Deeply Rooted
Isaiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
I am 25 years old. I have been married to a great, God-fearing and God-following man for almost 3 years. I have two beautiful and healthy babies. I am 4.5 months pregnant. I live in a country thousands of miles away from all my family. And I love and serve a God who is faithful.
These are facts. I have to remember the facts during the storms in my life. The facts are what keep me grounded; deeply rooted. This life is not easy. Not just my life, your life. Every day is either a day to be thankful for, or a day to wish would end. But, can’t we also be thankful in those days? Thankful for a Father who is always faithful to His word. We are coming into a new season of life at the moment. Less relying on jobs, more relying on support. Less planning for the future, more planning for the day. Less worry, more faith. But with it, comes doubt and hopelessness sometimes. I don’t know what lies ahead. I don’t know what next year looks like. I don’t know what it will be like to have 3 children under 2 years old. I don’t know what friendships will last and which ones will flounder. I don’t know who or what the enemy will throw at me to discourage our work and vision out here. I don’t know where the money will come from. However, I do know some important facts. And if I hold to these facts, I can be thankful and joyous throughout all of these uncertainties. 
Fact #1: GOD is my father, my provider, my comfort, my joy, my strength, my light, my word, my Lord.Fact #2: This same God—hears and loves me.
Fact #3: God has provided in the past for our family’s uncertainties and will provide in the future no matter our doubt.
Fact #4: My reason for living is to love and serve my Creator and those around me, starting with my HUSBAND and my children. When I honor, respect, and love them, I honor, respect, and love God.
Fact #5: God has provided me with a partner who also loves and serves Him and who I can find joy in every day of my life. He earnestly seeks the Lord and we find Him together as one. He loves me.
Fact #6: My children are healthy, provided for, and sweet. They laugh every day.
Fact #7: We have chosen to serve the Lord and the people of Israel for such a time as this.
Fact #8: God promises that He works everything for the good for those who love and serve Him.
Fact #9: Paul and I are healthy and thankful.
Fact #10: I have a passion, desire, and talent to work in the field of education and God has provided the opportunity for me to do so now.
What are the facts of your life? When I scroll back up to those uncertainties, they look scary. It can be like a dark hole I crawl through, hoping there is a way out. But when I remind myself of the facts of my life (and there are many more), everything else seems so clear because the answer lies in the truth. And the truth is: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 And so we prepare for the rain by digging our heels in the truth so deeply that no amount of wind can sway us. 