Looking Back, I See God’s Hand; God’s Faithfulness Through Every Season

Wow wow wow… I was looking through old pictures today and noticed something I had never really thought about before. I wish I could call my mom and tell her this but I’ll just tell yall.

On the left is my quinceañera. On the right is my wedding.

The more I looked at them, the more I realized they almost mirror each other.

At my quinceañera, Pastor Joseph Muñoz prayed over me as I started womanhood. Then he read from the Bible about what God calls young women to be and the promises I was making before Him. I agreed. Then I took communion.

“Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (WEB)

“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 (WEB)

Years later, on my wedding day, Pastor Roberto Morales prayed over Kevin and me as we started our marriage. Then he read from the Bible about what God says marriage is and the promises we were making before Him. We agreed. Then he married us before God.

“Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife; and they will be one flesh.” Genesis 2:24 (WEB)

“What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” Mark 10:9 (WEB)

These two pastors are my uncles.

My Great Uncle Robert & my Uncle Joseph.

I just think that’s so beautiful. I never noticed that both of the biggest milestones in my life started the exact same way.

First came prayer.

Then God’s Word.

Then a promise.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 (WEB)

Looking back now, I realize how blessed I’ve been.

Not lucky.

Blessed.

God gave me so many spiritual leaders growing up, and a few of them happen to be family who had a calling being pastors led by the Holy Spirit to share God’s word… and God put them in my life.

“Remember your leaders, men who spoke to you the word of God, and considering the results of their conduct, imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7 (WEB)

“Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance.” Proverbs 27:17 (WEB)

“Yahweh himself is who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8 (WEB)

They prayed over me, taught me His Word, corrected me when I needed it, encouraged me, and loved me through every season. Growing up in the church was exactly what I needed. & God knew this.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another…” Colossians 3:16 (WEB)

“Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (WEB)

“They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.” Acts 2:42 (WEB)

Have I always gotten everything right? Definitely not. I’ve made mistakes. I’ve gone through really hard seasons. But one thing has never changed, God has always been faithful, and He’s always placed people in my life to point me back to Him.

“Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 (WEB)

“Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but encouraging one another…” Hebrews 10:24-25 (WEB)

These pictures aren’t just memories to me. These pictures mean so much more to me now than they did when they were taken. When I look back, I can see God’s hand in every chapter of my life.

“I will remember Yah’s deeds; for I will remember your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all your work, and consider your doings.” Psalm 77:11-12 (WEB)

They’re a reminder that before every new season of my life, someone was covering me in prayer and pointing me to God’s Word.

What an incredible blessing that is.