Many of us have experienced setbacks. Whether it’s your airplane flight that has been delayed or the promotion you thought you were going to get but didn’t, we normally aren’t too happy about these unexpected turn of events. Our usual response is to grumble because our schedule has been upturned. Things didn’t go as planned, but instead of seeing this situation as an opportunity we see it as an obstacle that draws out more energy than we willingly want to give. Yet, it is in these situations- the ones you feel you have no control over- that God is able to work. How great would it be if you leave this room for God, rather than believe your way is the best? Reality check: it’s not.
W squad experienced a setback the day we left the United States and flew to Guatemala. We met in the lobby of our hotel in Atlanta, Georgia at a crisp 4:50 in the morning. Our plane took off at 9:00 am on time and arrived in Guatemala City at 11:00 am. Everything was going smoothly. Three vans and one bus later we began our four hour trek to Quiche, a small town in the mountainous region of Guatemala. When we were approximately half an hour away our vans came to a stop. Within five minutes the engines were turned off. They did not start up again until six hours later. Let me repeat that. We were stuck in one spot for six hours. Want to know the great part? We chose joy, not frustration. We stretched, created paper boats and raced them down the ditch, and said “hola!” to a hundred local people who thought we were insane. Two hours into our wait, we were told that the road would be closed until the ambulance and police left. They were attempting to reach and carry up the five men who died after their car crashed down a cliff, which is a semi-regular occurrence during monsoon season. God stopped us there for a purpose.
Our van rolled to a stop right in front of a church. Coincidence? No. We hesitantly walked through the front doors of this church to find a small group of people worshiping the Lord. Even though I did not understand one fourth of what was said, it was one of the most beautiful services I have ever seen. I am sure I could search a hundred churches and still not find this type of sincere, heartfelt worship. These people hungered for God; they felt God’s presence and love and wanted more. Within the time spent at that church, we understood that we were not bringing God’s presence to Guatemala, because it was already there. We learned about worship, culture, and patience. We learned to pray for people who we had never known or even met. We learned that we run on God’s time, on His schedule. We were taught the importance of choosing the right attitude. We experienced the meaning of having no expectations. We learned that God shows up and impacts your life in the strangest of ways. We learned that He has plans for us (and for you) if we leave room and are ready to listen.
next blog about ministry! complete with pictures!
