So...What keeps us going?

People have mentioned lately that they don't know how they'd handle being in a long distance relationship. Many say they think it would be impossible and they just couldn't do it. Others say it's just too complicated to begin with and don't even want to get their hands wet. I guess it's one of those things that until you're in it, it seems out of the ordinary, strange, and undesirable. Why would anyone put themself through such pain, agony, and frustration? 

Although at times distance can in fact seem impossible and challenging, Jamie and I know that there is a God much bigger holding everything together across the miles. He is holding us together and strengthening our love day by day. He is gracious towards us in the ups and the downs and teaches us so much through each obstacle, skype call, and emotion. He is providing for our needs in ways we never expected or dreamed. This long distance love has forced us to rely upon Him for everything, rather than ourselves. We can't even plan a wedding date without God's intricate help with the 2 countries, governments, and unending paperwork. It's all just "not do-able" without Him. We've had no option other than to trust Him with our hearts and the future ahead. It's not been an easy road, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's been a beautiful road with painful jolts and unexpected road works, yet a road full of abundant joy and great blessing. 

Therefore, although the ocean is massive, communication is limited, and physical time together is non-existent...we do not lose heart. We do not give up. God is our hope and He is our reason for carrying on. We are in this relationship because we love each other, but far more because we love God and want to honour Him, bringing glory to Him as we strive to love each other in the same way Christ has loved us. 

I admit on the difficult days,  I have to remind myself of these things...once, twice, or 27 times. It's easy to lose sight of Christ and His blessings and provision in all of it when you're consumed with your circumstances, well-being, and feelings. Chances are, if you're basing your life off of these, they are going to leave you feeling like an unsatisfied, empty, cheated victim most of the time. To be honest, it is generally on the mornings when I hardly know what to do or how to be, that God reminds me just who HE is. He is a consistent, loving, and unchanging gracious God who sees and hears His children.  He is a God who is in control and His perfect plan is already in effect. 

My only response to those of you who wonder or question "why we do this" or "how we keep on going" is this: it is a question to your question.

How much more of a testimony will it be if after 1 year of "waiting to date", 2 years (including the 1st one) of long distance, followed by another year of longer long distance 2 continents apart...how much more of a testimony of God's faithfulness, goodness, and provision will it be when we stand up before God and our friends and family to be married, knowing that we withstood the test and remained faithful as best we could? Knowing that we persevered under trial by the strength of God. Knowing that we persevered in the face of fear, over the miles, under the expectations and assumptions from the world telling us that we probably wouldn't make it? 

I believe it will be a beautiful day and I pray that everything about our wedding day screams God's glory!! I pray that it screams, "GOD IS GOOD and THIS IS ALL FOR HIM!"

What a gift it is to be able to worship Him in this way, even in the pain, yearning, and waiting. What a joy it is to praise Jesus in the midst.