Today’s guest post is from one of my favorite friends. Rebecca Blount is a natural-born cheerleader. She’s brave and beautiful and she lets God move in her life. I miss her so much but I am so grateful for the season God allowed us to spend together in Huntsville, AL. Enjoy her story about when God literally moved.-Bobi Ann
Thursdays were my favorite. Thursday mornings is Ladies’ Bible Study at Willowbrook. To me it was perfect: fellowship, lots of hugs, worship by WillowSong, and the beautiful sound of women praising the Lord. We would indulge in homemade treats and a time to catch up with friends, then top it off with digging into God’s word! For me, it simply didn’t get any better!
In late March, I was worshipping through song at Thursday morning Bible Study and I felt the Lord say to me, “Rebecca, I am taking you to a new place…TRUST ME.” At that very moment I knew exactly what He was saying…We were moving! I came home that day, called my mom and told her and remember saying, “Mom I really hope I didn’t hear the Lord correctly.”
I love Huntsville, AL! It was in Huntsville that we walked through tragedy and were so loved and supported by our community. I had my whole life planned there.
- I had decided the pastors of Willowbrook would baptize my kids.
- I had arranged marriages for both kids; to my dearest friends kids, of course!
- I knew exactly where the kids were going to school and college for that matter! I was a quick weekend trip away from most of my family.
I had a ministry in Huntsville. We had a great home with great neighbors. We were comfortable and thought we were right where the Lord wanted us to be. Surely, the Lord didn’t want to take us anywhere else. We were in God’s Country!
But HE had a greater challenge for us and by late May my husband, Billy, was offered a job at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR. I begged the Lord not to make us go! I wrestled with him! I prayed this was one of those times God just wanted us to trust Him. I thought if I trusted Him enough that He would open a new job in Huntsville and we wouldn’t have to go.
The only thing I knew about Arkansas was The Duggar’s and that people there “called the Hogs”! I grumbled before the Lord and poured my heart out to Him. It was not pretty, but He constantly said, “Trust me.” These grumbles were long and still happen from time to time, but I have already learned so much through this stretching process! AND HE IS WITH ME IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS!
The Lord has reminded me of the truths and promises I had hidden in my heart years ago. He has given me tangible examples in the few short months we have been here. Here are my favorites!
- I am valuable to God
The trip out here was hard and long. Our first night here we decided to grab some supper at a restaurant. We were waiting for our table when I started chatting with the women sitting next to me. (For those of you that know me, you are not surprised!) It was casual conversation and they got seated before us. In the middle of our meal, one of the women came up with a small slip of paper that had her number attached and she said that she was a teacher and had some down time this summer and she would love to show me around or answer any questions I might have. In addition to that she was hosting a bible study at her house the following Tuesday and invited me!!! God absolutely knows how to minister to my heart! He tangibly showed me how valuable I am to him!
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:26
2. God has a plan.
Prior to arriving in Arkansas I called local church programs to get our daughter, Katie Lane, in a church-based pre school. I had to do it all over the phone and after a 20 minute conversation, I had scored an interview at the school to teach. A few days a week, I get the blessing of teaching sweet preschoolers. And both of our children come with me! I sure am glad God knew the plan ahead of time!
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
3. God goes before us.
Our first Sunday at our new church the pastor shared that his wife was an amazing, strong breast cancer survivor. With tears in my eyes I went up and introduced myself and asked her to pray for precious, Jan McClelland, Willowbrook’s senior pastor’s wife. Not only did Geana offer to pray for her, she sent Jan a copy of her book–full of encouragement for cancer patients and invited me as her guest at two of the women’s events! Even for my extremely extroverted personality walking into an event and not knowing a soul is difficult! And the Lord knew it and just like in 2 Kings he had a “army” gathered for me as well.
Early in the morning a servant of the Holy Man got up and went out. Surprise! Horses and chariots surrounding the city! The young man exclaimed, “Oh, master! What shall we do?”16 He said, “Don’t worry about it—there are more on our side than on their side.”17 Then Elisha prayed, “O God, open his eyes and let him see.”The eyes of the young man were opened and he saw. A wonder! The whole mountainside full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha! 2 Kings 6:15-17
4. God is Trustworthy.
One of my biggest prayers was that Billy would be happy and satisfied in his job. He loves it! He came home this week and said that if they sent him somewhere else tomorrow he knows he would leave a better professional. He has learned so much! He even got an attaboy from the boss’s boss this week! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
5. God is the Ultimate Comfort.
As we work to build relationships here I have had many days that it is just me and my sweet Savior! And as hard as that is, it is right where I want to be. I can honestly say, I have enjoyed being stripped from my comfort zone. He has taught me to rely on him fully. If you know me well, you know that it is easy for me to find comfort in:
- Krispy Kreme,
- Little Rosie’s, and
- anything homemade!
The Lord has challenged me to seek him for comfort and in moments of boredom, rather than food. He wants me to be a healthy temple, ready and available for his service! I absolutely feared I would not be successful at the challenge. While we wait to sell our house I have found a blessing in our small humble apartment that has a FREE gym! Only through the strength of Jesus, I took on a clean eating challenge and literally have gone from the couch to a 5k!
You who are my Comforter[a] in sorrow,
my heart is faint within me. Jeremiah 8:18I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength! Phil. 4:13
