But God...

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone” Isaiah 9:2.  

The past couple of weeks have been hectic as we prepare for Christmas at the Men’s Residence. One afternoon, I was sitting in my office with gift receipts spread across the desk and Christmas cookies stacked wherever they would fit—trying to wrap up the year and catch my breath.

At that moment, I received a message from the wife of one of our former graduates named Eric.

I first met Eric during a very broken season in their lives. At the time, his wife was a resident at the women’s care center. Eric was not a believer, and shortly after, he filed for divorce. What followed was not improvement or clarity—but a downward spiral that only deepened the darkness surrounding their family.

BUT GOD……    

Here is the message from Eric’s wife:

Hey there Pastor Jaime, just wanted to share a God moment I had. When Eric, and I were at our worst, we didn’t even know it was Christmas Day. No presents, no lights, no love in our house, and no talk about Jesus. I remember looking out the window at the neighbor’s house all decorated with lights, and I thought “I can’t imagine what it would feel like to have lights outside during Christmas” last week we were all sitting in the family room with the tree lit up, our daughters were playing with their Jesus dolls singing “Jesus loves me”, and I could see the outside lights from our house shining through the window. That moment meant so much to me. I Just wanted to thank you for letting the Holy Spirit guide you to bring families back together, and back to the Lord.

We honestly wake up everyday amazed at what God has done. Eric recently lost his job along with his insurance….then God put him in a position to work for the Christian Care Center at the Men’s Residence everyday! It’s just so cool to see how he puts everything together, and gives you everything you need in the ways you need it. We don’t have all the money we once had with our old jobs, but God replaced that with purpose, and joy.

This story so powerful not because of a change in circumstances, but a change in light. God did not simply restore a home—He restored worship within it. This is what happens when Jesus steps into a life, a marriage, and a family: darkness does not argue with light, it gives way to it. And what God has begun, He remains faithful to complete.

If you would like to share in the mission of the Men’s Residence email Jamie@christiancarecenter.org.