Today is the last day of the 7th year that the Nice family has been in Texas.
The 7th day & the 7th year are unique and special to God. He set them aside for His people that they may experience renewal, provision, release, rest, and even forgiveness of debts. Exodus 23:10-11, Leviticus 25:2-7, 20-22, Deuteronomy 15:1-3
Our Texas life started with obedience. God asked us to move. In transparency, I said no, for 6 months. But God does not stop pursuing us & encouraging us to receive His best for our lives. Our "yes" to God's plan was scary, risky, dangerous...to us. We sold cars, quit jobs, packed up and traveled 1900+miles. Matt, Sam, & myself moved into a 2 bedroom apartment with 4 others.
So much has happened since then but we had no idea that the most & greatest things were stored up for the 6th & 7th years.
The 6th year God prepared & positioned us to receive the gifts of the 7th because order proceeds overflow.
And oh the overflow.
While we didn't stop our working in our 7th year, we did experience the blessing and richness that accompanies surrendering it to the Sovereignty of God. A Sabbath year to fully trust God & receive His provisions.
Here are some of the rest, renewal, blessing, provision from our Sabbath year in Texas:
-Matt did not spend one day of the year without a job.
-Sam was able to school at home & spend extra, cherished time with Bella & myself.
-Physical & miraculous healing in Crista's mouth
-Many fish were caught
-Unique time was spent with family
-Saw family members receive Jesus' love
-Celebrated a wedding
-Traveled to 10 new states on an epic road trip
-Donated 200 handmade masks
-Some of Crista's writing was published
-Made less money but did not want.
-Able to add a second vehicle
-Miraculous forgiveness of deep wounds was made real
-Deep, entrenched lies & strongholds were toppled in the areas of value, capability, anxiety, & others
-Matt started & continues to lead a men's Lifegroup
-Crista participated in, then started a women's Lifegroup.
-Bella & Sam grew in many ways
-So many new friendships
-Marriage challenges turned to growth & unity
And so, so, so much more.
God is faithful.
And after all this, these 7 years in Texas, we are brimming with excitement for the 8th year. Why? Because after rest comes growth.
“But you might ask, ‘What will we eat during the seventh year, since we are not allowed to plant or harvest crops that year?’ Be assured that I will send my blessing for you in the sixth year, so the land will produce a crop large enough for three years. When you plant your fields in the eighth year, you will still be eating from the large crop of the sixth year. In fact, you will still be eating from that large crop when the new crop is harvested in the ninth year.”
Leviticus 25:20-22 NLT
WOW!
We surrender it all before You, God. Thank You for being faithful, for giving us rest, for renewing the Nice family. Thank You for teaching us to surrender first to You and teaching us how to receive. May we bless You God and bring You joy. The 8th year is all Yours Lord, may it be marked with a harvest beyond our ability to imagine and bring You glory.
Praise God.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Thanks all who made our 7th year special. Thanks for being present & growing with us. Praying God's lavish love falls in you and that YOU receive it.
Xoxox
The Nice Family
