That's all I can say....
Ok, maybe not...
I can expand on that........
My heart cries out, "God is so good!!" He ALWAYS knows what we need; what is best. We MUST endure pain, hardship, and suffering in this world if we want to grow in holiness and character. That is a fact; Jesus said it. Romans 8:28 has never meant so much.......
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
And Jeremiah 29:11.......
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
So..... I'm here in Nashville and my life is still in California. Samantha, the kids, and I are separated until I obtain adequate income to support them here; Or, God calls me back to do the same. I've never experienced anything so difficult. And what I'm experiencing is NOTHING compared to what Samantha is having to endure (some of you know what this means specifically), although, ultimately we're thankful for the provision and shelter. It's been over two months that we've been apart, but to me it seems like years.
Where would I be without the support of my selfless wife and loving children? LOST..... But yet not, by the grace of God.
I've been writing what I hope are great songs. Although apart, we've been provided for. Although sad, we are blessed! Beyond measure. The response to my songs has been wonderful. Lives have been touched and I am growing and being shaped as an artist. I just want to do what God wants and glorify Him, and live. But His will be done, not mine.
The biggest actual, physical reason why we are separated as a family is income. I haven't been able to obtain employment and/or the income necessary to support us here. Since I am here based on what we as a family have determined is God's will, we will continue to trust Him for that provision, weather I stay here and they follow, or I return to California.
It's a challenge, and difficult, and troubling at times, but what an adventure! What a way to live! Completely trusting in our Creator for provision, sustenance, peace, and strength! Don't be mistaken, it could be so much MORE difficult! I believe I can speak for my whole family when I say we are grateful everyday for God's blessings.
When Samantha and I were joined together in marriage we became one flesh. So needless to say, when I left, half of my heart stayed behind. Helplessly disconnected and painfully separated from the other half of the whole. However, God has given us the strength and peace to carry on and move forward in this journey. It's weird though because so much of the time it doesn't feel like it. Like it's hopeless and there's no way out; no solution; no end. But that's a lie! God see's the beginning from the end! He knows the outcome and has gone before us. What an amazing God we serve. If only I could remember this when the enemy is smothering me with lies and trying to cut off my air supply. But he can't! he is subordinate to his Creator.
When I hurt and wonder what my future holds, I just want to remember His promises. I want to accept the warm embrace that is always available, if I would simply choose to run to His arms. So many are hurting and suffering and searching. But few find the answer that has been calling to them since birth. The longing, groaning, and in-saciable cry of their soul. For a union and relationship with their Creator.........
"Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:35 (NIV)
So, whom shall I fear? No one. ".....If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31 (NIV) I realize daily how quickly I can forget this. As soon as I take my eye's off of Jesus, I start to sink. But when I'm redirected and my gaze turns upward, the peace flows in. I feel invincible; because I am.
I have no say in what I will ultimately accomplish. My life is our life and God is in charge. His will is perfect and right in every way so I will try not to worry. I will try to trust and rest in the peace freely offered. Regardless, He takes my failures and successes and shapes them into the perfect outcome that is His will; for our good, for now and all eternity.
So, I will sing and play, make my way, and know that my heart is secure. I'll know that because of Jesus, it is pure. Not because of anything I've done or will do but because of how He has made everything new. All I can do is wait and know that we are on our way; that we couldn't be in a better place. I can't wait to see His face!
I am fulfilled and strengthened when I pray for others. We're in this thing together. Our choices and rebellion have caused these troubles we face but we're still sustained, if we accept the gift. We're still held together! So, my problems are really small; my strife less than it should be. Join me and "....Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
Only by the grace of God,
Sean Archer
So..... I'm here in Nashville and my life is still in California. Samantha, the kids, and I are separated until I obtain adequate income to support them here; Or, God calls me back to do the same. I've never experienced anything so difficult. And what I'm experiencing is NOTHING compared to what Samantha is having to endure (some of you know what this means specifically), although, ultimately we're thankful for the provision and shelter. It's been over two months that we've been apart, but to me it seems like years.
Where would I be without the support of my selfless wife and loving children? LOST..... But yet not, by the grace of God.
I've been writing what I hope are great songs. Although apart, we've been provided for. Although sad, we are blessed! Beyond measure. The response to my songs has been wonderful. Lives have been touched and I am growing and being shaped as an artist. I just want to do what God wants and glorify Him, and live. But His will be done, not mine.
The biggest actual, physical reason why we are separated as a family is income. I haven't been able to obtain employment and/or the income necessary to support us here. Since I am here based on what we as a family have determined is God's will, we will continue to trust Him for that provision, weather I stay here and they follow, or I return to California.
It's a challenge, and difficult, and troubling at times, but what an adventure! What a way to live! Completely trusting in our Creator for provision, sustenance, peace, and strength! Don't be mistaken, it could be so much MORE difficult! I believe I can speak for my whole family when I say we are grateful everyday for God's blessings.
When Samantha and I were joined together in marriage we became one flesh. So needless to say, when I left, half of my heart stayed behind. Helplessly disconnected and painfully separated from the other half of the whole. However, God has given us the strength and peace to carry on and move forward in this journey. It's weird though because so much of the time it doesn't feel like it. Like it's hopeless and there's no way out; no solution; no end. But that's a lie! God see's the beginning from the end! He knows the outcome and has gone before us. What an amazing God we serve. If only I could remember this when the enemy is smothering me with lies and trying to cut off my air supply. But he can't! he is subordinate to his Creator.
When I hurt and wonder what my future holds, I just want to remember His promises. I want to accept the warm embrace that is always available, if I would simply choose to run to His arms. So many are hurting and suffering and searching. But few find the answer that has been calling to them since birth. The longing, groaning, and in-saciable cry of their soul. For a union and relationship with their Creator.........
"Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:35 (NIV)
So, whom shall I fear? No one. ".....If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31 (NIV) I realize daily how quickly I can forget this. As soon as I take my eye's off of Jesus, I start to sink. But when I'm redirected and my gaze turns upward, the peace flows in. I feel invincible; because I am.
I have no say in what I will ultimately accomplish. My life is our life and God is in charge. His will is perfect and right in every way so I will try not to worry. I will try to trust and rest in the peace freely offered. Regardless, He takes my failures and successes and shapes them into the perfect outcome that is His will; for our good, for now and all eternity.
So, I will sing and play, make my way, and know that my heart is secure. I'll know that because of Jesus, it is pure. Not because of anything I've done or will do but because of how He has made everything new. All I can do is wait and know that we are on our way; that we couldn't be in a better place. I can't wait to see His face!
I am fulfilled and strengthened when I pray for others. We're in this thing together. Our choices and rebellion have caused these troubles we face but we're still sustained, if we accept the gift. We're still held together! So, my problems are really small; my strife less than it should be. Join me and "....Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
Only by the grace of God,
Sean Archer
