Happy New Year, everyone. I know people make plans and resolutions, but you never know what a year might bring. For Sara and me, last year completely took us by surprise—–both in the depth of pain, an incredible process of healing, and the fruit of joy and peace that came from all of it.
On August 22, Sara and I took off on what turned out to be a three-month road trip across the U.S. and back. Our little RV proved to be a wonderful cocoon for us to continue sorting out Sara’s trauma and what our marriage would look like beyond it. Along the way, I recorded a series of short videos (most are about a minute, some a minute and a half) about the things we were thinking about in our life with God and how they might encourage others.
For those who missed them on Instagram or want to relive them, I’m posting them in order below. If you only listen to one of them, try Day 82 – White River, AR.
(For those who subscribe by email, the videos may not play from the email, but you can access this email online, or view them on my blog at Lifestream.org.)
Our last night home – With a sketch of a plan, Sara and I are off to places still unknown.
Day 2 from Flagstaff, AZ – God has a path for you, too, and following him is the way to find it.
Day 6 from Westcliffe, CO – It’s not what happens to us that defines our life, but what Jesus can do in us.
Day 9 from Denver, CO – Suffering does not have to shake your faith when it opens doors to a greater knowing of God.
Day 11 from Golden, CO – God’s life unfolds where love intersects with truth, and we are able to view our lives and circumstances with God’s eyes.
Day 16 from Torrington, WY – Learning to live loved means we get to give up the illusion of control.
Day 22 from Duluth, MN – What do we do when God doesn’t come through like we think love demands?
Day 23 from Minocqua, WI – “Prayer isn’t giving God information to act upon but giving us intimacy to rest in.”
Day 27: Near Escanaba, MI – Rather than wait for God’s timing it would be best for us to learn to participate in his ways.
Day 30: Mackinaw, MI – Presence is everything. We don’t have to know what’s coming our way; we only have to know Who is with us.
Day 40: Arriving in Ohio – What the enemy sets himself to destroy, Jesus comes to redeem.
Day 43: Buckeye Lake, Ohio – Avoid justifying yourself at God’s expense and you’ll be better positioned to recognize God’s ways unfolding for you.
Day 56: Arriving in Virginia – An update as Wayne and Sara prepare to head home.
Day 59 Waynesboro, VA
Day 62: Appomattox Court House, VA – The lies you believe about God and yourself will detract you from a greater journey.
Day 64: Lynchburg, VA – What does God mean by salvation? Was it to perfect our destiny or to save us from our broken selves?
Day 72: Damascus, VA – When you are attuned to the ways in which God works, then you’ll know how to do your work.
Day 75: Chattanooga, TN – We miss his love when it comes to us because we’re too focused on what we want instead of what is true.
Day 82: White River, AR – How sin can interpret the way God loves us, and instead of feeling comforted by him, we feel threatened and push him away.
Day 92: Dallas, TX – God can bring us light and life even in the midst of other people’s attempts to destroy us.
I learned more in the last year than in any other year of my life, and I am grateful for the great things God has done for us. This year, we hope to continue to encourage others to embrace God’s work in them, even if it means passing through some very difficult places. He is the Redeemer, after all, of all that the enemy and other people have done to try to steal his life in us.
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Thank you Wayne, for sharing some excellent bite sized perspectives on your walk with our Father. Looking back over 53 yrs since I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour, I realize it has taken me that long to start to see things about myself, my journey, that points to a life much more fuller and blessed than I could ever imagine. Initially in my mind, my thoughts were since I am saved, I have arrived, now I can’t wait to get to my destination. Little did I realize it has been God’s purpose all along to transform me, so that I can understand who He truly is, and fills me with desire to be like Him. I know I have so much more to learn, but I feel eternally grateful for His constant love, guidance and care in my life. Thank you for articulating these things. I look forward to checking out the rest of your perspectives.