and not in any way terrified by your adversaries,
which is to them a proof of perdition,
but to you of salvation, and that from God.
[Philippians 1:27a, 28]
September 5, 2012 8:04AM
Hello. This is Missionary Mel reporting from the field…
(that sounds funny, but it’s true.)
I’m currently sitting aboard my grounded flight as I type this up and practice for those times abroad when I’ll just use Microsoft Word to journal and upload blog updates at a later time when internet access is available. Right now—there is no internet access and my phone signal is weak.
The pilot just announced that we have 35 minutes until wheels up and we can take off to Chicago. That’s wonderful news…considering.
Considering that we were getting ready to depart at 7AM, and while we were all settled and boarded during the safety announcements; DING! The pilot’s voice interrupted us to announce that ALL flights to Chicago are canceled.
I have been prayerful all morning; I walked up to the check-in with a bag 7lbs over the limit plus 3 carry-on items only to have the man behind the counter encourage me as a missionary, waive the additional fees and assure me I have very important work to do. I was elated and praising God.
Security was not so pleasant. I was stopped three times. They treated me very abrasively although I was completely compliant with all posted rules. I appeared to be the only one being hassled. They even made me remove my passport belt and scrutinized it for a domestic flight. I remained calm, polite, even smiled and blessed them before going my way after sufficient detainment and pat downs from several people. (I wasn’t about to get my feathers ruffled.) I praised God.
Thank God my gate was straight ahead and not far.
So as I was saying, I’ve been very prayerful and vigilant: guarding my mouth and my heart in honor of the King and in obedience to the Word.
Scripture tells us to be sober and vigilant because the enemy is on the prowl, seeing whom he can devour.
When I heard that the flight was canceled, I took immediate notice of all the grumbling and outrage that rippled through the cabin. I was careful to keep my own heart guarded against discouragement – so I praised God for His sovereignty.
And then I took it to the throne, and rallied the saints with me. Prayer request alert via a quick text I could shoot out through a bad signal. But it got out.
We must be urgent in recognizing our dependency on Jesus for all things. He’s not a God who is arm-wrestling the devil with sweat on His brow and a strained look of worry on His face. Nope! In fact, Jesus is God Almighty. If He’s not worried, then neither am I. Jesus, You got this!
Today, over 300 missionaries are expected to arrive and unite in Chicago as World Racers – history in the making for Adventures in Missions! Today…
All flights to Chicago are canceled.
Until the saints are prompted by the Holy Spirit to enter boldly into the throne room and align their hearts with the Father by way of prayer in the name of the Son.
Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy name…
THY KINGDOM COME
It is now 9:05AM, we’re up in the air. I’m on my way to Chicago – carried by the power of the God who calms the raging storm.
Keep praying for us all. The Kingdom of heaven is at hand…
Note: We have ALL arrived safely. All 300+ of us!
