Part 2 – Worship Him Open Handed
We had been meeting together, reading, studying God’s Word and praying together in a mentor-mentee relationship for months. I cherished our time together and often found myself learning more from her and our relationship than I felt she was learning from her time with me. I was blessed, we were blessed…we really understood each other and found that except for age, we were so much alike!
I never knew when I committed to sharing my life with her what God had in store for us and that He had brought us together just at the right time. She would not only need a safe ear and heart to confide in, but she would also need someone to help her bring what seemed to be an impossible dream wedding into reality. Just when I thought I would be sort of losing my relationship with my dear friend so that God could grow her relationship with her future spouse, God gave me the most amazing blessing and honor…to walk by her side and give her what He had given me…my gifts, talents, finances and time for this most special season of her life.
In giving me this opportunity and front row seat experience, God showed me that when we live by faith and worship Him “open handed”, His creativity, provision, generosity and beautifully artistic expression of love will flow through those open hands in miraculous ways.
“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Romans 12:6-10
Simply said, the fairy tale wedding of Maddie’s dreams could not happen. Well, at least with earthly eyes, it just did not seem possible – not enough time to get it done and not enough money to make it happen. Oh…BUT GOD!
We decided to make a budget, make plans, and to pray. We knew it was impossible without God but that with Him, anything was possible. Maddisen, Vincent and I also agreed that we wanted God to be glorified through this wedding, we wanted people to see His handiwork through every part of it.
It is not honest to say you have faith that God can do the impossible and then not move forward in the direction He is clearly leading. So we began implementing the ideas He was filling our minds with and committed to working tirelessly, then over and over again God “showed up big time”, provided, and covered us with His favor as we dealt with people, places, finances, wedding supplies and creative endeavors. See for yourself the beautiful dream wedding He brought into reality…
“Dear Lord, thank You that You’ve allowed me to be a part of this very special season with Maddisen and Vincent, that You gave me an opportunity to help a bride prepare for her groom and their wedding day. You continue to teach me Your ways oh Lord, that I can trust You completely and can live ‘open-handed’ because You are in control. Thank You for trusting me and including me in Your plans for Maddisen and Vincent. I am honored to be used by You. May this artful ‘DIY by God’s grace wedding’ bring You Lord much pleasure and glory…for You alone are worthy of our worship and praise.”
To all of you who selflessly gave of your talents, time and finances (you know who you are) – we praise God for you, thank you!
To my dear Maddisen and to the love of your life, Vincent…
All my love ~ always,
Becky
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