Sometimes I think we (people in general) fail to do the work God wants us to do because we are waiting for Him to get more specific about what He wants us to do. As in, we want him to spell it out for us, step by step.
I honestly have no idea if God is "calling" us specifically to Honduras. Perhaps we'll get an answer on that soon. But what I do know for sure is that He has called us to trust Him and to be willing to put aside any illusions of control we think we have over our lives.
Even though I have no idea what the next year will actually look like for us, I can say with confidence that I know it's going to work out for good - for us and for others. Why? Because God has been so faithful to us in the past!
His ways may be mysterious at times, but they are better than our ways.
Years ago when Steven and I felt called to become foster parents, the required, pre-licensure Quality Parenting Training classes were good, but in no way a substitute for actual parenting experience. We went in totally green but despite our lack of parenting skills or experience, God was able to use our willingness for His purposes. Foster care and adoption was how our family began, and it has been a constant reminder of God's presence and His goodness. Yes, it was messy. Yes, it was hard. But it was worth it and we would do it all over again.
Tonight I was fortunate to be able to watch The Chosen's Christmas special in theater with some dear friends. I loved every bit of the 2-hour production, especially the testimonial stories from numerous musicians and the powerful historical lessons that illustrate the significance of the Christmas story for the world, both then and now. (If you didn't know, The Chosen is a crowd-funded show that depicts the life of Jesus as experienced by the disciples. It's incredibly well done, so if you haven't already watched it, do yourself a favor and go watch it now!)
The production also included a moving portrayal of the night Jesus was born, as told through his mother and father's experience. Being a mother myself, I of course can relate to some of what Mary experienced that night, but when I stop to truly think about what happened, it completely overwhelms me. Before she gave birth to the Savior in such an unlikely place — in a stable, surrounded by animals, far from home — Mary trusted God completely and was willing to do what He asked her to do. She rejoiced in His ways, and is recorded in the book of Luke with these words, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior ... (Luke 1:47 NIV)
I am relatively confident that Steve and I will never be asked by God to do anything nearly as important or difficult as what Mary and Joseph were called to do. Becoming a missionary family and taking an assignment in Honduras (or somewhere) doesn't seem to be at that level, but it is a step of faith and an act of obedience. And I am not naïve enough to believe it will be easy. :)
In her song, Mary continued... "for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is his name." (v 48)
I don't know about you, but I read that as if it's written about me/us, too. How incredible that God is mindful of us and He wants to accomplish His work THROUGH us. It's so exciting to think of it that way, to know that our part of God's story matters to Him and even to the world.
God, through His Son Jesus, came into the world as a helpless baby with one purpose - to save His beloved people. God's redemption is for everyone.
People need to know this. They need to feel it deep in their souls. One day, I will know that our efforts will have mattered if we can look back and say we trusted God and allowed Him to work through us to share His love.
Let me close by sharing this song that I heard for the first time tonight. Don't forget to get up and praise the Lord, friends. He is so good. ~Kris
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