he had ever seen. Days after my friends said the same. I was so happy that day…really happy.

For better, for worse

For richer, for poorer

In sickness and in health

Until death do us part

I had heard those vows a thousand times before but never really knew what they meant until now.

My husband and I experienced our “for better, for worse” before we said “I do” and our wedding day was a day of great joy and celebration because those vows really meant something to us.

This time last year we went through one of the biggest trials in our relationship and our faith was really tested.

From the end of 2008 to the first half of 2009, life was bliss. From a romantic proposal by the seaside to a memorable engagement day in May, everything was falling into place. With a September wedding to organise and relocation to a new city, the future looked bright as we prepared to make our lives together.

Then in a moment everything changed.

A routine visa renewal for my husband came back refused. Shortly after, he lost his job as a result. Too many things were happening that we had no control over and we were confused. How could our lives just change overnight!

After a long discussion both families decided it was best to postpone the wedding and my father refused to set a new wedding date with no explanation. We suddenly found our joy plunged into sadness. Outside I was crying, inside I was angry and frustrated.

It’s easy to have faith when times are good, we all know that. But what about when the road ahead looks unclear and you begin to think that God has forgotten to put you on His ‘To Do List’. How is your faith then?

Often I prayed, “Why God, I just don’t understand it all.” It was usually at those times He would lead me to a verse like…

‘I will never leave or forsake you’ {Hebrews 13:5} or

‘My yoke is easy and my burden is light’ {Matthew 11:30}

Life is a journey where we think we have the map but ultimately God is the master planner. Having to trust that His plans are great and that everything was going to be okay was hard but throughout those months we learnt to trust in His faithfulness and promises over our lives. Ultimately we learnt a very vital lesson.

When we are too weak to hold onto God, His strong hands firmly hold onto us.

He tells us in Isaiah 43:2 that:

When you cross deep rivers, I will be with you, and you won’t drown.  When you walk through fire, you won’t be burned or scorched by the flames.

What a great promise!

Today everything the enemy took from us God has restored tenfold. The visa…restored. My husband’s job…restored with an even better job and June 26 – an unforgettable wedding day.

For Better for Worse…What a difference a year makes!

How has holding onto Him made a difference in your year?

By Chichi, From Now Till I Do