The gift of the “messy middle”

by Katie King

The past year was somewhat of a roller coaster for my family. My husband, our family’s primary income earner, was told that his department was being cut on an unknown timeline. *GULP* I’d be lying if I didn’t say that despite complete trust that God would work things out for His purposes (Romans 8:28), there was a lot of anxiety (mostly on my part) and fear (of the unknown.) However, from the moment that my husband shared this challenging news almost exactly one year ago and in the countless moments of uncertainty since that time, I have felt the Holy Spirit stirring in my heart that this story, His story, would be a gift from God to bring glory to Him.

I could share about how I was able to quickly slide back into more hours working myself, starting at exactly the right time. I was able to quickly find childcare for the youngest two kids and work the minimum hours to meet our needs. The Lord is Peace- Jehovah Shalom.

I could share with you about the anonymous gift that surprised me on my doorstep one day that said, “Merry Christmas King Family.”  A single envelope that left me in full on UGLY crying in my kitchen while my kids looked on concerned and I couldn’t speak. Or about the gifted hand-me-down clothes for my endlessly growing children or gently loved toys on what would have otherwise been a bare Christmas season. The Lord Our Shepherd – Jehovah Rohi.

I could share about our small group patiently rode the roller coaster each week with us through refining resumes, preparing for job interviews, hugs for disappointments, as well as supports for the typical stressors of marriage and young kids. This family of families that prayed, encouraged, and admonished us in love. The Lord Is There- Jehovah Shammah.

I could share about that one month that felt exceptionally tight financially, when the budget lined up down to the penny. The Lord Our Provider – Jehovah Jireh.  

I could share about the many people that were praying for just the right job to come along at just the right time, and it did. Just in time to have to get the termination paperwork rescinded, allowing for an unexpected shift into a new and surprisingly rewarding opportunity for my husband. The Lord Our Rock – Jehovah Tsuri.

But that would be skipping over the “messy middle.” That is the best part of this story, it’s part of His story. I was able to personally experience the Lord’s presence in so many gracious details as the abbreviated list above shows. He gently shined a light on my pride, fears, and secret idols; forcing me to confront them and surrender them to His plan. I wish that I could say that I was joyful in the unknown.  I wish that I could say that I had not spent MANY Sundays weeping during worship and sermons. However, that’s the good stuff. That is where God used my circumstances to draw me closer, to deepen my faith and reliance on Him. I said several times over the last year, “I know God has a plan, but I don’t have to like it.” It is not lost on me that this seeming lull in the roller coaster could drop off at any time, however God is faithful, and I have blessed assurance that God will be with me in that as well.

My prayer is that this story has been an encouragement to you, especially if you’re struggling or your story doesn’t seem to have an end point in sight. Please know that you’re not alone. There is a Church body who would love to lift you up in prayer, meet tangible needs and be with you in all circumstances, even the messy middle.   

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Katie King is wife to Scott and mother to Caleb-9, Elizabeth-7, Micah-5 & Annagrace-3. She works as an Acute Care Physical Therapist, WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, and various other jobs to keep her out of trouble! She also helps coordinate Crafts in AWANA for Cubbies and enjoys participating in Thursday morning Bible Study with Renovare.