Tuesday, January 26, 2010

A year is a very short time...

Job 17:11 My days have passed, my plans are shattered, and so are the desires of my heart.

On January 21, 2009 our hearts were broken, our plans were shattered and we just didn't know if we could go on.  Cindy and I were certain we had heard a call from God into missions but a sending organization had told us that because of many issues we were not a fit for them.  What we heard at the time was a resounding "NO!"  It caused us to doubt ourselves, our calling and even God for a while.

After a period of time I became angry at that group of humans that had gotten between us and our calling.  After much prayer the anger faded and we became convinced that what we had heard wasn't a "NO!" but rather a gentle "Try a different way."

Our family began the process of application for membership with SEND International in the Fall of 2009.  We began filling out paperwork...we filled out more paperwork....yeah, even more paperwork.  We completed multiple applications, medical forms and doctrinal statements.  We had a home visit from Betsy Wambach (we were very apprehensive but she turned out to be a sweetheart!)  Eventually we were accepted for the Candidate Orientation Program in Michigan.  We spent a week doing testing and evaluations and interviews.  On January 22, 2010 we were informed that we had been appointed as SEND missionaries to Spain.  It was only after a dear friend (Hi Marsha!) pointed it out to us that we realized that it had been a year and a day since that low point.  My how far we had come.  How the Lord had blessed our family in just a year.  We were in a place that was beyond our human expectations. 

The situation has changed with that first sending organization.  Times are tough for them right now.  It probably wasn't the right place for us at that time.  God knew what was best for our family but we couldn't see it in the midst of the circumstances.  He knew that SEND was going to be the right place for us.  He knew how much we were going to need to grow in the intervening year.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

God has a plan for you and your life.  If you can't see what that plan is right now, be assured that it is there.  If you are devastated by disaster, rely on God.  If you can't see what God is doing in your life right now trust his character.

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