Trusting without Resolution

At 35 years old, I’m approaching five years of sobriety from drugs and alcohol, and three years without placing a single bet. God broke me so I could be put back together like only He can do. I am a new resident of Smithville, Texas (don’t ask), and upon moving here seven months ago, I thought I’d meet a lovely Jesus-following woman by now that I can pursue, but it has not happened yet. It’s okay. As Paul says, I am running the race marked out for me. If that includes a wife and kids, God will make it happen. If it doesn’t, He won’t. Either way, I follow Jesus.

Mike A.
BEE CAVE

God Provided

Zach, my son, was living in Shanghai in January 2020. I was with a friend and she said her husband, a surgeon, taught classes in Wuhan. She said things were much worse than they were reporting and we should get him out of China. My husband and I have opposite parenting styles. I prayed for the Holy Spirit to give me divine guidance and I called my husband. Troy said, “I think everything is under control over there, but I’ll do some research.” That evening Troy and Zach had a video call. Zach didn’t want leave, but he got on the next flight…the day before Shanghai was locked down.

Rhonda M.
BEE CAVE

Walking in Faith

I accepted Christ when I was 13 years old. I pursued Him throughout my life and honored my purity up until I got married at 22 years old. We were married for five years and served with the youth group at our church until I found out he was having an affair. I was devastated but forgave him and remained obedient to our marriage. Divorce was never an option for me, but he eventually left anyway. My faith never wavered, but I marinated in how to be a better wife next time. I remained faithful and pure again until I married my forever person.

Anonymous
BEE CAVE

God Provided

In 2009 we gave up our home, forced to leave for safety reasons. We struggled to pay bills, make rent, even though the wife went back to work and by all means I made more money. Church was an occasional thing, and it wasn’t until I almost lost my job that we finally made a conscious effort to commit to a church. It wasn’t until we trusted in God to provide that we started to tithe. It was difficult at first, but eventually everything changed. We were able to purchase a fixer upper, sold it, moved to Austin, found Austin Ridge, and now are blessed spiritually and beyond measure.

The Escaleras
BEE CAVE

God Provided

This summer I have the opportunity to go on a summer mission to North Africa, but I was unsure of how I was going to raise all of the funds that I needed for this trip. The beginning of support raising was very slow, and I had only two people donate. Coming into March, I was only at half of my goal with one month left to raise the rest. Within one week, God provided $3,000 for my mission trip, and fully supported me to be able to go on mission this summer.

Joseph S.
SOUTHWEST

God Provided

Our church had a fund drive to do a major new addition. God had previously shown us how He could supply all our needs as we had tithed. We decided to commit to a double tithe for three years. We cut back where we could, postponed major purchases, and grew closer to God as we gave. Several years later, the pastor asked us to give our testimony to the church for a new drive. After the talk, my wife told me that she had a check in her purse from an unexpected early inheritance. It was exactly the amount we had previously given! Live out Malachi 3:10 and Hebrews 13:5.

Anonymous
BEE CAVE

Healing Moment

The Lord graciously saved me from a horrible relationship. He is renewing and restoring me each and everyday. He is teaching me how to carry His victory and to live – without shame – under his mercy and grace. Praise the Lord!

Kayla
BEE CAVE

God Provided

I’m at a young age and have definitely made mistakes. There’s a difference between just worshipping and trusting in Him at church and involving Him in your day-to-day life. I went to church and did all the things, and then fooled around with people who were anything but good for me. I was under the impression that certain commandments didn’t apply to me. Then something happened. I felt God’s presence, full of love for me. He’s more fulfilling than anything of the flesh. All I had to do was turn away from the sins of my life, and He helped me turn my life around.

Anonymous
BEE CAVE

Walking in Faith

Ladybugs. That is what I was decorating her nursery in. Our daughter was stillborn. I remember the pastor of our church at the time came to the hospital and as he walked into the door, the first words out of my mouth were, “I feel God in you.” That was 2009. It feels like yesterday. Since that day, nothing but trials and tribulations have happened to my family. Job loss. Financial issues. Depression. By God’s grace I have finally begun to live for Him. “You shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13)

Anonymous
BEE CAVE

His Ways are Perfect

The really cool thing is when we surrender and He works through us as vessels and tools in His hands. Hiking with the women last weekend allowed interaction with some who have yet to know Christ. Sitting at the taco table, one of the ladies shared that she was a transcendentalist. Asking her to help me understand what that was like for her allowed me to share about Jesus: relationship, not religion! She spoke about the beauty of the creation being her temple, we talked about the Creator. Seeds planted! Opportunities everywhere! Listening always to hear and not to respond but to follow the Holy Spirit 🙂

Anonymous
SOUTHWEST