Not even left the country and God’s pulling fast ones on me, using the bait and switch method. I guess there’s nothing he won’t do!
I went to training camp last week with the intention of meeting the squad I’d be spending the next 11 months with, and to figure out what exactly we’d gotten ourselves into. That first night we met up with our squads (the other people traveling the same route). It was during my first and last meeting with the squad on route 2 that God pulled the switch. Yes, I did say first and last.
At said meeting we learned 8 women were still needed to transition to another route. Don’t remember the reasons or explanations why this change was needed. The only thing I remember was 9 months ago, when my heart was burdened for Mongolia, India, Nepal and China. We were given a few minutes to pray then names would be drawn for the 8 needed spots. So we prayed, trying to be open, = hard.
How do I pray with an open heart, what do I pray? How can I be sure I will hear from God; He responds in so many different ways. Respond he did, with lyrics from the song Oceans by Hill Song-
“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders, let me walk upon the waters, wherever you would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander..”
If God placed these countries on my heart, surely that means I’m meant to stay on route 2, right? Wrong! Through prayer God said that he called me to community, and now he wanted me in a new community. No explanation, only “Trust me”. That was the bait, God’s burden of love for His people; I opened up my heart for what he wanted to fill it with 9 months ago. The switch is a new route, fresh start, no expectations, and a new squad of people to love and serve. And they’re pretty awesome too- just saying.
I was not prepared for that submission piece, funny right? Willingness, but not submission, missed that somehow. That is the hardest thing for me, probably for everyone really. So I challenge us to take another step- and let go. (Not the song!) What is that for you right now? Let go of your will and I will give you joy and freedom, this is what God tells us. We can trust Him, he is good. C.S. Lewis breaks it down well in this quote:
“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”
? The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Prophetically “More change to come!” oh my, be careful what you say!
New route, #2, squad D
(Clearly this is still subject to change)
Dominican Republic
Haiti
Honduras
Guatemala
Malawi
Zimbabwe
Mozambique
Philippines
Thailand
Burma
Cambodia
