God is always at work, but often I can’t really see the work in progress. However occasionally there are times that God allows us to see the masterpiece he has been at work weaving. Those moments are always exciting!
Recently God has given we a few glimpses of the masterpiece.
- We have been working alongside a new believer at our church who is facing some persecution for his faith from his family. Many of you have been praying for him as he continues to press on despite this resistance. This past week we invited to the village to a wedding with our host family. In the midst of the time out there we realized that his mom originally came from this exact village. More importantly that, he has family lines that connect him to our host family. I wish you could have seen their faces light up with this connection being formed. He has not only spiritual family in our church, but also some physical family members. Satan was trying to take his family away and God was giving him new family.
- Joel preached two Sundays this past month on unity and forgiveness. Then he took a trip out to the village and one of the difficulties they were facing was disunity in the church. Joel said it was clear that God had been preparing him not only for a sermon, but also for this moment.
- We came to Africa with one ministry in mind, but ended up getting redirected over the first year we were here. However as Joel travels and as we begin to interact with this ministry, we are seeing how God has prepared us for this ministry in a way that only he could have. It is pretty exciting!
Most of the time I just have to follow God and trust that he is weaving something better than I. Sometimes I scream in the confusion and uncertainty and have to desperately cling to the hope of the masterpiece. However those moments when I get a glimpse of the masterpiece are amazing. They are moments when there is nothing to do but worship the amazing God we serve!
Andi, I won’t use the gentleman’s name since you didn’t. Perhaps there is a reason not to, so I will follow your example. But I do want to ask if this is the same man you mentioned a few months ago? The women in my Arizona Bible Study were praying for him quite faithfully for several months. Now, if this is the same man I will copy and paste your remarks and send them on to that group. I know they will be interested.
As always I enjoy your blog and love your pictures. You keep us so much a part of your life that it makes it easy to pray for you.
Be Blessed my friend,
Carolyn
Like a ray of sunlight piercing through the clouds on a stormy day
Like a smile erupting on a child’s face when they discover that they can ride their bike.
These are the things we see. They lead us to know that there is something so much greater happening as we walk on this shadowed sod. They fuel our faith and make us want to open our eyes wider so we can take in all that He blesses us to see.
Thank you Daughter for sharing
WOW I love when I can finally see the glimps of how God is working. It makes things all worth wild. You really know your doing what God wants you to do. Keep falling into his arms when things are tough and remember that He is in control. Isn’t it great that He can see it ALL. I forget that at times.
Glad I can come witness the work God has done in and through you all! Love you all! Thanks for being my family!