For me this present time has been the most difficult for learning to trust the Lord than it has been for several years. It has to do with all the challenges associated with our present plans to move to Taiwan in a few months.
Being accepted as pastor of the international congregation of a church God is blessing is truly the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. I am just sorry it has taken God so long to get me ready for this; not because God is so slow, but because I am.
In our marriage Barb and I have never had to seek financial support for a ministry. We have never been dependent upon someone else to find us a place to live, and we have never been in a situation where we know we will no longer have a home in two months. That part is pretty cool. A young couple wanted our house when they found out we are moving to Taiwan. We didn’t even list it. They agreed to the asking price and let us pick the closing date.
But asking people to partner with you, to invest in this ministry with their prayer and money, is pretty scary for me. Of course people will say they will pray. Encouraging people to invest financially is different. It is true when the Bible says: “where your treasure is, that is where your heart is.” So we want to teach people to give their hearts to missions, to be concerned for the spiritual darkness in Taiwan, and in the opportunity for us to disciple people there who will disciple their own people.
Proverbs 3:5-8 has become very important to me.
Trust in the Lord – That includes my thoughts, attitudes, motives, desires, and will.
Lean not on your own understanding – Don’t have a back up plan in case God doesn’t come through when and how I want Him to.
In all your ways put Him first – It is so easy to forget it is not about me.
Be not wise in your own eyes – Don’t try to manipulate this for your own advantage.
Fear the Lord – Right now I am afraid of the “what ifs.” What if we don’t raise enough support? What if no one sends us out with their hearts and prayers? etc.
Turn from evil – Don’t react in ways that dishonor Jesus.
Then God promises He will smooth out the path to make sure we get where we need to be and He will satisfy and grow us in the deepest parts of our being.
Learning this passage from the Bible is more important than getting to Taiwan.
Prayers continue every day dear friends..
Sent from my iPad
>