Wedding vows were recited inside a tiny courtroom tucked in a far corner on the third floor of the county courthouse. A handful of family members in attendance witnessed two young people, my husband’s daughter and her fiancé, pledge their lives to each other.
At the ceremony’s conclusion, pictures were taken and congratulations dispersed. Hugs and kisses were included. My husband waited until the end to take his turn. He stepped toward his daughter, tears welling in his eyes, and held out his arms for her embrace. As she stepped into his open arms, they encircled her. Breathing in the light scent of her perfume, he hugged her tightly. Kissing her forehead softly, he whispered, “I love you, Katie.”
To many, this act may seem natural. But for my husband, it was momentous. For over ten years, the courthouse to him represented pain and heartache as he repeatedly fought for his legal right to see his daughter and son. After each hearing, my husband exited the courthouse doors hoping for a victory, only to be disappointed weeks, or even months, later.
Yet on this day, the courthouse represented new beginnings: the start of a marriage and the renewal of a father/daughter relationship. My husband’s presence at his daughter’s wedding was not because any judge had awarded him his right to be there. It was because she wanted him there. She chose for him to be a part of her life.
As I stood by my husband’s side during the ceremony, I realized God reigns sovereign over our lives. He not only walked with my husband and me through years of heartache, but He carried us forward to this point when He claimed the ultimate victory.
Many times, when we are in the midst of pain, we cannot see the good that is yet to come. We rely on faith knowing God is in complete control of our circumstances. We submit to His will whatever it may be. And if we are fortunate, like my husband and I were, we are privileged to see the blessing on the other side.
What pain are you in the midst of today? Whatever it is, hold tight to God’s promises and trust Him to see you through. Have faith. Though you weep this night, your joy may come in the morning.
(Photo courtesy of office.microsoft.com.)
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What a powerful story, Sheryl! And a great illustration of the sovereignty of God when we wait for Him to work things out for us. Funny, I just heard a sermon on the radio today also admonishing to wait upon God, recognizing even when He seems distant and we are struggling He is busy working.