Along Right Paths

how my life verse found me

My whole world came crashing down around me in October of 2001.  Life as I knew it came to an end.  I of course knew there were grave problems.  I had no idea how grave.  Until November 9.  When the Himalayan-sized mountain of evidence was presented to me I had no other option.  I moved out.  I moved out for my wellbeing but also to try to force him to get help and to change his behavior.  The divorce didn’t come for some time but eventually he sent me the papers to sign.

Those first days are a blur. I mostly laid on the sofa under a quilt in shock. A couple days in two friends came by to pray for me. One of them spoke prophetically and told me that God would show me the steps ahead. And he did. In just a couple of days God showed me my first two steps. I realized that I would need improved computer skills for whatever work I might find. Quickly I found and enrolled in computer literacy classes offered for women needing a new start in life. And just like that the next eight weeks were filled. During those weeks God also brought to mind an inner-city ministry in Brooklyn that offers four-month internships. I applied and was accepted. I very naively thought, “I’ll go there, get all healed up, and be ready to launch into my future.” At the end of the four months I had only begun to hurt.

I desperately wanted to remain in ministry but believed that I was now disqualified, as if I were wearing a “Scarlet D” on my chest. So, I reasoned that my next best option would be to work for a nonprofit providing humanitarian aid. I spent my few free hours researching on a computer in the intern house and just as I had decided on a couple of organizations and prepared to send off resumes the house internet went down. It was nonfunctional for weeks. At first I was quite frustrated but began to realize that God’s hand was in the situation, that he was closing that door. During those weeks Psalm 37 came alive in my spirit, especially verses 23 and 24: “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” (NLT) These words drove deep into my heart and spirit and very quickly became my life verses. Within a couple of weeks I was offered a staff position right where I was interning and felt very confident that God was indeed directing my steps just as my friend had prayed only a few months previously. My 2 1/2 years at Metro Ministries were invaluable on my road to healing and personal growth but also in training for the future. The skills I learned while there — teaching, writing curriculum, leading, and more — have been a great asset through the years, especially during my time in Kolkata.

During my final months in New York, God again stirred in my heart the call to overseas work and, though I thought that was impossible, he faithfully showed me the way and has consistently guided my steps through difficulties and into adventures and joys I never imagined.  From Alaska to New York to Asia, from below sea-level rice fields to Himalayan peaks he has held me by the hand, guided my steps, and delighted in every detail of my life.  And I have delighted in him and in the joys, adventures, and friendships that I have found along the path.

Do you have a life verse? I would love for you would share it with me!

"..He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me…"
Psalm 23:3,4 NLT

"Trust in the Lord an do good.
Then you will live safely 
in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you 
your heart’s desires…
The Lord directs the steps 
of the godly.
He delights in every detail 
of their lives.
Though they stumble, 
they will never fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Once I was young, and now I am old.
Yet I have never seen
the godly abandoned
or their children begging for bread…
Put your hope in the Lord.
Travel steadily along his path.
He will honor you by giving you the land…"
-- Psalm 37:3, 4, 23, 24, 25, 34 NLT

"For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd.  He will lead them to springs of life-giving water.  And God will wipe every tear from their eyes."
-- Revelation 7:17 NLT