A Personal Testimony by Tiffany Hill
“I will instruct you (says the Lord) and guide you along the best pathway for your life; I will advise you and watch your progress.” Psalm 32:8
I’ve always been drawn to that particular verse but eight years ago it became a truth that anchored my soul.
On February 14th, 2009 my (now) husband proposed to me. It was one of the happiest moments I had ever experienced. I had prayed and believed for this moment and was overjoyed that it was here and real! Exactly one week later my Dad died suddenly of a massive heart attack. It was so unexpected and I was in a complete state of shock.
How could it be possible that such a joyful moment (of getting engaged) was now overshadowed by so much grief and pain (of losing my father)?
I started to meditate on Psalm 32:8 and the word “progress” kept sticking out to me. Just out of curiosity I looked up the word “progress” and it read: a movement toward a goal or to a further or higher stage.
Honestly, my first reaction was “How could there possibly be anything good that could come next? I’ll always be hurt, something will always be missing. Every good thing that comes next will be bittersweet.
I was now faced with a decision. Be overcome and forever damaged by such a tragedy…or hold fast to the hope and truth of God’s promises that had been sown into my life over the past 20 years. Three truths stood out to me as I continued this new journey of progress to a “higher stage”
First: God had never left me alone “I will instruct you” includes the word “I” which demonstrates that God is actively and personally involved in my life at all times, even when I don’t understand and can’t comprehend why certain events take place.
Second: The phrase “I will teach” reminded me that I have been given the gracious opportunity to be healed, transformed and made whole daily through the power of His Word.
Third: He states “I will guide and watch” I will never have all the answers. Sometimes, I won’t clearly see the way but I can hold onto the truth that He does and that He is with me. Watching as I follow (in faith) where His Spirit leads.
Has this journey been easy? Absolutely not. It has by far been the most difficult reality I’ve come face to face with. Tears have been shed and pain has been felt. Answers to difficult questions have been sought along the way. Is this journey possible? I’m telling you today that it is! I’ve known the seemingly unbearable reality of loss. At the same time I have experienced the comfort and peace of a good Father and God.
Looking back over the past 8 years I can see where peace, hope and joy have been restored to myself and my family. I have “progressed” to a higher level just like God promised in His Word. A new place of trusting, believing and choosing to walk forward in the truth that He is with me, changing me and loving me every step of the journey.