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The headline fit us, a couple in a
marriage stopped in a canyon of “growing apart.” Each of us searched
for a way to find relief, away from each other.
In the middle of that impasse, we had no idea that God had a
different perspective. We could not see that God was watching over
us. If we had heard that He could bring us willingly together to
work things out, we would have said: “Impossible!” or “Not
interested!”
Nevertheless, God had already prepared a way for us—when we were
drifting from each other near Washington,
D. C’s power grid; when we
separated and headed for divorce; when we caused much heartache to
our children, who counted on us, and distress to those who loved us;
when we had no idea if God was real.
In spite of all that, God opened up the way ahead—through the haze,
the obstacles, the resistance, and fear.
And, wonder of wonders, He changed us and then blessed us by
including us in His work. All had been made ready during the
foggiest and darkest times, when we wore spiritual blinders.
Since our turnaround days, we have learned how to live in God’s love
and plans. We have sought to live and to speak authentically about
faith and marriage. He has honored us with His gracious help, every
day.
When God restored us to himself and to each other, not all
Christians rejoiced when we went public. Some saw us as cracked
porcelain, unfit for best use—which I write about in Not All Roads
Lead Home.
All of us tend to veer off toward wrong directions. I am eternally
grateful to God for never giving up on anyone. As long as we have
breath, we can call out for His help, by faith in Jesus, His Son.
“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at
all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we
do not yet have, we wait for it patiently” (Romans 8: 24, 25—New
International Version of the Bible). There is no need for alarm or uproar over the idea of turnarounds in
life or the fact that God gives the once-lost missions to perform.
If that were not true, what hope would there be for happiness for
anyone? This is the kind of work only God can do; and He is doing it
all the time. It’s proven by stories like ours.
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Not All Roads Lead Home
NEW Edition—Stories
of God’s faithfulness. Highlights in new edition: |
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what the shared life means |
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thankfulness to a
trustworthy God during trying circumstances |
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a career helping refugees and migrants
in distress through international channels. |
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Included: Index, Reader’s
Resource for individuals and groups, and author interview. |
 Before
we met, when we were 19 and 20 years old, God had prepared a way for
us. When we separated and thought it was over, God had a way for us.
When we got back together and only the two of us moved far from
home, God led the way. He does this and more for anyone who asks
Him, through His Son. |
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Jane
Bullard (author’s pen name) grew up in North Carolina.
She and her husband meet regularly with young Christian
married couples wanting to keep their marriages “on the
main road." They live outside Washington, 