04/25/2026
One thing we must always remember is this: anything we walk through, the Lord has already gone before us.
At the beginning of 2025, I never would have imagined that by the end of that year, we would be resigning and walking away from a position that carried so many dreams, vision, and years of our hearts. But the Lord had already gone before us with peace for the days ahead.
This past week, Julie went to a convention out of state. We had planned to take two extra days afterward just to rest and talkâsomething we honestly have not been able to do in a long time. Since stepping down, life has stayed very busy as we continue finishing our last assignment through May.
We had one really good full day togetherâpool time, coffee, food, rest, and just enjoying the little things we love. We had big plans for Saturday and planned to drive home Sunday.
But in the middle of the night Friday into Saturday, Julie was doubled over with abdominal pain. She didnât wake me up; she just stayed in another room hurting all night. When I woke up, she finally told me what was going on and said, âI think I may have to go to the hospital.â She could barely walk, and the pain was unbearable. If you know her, you know she has an incredibly high pain tolerance, but she said this pain was worse than childbirth or a hysterectomy.
We went to the closest ER, thinking maybe it was diverticulitis or something that could be treated with antibiotics. Instead, they told us it was her appendix and she needed emergency surgery. She was transferred by ambulance to the main hospital, they performed an appendectomy Sunday morning, she was discharged Monday, and was cleared to travel home Tuesday.
Yesterday, we received the pathology report and learned that her appendix was already gangrenous. Looking back, we can see so clearly that the Lord had already gone before us.
He placed us in a faith-based hospital where they prayed over the intercom every day at 9am and 9pm. The staff prayed over patients. Not one person we met grumbled about their job. They loved what they were doing, and they cared for us with such peace, kindness, and compassion. It was an incredible experience, and we are so thankful.
God had already prepared the place, the people, the timing, and the peace we would need. Philippians 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
So, I donât know what unexpected thing you may be walking through right now, but I do know this: He has already gone before you. And there can be a supernatural peace that only He can provide. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
We may not know what tomorrow holds but we can be sure that He does and has made the way perfect. Psalm 18:30 As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
Pictures:
Londin and Julie celebrating at a shower before we left, an alligator crossing in front of me at the hospital, and the amazing surgery staff letting Julie take pictures with their medals.
