Two years ago, a friend asked me to go to the Christmas Eve service at Hillsong after work. That was the first time I have ever lined up outside for over an hour for church, and then walked up to who knew how many flights of stairs to the top floor of the Manhattan Center. Other than the awesome worship session, as per usual, who would’ve guessed that I would be reminded of that as I sat in the YWAM base in Livingstone, Zambia.
It was a message titled “Your Flight Has Been Delayed”. It was on the story of Jesus’ birth through Mary’s lens and how our plans may change but it doesn’t mean that God has – his promises do not ever change. Here are the 4 main points on how to plan for the unplanned:
- Plan for interruption – (the angel just appeared to the unwed Mary and told her that she will be pregnant) – the best things usually happen at the worst/weirdest time – when heaven knocks on my door, do I have the same spirit as Mary? In other words, am I interruptable?
- Plan for inconvenience – the process attached to the promise can be inconvenient (carrying a baby as a virgin and giving birth in a manger)
- Plan for imperfection – the supernatural can be superordinary and the celebration of perfection often stops our willingness of progression
- Plan for the impossible – with God, all things are possible. As Jeremiah 29:10 says, “for I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.
Through Mary’s story, God is getting our eyes off our plans, and onto the Planner.
When I heard this message the first time, I was a fresh grad who was blessed with an amazing job in NYC. I was on my way to build my career and enjoy the new adult freedom. I remember sitting in the Manhattan Center thinking to myself that since it was such a crazy adventure leading up to getting a job in NYC, I’m meant to stay here and while this message is powerful, it won’t apply to me, at least not in changing my life trajectory completely.
I was wrong.
Never would I have thought that I would be in Africa, spending Christmas in Zambia. Tis’ true – the best things do happen at the weirdest time – the last 5 months have been an intense period of growth and I don’t foresee it slowing down any time soon. While this trip may seem like an interruption at an inconvenient time, and the planning may seem imperfect or sometimes impossible, it has drawn me closer to the Lord and I can’t help but to marvel at his greatness!
Now, you may wonder what a Zambian Christmas look like. Welcome to Christmas morning w/ Team Hallelujah!
On top of the wonderful Christmas gift of Jesus this holiday, I am so humbled to announce that I am fully funded because of the generosity of my supporters! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! All of the growth, adventure, and celebration are made possible because of you all and I am forever grateful!
Prayer Request:
- Prayer for our M5 host (Jonathan, Jean, Sandwell, Brenda, and their family) – they lost a dear family friend suddenly and the family is having a difficult time grieving their loss.
- Our M5 ministry in Zambia has concluded. We will have 2 days called Leadership Development Weekend (LDW) as a squad before we move to Botswana on Saturday. I have been asked to speak at one of the sessions. I am still back and forth on what I will speak about – prayer for clarity would be great.
- We will be partnering with Team Covenant next month in Seronga, Botswana. Please be in prayer for our new host, Willie & Estelle, as they prepare to receive and partner with us. From what I heard, the closest supermarket is 2.5 hours away. I will take an educated guess and assume I’m in the middle of no where.
See you all next year!
