Sometimes, the Lord takes things away from us because He wants to bless us with something even bigger, better, and more incredible than our wildest dreams. Author & Speaker, Rhonda Stoppe shares her own personal story about when losing everything is NOT losing everything.
Over the past several years, the economy has been rough in California. And we know a number of people who have lost their homes. One couple stands out above the others. Their names are Dale and Amy.
Dale and Amy purchased their home over 25 years ago. Over the years, Amy has been a stay-at-home mom, written a Christian column for a newspaper, served as a substitute teacher in the public schools, and ministered to the women in her church. Dale has worked in the corporate world, and has also devoted himself to ministry in the church.
About ten years ago, Dale and Amy’s son––who had been a prodigal, wanted answers about life from the Bible. Dale and Amy offered to meet with their son and his friends once a week to answer their questions. Amy cooked a meal for anyone who would come––and come they did.
One by one, the young adults who met in Dale and Amy’s home surrendered their lives to Christ. Each week, Dale would teach the group. And week after week, more students would come.
Soon there were college-aged men and women seated all over Dale and Amy’s house, up the stairway, and on the floor.
As the years passed by and the young adults grew in their faith, many became active in ministries in their church. A good number of them married one another and established godly homes.
While God was blessing Dale and Amy’s ministry abundantly, the worsening economic climate put a strain on their investments. Soon it became apparent they would have no other choice but to move out of the house they loved so dearly––the home in which they had raised all their children, the home where their ministry was flourishing!
Amy was sad to walk away from her home, but through her tears she continued to cling to the God she serves. Later, the Lord provided Dale and Amy with a quaint house in the country. Interestingly, Amy had always dreamed of living in the country.
What’s more, Dale and Amy’s daughter and her family ended up moving into a house right next door to them. Now Amy spends her days enjoying her four grandchildren. And yes, Dale and Amy still minister to the young adults in their church.
While Amy would tell you she wouldn’t have expected change of this magnitude in this season of her life, she is thankful that the Lord knew their need––even before they asked.
And God has blessed Amy and Dale for keeping their eyes on Him even when life’s circumstances seemed to disappoint. And because they continued to keep their eyes on Jesus when their circumstances seemed out of control, His peace endured. His provision was more than they could have expected, and they have NO REGRETS.*
*This is one of many love stories found in Rhonda’s popular book IF MY HUSBAND WOULD CHANGE I’D BE HAPPY & Other Myths Wives Believe (Harvest House 2016)
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