God’s Perfect Ways

Eight years ago, I moved to Franklin in one of the most tumultuous weeks of my life. A week and a half prior I had just had my wisdom teeth removed when we received a phone call that my grandfather had just been diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia and had two weeks to live. We immediately packed up the car and made the 36 hour drive from Colorado to Pensacola, Florida. A week later, I said goodbye to my grandfather for what I thought was the last time so that I could fly back to Colorado and pack my bags to make it to Franklin in time for Freshmen orientation. Little did I know that I wouldn’t just be spending the next four years in Franklin, but the next eight. Over the course of these eight years, I have seen the Lord’s abundant kindness and generosity. For one thing, my wisdom teeth don’t hurt anymore, but also my grandfather, who had been given two weeks to live, is still alive. There are other gifts too that I didn’t even know I needed: the gift of living with some of my dearest friends, the gift of being on staff with some of the most gracious people I’ve ever met, and the gift of a church that seeks to live covenantally. I am joining David from our passage this morning in Psalm 18. Our God is a shield for those who take refuge in Him. His way is perfect, and though our lives may seem tumultuous, He is faithful. He is guiding us with His powerful hand and feeding us with the bread of heaven. As we seek to walk the path of righteousness, may we know that our feet stand on solid ground and that our God is a refuge to those who seek Him. —Emma Marsh