I first met Tori when she came to Curves in 2006. She and her boyfriend, Miles where new to the area, she was hired by the local school system to begin her career as an art teacher. She and Miles moved from their families in Pennsylvania; wedding plans were in the near future.
Genesis 2:23-24 The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, for she was taken out of man." For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
Tori and I soon developed a bond of love and trust, as we shared the secrets of addiction. As a work in progress in my recovery, I opened the doors of my heart and soul, as I openly admitted the truth of my well keep secret. Tori was touched by my honesty, and shared that she too had connect to alcohol addiction; her future husband was also a recovering alcoholic.
Psalm 17: 1 Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer--it does not rise from deceitful lips.
Knowing the death grip of this addiction, I wanted to scream to her, run for your life! Instead, God had a different plan. Miles was celebrating a short period of sobriety, when he was invited by friends to join them in a get-away guy weekend, celebration for a bachelor party. Tori feared that Miles was not prepared for this sort of outing; he assured her that he could handle it!
Even though I had not yet met Miles, his success and confidence in his recovery, gave me great faith and encouragement for my own recovery!
Isaiah 41:13 For I am the LORD, your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Tori`s greatest fears were realized the night that she received the phone call, from Miles, as he sat in a small cell. No he couldn`t handle it! He allowed himself to join the celebrating with his friends, only to leave angry in a drunken stooper, to drive home. His vehicle was totaled, as it rolled in a one car accident, delivering him to a jail cell and his arrest.
Is it when we rely on our own strength that we open ourselves to lies and destruction that can ruin the plans that God has for us? However, this story does have a happy turn of events. As God so often does, He uses the events of our lives for His glory.
Philipians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
I finally met Miles after he and Tori were married; Tori introduced her husband the day they walked into church. Miles soon joined the worship team, formed a band, and now travels to churches near and far to share his music and incredible testimony for the glory of God the Father! God delivered Miles and Tori into the open arms of a loving church family, their new family.
Five years of growth and loved shared have quickly passed, Miles and Tori are ones again discerning where God`s is calling them. Miles has an interview for a associate pastor position. If he gets this position, it would mean moving and leaving the comfort zone of their church family and friends.
Miles and Tori are seeking prayers and discernment, as they desire to please God and live in His favor. Yes, it will be hard to bid them farewell, but knowing that God has amazing plans for their lives is so exciting! Is God moving them into the next season of growth for their young lives? Have they completed the work that God planned for them in this area? Will they listen to God`s direction? God often requires us to step out of comfort zones to fulfill His plans for our lives.
Romans 12:10-12 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
It is my prayer for Miles and Tori to serve the Lord, wherever, whenever He leads them. My life and our community of faith, in Chesapeake City, Maryland have been truly blessed by their presence! Thank You, God! Amen!
No comments:
Post a Comment