Great is Thy Faithfulness (9 Years Later)

It was 9 years ago today that everything changed.

Her last name.  My responsibilities.  Our address.

The bridal processional on our wedding day was one of our favorite hymns, “Great is Thy Faithfulness.”  As her father walked her down the aisle and our family and friends worshiped along with us, the emotions kinda let loose.  We both glanced at one another and cried.  We did one of those ugly sings at the altar.  It was kinda like when they make the American Idol singer sing after they have just won.  It ain’t pretty, but it is pretty honest.

That’s how we sang at 5:04 on June 12, 2004.

We choked out the words, “all I have needed Thy hand hath provided, great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.”

God had been so faithful to us.  No matter the trial that had come our individual ways, God had been faithful.

Now, 9 years later, I can still say, “all I have needed Thy hand hath provided.”  No matter the trial that has come our collective way, God has still been faithful.

We were reminiscing this morning about the significant life change year after year we have experienced since we have been married.  Whether it was the first of buying a home, finishing up schooling and more schooling, having a child ever 2 years for the last span, or the projects/opportunities/challenges that have come our way, God has been so very faithful to us.

Amanda was talking with some of the college students at our house a few months ago and told them that this year of marriage had been one of the most challenging.  In the midst of a 3-child family (one being a newborn), remodeling a home, taking care of day-to-day needs on the inside and outside of our home, things can get hectic and stressful.

The guys who she was sharing this with kinda looked awkward for a moment like they just got news they shouldn’t have heard.  But Amanda responded, “No, I didn’t say it was a bad year.  It has been the hardest year for our marriage in one sense but also the best one.  In the midst of challenging times as a family, you realize the importance of being married to someone that you know you will be able to stand beside you when hard times come.  There are tougher seasons of marriage, but it’s an opportunity for sanctification and truly learning how to love your spouse through hard or busy times.

“Make sure you guys choose wisely.  You don’t want to go through storms in your life alongside someone who doesn’t put God first.”

I am so thankful that God was faithful to me 9 years ago, and I am even more thankful that He is still faithful to me today.

Amanda, I love growing old with you.

It was 9 years ago today I sang through tears “Great is Thy Faithfulness” with you, my soon to be bride.  I still sing it today.

He has given us a pardon for sin and a peace that endureth.

His own dear presence to cheer and to guide.

He has given us strength for today and a bright hope for tomorrow.

Blessings all ours, with ten thousand beside.

Great is His faithfulness, every morning, new mercies I see.

All we have needed, His hand has provided.

Great is Your faithfulness, O God, to this little Agnew clan.