The Thrill of Victory, The Agony of Defeat

 

 
For me, the famous catch-phrase from Wide World of Sports captures the year 2014 pretty well.

A year ago, we moved to Jamaica just in time to welcome 2014.  It was the “thrill of victory” as what Bruce and I had planned for for two years was realized.  After a year of interviews and then a year of paperwork, packing, and farewells, we were thrilled to finally be living at the children’s home, ready to carry out the calling God had placed on us.  We were brimming with excitement as we anticipated our future there. 
 
Three and a half months later, we experienced the “agony of defeat”.  We were told, with little explanation, that “our gifts didn’t match what was needed at the orphanage”.  Four days after hearing that news, we found ourselves back in the U.S., in a state of shock and confusion.  Our progress toward healing in these past months has been slow and unsteady.  Frankly, much of 2014 was full of agony.

In practical and emotional terms, we’ve taken some staggering hits.  But here’s the absolute truth:  as bad as it gets, and as low as our situation takes us, the higher God’s glory will be revealed as He teaches, refines, and restores us.

 
We can look forward to 2015 with hope based on faith, not sight.  Christ has already overcome all of the agonies of this world, and He has already won the Victory.  Thanks be to God!