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We are joined by Debbie King today. You can read more about her at the end of her story about remarriage after widowhood. We understand it isn’t the plan for all widows but it clearly was for her. God’s plan for each of us is different but the point is to be in tune and listen to His guidance.

For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

When my first husband passed away in 2014, I had no intention of ever marrying again. I didn’t want to even consider it.

However, God had other plans for me.

About six months after my husband passed away, I was approached by a man whose wife had passed away about 6 weeks before my husband. I knew him, as we attended the same church. He was interested in going out with me; but I told him, “No, I still considered myself married to Mark.” He then replied, “I’ll be waiting for you when you are ready.”

Isn’t that the same way God is with us? He’s “waiting until we are ready to follow His direction.”

Another six months passed, and the same man motioned for me to stop as I was heading home one day from running errands. I didn’t recognize him at first, as he was driving a different car, and had on sunglasses and a cap; but, for some reason (it was that big smile), I stopped to see what he wanted. He asked if I wanted to take a ride in his car. I said yes and that began a courtship and eventually a marriage that I had no idea was what I needed after my first husband passed.

But God knew.

God knew that I needed someone to give me purpose again; someone to make me feel loved and wanted; bonus children and grandchildren to enrich my life and share time with them. And God brought that person into my life even though I tried to fight him at every turn. As we traveled to our honeymoon destination, we passed a cabin that had a sign in its yard –

All things are possible with God.
Mark 10:27b (NIV)

I felt that sign was God’s confirmation that all would be right with this marriage for, you see, Mark was my former husband’s first name; he passed away on October 27, 2014. Did you see what I saw in Mark and 10 (October) and 27 (the day)?

God wants to bless us in unexpected ways, in ways that we sometimes do not want or expect. If we don’t turn to Him in faith and take that first step, we sometimes miss some of our greatest blessings.

So sisters, remember to:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. In all thy ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your steps.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

Heavenly Father, please show us Your ways and fill us with Your Spirit. Help us to trust You, even when we are reluctant to do so. Open our spiritual eyes and our hearts to Your goodness, grace, and love.
Amen