Goodbye 2012 – Tom’s Testimony of God’s Faithfulness

I said goodbye to 2012 last night with mixed emotions. I remember discussing with my wife in the fall of 2011 that 2012 would likely be a difficult year…it was! -And in many more ways than I could have ever imagined. But, the Lord’s faithfulness and sovereignty was obvious.

There was a point when so much was happening, it felt as though we were under attack! In the midst of some of the toughest of life’s storms we have ever encountered, God continued to grow my wife and I closer to each other and Himself. I must confess, at times we honestly didn’t know how we would be able to weather another hour, much less another day. Yet God was faithful and we found our commitment and love for each other strong and unshaken in Him.

Those who follow me on social media may remember my daughter broke her arm and my son needed an emergency appendectomy. Not long after, the little guy also dislocated his shoulder creating a misalignment and pinched nerve in his neck/back. Our Father carefully guided attending physicians and staff in all these situations and healed our children.

As a result of his declining health and some unexpected surgery, we thought my dad would pass during the year. Yet the Lord spared him and even improved his outlook!

Our home of eleven years had to be sold, and we needed a new place to call home. God provided well beyond our expectations taking into account our needs and many of our wants! He aligned people and circumstances, and in His perfect timing, we closed on our new home!

We’re so thankful to our friends and family for ministering to our various needs over the last year. You allowed yourselves to be used by the Lord to bless us in ways indescribable. During times of hurt and difficulty you were there and we are forever grateful in Christ for your support!

My prayer and praise is found in the following Psalm:

Psalm 40:1-5 (NLT)

“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and He turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.

He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what He has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the Lord.

Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord,
who have no confidence in the proud
or in those who worship idols.

O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,
I would never come to the end of them.”

I look forward to 2013 with much optimism. We face some important decisions, so your continued prayers are appreciated. Above all, pray for our effectiveness for God and His Kingdom!

In closing, may the Lord provide you and yours with much growth in Him and many blessings throughout this new year!

Yours in Christ,

Tom