I’m writing this post to give glory to God.
This past month has been difficult. Oh I wish that I could tell you that I had ULTIMATE, EXTREME, MOUNTAIN MOVING Faith, and it was because of that faith that you see that support-o-meter up to 74%, but I can’t. I have faith, but not enough. Even if I did have that kind of faith, can I really say that I did anything? No. It’s all God. So I believe this is His way of saying, “In your weakness I am made strong.”
We have been traveling around visiting many churches this past month and as the days tick by and we hear no word from the churches, I grow increasingly impatient. John keeps telling me to be patient. How I’ve tried this, how I’ve prayed for this, but my human nature gets the best of me. I start to worry needlessly. When you are waiting to go serve in the country you are called to be in the ache in your heart to be there is so great. Top all of this with Evangeline being sick and some serious lack of sleep and all that equals: discouragement, doubt, faithlessness.
We were talking with Vera and Basil today over Skype about the ministry and I was so glad that the video feature was turned off because I was on the other end crying. Feeling sorry for myself. Throwing a pity party. Feeling overwhelmed. We hung up and John made a phone call to our missions director at our church (He called us before asking us to call him back). After John got off the phone he found me sitting on our bed playing with little pitiful, runny nosed, sleep deprived Evangeline. His smile went for miles, and I knew. I knew that despite myself, God had remained faithful like He always does. Why, oh why, do I doubt? Our church increased our support by a significant amount. This, coupled with another support partner is the result of what you see on the meter.
God met my weakness with a blessing, and because of it He is being Glorified! Praise God for his faithfulness to us! Praise God that He grants mercy and grace at the time we need it most. PRAISE THE LORD! Please praise Him with us.
I have so much to learn, and am so glad that God is willing to teach me. He guides me gently and graciously. What a wonderful Savior I have.
Our goal is to reach 80% by the 14th. Will we make it? I don’t know, we are praying. What if we don’t? It does not matter because God will be faithful to us, we need not worry.
He is faithful…and it is hard. Patient is not my strength! I feel your heart. I am right there with you. I cannot wait to share our stories at MTI. It is right around the corner. I know it will be encouraging.
Mel Reply:
September 5th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Yay looking forward to it! I saw Tasha the other day and just seeing her made me cry. We all know each others hearts and are a family. Can’t wait for Zane to meet his future wife! LOL!
Honey, if anyone deserves a “pity party” you do! I so admire you for being open and honest through this incredibly long and hard journey and I know God is pleased with you and understands your feelings 🙂
Mel Reply:
September 6th, 2009 at 6:03 am
You are always so encouraging to me.
Hi Mel, oh man, sorry to hear about the struggles. I hope and pray you and Evangeline are able to get some good rest the next few days.
Glad you guys will be seeing your missionary family soon.
Woohoo! 74% PTL
Talk to you guys later.
Mel Reply:
September 6th, 2009 at 6:03 am
Thanks Leah! You are a true friend.
Alright Girlfriend, all I can say is 1) PRAISE BE TO GOD ALWAYS!!!! and 2) YIKES, hasn’t anyone shared with you not to pray for patience!!!! Oh, sweetie the number of times I’ve prayed for patience in the past, put me thru such trials that I’ve learned now, to be patient, but not to pray for it! God is the once constant in my life and yours and He will see you thru, the patience is a way of testing you, and guess what, you’re being tested!!! Proverbs 3:5-6. Love ya, Ma
God is so good!!! He encourages us when we need it most. All this is necessary preparation, because there will be more tests when you get to Belize. Isn’t He wise to spread them out for us? 🙂 We rejoice with you at the increase in support. When Dave & John were babies and it seemed that someone was sick about half the time, Grandma Maxine would always remind me, “As thy day, so shall thy strength be.” The Lord provides just enough strength for today, because we can’t borrow from tomorrow’s strength. We love you and are praying for you.