Living By Faith . . .

". . . is living on the edge of disaster while trusting God for a miracle."

That is what the pastor at church told us last Sunday. It was repeated again this week. "Living by faith is living on the edge of disaster while trusting God for a miracle." Well, we're there! We have been in the San Francisco Bay Area for three months and continue to wait for God's miracle. Let me reassure you that the disaster is more emotional and spiritual that physical!

This past week has not been without hope. On Friday, Chris went into the city for an interview! The job was a three week temporary part-time position as an office manager—mostly answering phones and filing—for an investment firm. He started today!

But as exciting as that is, we still wait. We long to be living in San Francisco—to be a light in darkness. We desire work that lines up with our film and advertising backgrounds. (I want to have my own place with my own things.) We wait in expectation, often feeling as though we are put on hold.

Remember I mentioned we'd be dog-sitting for another couple in February? Well that ended up not working out—they found someone else to watch their dogs. So, we continue to stay with the Cathey's. They have been so kind and generous to us—indeed we have been blessed by them. But at the same time we feel like we're about to overstay our welcome.

Psalm 77 was a great reminder for me yesterday (please read it slowly if you have the time!):

I cried out to God for help;

I cried out to God to hear me.

When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;

at night I stretched out untiring hands

and my soul refused to be comforted.

I remembered you, O God, and I groaned;

I mused, and my spirit grew faint.

Selah

You kept my eyes from closing;

I was too troubled to speak.

I thought about the former days,

the years of long ago;

I remembered my songs in the night.

My heart mused and my spirit inquired:

"Will the Lord reject forever?

Will he never show his favor again?

Has his unfailing love vanished forever?

Has his promise failed for all time?

Has God forgotten to be merciful?

Has he in anger withheld his compassion?"

Selah

Then I thought, "To this I will appeal:

the years of the right hand of the Most High."

I will remember the deeds of the LORD;

yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

I will meditate on all your works

and consider all your mighty deeds.

Your ways, O God, are holy.

What god is so great as our God?

You are the God who performs miracles;

you display your power among the peoples.

With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,

the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

Selah

The waters saw you, O God,

the waters saw you and writhed;

the very depths were convulsed.

The clouds poured down water,

the skies resounded with thunder;

your arrows flashed back and forth.

Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,

your lightning lit up the world;

the earth trembled and quaked.

Your path led through the sea,

your way through the mighty waters,

though your footprints were not seen.

You led your people like a flock

by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

God has been so faithful in the past, hasn't he?!? Yes, he has! Chris and I were reflecting on all the things God has done for us in our lives and how he provides at just the right time. We continue to trust in Him, for His timing, His provision, and His will. We continue to live by faith.

". . . is living on the edge of disaster while trusting God for a miracle."

That is what the pastor at church told us last Sunday. It was repeated again this week. "Living by faith is living on the edge of disaster while trusting God for a miracle." Well, we're there! We have been in the San Francisco Bay Area for three months and continue to wait for God's miracle. Let me reassure you that the disaster is more emotional and spiritual that physical!

This past week has not been without hope. On Friday, Chris went into the city for an interview! The job was a three week temporary part-time position as an office manager—mostly answering phones and filing—for an investment firm. He started today!

But as exciting as that is, we still wait. We long to be living in San Francisco—to be a light in darkness. We desire work that lines up with our film and advertising backgrounds. (I want to have my own place with my own things.) We wait in expectation, often feeling as though we are put on hold.

Remember I mentioned we'd be dog-sitting for another couple in February? Well that ended up not working out—they found someone else to watch their dogs. So, we continue to stay with the Cathey's. They have been so kind and generous to us—indeed we have been blessed by them. But at the same time we feel like we're about to overstay our welcome.

Psalm 77 was a great reminder for me yesterday (please read it slowly if you have the time!):

I cried out to God for help;

I cried out to God to hear me.

When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;

at night I stretched out untiring hands

and my soul refused to be comforted.

I remembered you, O God, and I groaned;

I mused, and my spirit grew faint.

Selah

You kept my eyes from closing;

I was too troubled to speak.

I thought about the former days,

the years of long ago;

I remembered my songs in the night.

My heart mused and my spirit inquired:

"Will the Lord reject forever?

Will he never show his favor again?

Has his unfailing love vanished forever?

Has his promise failed for all time?

Has God forgotten to be merciful?

Has he in anger withheld his compassion?"

Selah

Then I thought, "To this I will appeal:

the years of the right hand of the Most High."

I will remember the deeds of the LORD;

yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

I will meditate on all your works

and consider all your mighty deeds.

Your ways, O God, are holy.

What god is so great as our God?

You are the God who performs miracles;

you display your power among the peoples.

With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,

the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

Selah

The waters saw you, O God,

the waters saw you and writhed;

the very depths were convulsed.

The clouds poured down water,

the skies resounded with thunder;

your arrows flashed back and forth.

Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,

your lightning lit up the world;

the earth trembled and quaked.

Your path led through the sea,

your way through the mighty waters,

though your footprints were not seen.

You led your people like a flock

by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

God has been so faithful in the past, hasn't he?!? Yes, he has! Chris and I were reflecting on all the things God has done for us in our lives and how he provides at just the right time. We continue to trust in Him, for His timing, His provision, and His will. We continue to live by faith.