Four Weeks Today

For 8 years, my heart burned with a desire to work in the developing world. For 4 years, I prayed fervently that God would open up a path for me to serve long-term in missions. Two months ago, out of the blue, he did just that.

When Dixie Bickel first put the proposal of a permanent contract in front of me, I couldn't believe she really meant it. When she told me she really did, I was quite incredulous, and drew back in fright at the vision taking shape in front of me.

In my defence, I had surrendered to God's timing. I'd thought he would grant my prayer piece by piece over the next few years, not all at once, and I was caught unprepared.

I said no. I said I don't know. I said let me think about it. It was a book of Acts Chapter 12 moment. So many prayers sent up without really expecting God to come through. And then he did.

Thankfully he has seen it all before, and is gracious. Actually, come to think of it, there have been patient, understanding people all around me. There still are, and I am so thankful to them all for giving me time and space, when I needed it, to think, and pray.

For several weeks, I slept fitfully, but that has passed now. God spoke to me in his still, small voice and calmed every doubt and addressed every fear.

Four weeks today I expect to wake up in Haiti. I will stay there and do the work I love for as long as I want, because I asked, and God said yes.

Now, please pray that he would sanctify my heart, my mind and my will, and that he would bless me with all the love, patience and gentleness and all the knowledge, wisdom and skill I will need for the task ahead.

"I have made no secret of your faithful and steadfast love....You lord, have not withheld your tenderness from me." Psalm 40:10-11