I remember writing in my journal, talking to friends and partners, and blogging about our new season of waiting. Although I was trying to convince myself and others that I was okay with the wait, I am not really sure that I truly was. I wanted to go to Tanzania. Now.
As time has passed since we first received the call that our departure was delayed until January God has been at work BIG TIME in my heart, and I am so very thankful for that! Just this past Sunday I was reminded by one of our pastors that when God gives us a season of waiting or preparation, we cannot buck up against it. He has a plan and a purpose for it. I am seeing this to be true in my own life as we wait to leave for Tanzania in January.
First of all, God is giving me a new hunger for His Word, and in essence for Him…He is the Word, after all! As I have already mentioned, Chandler and I are reading through the Bible chronologically. It has been absolutely amazing. I am seeing God and HIS story in a whole new light. When I can see how everything fits together, it makes SO much more sense. Jesus is perfectly woven through every book and it is absolutely beautiful, as well as His grace and mercy for His people.
Another HUGE blessing in waiting is that God has provided an opportunity for us to serve alongside Bedrock Roanoke (one of our sister churches) at an apartment complex in Roanoke which is the home to many families from all over the globe. Every Saturday morning kids, and even some moms, are gathered up to have a hot breakfast and hear a Bible story. It gets better, are you ready for this? God has even allowed us to meet a family there from TANZANIA! Really, God? You are so good and I stand completely amazed at your provision.
For the very first time we are learning to serve as a family. This is necessary preparation that we would have been missing had we left in August. My heart filled with joy this past Saturday as I watched Selah hold a little girl’s hand as we walked around the apartment complex to round up the children. Rather than seeing the many differences they had, she was able to see a little girl who was 4, like her, in preschool, like her, and who was wearing the same dress she happened to have at home. Miriam does not find it as easy to warm up, which is another blessing of having this experience to help give her more exposure to people who are not like her. I am confident she will warm up the more we go!
One last blessing that I really thank God for is having a little more time to build a relationship with a woman in our community who I have come to know and love. This woman is of a different faith and different culture and my heart has absolutely broken for her. I want to see her come to know Jesus SO badly! I am praying for more opportunities to see her and learn about her life. Maybe you could pray for her, too. Pray that God would open her eyes to the love that Jesus has for her!
Are you going through a time in your life right know where the Father has asked you to wait? If so, don’t buck up against it. So often I have done this and I am afraid I missed out on some things God wanted to do in my life. He loves us and absolutely knows what is best for us! Lets learn to embrace the wait.
Together Making Him Known,
Jamie