Sunday, September 13, 2009

Sippin' Sunshine


Hugs of thanks and squeals of joy splashed our day as we moved into our new mission field of sunny Arizona. We're unpacking and settling the dust as we venture into a new realm of ministry to equip a generation to reach the nations.

Sweet friends, thank you for your prayers and notes of encouragement. You have blessed my heart beyond measure. I had to share with each of you, just can't keep it inside. We serve an amazing and faithful Lord ... read on.

With just 9 days until we moved to the US, God provided in amazing ways. We have a house to rent beyond my wildest dreams. 2 months ago, the Lord led me to a sweet time of surrendering Costa Rica, our life, my little home, furniture for the first time ... And truly began to rejoice in obeying Him.

I was free to dream. Hand in hand I began to sprout wings in my heart and soar into the possibilities. He took me to this house that I had been to once in my life. My dream come true wrapped in His love. I knew God was using it show me that He could provide and that he would. I never envisioned what He had in store.

During that time, I also was studying the name of God Jehovah Jireh, God Will Provide. It fit our situation. The first time this name was used was when Abraham was about to sacrifice his son on the altar. It wasn’t just his child, it was the fulfillment of God’s promises to him. We were in the same situation. God was asking me to lay it all down on the altar, trusting Him to provide.

Our friends emailed us and said that they wanted to rent one of their houses to us. Not just any house, THE house that I had been dreaming of with God.

We were amazed and in awe at the provision of our Lord. Then I saw the address of our new house. I gasped, covered my mouth as the tears came.

The verse that God spoke to my heart a few months ago, when I was dreaming with Him. It was when I was studying His name Jehovah Jireh. That very same verse is the one that I put in my prayer journal to pray over us, to increase my faith, and claim God’s perfect provision.

“So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” - Genesis 22:14

Our home address literally signifies mountain. On the mountain of the Lord, it will be provided.

God has shown us that He provides when we step out in faith. He provides the ram when we lay it all down and say, I will go Lord, wherever you ask, even back to AZ. I will lay down my dreams of serving on the mission field, to reach the nations your way, not mine. I will surrender our little home in Costa Rica on your altar.

In childlike faith, I was looking for the ram. I have seen it it caught in the thicket of His faithfulness.
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58 comments:

Anonymous said...

Seek ye first the kingdomm of God and all these things will be added. I am in awe of what I've already witnessed that has been added. The mission field is indeed ready for the harvest and you can see the mighty hand of God orchestrating it. I can't wait to see what MORE abundantly He has in store for your family!!! Love you!

Denise said...

Praise God for His precious blessings upon your beautiful family. I love you sweetie.

Unknown said...

I really enjoy reading your blog. You and your family are such a blessing to me!

Elizabeth Mahlou said...

He does indeed provide. I have heard stories like this from a number of friends and have experienced it myself. All it takes is trust. Good luck to you in your beautiful new home.

Mari said...

What a great testimony of God providing!

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

Hi Sarah Dawn,
So good to see you back in blogland
and to know you have made your way
safely to Arizona, and that the Lord has provided so nicely for you.
Isn't it so amazing how much He cares about everything we care about, and how loving He is to want to bless us so!! He is truly and awesome, good and loving God.
Hope you are settled in real soon.
Blessings, Nellie

Carisa said...

God is SO cool like that!!!! Welcome to USA MIssions!!! When we moved, we too were blessed with a house that felt to me was like a direct gift from God. I could never explain it (as the house was actually in horrible condition at the time), but I KNEW it was prefect for us...from Him.

Blessings,
Carisa

Scrappy quilter said...

I'm new to your blog. I can't wait to read more of what the Lord is going to do. What a beautiful post!!

Andrea said...

What a beautiful witness to the greatness of our God! Prayers as you venture into the new wonderful sunny chapter! ;o)

Mich said...

We serve an AWESOME God!!!

Welcome back to the States.

If you don't mind me asking, what are you guys going to be doing here? A church, school, mission...would love to know how to pray for you.

Debbie Petras said...

Reading this post was such an encouragement to me, Sarah Dawn. I'm going through a very rough season right now and so this is very timely. We can all learn from each other. I'm so happy that God provided just what you needed in housing and did so in His unique way. Praise Him.

I can't wait to hear about what the Lord has planned for you, especially being so close to me.

Love and hugs,
Debbie

Shonni said...

I have loved reading your story as you have moved...thank you for sharing what the LORD is doing in your heart.

Lori at JOY Unspeakable said...

Such a great post!! God's faithfulness is mind-boggling and heart changing. His love, grace, and mercy are more than my finite mind will ever be able to comprehend this side of heaven.

Thank you, Jesus, for who you are!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

the strength of your faith encourages me. Blessings in your new home and adventures. Sarah

Eagles Wings said...

Funny you posted, I was going to email you and ask if you guys were coming back to the states! Welcome back!
God is so awesome in that way - providing beyond what we can imagine!!! It's really cool when He does that isn't it!
Blessings and can't wait to hear about what God has in store for you here!
Blessings

Tara Anderson said...

What a wonderful testimony to remind us of the character of God. I've been struggling with some stuff the past few days and you've reminded me that I need to lay it all on the altar. Thanks. :)

Karen said...

Wonderful testimony to Jehovah Jireh...blessings abundant in your new home....

Sue said...

I just love when God works like that! Talk about faith-builders huh? Welcome back to North America and I hope/pray God blesses your ministry beyond your wildest dreams and touches the lives of SO many through you & your precious family!

God bless

Pilar said...

Wow, God may be getting ready to do something great in AZ. Some of my friends have been called there and are in different areas of Arizona starting churches :)

Can´t wait to hear what God does through all of you.

Blessings to you my friend

Alison said...

Thanks for the post Sarah Dawn!
Right now Mike and I are in the process of getting visas for Italy. That can be challenging, so it's great reminder of how God is involved in ALL of the details of our lives! Nothing misses His attention!

Debbie in CA : ) said...

Tears of joy splashin' down my cheeks. God is so good! Enjoy the shower of blessings, my sweet friend.

Coinicidentally we just had our very first rain in a LOOOOOOOONG time. I am celebrating all over the place, it seems. Drops of joy, rivulets of praise, the sweet smell of blessing is definitely in the air!

TanyaLea said...

Welcome back to the USA, Sarah Dawn~

I know this has been quite the road for you to travel on. But I am inspired by you on SO many different levels. From your gift of writing, your OBEDIENCE and FAITH in God and your steadfast heart to follow His lead... you have always allowed His grace to be more than sufficient and trusted in the path He lit before you. You desserve that house out of sheer obedience and utter love and joy for our Lord. I can't wait to see what He has in store for your family on this leg of your journey. I know one thing is for certain: Lives are going to be touched and changed in a big way, and the Kingdom is going to grow where ever it is that you serve! <>< Congrats on your home. Yes, Jehovah Jireh is into details and He has provided for you and delights in your faith! God is GOOD!!

love you,
~Tanya

rcubes said...

When we commit all our ways to Him, He does make our paths smooth! That's great you're settling now in a new mission field in AZ. God bless you and your family and may He guide you with His divine wisdom and protect you. It seems like the Lord is bringing a lot of harvesters to AZ. The fields there must be ripe! Praying for many souls to be brought to Christ!

He & Me + 3 said...

That is so awesome! God is so good and He truly is our Jehovah Jireh. He provides everything we need at just the right time. So happy that you are blessed!
Hugs,
Mimi

Jenny R said...

May the Lord continue to bless you and your family as you serve Him in Arizona!

Tana said...

You have inspired me to step out in Faith. I love our Father so, isn't He amazing?

Collette@Jesuslovesmums said...

Hi there! can't wait to hear more about your missionary work in Arizona! Fantastic how God has provided for you and your family.
Love Collette xxxx

Sharon Sloan said...

OH praise His Name! What an awesome testimony of His love, faithfulness, provision and attention to detail! :)

The mountain address! Wow!

He is good! Enjoy the home He has provided.

Heart2Heart said...

Sarah Dawn,

God is truly a provider and is working out all the details for you so that you can continue to trust and have faith in Him.

Thank you for sharing how God is continuing to work towards the good of those that truly love HIM!

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Unknown said...

WAHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

You are home!

YIPPEEE!

Happy Dancin' over here!

We can't wait to meet you and hug on you!

Praising God for the abundance of favor over your family!

Praying as you walk in the journey He has set before you and Ryan!

Lots of love,
Jill

trina said...

Wonderful news how he has provided each step of the way. :) PTL!
trina

Becka said...

How wonderful is GOD !!!
HE IS THE MOST WONDERFUL...

Its great to hear your good news..

Sarah said...

Praising God for His faithfulness and for His incredible, awesome, tremendous love!!

Linda said...

Your sweet spirit is such a blessing Sarah. It is an encouragement to hear how the Lord has worked in your life. When we see His faithfulness in your lives we rejoice with you. He is a good and loving Father and He does indeed provide - abundantly and above all we could ask or think.

Cathy said...

That is amazing how God provided the house for you. I pray God will bless your ministry and continue to use you mightily.

Pia said...

sarah, i got the book! thank you so much. i removed the stamp from costa rica and put it on the first page of the book, cut out your hand-written address in arizona and pasted it there it too.

i love it, sarah, thank you!

may God bless you and your family as you obey His leading.

christy rose said...

I am so excited to hear that you are continuing to walk in His abundant blessings. God is faithful! And He is so good to us! He is Jehovah Jireh. His provision does not usually rain down from Heaven like manna, but comes from within the place of union with Him, the place where faith is birthed to bring forth the fruit of His promise. I am so excited about what God has in store for you and your family.

Pia said...

sarah, here's the link.

http://www.piasjournal.com/2009/09/streams-in-dessert.html

Jen Price said...

Such a cool story of God's provision. I love how when we surrender what we think is best, allows us to dream with God and Him provide something beyond our wildest dreams!

Thanks for visiting my blog recently! I pray you settle nicely into your new home as you adjust from life in Costa Rica to back in the states. Many blessings to you and your family!

The Ferrill's said...

Jehovah Jireh! Praise Him! I'm so glad yall are safe and sound and so PROVIDED for...and I'm so thankful and challenged by your obedience. It is ALL God's...everything! Thank you for this testimony of surrender!
Laine

Jamie {See Jamie blog} said...

Awesome!

Tea with Tiffany said...

This brought tears of joy to my eyes. I'm so happy you surrendered all and found His provision. God is working and you are listening.

So thankful for your ministry and passion,

Tiffany

Anonymous said...

Dear Sara Dawn,

Thank you for sharing this wonderful, encouraging story of how our Lord provides.

I am happy for you and your sweet family.

♥Hope

Jen said...

Sarah Dawn,

I am so happy that God has provided in such a spectacular way for your family. We sang "Jehovah Jireh" at church this Sunday and it touched me so much--I am glad you were experiencing the same sense of His provision. From splashing in the rain to basking in the sunshine of God's love. It's so fitting! Praise Him!

Lots of hugs,

Jenn

grammy said...

I loved that title. So happy for your new home. How hard it must be to have that door shut ( for now anyway). My daughter has been in missions most of her adult life. God shut a door in Afghanistan and she has been here in Co. hoping and praying for a job that would fit her. She is working, but not in missions. We will see where God wants her (o: and your family (o: Blessings to you.

Leah Adams said...

Sarah Dawn,

Welcome back to the US. God bless you as you begin this new chapter in your life. I can't wait to see what He has for you and your family.

Leah

Cherdecor said...

This is good news! I am so happy for you and your family! Praise God!

Bekah said...

What an awesome testimony! I have copied some of your words into my journal, as my own faith is struggling right now. I've been looking for one particular ram for several years now and am admittedly weary. God is faithful to send bits of encouragement like this even when my heart has no feeling. Thank you for being His instrument to me today!

Cassandra Frear said...

Costa Rica is a beautiful place. My husband went there as a child for summer trips with his grandfather. Then, years later, our college-aged son went there for a bird research project with a group from his school.

I understand your heartache. I am going through the same type of experience. We haven't seen the ending destination of our transition yet, but your testimony is an encouragement.

Daveda said...

Sarah Dawn, this is so wonderful! My heart rejoices for you and for how wonderful our daddy is!

I hope that your days ahead will continue to be blessed beyond your wildest dreams...

Arizona, ahhhh never been there but I know it's always warm, I keep track of the weather LOL. I think that would be an amazing place to live :)

Journaling Gina said...

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. I feel like I already know you because our lives of trusting and surrendering are so similiar. I'll be praying for you as you move and trust that God will take care of everything!

Blessings!

Nana Jul said...

Awesome testimony!! Thank you for stopping by my blog today!

Ike said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
ByHISgoodGrace said...

Hi Sarah, Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers! I GREATLY appreciate them. I enjoyed reading about you here. Esther Burroughs has a wonderful ministry that reminds me of you! Splashin'!

Aunt Angie said...

WOW! What a message! I loved this devotion of power and anointing! JUST what I needed this day!

I am seeking for all that HE has for me---in HIS Word and His purpose!

Thank you for ALL your writings! Even though I can't always stop and comment, THEY always minister to my heart!!!

Deb said...

His faithfulness in providing amazes me.

And sometimes embarasses me.

Because of my lack of faith.

Because of my worldliness.

Thank you for teaching me.

Sweet dreams.

Tammy@Fear Not said...

Wow, I'm very glad you stopped by my place so I was able to follow you back to yours. I look forward to continuing our journeys as I follow yours.

Christina Parker Brown said...

What a beautiful blog! And a faithful heart.
Welcome home!!!