Outflow Story by Chuck and Deirdre Ardillo
Have you ever wondered or questioned, “Why is God putting me through this?”
My husband Chuck and I have learned not to question God’s plan, but to be
patient … the answer will appear when you least expect it! God is faithful
and He does provide!
Pastor Christopher shared in a sermon, “Not everything that happens to
us in life is the will of God, but the will of God is in everything that
happens to us!” Let me share how God answered our prayers in a time
when our lives felt broken.
In 1993 I married my first husband, John. We had an amazing love, and I
knew without a doubt that we were meant to be together … but God had
different plans for us.
In ’95 John started to feel as though something was not quite right with
his health. We began to pray. In November of ’96, the doctors discovered
that John had pancreatic cancer. We prayed for a miracle. During his
illness, John accepted Jesus into his heart. On March 18, 1997, John died.
It was a very beautiful, peaceful moment. I have no doubt in my mind
that we all have a beautiful, pain-free home with Jesus waiting for us
in the end.
But what about me??? Why was I left here on earth widowed by age 30?
In the meantime, Chuck’s marriage of 10 years began to fall apart.
He was devastated, and did everything in his power to save his marriage
and family life for his two sons.
Ironically, on March 17, 1997, the day before John died, Chuck’s father
in-law passed away. This was the pivotal turning point in his marriage …
his wife left. He began praying to God for guidance.
For the next year and a half, Chuck went through the day-to-day
motions trying to take care of his 7 and 10 year old sons. He was
instantly down to a one income household, trying to pay a mortgage,
buy groceries and provide for his sons. Time stood still for Chuck …
Once he realized that his marriage could not be saved, he turned to God,
praying for strength and guidance. On May 23, 1998, he was hired by
the U S Postal Service. Out of 22 stations throughout the city of Buffalo,
Chuck was stationed in Williamsville, 2 miles away from me. Less than two
months after Chuck was hired at the post office, he walked up to my
front door! Chuck and I have been happily married for nearly eight years.
After never-ending prayer and invitro fertilization, God blessed us with
another son, Jonas, to add to our happy family. All the while we were
anxious to find a church that felt like home. In the Spring of 2005, we
literally saw the signs for The Vine. We have been regular attendees
since the day The Vine opened. We enjoy being part of the Children Ministries
team, working with the preschoolers. God has also answered our prayers by
blessing us with many friendships through weekly services and Small Group
studies. Our family, marriage and friendships continue to grow in God’s
guidance.
God is amazing! He has truly answered our prayers.
While our lives were breaking apart, neither of us could see what His plans
were… but God is faithful and He does provide.