Consider It Pure Joy

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4

The news that the three of us received concerning our trip came as a bit of a shock.  In short, we will not be using the organization that we have intended on using.  We are in the process of finding other opportunities with other ministries.

"For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for," 2 Corinthians 13:9.

We have been so incredibly blessed by our church family. Their willingness and enthusiasm to help and serve us has us overwhelmed with joy.  They joined us in our passion for the orphan with joy. And now they joined us in our trial, willing to help carry the burden. It reminds us of how Jesus has loved us and reveals just how special the body is. Think about it. We get to love each other like Christ loved us. He enables this love that knows no bounds. We are so thankful for God's work in our lives and how He has used our church body: our family. ~Bethel

The love and support we see in these relationships is stunning. I am blown away by the encouragement and work these people have invested in getting us back to Ethiopia. They care so much for us.  It isn't a good deed for them to help us.  Their hearts long to help us in every way that they can.  I am so grateful for this church family and all of the relationships we have.

To most people this trial would be a reason to give up but it makes me that much more excited to see what God has planned for us.  I can't imagine how great his plan is.  None can fathom his marvelous work.

"Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom."  Psalm 145:3

This trial is helping me to lay down myself.  I like to plan and have things mapped out, ready to go.  But I am not in control.  God is in control. Like the song lyrics: "The secret mysteries belong to you.  We only know what you reveal."  We don't have to have all the answers.  We just need to have faith and trust God in his almighty power.

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9

"The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord,  All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.  Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:1-3  

God is good and he will not withhold any good thing from us.  This heart for the orphan was placed in all of our hearts from God.  He will get us there.  Everything that comes our way leading up to the trip, during the trip, and for the rest of our lives is meant to bring glory to his name.  What a blessing this trial is.  He has revealed so much more in such a short amount of time.  He has made simple truths come alive.  I am not afraid.  I am amazed by God and so excited to see his work displayed.  I lay myself down!

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see," Hebrews 11:1.

When we are leaving is unknown.  What we will be doing is unknown.  How much money and what we'll need is unknown.... by us.  God knows!  Nothing is a surprise to him.

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end."  Ecclesiastes 3:11

"Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?"  Job 11:7

What reason have I to doubt
Why would I dwell in fear
When all I have known is grace
My future in Christ is clear....
....I don't know what lies ahead
What if I fail again
You are my confidence
You'll keep me to the end