So I feel like it’s about time that I
blogged again. A lot has been going on in my mind and heart over the
last few weeks, and the demands of school haven’t really given me
much time to step back and process all that has been going on inside
of me. However, I believe this may be one of those times where God
has been carrying me without me realizing it, kind of like in that
classic “Footprints” poem.
I realize that a lot of what I have
been learning recently comes down to faith and trust in God, His
timing and His faithfulness. I totally saw God’s hand every step of
the way as I was going through the application and acceptance process
of joining the June 2010 World Race team, and I was so excited about
this truly God-ordained opportunity at first that I was simply
overflowing with joy and excitement. A few days later, though, Satan
began planting little seeds of doubt and question in my mind, making
me wonder if I was capable of leaving behind people I love and a
lifestyle that is so familiar for nearly a year, if I would be able
to raise all of the funds necessary in time to go on this incredible
journey. Yet, even during my moments of doubt, I hold on to the truth
that God called me and orchestrated all details necessary to get me
to this point and will see this good work through to the end. HE is
the One this is all about, and I am reminded that He is more than
capable of providing everything that is needed. As I am learning to
trust Him more and more, my faith growing ever stronger as I
alternate between waiting quietly on His guidance and provision and
being humbled by the generous gifts of men and women that the Lord is
placing in my life to help provide for the financial needs of this
great work, I realize that the growth I anticipated experiencing over
the coming year has already begun. He truly is faithful. A short
devotional I recently came across gives great perspective and
encouragement in this area, and I would like to share it with all of
you in an effort to encourage you in your journey with the Lord,
wherever you may be right now:
God’s pathways strategically include divinely-appointed
times. And when He sets us out on a journey, His directive is to
sometimes simply wait. This is where our faith gets
tested…the truth is, as we await God, He awaits us. He desires us
to stop and listen and worship Him during the
wait. And He desires to do a work in us in the process.
Patience must have its perfect work. While we’re working,
God is doing a work in us, to perfect us, to do things His way. He
longs to bless us, to reward our faith. But will we pass the test?
Sometimes, God has to take care of a few things before we
can move forward. And sometimes we just need to stop and get out of
God’s way. While He aligns people and circumstances, He expects us to
align our faith with His purpose and timing and exhibit that fruit of
the Spirit called patience.
Thought often not easy for our carnal nature to
cooperate, God is actually doing us a favor by offering us an
opportunity to advance. In this process, we get to surrender our
arrogance and self-reliance to God’s higher ways. And if we pass the
test, He takes us to the next glorious realm of faith and reward.
God bless each and every one of you as we join together in sharing
the name and love of Jesus Christ with the nations of the world!
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you;
your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. (Isaiah 26:8)
